All posts by Beth Berger

About Beth Berger

Hi there! Finding Delight is a lifestyle and lifelong learning blog written and curated by me in Alabama. Along the way, I attempt to tackle the rough real world with books, budget-livin', brainpower and all the beautiful stuff you can find when you really look. Won't you join me? The true delight is in the finding out. View all posts by Beth Berger →

mid-week round-up

November 2, 2016Wednesday Linksarticles, collector's items, fashion, feminism, finance, home decor, hostess with the mostess, interior design, links, made me laugh, music, native peoples, news, politics, protest, PSA, round-up, social media, supernatural, the 90's, urban geographyBeth Berger

What are you up to today? I have some errands to run (including getting my hair cut which I’ve been putting off for ages) but I’m feeling a little mid-week lazy. Can’t I just drink coffee and read books every day??? I hope everyone had a fun Halloween however you chose to celebrate. I was pretty pleased with my last-minute farmer costume. (Overalls!) Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday, and here are a few links I’ve gathered for your reading pleasure…

The Dakota Access Pipeline protest is unprecedented and 150 years in the making.

How a poster in a bar restroom cleverly combats sexual assault.

“I dressed like Rachel Green for a week and here’s what happened.”

What was the Princess Diana Beanie Baby?

House Tour: An art-filled Nashville home.

How to host a dinner party in a small space.

Our financial errors vary by age.

Lady Gaga does carpool karaoke.

Why American and European cities are dramatically different.

Why is Election Day on Tuesday, November 8?

Humans of New York and the cavalier consumption of others.

The feminist power of female ghosts.

Four Things

October 31, 2016Personalclothing, exercise, Happy Halloween, horror films, lifelong learner, photography, Stitch Fix, yogaBeth Berger

Hi friends! Hope you’re having a spook-tacular Halloween!! Here are four fun things I’ve been thinkin’ about today…

What’s your go-to exercise routine this Fall? I’ve been really into long walks (the breeze in South Florida lately is a game changer!) followed by this stretching routine. I’ve also been itching for a new 30 day yoga challenge. Yoga with Adriene and Bad Yogi both have a couple, and I’d highly recommend them if you’re craving a daily practice.

I’m also anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new box from Stitch Fix! Living for over a year in a climate that doesn’t really change from season to season means…I’m kinda sick of all my clothes. Stitch Fix is an amazing service if you’re looking for a wardrobe refresh. Once you sign up, you fill out an extensive style profile with your preferences and sizes, and your own personal stylist will pick out 5 pieces and ship them to your doorstep. You keep what you love and send back the rest! I requested some dressy tees since short-sleeved shirts that can either be dressed up or dressed down is pretty much all I wear. Let me know if you’d like to see a post detailing what I receive in my box!

My mom gifted me access to a self-paced photography class for my birthday. (Thanks Mom!!!) It is fascinating, inspirational, and informative, and I’m really enjoying the opportunity to learn more about the technical side of photography. (I also love the homework assignments at the end of each lesson!)

Finally, I’d love to know, what’s your favorite horror film? Halloween on a Monday night seems the perfect excuse for cozying up on the couch with a classic, creepy movie. (All the party’s are out of the way after the weekend.) Rosemary’s Baby tops my list for Halloween fright-night films. What’s on your list?

2nd Photo: Audrey Hepburn practicing yoga on the set of ‘Green Mansions’, 1958. 4th Photo: Lauren Hutton, 1968.

Five Great Graphic Novels!

October 28, 2016Books, BrainpowerAdrian Tomine, book recommendations, book worm, Bryan Talbot, graphic novels, Marisa Acocella Marchetto, Marjane Satrapi, Mary Talbot, read it, Roz ChastBeth Berger

five-great

Are you a fan of graphic novels? They are my very favorite when it comes to one-sitting reads! I love how much the illustrations add to the overall story and you can really hear the characters speaking their conversation-bubble-dialogue.

Here are 5 of my favorites…

Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi

From the author of “Persepolis” comes this gloriously entertaining and enlightening look into the sex lives of Iranian women. Embroideries gathers together Marjane’s tough–talking grandmother, stoic mother, glamorous and eccentric aunt and their friends and neighbors for an afternoon of tea drinking and talking.

The experiences of the women Satrapi brings to the table will seem equal parts relatable and foreign. Their stories of love and sex range from macabre and heart-breaking too irreverent and funny.

Dotter of her Father’s Eyes by Mary and Bryan Talbot

Part personal history, part biography, Dotter of Her Father’s Eyes contrasts two coming of age narratives: that of Lucia, the daughter of James Joyce, and that of author Mary Talbot, daughter of the eminent Joycean scholar James S. Atherton.

