Top Fall TV Show Lineup!!! PART 1 Returning Shows

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the cool weather and the changing color of the leaves. And not to mention it is FINALLY the start of the holiday season!!!!!!!! But another favorite that some of us tend to overlook during the fall season is the return and arrival of TV SHOWS! .If you have been following me for awhile you will know that I am a huge TV buff! It is probably one of the best and worst things about me. The amount of time I spend watching TV shows is to the point where I think I may need to attend support groups for TV addicts (if there is one out there). But nevertheless for those of you who are like me out there I'm sure you will enjoy this post. Here is part 1 talking about returning shows. Part 2 will focus on new shows.

RETURNING SHOWS

The Mindy Project

Returns Sept. 15 on Hulu (Season 4) 
New episodes posted every Tuesday

Words alone cannot describe how excited I am that Hulu decided to pick this show up after FOX cancelled it (worst decision ever). If you guys are not familiar, The Mindy Project is about a 30 something year old gynecologist played by the beautiful and talented Mindy Kaling, and her misadventures with love, work, and friendships in the big apple. Plenty of sappy love scenes, raunchy humor and not to mention hot guys!!! 

iZombie

Returns Oct 6 on The CW (Season 2)

With all the hype on The Walking Dead, it is no wonder why this show is so underrated. iZombie is set in the present day where zombies roam free with humans (not to the human's knowledge). It follows the story of Liv Moore, medical student, turned zombie after an unfortunate incident at a party. She now works at the morgue eating the brains of the dead and helping local enforcement solving their murders. It is super entertaining and fun to watch. I personally find it better than The Walking Dead. #sorrynotsorry

 Madam Secretary

Returns Oct 11 on CBS (Season 2)

Basically a less raunchy version of Scandal, has just enough politics to keep you interested but not bore you to death. As much as I loved Scandal when it came out, I just really got sick of Olivia Pope, She really isn't the badass she claims to be and I frankly find her getting more and more annoying.

Fresh Off The Boat

Returns Sept 22 on ABC (Season 2)

If you haven't watched this show I don't know what is wrong with you. Fresh Off The Boat is based on the biography of Eddie Huang about his experiences as a Taiwanese immigrant moving to Florida in the 90's. Plenty of humor and just a little something out there for everyone.

American Horror Story: Hotel

Returns Oct 7 on FX(Season 4)

Who doesn't like AHS? There hasn't been much reveal on what the plot is but rather just the setting in a hotel. But from watching the past seasons, I know Ryan Murphy won't disappoint and not to mention LADY GAGA will be in it. Need I say more? And for those of you who aren't familiar with AHS, it is a horror anthology. It has a different setting every season usually with the same actors portraying different characters (anyone else sad that Jessica Lange isn't coming back)

Law and Order: SVU

Returns Sept 23 on NBC (Season 17)

I know I know you guys are probably thinking another season? This is mainly for those hardcore fans like myself. I haven't got bored yet so I will continue watching this until it ends.

Hawaii 5-0

Returns Sept 25 on CBS (Season 6)

Also another underrated show. This is a reboot from the 1960s-80s version. It is about an elite police force in Hawaii. It is actually pretty entertaining and somewhat relatable which is what you would think of a cop show.

Reign

Returns Oct. 9 on The CW (Season 3)

Tells the story of the rise of Queen Mary of Scotland. It is like Gossip Girl but set in the 1500s. Great cast of characters and the plot is always changing and moving. Highly addictive especially if you are a history buff like I am (not accurate but who really cares). 

Downton Abbey

Returns Jan 3 2016 (maybe wrong) on PBS (Season 6)

And last but not least the LAST season of Downton Abbey  (bring on the tissues). When I first heard of this show I was very skeptical. It seemed very bland and just plain boring. But boy was I wrong and so glad to be wrong. I have fallen deeply and madly in love with this series and honestly it is taking a piece of my heart with it. There isn't much detail on the plot but from the trailer we can expect a very emotional season so make sure you stock up on tissues.

Si's Life: GET TO KNOW ME 50 RANDOM FACTS

50 RANDOM FACTS

I wanted to take a little break from my beauty reviews and try something new. I wasn't very sure what I wanted to blog about so I went on YouTube to try to find some inspiration. I came across a couple of random fact videos which surprisingly I really enjoyed watching. So I thought why not do a blog post version of it? So here goes! 

