Category Archives: Media

September favorites.

Every day life, Food, Media, Style and Design, , , ,

september favorites

With the turning of the calendar page from September to October, it’s time to bundle together the best products, places, media and everything in between from the last month. Here are 9 things I found myself loving in September…

1. Dr. Sponge

A new addition to my skincare routine, this natural sponge contains pearl powder and is the perfect gentle exfoliator if you have sensitive skin. The sponge itself is naturally rich in vitamins and protein and the pearl powder contains amino acids which help even out and brighten skin tone. I’m obsessed with how soft my skin feels after using it! I originally received this as a gift but I will definitely repurchase. The brand carries a variety of sponges with different additions — lycopene, aloe vera, charcoal, etc — but the pearl powder is recommended for sensitive skin so that’s probably the one I would stick with.

2. The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum

I discussed our visit to check out the exhibits at The Frost Museum in a recent blog post. The museum is located on the campus of Florida International University and entrance is free. Exhibits change fairly frequently and the galleries are beautifully maintained and curated. If you’re in the area, I definitely recommend popping in for a few hours to have a look around! I can’t wait to go back as new art is installed!

3. Marble candles at Target

If there’s two home decor trends I’m loving right now it’s cozy-scented candles and MARBLE EVERYTHING. Luckily, Target has a new line of candles which incorporates both! The one we purchased at the beginning of the month is about burned to the bottom. Now to figure out how to re-purpose the marble part… Any ideas???

4. Casey Neistat’s YouTube Channel

The list of channels found in my YouTube subscriptions had gone pretty much unchanged for about a year before getting hooked on Casey Neistat this month. He’s a film-maker and entrepreneur who uploads a new vlog every single day.  The content of his videos is always interesting and the cinematography/editing is super on point. Usually my YouTube tastes are a bit more girl-ish (read: beauty and style vloggers) or international (read: expat vloggers) but Casey’s channel has been wonderfully binge-worthy the past few weeks.

5. Rosemary’s Baby

This movie topped the list for Netflix Nights in September. If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t miss out another month! Fall is a great time for watching weird and creepy thrillers like this one! Directed by Roman Polanski, this psychological horror film came out in 1968. I thought the home decor, costumes, and New York street scenes were just as intriguing as the plot. I found myself wanting to own every outfit donned by Mia Farrow (even her extravagant sleepwear and robes!) but I don’t think I could pull off her Vidal Sassoon pixie cut.

6. The Bookstore in the Grove 

On a recent trek to Coconut Grove, Chet and I stumbled upon the RADDEST bookstore. Their selection of books was masterfully curated and displayed, plus they had a wonderful selection of notebooks, pens, and other awesome stationery items. We treated ourselves to fresh lemonade and hot empanadas when we visited but they also offer a HUGE selection of coffees, smoothies, salads, wraps, and baked goods. It would be the perfect spot to head to on a Saturday morning to eat breakfast while reading a new bestseller or flipping through some magazines. I have a feeling this is going to be a very handy discovery come Christmas shopping time!

7. Wine Stopper

I love unique kitchen embellishments so when I spotted this Ladies Who Lunch Wine Stopper on Amazon I just had to have her. She’s so proper and charming sitting atop my bottles of wine! Wouldn’t she be the perfect addition to a Downton Abbey binge (drinking) night? Makes me think of this video! Fetch me my wine glass!!!

8. Pinecrest Gardens

Adventures in the great outdoors have long been a favorite weekend activity of mine. So it’s been really awesome to explore the landscape, plants, animals, etc. in a totally new-to-me area of the world. Pinecrest Gardens is a park which, for just $5, allows me to do just that. It’s kind of like stepping inside your very own rain-forest. There are trails that take you through all sorts of native plants, bridges crossing streams filled with huge koi fish, and no shortage of friendly turtles.

9. Happy Snacking

Grabbing a handful of cotton candy grapes, pumpkin spice almonds, or goldfish crackers for an afternoon snack is bound to put a smile on my face. They were totally my favorite things to munch, crunch, and nibble on this month.

8 podcasts to check out on your next road trip.

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road trip podcasts v3

As I mentioned in this post, about this time last week I was in the midst of a LONG drive from Lexington, KY to Miami, FL. Just me, my ragdoll cat, and what felt like an endless stretch of highway. Thankfully I thought ahead and equipped my iPhone with hours of entertainment. I’m talking podcasts! Below you’ll find the 8 that made the miles fly, kept me engaged, and provided just enough nuggets of knowledge to shoo away the clouds of boredom.

Go Fork Yourself

Auditory food porn, Go Fork Yourself features Travel Channel’s own Andrew Zimmern and Hey Eleanor! blogger Molly Mogren. Each episode they chat about what’s up in the food world, give travel recommendations and exchange stories. If you’ve ever found yourself binge watching Food Network or Travel Channel shows, listening in on the convos of these two will be right up your street.

