App Review: Quiz Up

Greetings again readers! I thought that today, I would take a little stab at reviewing one of the apps that has been taking the world by storm - QuizUp. Never heard of it? Dying to find out more? Well you've come to the right place my friends. Buckle up for a brutally honest review, and see if this app is worth wasting data for.

Have you ever sat at home and wondered 'why can't I be tested on something I frequently geek out over and verse people around the world?'. Well readers, you are in luck, because QuizUp is here to help.

I'm just going to start off by saying that I absolutely, 100% love this app. My friend put me onto it a few weeks ago and I thought it was majorly awesome from the get-go. All of this quizzing is at your fingertips for a small payment of absolutely nothing. Yes, you read that right, this app is totally free! I couldn't believe it either, especially when I saw all the content it has to offer. Literally, name a TV show and I bet it would be on there. Also, if you're addicted to 'Jeopardy' like I am (seriously, I think I have a problem), they've got an awesome general knowledge section that'll keep you busy for hours. But wait, there's more. Not only does it refer to popular culture, oh no, you can actually be quizzed on something worthwhile. They've got a bunch of categories like geography and science, so you can fill your brain with all sorts of educational stuff (although why you'd want to, I do not know).

However, before I go any further in this review, I have to warn you of the severe risk involved with playing QuizUp. It is ridiculously addictive. Don't believe me? Check out the meme.

I'm serious. You start off thinking you'll only be a couple of minutes, then your phone runs out of battery and you realise you've been playing for hours.

So yes, I think you're all aware now of the super awesomeness of QuizUp, but how exactly does it work? I've got you covered. The app is actually so easy to use (which is nice for a change). First up, welcome to the home page:

This'll keep constantly changing based on what's new and hip, but rest assured it won't really deviate from this all that much. You can already tell it's going to be an amazing app because it's so colourful, and that's before you've even get to the topics!

To navigate around the app, you simply just click on the little lines in the right hand corner, and bam, you can access whatever you want.

As I was saying before, once you click on the topics tab, a world of opportunity opens up before you.

This is when you are able to unleash your inner (or in my case, not so inner) competitor and blurt out everything single nerdy fact you know. Surprise surprise, the topic I seem to gravitate towards the majority of the time is 'Glee'. Once you've clicked the category you want, the app automatically finds someone for you to go head-to-head with and test out your knowledge. I am proud to say I am currently undefeated in 'Glee' (not that I'm bragging or anything - even though I totally am). The first question will look like this (except it will obviously relate to whatever topic you've chosen). They're all in a multiple choice style, and you're only ever given 4 options. The quicker you are, the more points you'll get out of 20 for each question.

Once the battle is over, you get to find out once and for all who reigns supreme. And I guarantee you, win or lose, you'll be hitting that 'Play Another' button in the bottom right hand corner almost immediately.

See, I told you it was ridiculously easy. Now, I seriously urge you all to go get playing. I mean after all, it was practically endorsed by Darren Criss and Chris Colfer, who would argue with them?

Go readers, go get playing. I apologise in advance for taking up hours of your life with this totally addictive app. If you ever find yourself playing against gleeknumerouno, get excited, because you'll be my opponent. Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx

Coolest Celebrities Who are Under 25

Hello again blogosphere! It's no secret that teenagers are epicly awesome, but when it comes to young people in the media, things always tend to get a bit cray (just look at Miley Cyrus). So I thought, why not clear up our reputation by picking out some of the most awesome celebrities who are under 25?  Also, it's always fun to celebrate our fellow, non-awful youths. Without further ado, here's the list . . .

Chloë Grace Moretz

Although maybe not everyone knows who she is, I can pretty much guarantee you that you've seen one of her movies. Don't believe me? Just take a look at a few of them:

- Kick Ass (1&2)

- Hugo

- Carrie 

- Diary of a Wimpy Kid

- Let Me In

- 500 Days of Summer

Trust me, there are about a million more, but I think you get the gist - she's been in everything. Casting a horror movie? No problem, she's your girl. I think you can already kinda see why she's on this list, but just to make it even more of a wow factor, she's only 17. 17! She's not even 2 years older than me and she's been in a whole bunch of successful major motion pictures! That's pretty impressive (I'm only a little bit jealous). She also just happens to have recently done an off-Broadway play this year called 'The Library', and being a massive theatre nerd, that just has to be respected. 

