Louise

Fall Film Challenge (3)

Published on August 17, 2017August 16, 2017 by LouiseLeave a comment

This will be my third year participating in Jenn of Quirky Pickings Fall Film Challenge!

It starts on September 1st and ends at midnight on November 30th. Rule are no repeats (in any capacity), must be theater releases, and there’s a points penalty for switching films mid-challenge.

|one| starring Anthony Hopkins: Thor

|two| listed on nathan bransford’s best hundred movies challenge: The Big Lebowski

|three| about charity: It’s Kind of a Funny Story

|four| starring Robert Downey, Jr.: Iron Man

|five| about envy: As Good As It Gets

|six| about faith: War Room

|seven| about greed: The Founder

|eight| about hope: Sing

|nine| starring Jeremy Irons: Casanova

|ten| about justice: 12 Angry Men

|eleven| starring Kevin Bacon: Crazy, Stupid, Love.

|twelve| about lust: The Virgin Suicides

|thirteen| starring Ian McKellen: Mr. Holmes

|fourteen| set in a castle: Gosford Park

|fifteen| about fortitude: Les Miserable

|sixteen| about pride: Best in Show

|seventeen| starring Alan Rickman: Alice Through the Looking Glass

|eighteen| released last year & reviewed here: The Magnificent Seven

|nineteen| about temperance: Coraline

|twenty| about prudence: Driving Miss Daisy

|twenty-one| starring Val Kilmer: At First Sight

|twenty-two| about wrath: X-Men: Apocalypse

|twenty-three| set in an exotic locale: The Darjeeling Limited

|twenty-four| about gluttony: The Bling Ring

|twenty-five| set in space: Star Trek Beyond

I actually feel pretty confident about these films. Some I’ve been meaning to see for a while (Thor, Iron Man, Driving Miss Daisy, Crazy Stupid Love, The Magnificent 7) and some are based on books I”m currently or soon-to-be reading (Coraline, The Virgin Suicides).

Have you seen any of these? What would you pick? (You can still join!)

No Room for Hate.

Published on August 15, 2017August 15, 2017 by Louise13 Comments

I know it’s all over the internet and many of us have the same opinions and are saying the same things, but that’s the point.

Hate isn’t ok. You aren’t born with hate in your heart and your children aren’t either. From a Christian perspective, hate is extremely toxic to your body. (If you’re a racist “Christian” you can GTFO or pray on it and change your tune.)

“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.”
1 John 2:9

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
Proverbs 10:12

This isn’t going to be a long post because I don’t think it needs to be. I don’t tolerate racism. I don’t tolerate religion-based hatred. I don’t tolerate homophobia. I won’t tolerate it on my blog or in my life. Love is stronger than hate, especially when there’s no room for hate here.

I know I have the privileged (for now) to do nothing and sit on my behind. But I won’t.

Also, if you think this POS president isn’t somehow directly related to the increase in domestic terrorism and hate crimes then you need to open your eyes. These vermin have crawled out from under their neo-nazi and racist rocks because they believe it’s safe for their hate under this presidency. Don’t prove them right.

-Audrey

A Mental Diet

Published on August 10, 2017August 9, 2017 by Louise50 Comments

After I wrote my fall TV show post I started thinking about all the shows I’d like to watch, but can’t. It’s a funny thing to say considering I’m an adult and I can technically do whatever I want (within reason/the law), but similar to how we know we shouldn’t each donuts and ice cream and cake for dinner every night, I know there are shows I shouldn’t watch.

This is not a moral or biblical “shouldn’t.” It’s a mental health kind of “shouldn’t.” If I drink Mt. Dew & eat potato chips for every meal I know I will be physically unhealthy. If I binge on Game of Thrones or This Is Us or Criminal Minds I know I will make myself mentally unhealthy. And like food, we all have a different threshold for “too much.” We all prefer different flavors- we all process those foods (or shows) differently. I don’t enjoy pie, but a lot of people love it – I don’t enjoy GOT, but a lot of people love it.

I think it’s important to know what you can and can’t do mentally. I have never enjoyed violent television shows. I don’t like anything that fixates on the drug culture (Shameless, Breaking Bad, OITNB) or anything with violent or rape undertones (The Handmaid’s Tale, OITNB, Game of Thrones). It doesn’t both me one bit that people enjoy these shows- I just know that I don’t.