Mystery Show

This podcast (hosted by my current girl crush and This American Life veteran Starlee Kine) sets out to solve one mystery per episode — think: disappearing video rental store and a unique belt buckle found owner-less in a gutter — with only one rule. The mystery can not be solved by simply Googling. My friend J.D. specifically recommended Episode #2: Britney. And it did NOT disappoint.

Criminal

This is a podcast about crime (duh!) and tells stories of people who have done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle. While the episodes felt a little short to me, this could have been because I was trying to kill HOURS, and they are probably the perfect length for a morning commute or a nice walk around your neighborhood after dinner. And lo and behold, the very first episode was about the Michael Peterson case! A story I’ve been obsessed with since watching the Sundance Channel miniseries, The Staircase (and then proceeding to make everyone I know watch it too).

Selected Shorts

Selected Shorts brings on stars of stage and screen to read aloud pieces of short fiction. Featured stories are by established and emerging writers alike, their words coming to life in a new way when performed by talented actors. This story time for adults had a definite calming effect on me as there is something so zen about being read to.

Ear Biscuits 

Youtube stars Rhett & Link record a weekly candid conversation with their fellow creators all of whom are gaining huge popularity for work and content in new media. If you find yourself going down the rabbit hole of YouTube with any frequency, you’ll wanna download a few of these interviews. I especially enjoyed listening to the episodes featuring Tyler Oakley, Jenna Marbles, and Ingrid Nilsen. As a fairly recent YouTube aficionado, I enjoyed hearing how these folks “made it big” in the world of vlogging.

Mortified

In much the same way as the live show of the same name, Mortified allows adults to share writings from their past in an attempt to “share the shame.”  I loved the Mortified documentary so I’m not sure why I had never checked out the podcast before! Definitely check it out if you haven’t already…super funny, super relatable, super feel-goody in that “we made it through!” kind of way.

Filler 

Filler operates in much the same way as Ear Biscuits. Hosts Matt Shore and Harry Hitchens sit down with a major player from a creative industry and have a chat over coffee. The guys are quite good at getting their interviewees to delve deep into their stories and help connect the dots in order to draw lessons from their experiences. I especially enjoyed their interview with Blaise DiPersia, a designer/hired gun at Facebook.

Which would you choose? What podcasts do you listen to? Would love your thoughts… even though I don’t plan on driving long distances ANY time soon! Phew!

P.S. Another great podcast host ❤

Just us broads.

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Hi guys! I thought I’d pop on to tell you about a couple shows I’ve watched recently that I would definitely recommend. I watched these two series back to back and only recently realized they both contain the word “broad” in the show title. Random.

Broad City

broad city

This show originally aired on Comedy Central (and was picked up for a third season so there will be more!!!) and follows the hi-jinx of two twenty-something girls ballin’-on-a-budget in NYC. Created by and starring Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, and produced by Amy Poehler, the hilarious concept for the show originated as a web series. I found it laugh out loud hilarious and embarrassingly relatable.  If you liked Girls, Workaholics, or spent part of your 20’s doing any or all of the following; a) convincing your best friend to do stupid shit, b) being convinced by your best friend to do stupid shit, c) making questionable financial decisions, d) working harder to not work than you would have to just work, or e) living with a super putz who never seemed to leave the apartment, you will DEFINITELY want to check out this gem. Stream for free on Hulu Plus.

Broadchurch

broadchurch2

While this show contains two seasons, only one was available to stream when I picked it out of my Netflix line-up. And really it’s the perfect length for a good ol’ fashioned weekend-long binge watch. The series begins after the death of a young boy in a small, coastal town in England and focuses largely on the grief, suspicion, and media attention that plague it’s population in the aftermath. But of course, more than just small town grieving, there is also a case to be solved! And the twists and turns throughout the whodunnit keep the show fast paced and kept me hitting the “Watch next episode” button. I think it’s a very interesting, and most likely quite accurate, portrayal of the effects violent crime can have on an extremely close-knit community. Definitely a must-see if you’re a lover of the crime drama genre. Stream for free on Netflix.

P.S. Need MORE recommendations on what to watch? Prefer your crime drama a little more literary? Or how about a podcast!

Movie Recommendation: Woman in Gold

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woman in gold

Have you seen the new movie Woman in Gold? I saw it recently and was quite impressed! The title of the movie references a painting by Gustav Klimt, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, which I saw in-person when I lived in Vienna as a child. Much of the movie is set in Vienna so, while it struck quite a nostalgic chord for me, the plot was still wildly compelling.