1. I have an unhealthy obsession with pandas, llamas and alpacas.

2. If my career path doesn't work out as planned I am going to move to Peru and become a llama farmer.

3. I think doughnuts so be their own food group.

4. I am bilingual. I speak both Mandarin and English fluently English being my second language.

5. I have been 4'11 since high school (I am 23 years old right now)

6. I am missing a bone in each pinky which allows me to bend it really far back and gross people out.

7. I like to eat blueberry muffins with bacon 

8. I hate eating raw blueberries and only like them in muffins and yogurts.

9. I apparently have serious facial expressions which people misinterpret as anger.

10. I once finished a whole pack of colored Goldfish crackers in less than a hour.

11. I love to cook.

12. My chili is out of this world.

13. I am a very fast reader.

14. Netflix is my one true love and no one can really compete against it.

15. I have 4 kidneys, 3 non-functioning and 1 functioning.

16. If I am really hungry I can eat about 5 times my size.

17. With all the makeup I have accumulated over the years I could probably open up my own department store.

18. I own over 30 pairs of jeans.

19. I love high top sneakers.

20. Chachi Mama sweatpants are probably one of the best things ever invented.

21. Over the last year or so I begun to hate pants so I have been wearing leggings almost everyday. 

22. Despite living in Florida for over 10 years I still hate the weather.

23. My favorite food is fried rice.

24. The only time I really eat salmon is when my mom makes it with kewpie mayo which sounds disgusting but is actually delicious.

25. I am Chinese.

26. I think stupidity is contagious.

27. I don't mind spiders but snakes ugh...

28. Growing up I had many interesting pets like giant bullfrogs, tarantulas, a crow, and even grasshoppers,

29. When I was little my best friend was a big white fluffy chicken whom I raised from the egg.

30. On my fourth birthday my chicken friend disappeared. Later that night my grandmother made chicken for dinner. 

31. I loved Grey's Anatomy so much that I finished 10 seasons in less than 2 months.

32. Sometimes I pretend I'm Kevin Spacey's character in House of Cards.

33. While most people love Olivia Pope on Scandal I think she is a whiny little B****. I don't think she is badass at all her job is but not her.

34. I only listen to Taylor Swift songs when other artists sing them.

35. I managed to solve most of the crime on Law and Order: SVU before the episode ends.

36. I have really bad luck with cell phones. One was ran over by a car and another one flew out of my hand when a skateboarder ran into me. 

37. I always intended on being a lawyer but when registering for my major my college messed up and I ended up with psychology instead of English. It was the best mistake of my life. I am currently pursuing a MA degree in Rehab Counseling. 

38. I can eat spicy tunas like no other.

39. I have terrible allergies when I am in the States however as soon as I go back to China my allergies disappear.

40. I have great relationships with many of my former grade school and high school teachers. They are some of the best people I have ever met.

41. I think it is cool when British people lose their accents when they sing.

42. I am a HUGE TV junkie.

43. My Chinese food cooking skills need a little work.

44. My grandmother is the most important person in my life. 

45. I will never get tired reading the Alex Cross series by James Patterson.

46. Jerry Springer lives about 20 minutes away from the home I grew up in.

47. My whole life (school, work etc.) revolves around the computer.

48. I collect purses and t-shirts from all around the world.

49. Despite living in Florida I hate the beach.

50. I often have eating competitions with my 10 year old little brother who weighs 5 more pounds than I do. I am 110 pounds. He usually wins. 

Review: Amazon Fire TV Stick

If you guys are familiar with Apple TV, Amazon's Fire TV Stick is pretty much Amazon's version of it. Digital content has significantly increased over the last couple of years especially when it comes to TV shows and movies. The Fire TV Stick is a device that streams your online content directly to your TV.

The Fire TV Stick comes with...

-Fire TV Stick

-Remote

-USB cord + outlet extender

-2 AA batteries

-HDMI port 

The Fire TV Stick takes no time to install and so easy to use. The only issue I had was opening the battery compartment which you will need a small knife or screwdriver to help you open it.

You do have to have good internet connection in order to use this otherwise it will just buffer continuously. 

As you can tell the Fire TV Stick streams many different platforms such as Netflix, hulu+ and etc... Compared to Apple TV this device is much more affordable ($39). It also includes a 30 day Prime Trial. Personally I don't recommend this device if you don't have an Amazon Prime account. (If you don't have an Amazon Prime account you will have to register the device when you receive it. If you directly purchase it from your Amazon account it will be already set up for you. With Apple TV you have to register it yourself no matter what.) Many devices like Apple TV and smart TVs already have digital platforms like Netflix already installed. Amazon Prime is the only digital platform not available to these devices. I really like this device because I prefer streaming my movies and shows from Amazon rather than iTunes. I save a lot more money and don't have to worry about paying extra for storage space which Apple tends to charge. It is also great for gaming (you can purchase a separate gaming remote). It is easy to travel with thanks to its small size.

