February Favorites 2016

This is about the time of the month were I run down a list of things I enjoyed from the previous month. So here we go... 

Netflix

The Railway Man (R)

Eric Lomax (Colin Firth), a former British army officer and POW, discovers that the Japanese interpreter who tortured him is still alive. He and his new wife (Nicole Kidman) set out to confront the man who caused him so much pain.

The plan was to watch this movie passively one night while I was working. I continues to work, but this movie was better than I expected. I have always like Colin Firth as an actor, but I wasn't sure if I would like this movie because of the topic -- war. However, this movie is more about the humanity of the characters and what they endured. It's also about bravery, survival and most importantly forgiveness. While this movie is not for everyone, also it's rated R, I would suggest you give it a watch if your in the mood for something a little heavier.

Hulu

Superstore (NBC)

"The Office" producer Justin Spritzer returns with another workplace comedy, this time forsaking a desk-bound environment for the world of retail. The giant megastore where Amy works is staffed by employees with a wide range of time served under their company-issued smocks, from summer hires to committed-for-life managers. Together they all must face the daily grind of bargain hunters, the madness of door-busting sales and painfully boring training sessions, forging relationships along the way.

This show is hilarious! I'm not surprised that The Office producer Justin Spritzer is involved in this show. The cast of misfits is exactly what TV needed after shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation are no longer a thing (sad face). Having worked retail there are many situations that are true to life and just pure comedy. I'm a fan of both America Ferrera and Ben Feldman so it wasn't hard to immediately love their Superstore characters. I need more episodes of this show in my life! PLEASE DON'T CANCEL IT NBC!

Grandfathered (FOX)

"ER" and "Full House" star John Stamos plays a version of himself: a charismatic, longtime bachelor named Jimmy who finds his life turned upside down when he learns that not only is he the father of a grown man named Gerald, but also a grandfather to Gerald's baby daughter. This sophisticated coming-of-age comedy proves that not everyone grows up at exactly the same time as Jimmy must learn to adapt to the sudden changes in his life, connect with his newfound family -- and perhaps reconnect with Gerald's mother. Stamos also serves as an executive producer.

This show is also great! The story line might not be truly original but with John Stamos as the principle character there is just something you got to love about this modern family. I feel like this maybe FOX's version of Modern Family and I'm okay with that! Each characters struggles with find themselves and define their roles in the new family dynamic, which is perfect because they can get themselves into some pretty messy situations. I look forward to the next episode every week!

Electronics

Amazon Fire Tablet

My husband surprised me with the Amazon Fire Tablet for my birthday in February! I have been wanting to read more and found myself reading on my phone before bed more and more. I mentioned to him that I would have used my Motorola Xoom Table we got back in 2011 for reading but it's too heavy and large for me to hold over my head in bed every night -- so I was beyond exited when I got this thing!

It took me a little bit to get used to the Fire interface they have. While it is an android you only have access to the Amazon market place which limits your choice on apps and downloadable content. That's fine for me at the moment. I decided I was going to make this table just for leisure and not about business or social media. I have not downloaded Twitter, Facebook or even connected my email on my Fire Table -- I'll leave that for my phone. I have, however, downloaded a number of inexpensive books and even started a little book club with my mom (she reads more then I do). I'm looking forward to some new literary adventures and maybe more blog post about books!

Lifestyle

HelloFresh

A co-worker of my husbands sent us a code for a free week trial of HelloFresh and boy was it nice! Honestly, I'm not the one who does most of the cooking in our house -- my husband is a much better cook. However, even I was excited for this box to arrive! We got the three meals for two people option and selected the following meals:

Honey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Mazzarella-Crusted Chicken
Fusilloni Al Forno (Pasta)

Each meal was good and paired with a side of vegetables and potatoes except the pasta dish. The instructions for the meals were SUPER simple and gave me the confidence to cook 1.5 of these meals by myself. My husband helped me out for one of them. (Side Note: It helps if you have a fully functional kitchen with appliances that work properly. We live in an apartment with small appliances that cook unevenly, but we made it work). Each meal was yummy and I would have loved to receive more of these boxes but they are a little pricey -- so our week of HelloFresh was a highlight from February!