Starring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds, the movie is based on the real life of Maria Altmann, an aging escapee of the Holocaust, who enlists the help of a young lawyer to take the Austrian government to court in order to reclaim Klimt’s portrait of her beloved Aunt. The painting, along with other valuables, had been taken from her Jewish family’s home by Nazis just before WWII.

Looking back, it’s harrowing to think of the potential pillaging which proceeded the path many works of art took to reach my view as I stood awe-struck in museums across Europe in 1995. The art restitution movement only really began to reach fever pitch, certainly in Austria at least, in 1998. How much of my young cultural exposure was a result of Nazism? But this sort of reflection, uncomfortable as it may be, is perhaps why this story is so powerful.

From USA Today:

Mirren said she felt the weight of keeping history alive in conveying Altmann’s tale — particularly for younger generations.

“There’s the line I added to the script: ‘Because people forget, you know. Especially the young.’ And it’s true,” she says. “We are losing the generation of people who had firsthand experience of (the Holocaust). I think the pain and the trauma of it was so profound they couldn’t speak about it for a long time and it’s only toward the end of their life they began to articulate what had happened to them, to remember it and live it again.”

adele bloch-bauer

Even the trailer gets me a little choked up. Have you seen it? Will you? Want to hear more about my super 90’s childhood in Austria? Leave it in the comments below…

Miniature Food Videos

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Have you guys seen these cooking videos floating around the Internet? They are seriously some of the most hypnotizing things I’ve ever watched. Seeing a normal size hand with teeny-tiny utensils kinda takes me back to my Playmobil dollhouse days, when I would pretend the little people were cooking an elaborate dinner party but really it was my giant human hand stirring the thimble-size pot with the minuscule ladle. Anyways, give them a watch!

5 reasons I can’t get enough Dolly.

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dollyparton

This big-hair, big-boobs, big-voice country music icon is my everything! Her songs are catchy as all get out and I could watch “9 to 5” any day of the week and twice on Sundays. I also love that when she got rich and famous, she invested her earnings into business opportunities in East Tennessee. Creating jobs and helping the economy of a struggling part of the country. Even if Pigeon Forge is tacky as all hell, just like her, it is my Mecca and she is my Queen. I can not get enough Dolly Parton. Here’s why…

1. This hauntingly beautiful song which might not be about what everyone thinks — 

Dolly has said in many interviews over the years that “Jolene” was inspired by a young girl who came up to her after one of her shows. Red hair, green eyes, fair skin; Dolly thought Jolene was the prettiest name she’d ever heard and promised to write a song about the child. Dolly and her husband couldn’t have children. Which makes the song take on a whole new context. Perhaps Dolly was afraid to lose her love to someone who could give him a child? Is that what he was talking about in his sleep?

2. These quotes are speaking to my soul — 

“Storms make trees take deeper roots.”

“You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”

“If anyone tells you your hair is too big, get rid of them. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.”

3. Dolly doesn’t have time for judgmental bullshit —

She speaks out about her love for ALL people and believes judgement is the greatest sin of all.

4. Leaving a little something to mystery —

Is her body covered in secret tattoos? Still leaving the world guessing at 69 years young.

5. Just in case it was unclear —

dalai dolly

This photo I posted to my Facebook profile, circa 2006, spells it out for you. Basically these two are the samesies. So samesies that I labelled them. In short, I’ve never encountered a Dolly/Dalai I didn’t like.

Do you love Dolly, too? Ever been to Dollywood? What’s your favorite thing about this bombshell? Let’s all load up the van and head down to Pigeon Forge! 

Check out 5 reasons I can’t get enough RuPaul.

P.S. Here’s a picture of Katie and I straight KILLING IT at Dollywood about a decade ago.

dollywood

P.P.S. If anyone wants to get me THIS for my birthday, I would obviously be really into that. Not that I worship false idols or anything…I worship ACTUAL idols. Different.

5 reasons I can’t get enough RuPaul.

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rupaul betta werk

If you have yet to commit to the reality TV glory that is RuPaul’s Drag Race I encourage you to get on it. (Seasons 4 and 5 are on Hulu.) Even if you’ve yet to clock the show, I’m sure by now you at least know the premise: a little bit of Top Model, a little bit of American Idol, and a WHOLE lot of shade. But what about the element that ramps up this reality show romp to the next level? If you’re like me, what keeps you coming back is the titular queen herself. I can not get enough Rupaul. Here’s why…

1. This genuinely beautiful childhood memory –

In an Ask Me Anything on Reddit, RuPaul was asked, “What’s the fondest childhood memory you have?” and his response is such a lovely way of framing drag, performance and his own ability to change people’s perceptions:

The time my sister Renetta took me to the Canyon with a paper bag of cookies and a blanket, and told me “Ru-ru- this is a pic-nic.”