In my early twenties I used to love Law & Order SVU, CSI, and Criminal Minds. In my teens I watched General Hospital, Grey’s Anatomy, and other dramas. Somewhere along the lines I realized that I internalized the drama, fear, suspicion, and paranoia that the characters in these shows portray. I let it affect me and I carried it with me. When K would leave for business trips I’d have terrible dreams about kidnapping and murder. I honest to God believed someone was living in our attic. (And I love to be alone- having him gone was not the issue. My brain was the issue.)

So I stopped watching shows like this.

This mental healthy “diet” isn’t restricted to television. There are songs and artists that I avoid for emotional reasons. (I’d guess many music lovers are nodding their heads.) There are books I know I shouldn’t read or I should space out. (Thrillers make me shake- my body actually quivers while I read them. Holocaust and slavery-era books completely destroy me.) Obviously there are movies I’d never touch. I watched Django: Unchained with my family once and I felt sick for a week.

Perhaps it sounds silly at first, but if we’re careful about what we feed our bodies nutritionally, why wouldn’t we keep tabs on how other stimulants make us feel?

We all feel things extremely differently. It’s why menus & Netflix & the TV Guide have so many options. I would challenge you to pay attention to how television shows and songs and movies make you feel. I know that I shouldn’t have a milkshake every night, but once is a while is totally fine. I know I can’t read a book like The Handmaid’s Tale every week, but every so often is fine. Knowing what’s good for you in all forms of ingestion is important to your health.

So pay attention to how television shows make you feel. Do you walk away from Grey’s Anatomy feeling dramatic and bitchy? Do you walk away from GOT with a little bit of rage? Evaluate how affected you are and how your personality differs after you take in a program or movie. Set some limitations for yourself and find a healthy mix.

(Or maybe I’m just crazy 😉 Are you completely unaffected by shows? I’m genuinely curious.)

What I Read… vol. 8

Published on August 8, 2017August 8, 2017 by Louise38 Comments

It seems like I do my best reading in two weeks leading up to SUYB… I finished these the first week of August & I’m currently reading three different books.

What_I_Read_blog

I made a new image to explain my reviewing method…

On to the books…

The Bear and The Nightingale by Katherine Arden | ★★★★/5
Summary: With Christianity spreading throughout the land, old guardians are awakened and troubled at the edge of the cold Russian wilderness. When disruption puts Vasya’s people at risk she must repair and protect the world they live in with the world that protects them. | Why I Read It: I think Olya praised this book on her blog and put it on my radar so I used it for Erin’s Challenge. | What I Thought: This story was a powerful mix of feminist rebellion and uniqueness celebration and mostly-good verses very-evil and family loyalty and protectiveness. I’ve never read a Russian fairytale-esque novel but this story didn’t disappoint. It was a slow read for me- I felt like I needed to reflect on each season of weather and Vasya. I also found myself totally smitten by three different characters, one being a monk and one a demon. Ha. It was a long, good, well flavored story and I really enjoyed Vasilisa’s courage and spirit throughout the whole thing.
You should read it because… you’re in the mood for a unique and beautiful tale about a strong and unique girl from the coldest forest of Russia.

Intrigue in Capri by Ashley Weaver | ★★★/5
Summary: While on holiday in Italy Amory finds herself drawn to a new mystery. | Why I Read It: As I’ve mentioned, I love the Amory Ames series. | What I Thought: Released as a Kindle Single, this was a short little mystery possibly released to tie us Amory&Milo-lovers over until the next book. It was a very quick and cute read. Little mystery but lots of charm from the Ames duo. It took me all of 30 minutes (maybe) to read, so it certainly was a nice way to pass some time.
You should read it because... you’re invested in the Amory Ames series.

So here’s where I’m at with the challenge:

I have 45 points now.

What did you read this month? Link up Steph & Jana!

Currently…

Published on August 3, 2017August 3, 2017 by Louise42 Comments

Let’s get into this life update, shall we?

Thinking about 100% of the time… selling the house. When the buyers (who’d put in an offer 2 days after our house was listed and had us cancel our first Open House) backed out of the contract K and I felt pretty defeated. We’re not discouraged, just let down. I promise we’re trying to bounce back and stay positive.

Working on… Chelsea and Ryan‘s 31 Days of Kindness! It’s not too late to join in!

Reading… four different stories at the moments… I’m making my way through Erin’s Challenge, slowly but surely.

Listening to… a lot of country music. Especially Kenny Chesney. He’s my feel-good artist of the summer. We saw Incubus & Jimmy Eat World last week so I’ve been mixing a little alternative rock in, too.

Watching… nothing really. I’m getting my film list ready for Jenn’s challenge and I just shared the Fall shows I’m looking forward to.