Music Monday - February 2016 - #2 - Pity Party

This #MusicMonday I'm featuring the song "Pity Party" by Melanie Martinez. I decided to pick this song as this weeks Music Monday because today is my birthday. While this song isn't exactly a HAPPY birthday song -- I thought it was fitting!! I was also able to find a remix of this song I really liked by K Theory. Click here to check it out! I might even like the remix more then the original.

Maybe it's a cruel joke on me 

Whatever, whatever 

Just means there's way more cake for me 

Forever, forever 

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to 

Cry if I want to (cry, cry, cry)

I'll cry until the candles burn down this place 

I'll cry until my pity party's in flames

Book: 'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)' by Mindy Kaling

I finally finished reading this book!

I started reading this book years ago and just never got around to finishing it. The other day I was in the mood to read something not on my phone and decided to check out the small stack of books I brought with me when we moved from Ohio. That's when I spotted this book half read and decided it wouldn't take me long to finish.

Why I Like This Book

I like how this book is divided into section and sub-sections. Each section is about a time in Mindy's life and each sub-section or "chapter" is like a short essay on a certain topic or aspect of the overall section. This is probably how I would write a book about my life -- if anyone cared to read it! Because of the way this book is written it is very easy to read.

My Favorite "Chapters"

There are many "chapters" and moments in this book that I enjoyed here are a few: 

• Karaoke Etiquette
• Day Jobs
• Matt & Ben & Mindy & Brenda
• All About The Office
• Contributing Nothing at Saturday Night Live
• The Day I Stopped Eating Cupcakes
• Somewhere in Hollywood Someone Is Pitching This Movie
• I Love Irish Exits
• When Your Not Skinny, This is What People Want You to Wear
• Revenge Fantasies While Jogging
• Strict Instructions for My Funeral

Why You Should Read This Book

If you like funny women then you will like this book! As may be evident by some of my favorite "chapters", Mindy talks about things we can all relate to in her own uniquely quirky way. As a fan of The Office I loved to hear about her experience working on the show and the dynamics she had with the crew and actors. Mindy as a nanny was something I could totally connect with. She describes her awkward relationship with the parents and sneaking snack foods when the kids are asleep (who doesn't do that?). Mindy has a way of looking at the world and making relatable moments funny. If you have seen her show The Mindy Project you will understand. This book would be great for the casual reader or to bring along on a vacation.

I look forward to picking up her latest book in the future!

January 2016 Favorites

This is about the time of the month were I run down a list of things I enjoyed from the previous month. So here we go...

Netflix

My husband and I are always binge watching one show or another, but there is something magical that happens when you find a show that just gets you hooked. The show that I can't stop watching this month is Heartland.

This sprawling family saga takes place right on the range where an unfortunate tragedy has glued a family together to pull them through life's thick and thin moments. Follow young Amy Fleming as she slowly discovers she possesses her now-deceased mother's ability to aid injured horses, and her relationships with those who are trying to get by one day at a time.

This show has been in 'My List' on Netflix for quite some time. While on a break from binge watching Gossip Girl I decided I wanted to find something a little less --- well Gossip Girl. So I said what the heck and put on the pilot episode of Heartland. I immediately loved the characters and the obvious love story plot line got me curious to watch more. Now I'm two seasons in and no stopping in sight!

 A few things you should know about about this show:

1. It's so very Canadian! (and I love it!)
2. There are lots of horses and cowboys
3. It's based on a large series of books written by Lauren Brooke
4. It's currently in it's 9th season
5. You can find 6 seasons of Heartland on Netflix currently
6. You can find 5 seasons of Heartland on Hulu Plus currently

Sadly, my husband doesn't enjoy watching this one with me as much as he did Gossip Girl.(It must be the lack of Blake Lively.) Oh well, that's not going to stop me from watching it!

Will you get hooked on Heartland or are you already? Leave me a comment.

Hulu Plus

My husband decided to renew his subscription for Hulu near the end of the month. I think he was curious about the latest season of the Biggest Loser. Anyway, after watching Netflix so much it was like a new world had opened up and there are more binge watching possibility. I quickly located The Mindy Project and jumped to the middle of the second season. (It's been awhile since we last had Hulu or cable TV.)

