What I'm geeking on lately

My favorite Game of Thrones podcasts

Phew.

I bet Tyrion wants a "break" right about now too.

I bet Tyrion wants a "break" right about now too.

Alright, now that Game of Thrones season 4 is over, I can get back to blogging again. :)

Just kidding! I know it's been a while but I'm back! Life got all kinds of hectic so I took a little blog break. Never fear, your somewhat weekly dose of geekiness is back. 

Behold, my favorite Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire themed podcasts. I truly believe listening to these podcasts can really elevate your enjoyment of the show, or the books, or both! Give it a try. Your TV life will change. We have a long while til we get to season 5, I highly recommend giving some of the older seasons a re-watch and checking out the 'casts below:

A Cast of Kings

Good for: Everyone
Usual length: Around 60 min
Why I like it: There's lots of podcasts where one of the hosts has read the books, and the other has not. But there's only one with hosts Joanna Robinson and David Chen. They always have interesting conversation and analysis about the episodes. It's gotten to the point where I sometimes think "What would David and Joanna think about this?" after I see a scene on TV. This is just a really solid podcast, and is very, very careful about being spoiler free.
Listen online | iTunes

Unspoiled Podcast: A Song of Ice and Fire

Good for: Book readers
Usual length: Can range from 30 min to 90 min
Why I like it: Brendan and Natasha are hilarious. This is a podcast that's not afraid to get silly and make fun of what happens in the books and on the show. They are a delight to listen to, and this is the only podcast that regularly makes me laugh out loud. They have episodes dedicated to every chapter of the books. I only regret not discovering them sooner because honestly, after every chapter I read I wish I had someone to talk to about what just happened. And this is the next best thing. 
Listen online | iTunes

Game of Owns

Good for: Everyone
Usual length: Around 60 min
Why I like it: Ugh, their website is gorgeous. Just look at it. Podcast-wise though, this is one of my trusty ones. It almost feels like you're eavesdropping on a group of friends reacting to the episodes. Some of the hosts have read the books, some have not. I love that they have puns for their episode titles, and don't take themselves too seriously. And for that, they get my "own." (You'll get that joke if you listen to it.)
Listen online | iTunes

Westeros.org*

Good for: Book readers
Usual length: Can range from 40 min to 80 min
Why I like it: Elio and Linda both have not only read the all books (and then some), but are super passionate about their adaptation. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who sighs about major deviations from the books. They are very invested in all things Game of Thrones, even collaborating with George R.R. Martin himself on a book called The World of Ice and Fire. Their website, is also an awesome resource for book readers. 
Watch online

History of Westeros*

Good for: Everyone, just be careful
Usual length: Can range from 30 min to 90 min
Why I like it: If there was a college course on Westeros, these podcasts could serve as the lessons. Aziz and Ashaya really know their stuff. The episode recap videos are awesome, and they will always warn you if they include spoilers, just be careful! Their in-depth videos on the world of Westeros are very thorough. They really let me dive deep into the fantastic world George R.R. Martin's created.
Watch online | iTunes

Game of Thrones Post-Show Recap

Good for: Mostly non-book readers, but also book readers
Usual length: Around 60 min
Why I like it: What's awesome about this podcast is that it's up and live right after the show airs. So while I have to wait days for some of these other 'casts, this one is my trusty one to listen to on Monday mornings on my commute to work. The TV recap episodes are spoiler-free, but if you want to, they have "book club" episodes of their podcasts where they talk book spoilers. Just make sure you click on the right thing!
Listen online |

If you have a favorite Game of Thrones podcast, comment below! 

geek on,
michelle

* These are only recommended for the super geeky, like me. Don't say I didn't warn ya!

Geeking over: This little Mexican kid

It's been a long week (it's only Tuesday!) and Chicago continues to be cold, snowy, and kind of dreary. So this video totally made my day and I hope it does the same for you. 