Loving… the cool evening temperatures around these parts. I sleep with the windows open when it dips below 70* and I love it!

Hating… loud neighbors, contrary house hunters, the p.o.s. potus, half-ass sunscreen, drama, stress, ticks, keeping the house in pristine condition for last minute showings.

Experiencing… summer concerts, races at Mid-Ohio raceway, outdoor parties and bar-hopping.

Planning… so many things. Bridal showers & Bachelorette parties, a potential lake-day, business trips for this fall & winter, a Halloween party (WOO!), Christmas gifts, etc.

Wanting… kayaks for the husband and I.

Craving… a fall getaway. I’m thinking maybe a girls’ trip, but I haven’t reached out to anyone yet…

Eating… cherries! I freaking love cherries.

Drinking… sweet wine or amaretto & rootbeer because my aunt-in-law has me hooked.

Looking forward to… being in a new house with some warm sunlit rooms and quiet neighbors 😉

Linking up with Kristen & Gretch for What’s New With You?.

Fall Entertainment

Published on August 1, 2017July 31, 2017 by Louise26 Comments

I understand that it’s August 1st but that means we’re closing in on FALL 🖤
(August… Autumn…. See where I’m going here?)

Anyway, times have been stressful for K and I (*our house buyers backed out and it’s just been a rough few days… It’s ok, we’re getting by and life is still good*) so we’ve been watching silly game shows on major networks at night. During the commercials we get to see all the shows that are coming this fall…

Shows that are coming back that I’m PUMPED about:

Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later | Netflix / available Aug. 4
The Mindy Project (6th & FINAL season) | Hulu / Tuesdays starting Sept. 12
Superstore (3rd season) | NBC / Thursdays @ 8pm starting Sept. 28
The Good Place (2nd season) | NBC / Thursdays @ 8:30pm starting Sept. 28

[Honestly, I usually watch these shows on Hulu instead of catching them at their scheduled times.
You can also catch up with these on Hulu before they start up.]

[Yes, I watch a lot of comedies. The world is a serious place and sometimes you just need a break.]

New shows that I want to check out (if I remember):

The Orville | Fox / Thursdays @ 9pm starting Sept. 10 (Sunday)
Seth MacFarlane creates hits and misses… so we’ll see which this is.
Marvel’s Inhumans | ABC / Fridays @ 9pm starting Sept. 29
I’m not 100% sure about this one…
Ghosted | Fox / Sundays @ 8:30pm starting Oct. 1
The Gifted | Fox / Mondays @ 9pm starting Oct. 2
Guys… this is an X-men related show and centers around mutants. Sign me up!
A. P. Bio | NBC / midseason
Champions | NBC / midseason
This is being produced by our girl Mindy so I’m hoping it’s the next TMP!
LA to Vegas | Fox / midseason
Honestly, I’ve heard nothing about this show but Will Ferrell & Adam McKay are producing it so I’ll definitely give it a shot.
Splitting Up Together | ABC / midseason
Jenna Fisher is in it and Ellen DeGeneres produced it. I’ll try it 😉

There’s no way I’ll watch all of these. I don’t watch a lot of TV because I can’t keep up, but I typically have 3 or 4 shows that I stream on Hulu religiously. (K and I watch The Mindy Project every Tuesday- that’s the one exception. And we watch The Voice when it’s on- although sometimes I read while he watches it.)

Also, you’ll notice that This Is Us is not on my list. Honestly, I don’t like shows that are so “real life” they hurt my heart. I cry enough from joy/anxiety/sadness. I don’t want my TV shows to incite that every week.

Also, I’ve tried and dismissed Speechless and Great News. They’re funny, but they didn’t keep my interest. American Housewife is ok when I’m in the mood.

Some older shows that I don’t watch (or have only seen an episode or 2), but I think I’d like to start watching are…

Bull, Designated Survivor, Madam Secretary, MOM, The Last Man on Earth, & Jane the Virgin.

So now I want to know if you’ve got any thoughts on new shows or recommendations or feedback on the shows that are already in 2nd or 3rd seasons!

Should I skip any of the ones I listed?

Most Beauty Stuff from a Non-Beauty Blogger

Published on July 27, 2017July 26, 2017 by Louise32 Comments

A few weeks ago I tweeted a throw back post and asked if anyone would be interested in seeing the products I currently use. At least three people said yes so here we are.

Everything here is cruelty-free (doesn’t test on animals). If you’re unfamiliar with animal testing, you’d be surprised to find out many cosmetic companies do it. China requires animal testing on products sold there so some companies make a disclaimer along the lines of “we don’t test… unless it’s required by law.” Sorry, assholes- that’s still testing.