The Mindy Project is about...

Mindy Lahiri is a successful, skilled doctor, but when she leaves the office, all bets are off. She aspires to become a more well-rounded woman, someone who is punctual, frugal and well-read instead of someone who is obsessed with romantic comedies and likely to give an inappropriate toast at a wedding. Despite stumbles, Mindy remains determined to get her personal and romantic life on track -- before her friends and colleagues are forced to stage an intervention -- and find her perfect happy ending.

I have to say the 3rd and 4th seasons are pretty good! My husband and I can totally relate to the Mindy and Danny relationship. I find myself laughing at there interactions saying to him "you would totally say/do that" while he does that same. While the show is no longer on FOX it's a Hulu exclusive and I hope we see many more seasons.

What do you think of The Mindy Project? Leave me a comment.

Household Item

For Christmas my husband got me a Sunbeam® Microplush Heated Throw and I LOVE IT! I had to wait till it got cold enough here to use it. We had some colder weather in January so i finally got to try it out.

I did make the mistake of letting the dog figure out it was warmer then all her other blankets, so when it's out she could care less she has a dog bed full of blankets. I don't know how I will live without one of these again!

It's best features are that it has three heat setting and turns off after 3 hours of use, so you don't have to worry if you remembered to shut it off.  

What your favorite item to lounge around with? Leave me a comment.

Music Monday - Feburary 2016 - #1 - Fire and the Flood

This #MusicMonday I'm featuring the song "Fire and the Flood" by Vance Joy. I have been hearing this song a lot lately and it seems to be getting stuck in my head. So I thought I would share it here with you!

You're the fire and the flood 

And I'll always feel you in my blood 

Everything is fine 

When your hand is resting next to mine 

Next to mine 

You're the fire and the flood

Product Review: Acure lemongrass + argan stem cell shampoo and conditioner

PRODUCT CLAIMS

Shampoo: This clarifying shampoo is gentle enough for everyday use for all hair types. Promotes shiny, healthy, clean hair. Organic Argan Oil, Argan Stem Cells + CoQ10 help support hair keratin and strengthen the follicle connection. Organic Avocado Oil provides vitamin B12 and moisture while lemongrass cleanses and clarifies. Safe for color treated hair. 

color safe | vegan | gluten free | sulfate free | paraben free | phthalate free | cruelty free

Conditioner: This daily nourishing conditioner provides vital moisture to combat everyday tangles and buildup. Promotes shiny, soft, healthy, clean hair. Organic Argan Oil, Argan Stem Cells + CoQ10 help support hair keratin and strengthen the follicle connection. Organic Fair Trade Certified Cocoa Butter provides moisture. Safe for color treated hair.

color safe | vegan | gluten free | sulfate free | paraben free | phthalate free | cruelty free


INGREDIENTS

Shampoo: Organic Euterpe oleracea (Acai) Berry, Organic Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry), Organic Rosa canina (Rosehips),Organic Punica granatum (Pomegranate),Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Rooibos,Organic Aloe Barbadensis Vera Leaf Juice, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (from Coconut), 100% Naturally-derived Betaine (from Sugar Beets), Vegetable Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (from Coconut + Amino Acids), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (from Coconut + Amino Acids), Cocoglucosides Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Sugar Conditioner), Sodium Levulinate (from Corn), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar gum conditioner), Potassium Sorbate (food grade preservative), Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Organic Fair-Trade Certified™ Olea Europea (Olive) Oil, D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (vitamin E), Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Argania spinosa (Argan) Stem Cells, Organic Persea americana (Avocado) oil,Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass), Lavendula Dentata (French Lavender), Evernia Prunastri (Oakmoss), & Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Essential Oils

Conditioner: Organic Euterpe oleracea (Acai) Berry, Organic Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry), Organic Rosa canina (Rosehips), Organic Punica granatum (Pomegranate), Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Rooibos, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearylkonium Chloride, Vegetable Glycerin, Glucono Delta Lactone (fermented sugar), Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside (from corn and glucose), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (guar gum conditioner), Glyceryl Stearate (vegetable-derived), L-Arginine (amino acid), Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Sorbitan Olivate (from olives + sugar), Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5), Cellulose (plant derived), D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (vitamin. E), Lactic Acid (vegetable derived), Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Argania spinosa (Argan) Stem Cell Culture, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass), Lavendula Dentata (French Lavender), Evernia Prunastri (Oakmoss), & Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Essential Oils


PRICE & QUANTITY

Shampoo: $9.99 - 8 oz.