Freddie Highmore

You may not know him by name, but you certainly know him. Remember that kid who just happened to be in every kid's movie ever? Yeah, it's that guy. From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the Spiderwick Chronicles, Freddie Highmore just seemed to pop up all over my childhood. And now, believe it or not, he's grown up as well! Isn't it funny how that happens? But why exactly is he featured on this list? Well for one, he's been constantly working since he was about 7, so that's pretty impressive, but oh no, the awesomeness doesn't stop there. He is fluent in two languages other than English, studying Spanish and Arabic at Cambridge University. For some reason, this doesn't surprise me as much as it should. Maybe it's because he's English, and people with an English accent just always sound smarter (which is officially the best racial stereotype ever), or maybe it's because he's studying all the time on 'Bates Motel' (in between the murder of course), I just don't know. But you have to admit, that is pretty awesome.

AnnaSophia Robb

Even though she's only 20, it feels like AnnaSophia's been around for ages. Seriously, I can remember her when I was little when she was starring in things like 'Bridge to Terabithia' and 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'. So, when I saw her in the adds for 'The Carrie Diaries', I felt like I'd grown up with her. But why exactly did she make it on this list? Well for one, she's a child actress who hasn't totally gone off the rails, and that is a rare occurrence nowadays. Plus, she's proven that she can stick it out in the industry. But most importantly, she actually got accepted into Stanford University, how cool is that? A celebrity with a brain, now how did that happen? I mean of course she hasn't actually been there yet, as she deferred to do 'The Carrie Diaries', but now that that's been cancelled, the world's her educational oyster. 

Ansel Elgort

If you've been tapped into the media lately, there's no doubt you've heard of Ansel Elgort. He seems to be all the rage at the moment, seeing as he's been in the popular 'Divergent', and will star in the upcoming movie 'The Fault in Our Stars'. But would you have had any idea who he was this time last year? I can pretty much guarantee you that your answer would be no. Why? Because he's totally just come out of nowhere. You know how there are always these articles about random celebrities who have seemingly just appeared overnight, but then you check it out and they've actually been working pretty consistently for ages? With Ansel, this is certainly not the case. When I say he appeared out of nowhere, I literally mean it. He basically went from doing absolutely nothing, to being cast as Tommy in the remake of 'Carrie'. Then, next minute, he's 20 and starring in 3 major motion pictures that were released within 1 year. That's pretty incredible! Plus, he builds miniature models of hobbits, so I can't help but find that extremely cool.

Jennifer Lawrence

There's absolutely no doubt that J-Law should be on this list. She's known and loved by pretty much everyone, and just happens to be super awesome. First up, let's just take a moment to see everything she's accomplished. Well, she's already won an Oscar for 'Silver Linings Playbook', she's been nominated for 2 others ('Winter's Bone', 'American Hustle'), plus she is currently the star in one of the most popular teen movie series', and she's only 23! How is that even possible? Plus, she just happens to be an insanely epic human being. Have you seen her interviews? They're completely wacky and awesome. Also, did you know that she has no formal acting training? That's pretty amazing.

Nolan Gould

If you've ever seen an episode of 'Modern Family' (and odds are you have), you'll be familiar with this guy. You know, the kid who isn't exactly the sharpest crayon in the box? However, it seems that in this case, art certainly does not imitate life when it comes to Nolan Gould. And why is that? Because he's actually a super genius. He's officially a member of MENSA, which means he has one of the highest IQ's in the world. He graduated high school at 13, and is now taking college classes. How does a human do that? I do not know. Plus, to top it all off, he's only 15. He's literally a few months younger than me, and is already in university as well as working professionally as an actor. Talk about insane jealousy. 

Maisie Williams

At 17, this girl just happens to be a key player in one of the most popular current TV series', 'Game of Thrones'. Already, it's pretty obvious why she's on this list. She got the role of Arya Stark when she was only 12, and before that, she'd never acted before. Prodigy? I think yes. Plus, while she was on set, she taught herself to be left handed. As a natural leftie, I find this pretty awesome. But why did she feel the need to become ambidextrous? Dedication to the craft, that's what it was. Apparently, in the GOT book 'A Song of Ice and Fire', it is fleetingly mentioned that Arya is left-handed, and although only hardcore fans would notice, Maisie still taught herself how to sword fight as a true leftie. That's pretty impressive. Plus, she's apart of a dance group that frequently participates in flash mobs, how amazingly awesome is that?