Anyway, these products have pulled out of the Chinese market and, therefore, don’t test for any reason. Some even champion against animal testing. Also, the majority of them are less than $10!

No one pays me to say pretty things about this stuff- I just like it. *no affiliated links*

NYX HD Studio Photogenic Concealer*
I don’t use this stuff every day, but sometimes I feel the need to conceal my under-eye bags or an especially brutal zit. Cue this baby. I use it under the complexion rescue.

bare Minerals Complexion Rescue*
I think Lindsay put this stuff on my radar. I love this product. It’s a lighter foundation-type cream that can be worn alone or under another cream/powder. It’s also spf 30. I wear this every day and I love that my face is always protected!

e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation
I wear this almost every day. I’ve suffered from acne for years and I now have scars to deal with but this stuff covers everything flawlessly (ha). It’s light, so inexpensive, and it’s got some sunblock in it (spf 15)! Some makeup doesn’t blend well or co-exist well with other make up, but the e.l.f. foundation goes perfectly atop the complexion rescue.

e.l.f. Prime & Stay Finishing Powder
I think this stuff recently changed its name… I use this as a powder over the liquid concealers. It helps tone down the shine and keeps everything in place, plus it’s a little extra coverage for those pesky scars 😉

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
I don’t use bronzer often, but when I do it’s this stuff. (Thanks again, Lindsay!) Also, it smells like a beach vacation.

NYX Bright Idea Illuminating Stick*
Again, I don’t use this stuff every day but when I do I looove it. I use it on my cheek bones and it makes me look so fresh and awake! Plus, it doesn’t make my cheeks breakout and that’s always a win!

IT cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder*
I didn’t believe in finishing products until this little compact walked into my life. I use the translucent powder and it keeps everything matte and in place all day. It’s not necessarily cheap but I love this stuff! I use it every day on top of whatever face-makeup I’m using .

[I know that seems like a lot of stuff, but I’m working with 14 year deep acne bullsh*t so I don’t mind putting some effort into my face. Also, it comes together really well and doesn’t appear cake-y or overdone. ]

e.l.f. Moisturizing Lipstick
I love this stuff. It goes on nicely, stay on for a relatively long time, and doesn’t dry out my lips. My favorite shade is Wine Tour. It’s a good fall color but I wear it all year long!

Burt’s Bees Lipstick*
It has a fancy name, right? Ha. This stuff is the bomb [dot] come. I accidentally left mine in the car & it melted so I’ll be stocking up on this soon! I had Ruby Ripple but I can’t find that shade online!

Wet n Wild Megaslicks Balm Stain Moisturizing Lip Colour
Guys… that price in unbeatable. And this stuff is great for a night out. It’s not quite as harsh as lipstick, but it stays on pretty nicely. I usually put on lipstick before I leave the house, then put a megaslick shade (that matches) in my purse and use it to touch up my lips. (Lady and the Vamp goes well with e.l.f. Wine Tour.)

NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick*
I rarely wear this one, but holy cow does it stay on! I just wore Kitten Heels to an Incubus/Jimmy Eat World concert and it stayed on all night. I didn’t reapply once and it was holding strong when we pulled into the driveway that night. It’s a little drying and slightly waxy, but it’s lasts forever.

NYX Suede Matte or Slim Lip Liners*
Awesome staying power and a plethora of colors! I have 4 different shades.

[Obviously I don’t use all these at the same time…]

NYX Two Timer Duel Ended Liner*
This pencil has a felt tip liner on one side and kohl pencil liner on the other. This is my first experience with liquid eyeliner and I really like this one!

essence Lash Princess
I put this on first for length…

essence Rock n’ Doll
…then put this on top for serious volume.
But they’re great on their own, too!

Mario Badescu Facial Spray w/ Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater
I use this for two things- sometimes I spritz it as a finishing spray (on dry winter days) and sometimes I use it to moisturize my face before touching up my foundation.
We also used this on vacation to help with facial sunburn!

*Indicates that a parent or sister company might not be c/f. NYX & IT Cosmetics are owned by L’Oreal. bare Minerals is owned by Shiseido. Burt’s Bees is owned by Clorox.
Sometimes it takes research to figure this stuff out- that’s why I got ya started. Also, these aren’t all vegan brands. If that’s important to you, you’ll need to do some extra research 🙂

That was longer-winded than I’d intended… I guess I wear lots of make-up, haha. If you have any thoughts on these products, suggestions on new products, or questions about cruelty-free stuff, let me know!!