The dual narratives interact in compelling ways –Mary’s post WW II life in England juxtaposed with the Joyce family’s 1920s Paris avante guard experiences, and the complex family relationships that unfold in both.

Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocella Marchetto

In vivid color and with a taboo-breaking sense of humor, Marchetto tells the story of her eleven-month, ultimately triumphant bout with breast cancer—from diagnosis to cure, and every challenging step in between.

Instead of writing another cancer memoir, Marchetto turned to cartooning. The result is an honest and engaging read, while the illustrations capture emotions in pitch-perfect form.

Shortcomings by Adrian Tomine

Shortcomings is the story of Ben Tanaka, a Japanese American male in his late twenties, and his cross-country search for contentment (or at least the perfect girl). Along the way, Tomine tackles modern culture, sexual mores, and racial politics with brutal honesty and lacerating, irreverent humor, while deftly bringing to life a cast of painfully real antihero characters.

Tomine’s art is amazing, as is his deft portrayal of identity politics as his characters grapple with stereotypes and self-imposed expectations.

Can’t We Talk about Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast

Roz Chast brings her signature wit to the topic of aging parents. Spanning the last several years of their lives and told through four-color cartoons, family photos, and documents. It’s a memoir as rife with laughs as it is with tears, both comfort and comic relief.

I picked this book up to flick through in a book store and then READ THE WHOLE THING RIGHT THERE. Do yourself a favor and check it out!

P.S. On my list for future reads: Pedro and Me, Flora & Ulysses, and This One Summer.

What Were Your Favorite Childhood TV Shows?

October 27, 2016Media, Personalafter-school special, childhood, conversation starters, nostalgia, Saturday morning cartoons, Saved by the Bell, television, TV timeBeth Berger

What shows were you super into watching as a kid? I’ve always found this question to be a fun conversation starter (“They just don’t make TV like they used to!” “I know, riiiight!?”) so I thought I’d bring it to the blog. I was truly obsessed with Saved by the Bell and loved watching the back-to-back episodes that came on right as I got home from school. I can still remember watching an episode during some down-time on a school trip when I was ten. One of our chaperones scoffed, “You all know that’s not what high-school is like, right?” *record scratch* In the words of Samuel “Screech” Powers, “EX-SQUEEZE ME!”

I also loved the cartoon version of Beetlejuice on Saturday mornings, reruns of Little House on the Prairie, and T.G.I.F. in all its various iterations. (Boy Meets World! Sabrina the Teenage Witch!)

Ok, now it’s your turn! Spill the beans below…

P.S. Have you seen this hilarious Saved by the Bell reunion orchestrated by Jimmy Fallon?

mid-week round-up

October 26, 2016Wednesday Linksarticles, ballet, book club, book recommendation, Doctors Without Borders, horror movies, kindness, news, politics, public speaking, refugee crisis, round-up, SNL, women's historyBeth Berger

What are you up to this week, folks? The weather has cooled in Miami a bit (the locals call Fall/Winter “The Winds” because it’s basically the same as the rest of the year just a bit breezier, lol.). On Saturday, in true Autumnal spirit, we saw a creepy movie at the theater and then hit up Bath and Body Works for a candle haul. I’m obsessed with their Fall scents. (Leaves is my favorite.) Hope you’re making time for your favorite Fall-tivities, too! Now, here are a few links I’ve gathered and would love to share…

“Black Jeopardy” is SNL’s best political sketch this year.

10 horror movies for your Halloween viewing pleasure.

How women created book clubs.

They took in one refugee family. But families don’t have borders.

19 tiny things you can do to make the world a (slightly) better place.

There is no such thing as “free” vaccines.

The afterlife of a ballerina.

No, Donald Trump, abortions do not happen at 9 months pregnant.

This book looks wacky and laugh-out-loud fun.

Why the art of speaking should be taught alongside math and literacy.

Secret guaranteed eight-dollar flight upgrade trick.

Review: Flawless VoxBox

October 24, 2016Every day lifeBustle, Covergirl, Dr. Teals, Harvest Snaps, hello products, Influenster, mailbox love, Make up for makeup, Simple Skincare, Sinful Colors, So Lashy, Soak with Dr. Teals, unwind, Yogi TeaBeth Berger

Every once in a while the mail-box gods shine upon me and I find myself tearing into a new treat from Influenster. When we returned from Louisiana the Flawless VoxBox was on our doorstep. Look at all the goodies!