I was 5 years old.

That’s when I first learned about magic. Because to anyone else, it would be a paper bag and a blanket. But Renetta turned it into a magical event by calling it a pic-nic.

2. These videos are a go-to for a pick-me-up or dance party –

3. RuPaul asks the good questions –

When you’ve blazed your way through all available seasons of RDR, there are 34 wonderful webisodes of RuPaul Drives… for you to enjoy! His interviewing skills and rapport with his passengers do not disappoint.

4. So much knowledge –

RuPaul keeps it real in the best way possible; intelligence, sass, and a dose of life experience all with a light-hearted, buoyant quality. Basically, life-lessons that are RUHL. These words are speaking to me at the present moment…

“When you become the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do.”

“When the going gets tough, the tough reinvent.”

“My goal is to always come from a place of love …but sometimes you just have to break it down for a motherfucker.”

5. Always finding delight –

RuPaul is always in pursuit of delight–whether that be a giggle or entertainment or seeing the people she builds up succeed. What a wonderful life approach to try and mimic, don’t you think?

An explanation from the previously mentioned AMA, “The main thing that motivates me is laughter…”

And so in my own attempt to find delight– those words of encouragement, these melodies, the binge-worthy episodes and THAT LAUGH…truly hit the spot.

Have you been sucked in to the Ru-niverse? Why do YOU love RuPaul? Have a favorite queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race? Mine is obviously Alaska…but that’s a post for another day. 

P.S. Has anyone read this book? I would give anything. Why is it a gajillion dollars? Bout to inter-library loan that shit. KBAIIII!

Serial parodies.

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sarahk

Did you guys listen to the ending of Serial? Chet and I played it on Thursday night (along with breakfast for dinner…get it? Serial…Cereal?) and then proceeded to read all things Serial related on the internet for the rest of the night. If you haven’t seen them yet, here are two HILARIOUS parodies of the show…

Spot on! Do you listen to any podcasts? I’d love recommendations! I’m a long-time listener of This American Life and I used to listen to The Story and Q with Jian Ghomeshi when I worked from home (although The Story isn’t producing shows anymore and Jian has his own issues to deal with now). Anywho, if you loved Serial be sure to tune in to Fresh Air tomorrow! Terry Gross will be interviewing Sarah Koenig and apparently it’s the definitive Serial interview. As with all things Sarah, I’m sure I’ll be on the edge of my seat through out. Yay podcasts!

(top photo of Sarah Koenig and Dana Chervis via here.)

 

Movies for the whole family.

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juno

home alone

groundhog day

‘THE BREAK-UP’

Let’s talk movies! For a lot of families, Thanksgiving (and the days surrounding it) can mean a lot of together-time with your kin. And what easier way to keep each other entertained than busting out the DVD player or popping on the ‘flix? A Thanksgiving feast induced coma is NO time for chit-chat with the relatives! I can remember, in middle and high school, escaping to our basement during holiday madness for some much-needed moments of quiet in front of an MTV marathon. However, not everyone shares my love of hyper-competitive D-Listers and loosely-scripted baby mama drama, so… What should you turn on for Thanksgiving family viewing? Huffington Post just did a list of 13 Netflix Movies to Watch With Your Family This Thanksgiving, and here are 10 (not necessarily streaming) movies that I think would do the trick, too (and by trick I mean get everyone to sit down and shut up for an hour or so)…

*Juno

*Finding Neverland

*Home Alone

*Ghostbusters

*The Royal Tennenbaums

*Groundhog Day

*It’s a Disaster

*The Break-Up

*Speed

*Evening

Plus, four binge worthy TV shows (if that’s more your style):

*How I Met Your Mother

*Arrested Development

*House of Cards

*Mob Wives

What do you think? Which movies or TV shows do you like watching with your family? More of a football crew? Board games? I’d love to hear!

Girl Crush: Sarah Koenig

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sarah koenig 1

I’ve been a long-time lover of This American Life but recently my girl crush on staff producer Sarah Koenig has been through the roof! A few weeks ago, TAL aired an episode that also served as the first episode for a spin-off podcast called Serial. I was immediately hooked. Sarah’s poignant journalism and writing is unparalleled. Over the course of the season, Serial is unfolding just one non-fiction story–in this case, a story about a murder and high school sweethearts and a man’s claimed innocence. Basically, a tale you want to tune in for.  And they promise to keep telling the story until they “get to the bottom of it”.

This is all to say, I’m completely obsessed with Sarah Koenig. I want to be her. If you haven’t checked out Serial yet you totally should. No one could tell this story like her.

P.S. Here are some of Ms. Koenig’s best-loved This American Life episodes and one of my favorite episodes that I still talk about all the time.

 

(Photo by Meredith Heuer.)