Ezra Miller

If you're any kind of teen (or have a grasp on anything vaguely teen related), you'll have heard of 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'. Behold, the guy who played Patrick. I mean sure, he's been in a bunch of other stuff like 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' and is set to star in 'Madame Bovary', but let's get real, we all know him from that. Sure, these are pretty great achievements for someone who's only 21, but what in particular makes him eligible for a place on this list? Why, the fact that he learnt opera to overcome a speech impediment pretty much sums it up. 

Saoirse Ronan

Ask me how to pronounce her name and I'd be in trouble, but there's no doubting that Saoirse is pretty awesome. Who is she you may ask? Pretty much the go-to-girl for any quirky role ever. She became super famous in 2007 after starring in 'Atonement' at age 13, and just happened to get an Academy Award Nomination for her performance. She's also been in a bunch of other stuff, most recently acting in Wes Anderson's 'Grand Budapest Hotel', and is still only 20. But you know, apart from the whole Oscar nomination thing, why is she on the list? Well, for one, she's won 15 of the 31 awards she's been nominated for, which is no doubt an excellent achievement. Plus, she is quite the master of accents. Name a nationality, she can mimic them. Also, fun fact, in Irish, her full name means 'free, unified seal', how cool is that?

Rico Rodriguez

This kid just so happens to be the second 15 year old 'Modern Family' star on this list, except this guy's literally 4 days older than me (which is weird, considering he looks about 10). On the show, he plays a young boy who seems way older than he is, and in this case, his character pretty much appropriately sums him up (hence his place on this list). Seriously, by the time he was 14, he had already written and released his novel 'Real Life Lessons...So Far', how freakishly cool is that? At 15, going on 16, I've released absolutely no books and starred in no TV shows (but hey, at least I have a blog). This all just feels unfair!

So that's officially the end of my list! Although it was pretty long, I still had to cut it down quite significantly. Dammit, why are so many young people ridiculously successful? What even is life? Anyway, you can now just go back to your normal lives and wait for the deep seeded jealousy to kick in. Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx

Song Reviews: iTunes Charts

Greetings again readers! Today I've decided to access my (not so) inner critic, this time taking to the mainstream music currently topping the iTunes charts. Perhaps take a browse and determine which songs are for you, and which songs to maybe skip out on. Before I even get close to the fun part (which is of course judging everybody else who isn't me), here are the current top 10 in the iTunes single charts in Australia.

I have to admit, I haven't actually heard of all these songs. How? What kind of life do I lead? I honestly don't know, but I've somehow managed to largely evade mainstream popular culture without becoming a total hipster. Therefore, my music scope is rather narrow (in the awesomest kind of way). However, to make this a fair fight, I've decided to judge all songs simply from the 1:30 snippets iTunes provides. Will it all be worth it? You'll have to stick around and find out.

10. Bad (feat. Vassy) [Radio Edit] - David Guetta

To be completely honest, from what I heard in that one minute thirty, I really don't know how this qualifies as a song. Seriously, in the words of Jenna Marbles, what are this? It legitimately starts off to a completely techno beat, before what sounds to be Alvin and the Chipmunks join in with something that with wishful thinking, can almost be described as melodic. How is this popular? I do not know. Sometimes I worry for our generation. What kind of people find this style of music (if that's what you can even call it) appealing? I mean sure, I understand that it's David Guetta, and that he's a DJ and all that, but seriously? He should've just stuck with 'Titanium' a lived off the profits that he gained from that for the rest of his life. 

9. Fancy (feat. Charli XCX) - Iggy Azalea

Although I didn't vaguely recognise the title at all, I actually am, believe it or not, somewhat familiar with this song. Could I recite any of it? Absolutely not. However, that doesn't mean I don't like it. I have to say, despite myself, I do actually like this song. There's no doubting that Iggy's rapping is pretty top notch, and the melody in the song doesn't disappoint (despite the monotony). I mean I still have absolutely no idea who Charli XCX is or whether not they were even in the song, but that doesn't matter, I like it all the same. Plus, Iggy Azalea just happens to be Australian, and of course I have to celebrate a native celebrity! 