Dr. Teal’s Eucalyptus Epsom Salt Soak – Soaking in epsom salt is a wonderful way to revitalize sore and achy muscles after a long day or a strenuous workout. This bag has the added benefit of essential oils! Eucalyptus and Spearmint oils are fantastic stress relievers and are very cleansing and uplifting. While I’m not much of a bath girl, I can usually make an exception for a good salt soak.

http://www.facebook.com/Dr.Teals

http://www.twitter.com/DrTeals

http://www.instagram.com/DrTeals

Simple Skincare Cleansing Facial Wipes – Sometimes you just can’t be bothered to do a full skincare routine before falling into bed. That’s why I love keeping facial wipes on hand so I can at least take off my makeup (and any invisible dirt and grime). I’ve tried a few that felt way to abrasive to use on any sort of regular basis. I love the Say Yes To Cucumbers brand and the cheap-o Target packs are pretty on point. These stack up nicely with their super soft touch and ability to remove even waterproof mascara. They’re marketed with sensitive skin in mind and they worked on mine!

Bonus: Simple also sent along a sample of their micellar cleansing water. Beauty YouTubers are always preaching the gospel of micellar and I’ve never given it a go! Shall I become a convert?

http://www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincareUS

http://www.twitter.com/SimpleSkincare

http://www.instagram.com/SimpleSkincare

SinfulColors Nail Polish – I received the shade Karats of Kargo which is part of Kylie Jenner’s Denim & Bling collection. The collection features shimmering mattes and holographic glitters that I think are just perfect for the holiday season. Karats of Kargo is a shimmery gold with a bit of a prism effect going on. It would look really beautiful with over-sized tan sweater and jeans or to finish off a Christmas party look.

http://www.instagram.com/SinfulColors_Official

Harvest Snaps – This totally addictive snack is a great alternative for chips and crackers when you’re craving a bit of a crunch. They’re made with whole green peas and are a great source of plant protein and fiber. What a fun food to throw in your lunch box (or sneak into a movie theater – shhhh!). I’ve bought this snack before but I was still happy to receive some crunchy goodness in my VoxBox.

http://www.facebook.com/HarvestSnaps

http://www.twitter.com/HarvestSnaps

http://www.instagram.com/HarvestSnaps

Yogi Tea – The Yogi Tea collection includes 60 varieties of herbal, green, and black teas rich in delicious flavors and healthful purpose. I received the Soothing Rose Hibiscus Skin Detox, which supports a healthy glow, and the Honey Lavender Stress Relief, which helps to calm and ease tension. My darling wedding photographer actually gifted me a box of the honey lavender at my bridal luncheon (Isn’t she the sweetest?) and it totally works! Huge fan of the Yogi brand.

http://www.facebook.com/YogiProducts

http://www.twitter.com/YogiProducts

http://www.instagram.com/YogiTea

COVERGIRL So Lashy! by blastPRO Mascara – I feel so spoiled when Influenster includes a full-size beauty product in their box! This COVERGIRL mascara has a super unique applicator brush that helps to lengthen and curl any lash type. I’ve gotta say, at first glance the brush looked like a torture device (why is there a spiky ball at the end???), but I was well and truly impressed. The shape and ball tip allow you to lift and separate each and every lash! I would recommend this product to anyone looking to skip the lash curler step. *Raises hand.*

http://www.facebook.com/COVERGIRL

http://www.twitter.com/COVERGIRL

http://instagram.com/COVERGIRL

Hello Breathspray – Always something handy to keep in your handbag when you’re zipping around town (especially if you’re into midday Starbucks trips). This little bottle has no artificial sweeteners, alcohol, or dyes which is pretty cool. And it’s pretty tasty too! Not to mention, the packaging is adorable.

http://www.facebook.com/helloproducts

http://www.twitter.com/helloproducts

http://www.instagram.com/helloproducts

Overall this was a very fun box and I truly enjoyed all the contents! If you love trying new products and posting reviews, check out Influenster. It’s totally FREE to sign up! And who knows…the mail-box gods may choose to shine down on YOU next!

NOTE: I received all of these products complimentary for testing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Our Favorite Music Festival

October 21, 2016Travelcajun food, Cajun music, crawfish, Festivals Acadiens, Lafayette, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Louisiana, music festival, outdoor fun, starting new traditions, Tom BihnBeth Berger

Last Saturday and Sunday, Chet and I grabbed our Tom Bihn‘s and a couple of camp chairs and headed out into the sunshine for a healthy dose of Cajun music (and food). Festivals Acadiens is a music, food, and craft festival held each year at Girard Park in Lafayette, and celebrates the rich culture of south Louisiana. It is our favorite festival by far.

There are several stages scattered throughout the park, each featuring a different stomp-your-feet-along-with-the-music Cajun band, and even a jam tent for those musicians flying solo who still want to get in on the fun. Bonus? Admission to the festival is completely free. And better yet? Even the food and (flowing) booze aren’t too high-priced. And can we talk about the food! I mean, HELLO! Crawfish etouffee stuffed potatoes, boudin sliders, beignets, spicy sausage po-boys…the list goes on and on.