Fire TV Stick will be available on Amazon.com on January 6, 2015.

Netflix vs. Amazon Instant Video vs. Hulu Plus- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 24, 2014

With so many online streaming services out there today which one is really worth all the hype and money? Today I break down the top 3 streaming services out there today and hopefully this will help you guys decide.

Let's start with the most popular one NETFLIX. Netflix has been around for a couple years now and combines movie and tv show streaming. In terms of variety Netflix has done a pretty good job. There is something for every type of genre including foreign movies and has a good combination of old stuff and new stuff. I have noticed more and more that while Netflix has deleted a lot of their popular stuff like the Law and Order: SVU series they have been adding more and more like the entire series of Gilmore Girls plus all the previous seasons of popular shows like Vampire Diaries, Grey's Anatomy and such. Netflix also has their own exclusive shows like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black which are both amazing. Netflix also has a tendency to take over shows that are no longer on TV like The Killing and Arrested Development.

Pricing: The basic package is $7.99/month which will be raised to about a dollar for new customers. This price allows you unlimited streaming on 2 devices. You will have to pay more if you want the DVD service which is around $15-20 depending on how many DVDS you want to check out. 

Amazon Instant Video has become quite the success in the last few months or so. It is included when you sign up for Amazon Prime and is not available on its own.  The prime package includes free shipping and other various amenities. Amazon Instant Video features a lot more older movies and tv shows like Sabrina the Teenager Witch which I personally enjoy these blasts from the pasts. Only recently it has begun to feature newer stuff as well as shows from HBO which is something Netflix and no other streaming service has yet to achieve. In terms of streaming, Amazon doesn't have little previews when you want to fast forward like Netflix does, however if you are a prime member you can access the Instant Video just through amazon.com and not a separate service like Netflix or Hulu Plus. You can also purchase TV shows and movies kinda like what you do on iTunes. It is available right after purchase and doesn't require any download time like iTunes (although you can choose to download it to your device later on). I only recommend this service to those who use Amazon quite frequently.

Pricing: For students it is $45 a year and non students about $99 a year (however there has been talks that the price will reduce soon).

Hulu Plus comes from the Hulu that we have all grown to love. Hulu allows us to catch up on our TV shows once it has just been aired. Hulu Plus is the next level. Recently some shows have only been available to Hulu Plus which allows users to watch the episode right after it airs and don't have to wait for it. Hulu Plus does have a variety of movies and clips. Personally unless you are a big TV buff I don't recommend this. The streaming quality is so and so and the variety isn't as big as Amazon Instant Video or Netflix. But it is great for TV shows.

Pricing: $7.99/month

Streaming platforms for all 3 include iPad, Smartphones (No for Amazon Instant), and computers.

American Horror Story Freak Show Thoughts and Tibits - BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 9,2014

Ready to get FREAKY?!?!

WARNING SPOILERS ALERT!!! 

AHS is finally back!!! I look forward to this show every year since it came out. There really isn't any decent horror TV shows these days. They all seem to try to hard to be scary but only AHS has been successful.

Season 4 Freak Show is set in Jupiter, Florida during the 1950s at one of the last remaining freak shows on Earth. The premiere never disappoints and this one definitely didn't. Many of the original actors from the previous seasons return like the amazing Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, etc... 

In the premiere we are introduced to amazingly freaky characters. Sarah Paulson plays a pair of conjured twins and let's take a moment at how amazing she was at it. This woman deserves an Emmy. I recently read an article that Sarah had played both twins and didn't ask for someone else to voice. 

We also saw a murderous clown (IT much?) a little person (who is actually the smallest person in the world), and much more.

I don't want to give away too much but all I can say is please go watch it you won't be disappointed!!!

AHS is on FX Wednesdays @ 10

Legend of Korra Book 4 Thoughts- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 4, 2014

WARNING CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!

So yesterday was the premiere of the LAST SEASON of The Legend of Korra. I for one am devastated. This was such a short season especially when compared to Avatar: The Last Airbender. 