8. Geronimo - Sheppard

I most certainly have heard this song. Everywhere. For the past month. Constantly. Do I like it? I haven't decided yet. Yeah sure, it's ridiculously catchy and gets stuck in your head for hours on end, but is that pleasant? Not particularly. I actually prefer the verses to the chorus, because when that main riff kicks in, I just want to claw my eyes out. Maybe that's just me, but I just find it so predictable and monotonous that I can't deal. Besides that, I guess I can't really find anything wrong with it, except for the fact that once you've heard the first 1:30 iTunes snippet, you've basically heard it all. It just keeps going and going, until you really don't care about it at all. But as I say, it's probably just me. 

7. Am I Wrong - Nico & Vinz

For this one, I am relying purely on the iTunes preview, because believe it or not, I have no idea what this song is. Was listening to it particularly worth it? No, not at all. I mean, don't get me wrong, there wasn't anything that stood out as being terribly unlistenable, but on the other hand, there wasn't anything that stood out at all. It is legitimately one of the most boring songs, I seriously don't know how it's so popular. It just keeps plodding along and doesn't ever change, I mean is melody these days seriously out of the question? 

6. Waves (Robin Schulz Radio Edit) - Mr Probz

Meh. That pretty much sums this one up. It wasn't awful, it wasn't fabulous, it was just a song. I can see why people go for it, considering it's got a strong backbeat and a repetitive melody that seems to be all the rage these days, but am I a huge fan? Not really. The tune's okay, but as I say, the repetition is killing me. Also, why would someone want to write a song about waves? Surely writing about anything else, like radioactive dinosaurs or something would be far superior to a song about oceanic processes, but whatever. Also, I really want to find out what exactly the radio edited out. Variety perhaps? I just don't know. 

5. Problem (feat. Iggy Azalea) - Ariana Grande

This song is definitely my favourite on the list. I know it's mainstream, but you've gotta love it. It's just so catchy! And isn't it the perfect car song? The one you jam to when you think no one's looking (when they actually are and are silently judging you). I actually love it so much. It grows on you, it really does! Plus, you can be a real dweeb and start jamming to both the ridiculously high poppy parts and the groovin' rap part (and yeah, I used the word groovin'). In the words of Hannah Montana, you get the best of both worlds. It honestly pains me to be so in sync with the masses, but there's no doubting the greatness of this song. 

4. Faded - ZHU

This song seems to have a kinda weird techno vibe. I can't really tell you if I've heard this song, because it's just one of those totally forgettable things, but is it totally unenjoyable? By no stretch of the imagination. It's a bit weird, but good weird (in an electronica dance music kinda way). I can't tell you whether or not I like the song, nor the the gender of the lead vocalist, but it's certainly different, which I can respect. If you were out there living your life on the dance floor and had just done some seriously intense fist pumping, this song would be a nice one to just chill out to and lower the roof just a tad before launching into another energetic dance spree. Would you download it? Maybe not. 

3. Chandelier - Sia

I'm just going to put it out there, after 'Problem', this is probably my second favourite song on the list. Again, it's just super catchy. I am honestly ashamed of my appreciation of mainstream music, what kind of nerd am I? But legit, it's a good song. Do I know any of the lyrics at all? Absolutely not. It's kind of sad really, because before this blog post, I didn't even know the song was called Chandelier, I seriously had no idea. Maybe it's because Sia doesn't annunciate particularly well, or maybe it's because I have some sort of hearing impairment. Whatever the reason, it hasn't hindered my ability to recognise the awesomeness of the song. In fact, the single's just so good you don't even need to have a vague idea of the lyrics to enjoy it! Plus, Sia just so happens to be the second Australian singer on the charts, so I can't help but feel a little bit of patriotism settle in. 

2. Stolen Dance (Radio Edit) - Milky Chance

This is once again one of the songs I had never heard before, but I have to say, as an impartial observer, I quite liked this song. It's a bit quirky and doesn't feel horribly horribly mainstream (despite the fact it now is). Plus, it's by this little out-of-nowhere alternative pop folk group from Germany, so of course it isn't riddled with awful bass drops and horrendous auto-tune, which is of course a massive bonus. I would actually almost consider downloading it, if it weren't for the fact that I don't ever listen to that kind of music. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised. 