As we drooled over our latest food selection and musicians crooned en francais in the background, Chet confessed, “I want to come to this festival every single year for the rest of our lives. We can be one those old couples who wears bucket hats with collectors pins from each year pinned on the side!” Me too, Mr. Breaux. Me too.

While our collectors pin count now only stands at 2…I’m sure it’ll be time to invest in a bucket hat soon enough!

Above: The afore-mentioned Tom Bihn backpacks. (Perfect for any adventure.)

Above: The afore-mentioned crawfish potato. (Which I manage to have for my birthday even when we aren’t in Louisiana.)

Below: The afore-mentioned foot-stomping, Cajun music. (We LOVE Lost Bayou Ramblers and included a few of their tunes on our wedding reception play-list!)

P.S. Check out our 2014 Festivals Acadiens experience HERE.

Photos From the Edge of the World — Pointe-aux-Chenes, LA

October 20, 2016Travelcoastal erosion, drones, gulf coast, houses on stilts, landscapes, Louisiana, marina, nature photography, Pointe-aux-Chenes, The Bathtub, vistas, welandBeth Berger

Part of our trip to Louisiana included a 2.5 hour drive to the boot tip of the state. Chet is working on a project (involving coastal erosion and drones and all sorts of fascinating things!) that required some footage to be gathered from the area. It seriously felt like we were on the edge of world. If you check out this marina on Google maps you can see our route through Pointe-aux-Chenes down to the water. Basically a road with a little strip of land, and water on both sides. On your own two feet (or buzzing down the road in a car) you would never guess how very little land there is in this area. The drone footage Chet shot seriously put this area into perspective. The fact that folks manage to live and work and play on these tiny, slowly eroding peninsulas boggles my mind.

The landscape is breathtaking. And I took about a million pictures.

Pointe-aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area: Grand Bayou Wetland

Pointe-aux-Chenes Marina

mid-week round-up

October 19, 2016Wednesday Linksart, articles, book recommendation, debate, drink recipe, essay, fact checking, gender studies, Halloween, inner cities, McDonald's, meal prep, new, New York, round-up, television, women's healthBeth Berger

Back from Louisiana and back for another mid-week round-up. What has everyone been up to? While our trip to Lafayette was book-ended with sadness (we found out Chet’s grandfather passed away while we were en route and attended his funeral on Monday); visiting with family, eating amazing Cajun food, and sitting in the sun for a couple afternoons at a music festival were just what we needed. Now we’re strapping in for a quick week with plenty to do. But before productivity takes over, here are a dozen links to enjoy…

Add this Apple Cider Sangria to your autumnal drink rotation.

A DIY centerpiece for maximum Halloween ambiance.

The racist and sexist history of keeping birth control side effects secret.

Breaking down an effective Sunday meal prep.

A fast-food journey from Hamburger University to celebrity-filled Hollywood parties.

Remembering when Melrose Place became a conceptual art project.

This book looks fascinating.

Arguing is easy; persuasion is hard.

How to walk around the world without leaving New York.

Actually, many inner cities are doing great.

A fascinating experiment in gender mainstreaming.

The opposite of a muse.

mid-week round-up

October 12, 2016Wednesday Linksarticles, ballet, bedroom decor, Canada, Fall wardrobe, Germany, Happy Birthday, history, jewelry, Kate Middleton, Kim Kardashian, links, live tweeting, Millennials, news, NYPL, presidential debate, public speaking, reality tvBeth Berger

Happy MY birthday to all of YOU! I have a ton to do today to get ready for our trip to Louisiana (!!!), but I thought I’d pop on to do a quick mid-week round-up. Posting will probably be sporadic or non-existent for the next few days as we have a lot to cram into our short trip. Never fear! I’ll be back soon with pictures and lots of great, new content.

I love you guys! Thanks for hanging out in my corner of the internet. I’m incredibly grateful for your support. (And if you’re new here, welcome!) I’m a year older, a year wiser, and so excited to embark on my next journey ’round the sun. xoxo

Nicholas Kristof live tweets the second presidential debate.

What can you learn about someone from seeing their bedroom?

Inside the New York Public Library’s last, secret apartments.

Kate Middleton’s expressive face is the main reason I love her.

The mystery of 1,000 missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada.

These earrings would make a pretty and feminine addition to a Fall wardrobe.

Hating Kim Kardashian is the most boring thing you can do.

Arranged marriages in the 1800’s.

The ballerinas who burned to death.

The most influential reality show in TV history. (I’ve been saying it for years!)

Public speaking hacks for scientists!

Germany reunified 26 years ago, but some divisions are still strong.