Book Four: Balance is set 3 years later after the events of Zaheer and his group. Mako is now a bodyguard to the new Earth king (great nephew of the the last queen who was murdered in the last season). Asami is finally back in control of her father's company and is currently working with Republic city's president to establish transportation lines. Bolin is working with Kuvira on trying to balance the Earth kingdom. He definitely matures a lot in the premiere. Kai and Opal along with the other new airbenders are going around the world trying to restore peace due to the aftermath of last season. As for the Avatar herself we got a glimpse towards the end but still unsure where she is exactly.

I thought the premiere was decent not great. When I watched the trailer I thought it would start out with a bang. I think that Nick is pushing the series so fast that the storyline isn't really developing right. This is one of NIck's shortest shows. I am going to leave it here and hope that the rest of the season gets better.

You can watch Korra on Nick.com, Nick app and Amazon Instant Video.

What I am currently watching #FallTv- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 3, 2014

Another reason I love fall is that all my favorite TV shows are back and then some. This particular year I have A LOT of shows I been trying to keep up with. Here are just a few of the shows that I am currently obsessed with. Maybe you guys will end up picking up some of the shows and become a TV junkie just like me :D Also tweet me your favorite shows this season with #houseoftherisingsunTV 

1.) GILMORE GIRLS!!!

Explores the life and relationship of a mother and a daughter living in the small fictional town of Stars Hollow.

Can you guys tell by my exclamation marks how excited I am about this show. This is an oldie but a goodie. I pretty much grew up watching this along with my soap operas. There is something in this show for everybody and yes there is A TON of cheesy drama but hey what would life be without a little bit? All the seasons of Gilmore Girls are not available to stream on Netflix.

2.) Black-ish 

An African American family living in the suburbs dealing with the racial aspects of everyday life.

This is a new show just released this season and it was become one of my favorites. Anthony Anderson is hilarious and witty and just all around a good time. Looking for a good comedy check is out on ABC Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30c.

3.) Legend of Korra: Balance (Season 4)

The last season of the epic continuance of the Last Airbender.

Premiering tonight the last season on nick.com and the nick app. I am so incredibly sad that this show has come to an end. It is definitely one of the shortest and fastest shows Nick has ever produced.The only annoying part of the show that I don't like is that it is no longer showing on TV.  I just hope they will make another avatar show later in the future. Withdraw isn't going to be pretty...

4.) How to Get Away With Murder

The title explains it all. I am not going to say anything about this show. Just go watch it and be amazed... Seriously go NOW!!!

Other shows worth checking out: Sleepy Hollow Season 2, Parenthood Season 6, New Girl Season 4, Selfie, Law and Order: SVU Season 16 (yes there is another season but hey this is a classic), and Scandal

Random Blog #1: Current Fav TV Shows

My blog is mostly dedicated to all things beauty and fashion but sometimes it is also fun to blog about random stuff. So once in awhile I will be writing about random things not pertaining to beauty or fashion. 

I have been recovering from a big surgery I had 2 months ago. Everyday has been getting a little better but I'm still not my old self and my energy level isn't what it used to be. So I been on bed rest most of the time and while doing so I been able to catch up on some TV shows. 

1.) Sleepy Hollow (FRI 9/8 pm on FOX)- Headless horsemen in today's modern world. Talks about the apocalypse and how the horsemen are the cause of it. Characters from the original Sleepy Hollow story are in this show like Ichabod Crane. Great cast John Cho from Harold and Kumar guest starts in a couple of episodes.

2.) American Horror Story: Coven (WEDS 10/9 pm FX)- Each season has a different story and setting about a particular supernatural/ horror subject but with same cast. Kinda like a anthology. This season is about witches and how they deal in the modern world. 

3.) Reign (THURS 9/8 pm CW): The early life of Mary, Queen of Scots before she took her crown. Historical dramas are a big favorite of mine especially when they have a modern twist to them that keeps you from falling asleep.

4.) The Mindy Project (TUES 9:30/8:30 pm FOX): From The Office Mindy Kaling produces and acts in her own show portraying herself as a gynecologist in NYC. The show is about her adventures and mishaps in the city. Really entertaining kinda like Chelsea Handler but less ratchet. 

5.) Shark Tank (FRI 9/8 pm ABC): Group of investors "sharks" listen to as people from all over present their ideas or business hoping to lure in a shark to help them start their business. You meet a lot of interesting people with interesting projects some even familiar to you.

6.) Legend of Korra Book 2 (FRI 8/7 pm NICK): Its the Avatar (not the blue naked people acting like Tarzan) and I'm Asian need I to say more?