1. Que Sera - Justice Crew

Surprisingly, the song that's at number one is no where near my favourite on the list. Is the song okay? Sure. Is it any more than that? Not really. Sure, it's got an okay tune that just keeps on repeating itself, but I'm not a big fan of it. Especially when the chorus kicks in, it's just so cliche and quintessentially pop centric that you want to strangle whoever's singing it (however, that's probably just me and my homicidal tendencies that seem to pop up). Saying that, as it has reached number one on the iTunes charts, I guess it would have to be pretty popular for some reason, so maybe there's just some greatness there that I'm not getting (either that, or Australia's stupid). 

So that's the end of my ridiculously judgemental song reviews. Perhaps I was able to inform your decision and ensure that you don't waste your next iTunes gift card on unlistenable music, although knowing me, I was probably just being a harsh critic. Now I suggest you go get downloading! Enjoy your lives. Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx

NIDA Work Experience

Hello once again members of the blogosphere! You may have noticed that in the past week I haven't been particularly active in my blogging endeavours. Why would this be? Believe it or not, it is not due to the fact that I'm just ridiculously slack, but rather because I was lucky enough to complete my work experience at NIDA in the past week. As you can probably imagine it would be, it was absolutely amazing. Seriously, it was super awesome! You've probably gathered by now that, in the words of Mr G, singing and dancing and acting is my life. So of course, this was just a week of me living out my little, nerdy, musical theatre dreams. And no, I'm not doing this blog post to be annoyingly braggy (trust me, I'd be way more obvious about it), but just so you can get a sense of the awesomeness this institute provides (and okay, maybe I'm bragging just a little).

Just letting you know, I have absolutely no idea if this applies to any of you. If you're interested in the performing arts and are looking for somewhere to complete your work experience, you couldn't have found a better place my friend. If you're like everyone else and have just hopped onto a random web page, feel free to just stick around and wait out the weirdness.

First things first, I thought I'd give you a proper feel for the kinds of activities you get to do in the work experience program at NIDA, and what better way to do that then show you my timetable? To avoid violating any copyright and getting sued (I don't even know if that's possible, but better safe than sorry), I'm not posting the actual timetable (no, that would be too easy). Instead, what I've done is pretty much make an exact replica, only stating the classes I went to, and of course, I did it in the signature 'Teenage Fanatic' colours (because there's never a bad time for self promotion).

Of course, this isn't the stock timetable for all work experience students, this was just the one I got for my specific week, but you have to admit, it does look amazingly awesome. A tad confused as to what it all means? Don't worry, so was I until I actually got to sit in on the classes.

So basically, at the beginning of the week during the little introduction session you are given a timetable (like the one above, except with rooms, teachers and less ridiculous colour), and are partnered up with your work experience buddy for the week. Then, you get to go and sit in on classes with a bunch of people who are in their first year of full-time training at NIDA. Sounds a little intimidating? To be honest, at first it definitely is. But everyone's just so nice and welcoming that after about one class, you become swept up by your inner theatre nerd and become one of the pack.

I'll just quickly take you through a run down of what happens in the classes, considering I haven't exactly been the best at explaining it all up until now. Like your average university, NIDA do indeed have lectures. I know right! Pretty awesome. I wasn't sure, considering it was all elite and performing artsy (and yes, that's the accurate term). Considering that was my first time being exposed to the extensive uni style lectures, I found it all pretty interesting. We got to take a closer look at some Shakespeare plays like 'King Henry IV' and 'The Tempest' and focus in on their dramatic elements, plus I wasn't bored to death like I normally would've been if it hadn't been done so well, so it's a win-win situation.

Some of the movement and technique classes were pretty much as you'd imagine, focussing on different intricate stretches and overall alignment of the body. Because I'm always up at the dance studio, luckily I was pretty in my element watching those classes (it would've been awkward if I just had to watch people rolling around on the floor while I had no idea what they were doing).

I have to say, the class that I surprisingly really enjoyed watching was clowning. I know right, who would've thought? Even taking into account that my mother has an exceptional fear of all things clown related, I found the classes super interesting to sit in on. Luckily, there wasn't any weird, OTT, everyday 'red wig, big shoes' clown action going on, but rather the more sensitive, subtle clowning that draws heavily from theatre (which makes sense considering it's NIDA and all).