Check out this adorable kid and his even more adorable dance moves:

geek on,
michelle

Geeking over: No Manches Clothing

T-shirts are the tortillas of our wardrobe. Stay with me! :)

They serve as simple staple pieces yet they can really make your outfit unique and memorable. T-shirts can also provide much-needed comfort while you're lounging around, or cleaning your house while singing Marco Antonio Solis songs. That said, you might as well have some culturally empowering options!

I had heard about No Manches Clothing before, but after I got this amazing Frida long-sleeve tee for Christmas (Gracias Ivan), I wanted to check out what else they had on their website.  

I pretty much wish I had their entire collection in my closet, but here are my absolute faves for women, men and baby. If you need some cultura in your closet, I urge you to check them out.

No-Manches-Geeky-Latina-Faves.jpg

First row: Educated Latina | Frida Long Sleeve | Hecha en Chicago
Second row: Mexican Gothic | ¡Toma! Onesie | Chicago Skull

Find them online, on Twitter, on Facebook or in person at 1800 W. 18th Street, Chicago.

geek on,
michelle

Geeking over: 'Frozen' medley by Pentatonix

If you've seen the movie "Frozen" and can't stop singing the songs like me — seriously, ask my husband, I'm obsessed — hopefully you'll also geek over this medley by the insanely talented group Pentatonix.

And if after watching that you just crave more, check out this or this or this.

geek on,
​michelle

One Yummy Minute in México

Full disclosure: I am one of those people that happen to like taking photos of food I eat when I'm out. I do it quickly, and I don't use flash, so I'm not apologizing for it! Let me continue to pretend I'm a foodie! :)

Combine my love of food and my love for México and you get this amazing video experience. 

If I could shoot and edit and style a video about Mexican food, this is exactly what I would aspire to capture on film. The Perennial Plate ate all over Mexico and created this wonderful, delicious one-minute video, One Minute in Mexico. Watch and drool with me.

geek on,
michelle

El Top 5: Frozen on Broadway, Worf on Wall Street, and 'Domestic Scenes'

These are 5 things that I think are awesome at this moment. :)

I seriously can NOT stop singing "Let it go."

I seriously can NOT stop singing "Let it go."

1. One of the best movies I've seen lately — "Frozen" — is going to be a live musical! This was a fantastic movie with laughs, great songs and teary moments for me. And c'mon, Olaf is everything. More here.

2. This Worf of Wall Street photo. Ahh, internet, sometimes I just love you.

Downton-Abbey-Cross-Stitch.jpg

3. As someone who used to seriously cross-stitch in my teen years (yep, I was that girl) I love these cross-stitch Downton Abbey crafts. Check it here.

4. Watch this compilation of Wes Anderson's slow motion shots set to a lovely The Shins song. Happy sigh. :)

5. Talented artist Ramiro Gomez has created incredibly poignant art juxtaposing luxury homes and images of domestic workers. You got to see the rest of his collection over at Fusion. 

geek on,
michelle

Let It Snow! Picard style.

It snowed today in Chicago! It was that pretty, fluffy, Christmas-movie snowfall.

It got me geeked for the holidays. I love this time of year. I'll leave you with Captain Picard singing “Let It Snow!” from clips from "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

geek on,
michelle

Geeking over: A future 'Game of Thrones' video game

Yes, you read that right.  The new "Game of Thrones" video game will be released by Telltale next year, in 2014. That's the same company that adapted "The Walking Dead."

I'm super excited and don't really know what to expect but they've said they will base it on the novels. Yay! This could definitely hold me over until GRRM finishes "Winds of Winter."

Check out this teaser trailer below!

geek on,
michelle
 

A 'Bad'-ass Gingerbread House

This is the coolest gingerbread house I've seen! Behold, a "Breaking Bad" themed gingerbread house. Who knew meth-cooking could be so festive?

Brilliant job, Sugarplum Cake Shop.

geek on,
michelle