Conditioner: $9.99 - 8 oz.


HOW TO USE

Shampoo: Apply to wet hair. Massage into scalp and hair, working through the ends. Rinse thoroughly. Feel free to belt out some horrible 80’s tune that you listen to when nobody’s around. Whatever, you totally do it.

Conditioner: Apply to wet hair. Massage into scalp and hair, working through the ends. Rinse thoroughly. Feel free to belt out some horrible 80’s tune that you listen to when nobody’s around. Whatever, you totally do it.


THE VERDICT

When I look for shampoo and conditioner I'm looking for something that will clean, hydrate, smell good and adds volume. I have fine half straight / half wavy hair that is thinner then in my younger years... and I'm not even 30 yet! Needless to say -- I'm looking for volume without the frizz. Sometimes finding products suited for fine hair can be difficult. Too much moisture and conditioning can weigh my hair down and leave it lifeless and greasy looking. Not enough moisture can leave my hair dry and frizzy. Read on to see if these products passed the test...

Shampoo: First of all, this product smells AMAZING! I love the smell of lemongrass and this shampoo does no disappoint. I will say this scent is unisex. This would be something my husband wouldn't mind using as well. Secondly, I was apprehensive that this product wouldn't lather like my old toxic shampoo does but after working with it I don't miss the suds as much as I thought I would. TIP: If you apply a small amount of the soap at first then work that in and rinse, you can then apply a larger amount that will work into a nice lather to massage into your scalp more effectively.

Conditioner: This conditioner smells just as good as the shampoo. When you think of a hair conditioner this product preforms just as you expect. Work a nickel to quarter amount into your hair and rinse -- don't forget to massage the scalp a bit! Once, you have done this your hair is mermaid smooth and feel hydrated. I would say this is a light to medium conditioner that will provided decent detangling. TIP: If your hair is feeling lifeless after normal shampooing and conditioning try the reverse hair washing method. The way I do this is by use the conditioner first, massage it in and work out the tangles during the rinse. Shampoo next with a good lather, then condition the ends as needed.

Hair Drying Methods: 
Air Dry: I typically air dry my hair a lot. I shower at night and sometime don't want to bother with the whole blow dying thing. After using these products my hair did not get supper frizzy after air drying. It did hold the lemongrass smell for a little while. However, I did not experience any added volume from these products while air drying my hair, but that's typical.

Blow Dry: When I use the blow drier I typically brush out the curl and wave from my hair. While using these products (plus blow drying and brushing) my hair saw added volume and softness.

Overall, I really enjoyed these products! My scalp feels clean and hydrated. I don't have any scalp buildup that I would occasionally see with my old "toxic" products. I feel over all these product have improved the health of my hair and scalp. These product definitely don't weight down my hair and I can get away with washing my hair every other day.

I would buy these products again and recommencement them to anyone, especially those with normal hair!



UPDATE

After using the Lemongrass + argan stem cell shampoo and conditioner I decided to try the Acure Pure Mint + Echinacea Stem Cell Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner, I found them both to be similar product but I decided the Pure Mint worked better with my hair type which I repurchased many times.

Music Monday - January 2016 - #2 - Girls Your Age

This #MusicMonday I'm featuring the song "Girls Your Age" by Transviolet. When I first came across this song I had to immediately add it to a playlist. The song starts slow and picks up a bit at the end, this would be a good song for a "mood" mix. More importantly it's been stuck in my head and I can't help but sing along! Actually, I woke up the other day singing it and I figured that was a good sign that it should be shared here with you. Enjoy!

I've got a renegade heart, 

And it's screaming his name 

But then it beats like 

You've got time to kill baby 

Don't go jump the gun 

Live fast while you're young honey 

Don't go chasing love, chasing love