Even though all the classes were amazing, my absolute favourite class that I got to do while I was there was the screen work. Believe it or not, NIDA has a full-on professional film studio on campus. How fantabulously awesome is that? Legitimately, it's one of the coolest things ever. I was lucky enough to come on one of the best weeks, as I was able to watch some of the first years shoot short films. Coincidentally, we also happen to be doing the same (on an obviously much smaller scale) at school. The parallels are just ridiculous!

 I've never been on a film set before (or anything like it really), and I just found everything so interesting. Plus, I have some exciting news for you. I got to use the clapper and everything! And there's photographic evidence (just excuse the face)!

Wouldn't it just be so awesome if life could be like that?

The entire week was as you'd imagine - incredibly, amazingly awesome! It was literally one of the best, most beneficial experiences ever. If I haven't sold you, I honestly don't know what will! Now comes the hard part, getting into the actual post school, full-time course . . .

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my little random recount of my NIDA experience! Unfortunately you've just missed open day, but have no fear, productions are near! I sat in on some of the rehearsals for Kandahar Gate, and it looks absolutely amazing! You have to go see it! But besides that, just go and feel free to join society once more and wave goodbye to the blogosphere. Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx

Highlights of Eurovision 2014

Hello again readers! Today, I have a super exciting, albeit delayed blog post for you. Can you name the wackiest, awesomest contest in the history of the universe? Spoiler alert, it's Eurovision, and it's spectacularly amazing. I've been watching consistently since 2007 and have been blindly supporting the United Kingdom since then, partially due to the fact that the rest of Europe hates them, but mostly because of this awesomely tacky performance that left a major impression on me. I mean seriously, who doesn't love Eurovision? It's where the insane and the amazeballs can interweave together seamlessly, how good does that sound? Obviously, as you've probably already gathered, we treat as a big event in our household, however for those of you who missed or are just in desperate need of some recapping, be sure to stay tuned for my top 3 performances of the night. Procrastination complete, here are my highlights . . .

1. Rise Like a Phoenix

You have to admit, Conchita Wurst rocked that stage, and was a deserving (spoiler alert) winner of the contest. A bearded lady, come on, that's basically one massive symbol of the crazy epicness that is Eurovision. And I've got to say, that girl can sing. By the end of the number, I was totally into it. Plus, she just happens to be one big metaphor for what the contest celebrates - diversity (and weirdness). I'm officially loving her work. This drag queen just took it to a whole other level, I'm seriously impressed. Go Austria! 

2. Moustache 

I was actually ridiculously excited by this number. Come on, how could you not love a song entirely about moustaches? And this is coming from someone who is totally against the hipster, moustache craze currently flooding the teen world. I'm actually serious, I am so depressed that France came last! Their wacky little number was so deserving of at least second place (well at least that's what me and my warped taste think). Especially considering there was ongoing facial hair theme this year at Eurovision, France definitely should've done well. I guess there's always next year. 

3. Cheesecake

Oh Belarus, how you overwhelm me with your awesome, food themed songs. Let's get real, who doesn't love cheesecake (besides people who are lactose intolerant?). So of course, this was a perfect choice of song for Eurovision. Where else can you enter a singing competition televised internationally with a song about a popular dessert? I was particularly fond of the line 'But i'm not Patrick Swayze, you're not Jennifer Grey'. Don't we all love a good 'Dirty Dancing' reference? However, unfortunately, it seems the voters put Belarus in a corner, as they didn't make it into the top 3. 

So that's the end of my ridiculously tiny Eurovision post. I didn't know what to do exactly to celebrate the extreme awesomeness of the competition, but I knew I just had to do something. That's all folks. Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx

Happy Mother's Day!

Greetings blogosphere, Happy Mother's Day everyone! I hope you're all having an awesome day so far, and that everyone's being relatively nice to their mothers (it is their day after all). Not yet sure how to celebrate it? Well you've come to the right place. What better way to spend the day that glorifies mothers than reading all about some of the coolest TV mums of all time? I know, there's no need to thank me, I know I'm awesome. And where did I get this wonderful idea? From my very own mother. Without further introduction, here's my list . . .

Marge Simpson - 'The Simpsons'

There's no doubt about it, Marge is certainly one cool mum. Once you get past the awful, annoyingly grating voice, her greatness becomes pretty evident. Let's take a look at why, shall we? For one, she's ridiculously patient. If I had to deal with a lazy, stupid and unhelpful husband, not to mention a bunch of tiresome children, I would most certainly not maintain my composure (in fact quite the opposite really). Purely for that, she deserves a mother of the year award. But that's not all, the awesomeness doesn't end there. Marge is probably also one of the most forgiving people ever. Considering that in the 550 episodes that have aired, Bart has been seen in detention during the title sequence for different reasons in every single one of them, she is definitely one of the most forgiving people on the planet. Not to mention, in the 20 years the show has been on, she literally hasn't aged a day, now that's a talent. 

Temperance Brennan - 'Bones'

I have to admit, she isn't the most obvious pick. However, you've got to hand it to her, recently, Temperance has been a pretty kick-ass mother. For someone who originally firmly stated they didn't want to have kids, she sure did have a change of heart. Now, she's softened completely, and has become all super protective and caring, which is nice to see. Plus, when Temperance went back to work, we got to see her struggle with balancing motherhood and a career. I know right, how weird? Television actually almost being like reality, since when does that happen? It's a rarity, but that is just one of the many reasons Temperance has made it on the list. Also, just imagine the awesome forensic anthropology stories little Christine will be able to tell, she'll probably be one of those creepy super geniuses in no time (not that I'm jealous or anything). 

Carol Brady - 'The Brady Bunch'

There's no doubting this one, Carol Brady is certainly a legendary mother. I mean, she's a lovely lady who brought up three very lovely girls, what more could you ask for? Plus, when she married a man named Brady, there were no complaints from her about having to be a mother to 3 extra kids, oh no, she took it in her stride (perhaps that was because their maid Alice pretty much did everything for her, but whatever). The Brady household got pretty hectic sometimes, balls being thrown inside and school projects going awry, but did Carol ever give up? No, she most certainly did not. She was always there for moral support with a mood-brightening nugget of wisdom. Being the head of a hectic, often angsty household is no walk in the park, and Carol managed to do so with an effervescent demeanour. Plus, she impressively managed to get through 5 seasons of the show with sturdy, unfaltering hair. 

Claire Dunphy - 'Modern Family'

Although often strung out and stressed to the max, Claire really is the ultimate mum on-the-go. I mean sure, she's just a tad overbearing and a major perfectionist, but aren't all mothers? That's really what makes her realistic, the fact that she actually is effected by the craziness of her family. I have to say, those Dunphy kids are quite a handful. You've got Haley who's always off gallivanting, Alex who kind of not-so-secretly looks down on everyone in the family, and Luke, well, he's just Luke. Plus, most of the time she has to parent Phil as well, no wonder she's always ridiculously on edge! But you know, deep down she loves them and cares for them and all that other motherly stuff, but what really sets her apart is the fact that she's completely relatable. Frazzled, exhausted - that pretty much sums up how most mothers feel on a daily basis. 

Lynette Scavo - 'Desperate Housewives'

In the hectic street that is Wisteria Lane, you'd think there'd be no decent parenting in sight. However, Lynette Scavo seems to be the exception to the rule. When you think about it, she's had to raise 6 children over the years, plus deal with a whole bunch of other drama that it's pretty safe to say most mothers don't. Often, your son's best friend won't turn out to be a mass murderer, but did that happen to Lynette? Yes, it most certainly did. Plus, you have to admit, she is probably the most down to Earth, relatable mother on the lane. I mean you've got Gabby, the former fashion model, Susan, the clumsy frazzled mother of 2 and Bree, who's constantly demanding and icy. Sure, Lynette may not be your favourite housewife (my favourite's Gabby, and I'm sticking by that), but there's no doubting that she's the most realistic.

Joyce Summers - 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

The last mother on my list is Joyce, a truly awesome mother in my opinion. I can imagine that being the mother to a vampire slayer wouldn't be an easy task, yet she handles it admirably. Back in the earlier seasons, she was just awesome for being the naive mum with good intentions, yet as she learnt the truth about Buffy, she began to gradually increase in her level of awesomeness. Sure, at first she was a bit dubious, I mean who would want their kid to be out staking vampires at night? But she became supportive and accepting, and that is why she's on my list. Joyce was actually adored by millions of viewers, I mean come on, a vampire and a demon were among the many who mourned her death after 'The Body' (the episode which fans are still horrified by to this day). That's quite an achievement!

So that officially marks the end of my 2014 Mother's Day post! I hope everyone's had an awesome day so far, and that this list only added to that (because let's face it, television is awesome). Now go be nice to your mother! Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx