Sep22

Naked and Afraid

Posted on by
Standard
Naked and Afraid

I am SO obsessed with this show it’s ridiculous. Naked and Afraid airs on the Discovery channel, and they usually have a marathon of the show every Sunday….which is how I usually spend every Sunday. The show chronicles the lives of two survivalists – one man and one woman for a twenty one day period in an extreme wilderness environment. These environments range from the swamps of Louisiana, to the Amazon rain forest, to the Andros Islands in the Bahamas. The show has the same set up each time. Both survivalists are allowed one item that will help them during their 21 day challenge. The most commonly brought items are usually a fire starter, a machete, or a pot for cooking and purifying water. The most uncommon item brought was a roll of duct tape. It definitely proved more useful than expected, the team used the tape to make clothing, an insulated blanket, and markers for the paths that they traveled. A rudimentary map of the area the teams are inhabiting is also provided. During the duration of the excursion it’s up to our naked Adam and Eve to create a shelter, fire, a source for clean water, and some type of food, whether is be from hunting or gathering. At the end of the journey, our team must make a difficult trek to reach their extraction point. They usually must travel through dangerous waters, jagged cliffs, or dense jungle foliage. Once they reach their extraction point, a signal fire must be started to alert their helicopter, boat, or car ride out of the wilderness. At any point during the duration of the challenge our survivalists have the option to “tap out” and leave the location. The small camera and sound crew are only allowed to interfere with the team if medical attention is desperately needed for one of the competitors. The survivalists are tested extensively before they are accepted to be on the show, and are given a PSR (primitive survival rating). These ratings are based on observations and predictions based on survival fitness in skill, experience, and mental strength. After the completion of the show the PSRs either raise or drop considerably based on the performance of each contestant. If you’re looking for a riveting and really educational show, definitely give Naked and Afraid a try. Hell, dedicate a whole Sunday to watching it when they play a marathon, because I guarantee you that after one episode you’ll be hooked! Have you watched this show before? Which location was your favorite? What would you bring as your survival item if you were a contestant? Leave me a comment and let’s talk! Have a lovely, clothed night! -Sarah

nakedandafraid2

Sep22

Big Bloggin is my Hobby

Posted on by
Standard
Big Bloggin is my Hobby

So….drum roll pleeeease…..I’m trying to quit smoking! I’m going on day three of not having a cigarette and let me tell you…I feel like shit. BUT I already felt like shit from the cold I caught this weekend, so I figured now would be a good time to quit, especially since I haven’t been smoking because of said cold. I’m really hoping the withdrawal symptoms will just blend into how achey, tired, and congested I’m already feeling, so I don’t get a double whammy of withdrawal once I recover from my cold. I started smoking when I was about thirteen, and then started smoking super regularly at about fifteen or sixteen. I’m twenty years old now, and I’m ready to quit. I’m ready to start feeling more healthy and to start saving some moolah. Six dollars per pack really adds up quick! Especially since I’m going to be a broke college kid soon, I need to put my money towards something better than ciggies. Literally every time I try to quit, I cave after about four or five days, so PLEASE wish me luck, god knows I’m gonna need it. I also really think not working at the mall anymore is going to help immensely, because smoking on break is such a normal, social thing to do during your day at work. I’m not gonna lie, I kind of wish my cold will just carry on all week, so I feel incapable of smoking. When I tried a cig the other day I damn near coughed up a lung. So here goes nothing, here goes a healthier lifestyle and a nice fat wallet! Does anyone have any tips that helped them when they quit smoking? If so, pleeeease leave me a comment, because I’ll need all the help I can get! Have a happy, healthy evening everyone! -Sarah

J2514

Sep21

The worst backhanded compliment of all time:

Posted on by
Standard
The worst backhanded compliment of all time:

If there’s one “compliment” that I truly HATE getting it’s “you lost weight”. I’m an extremely petite girl, I’m barely over 5’1 and weigh about 112 pounds. However, there’s one problem that I’ve always struggled with. My breast size. I’ve always felt that they were extremely disproportionate to my small frame, and in the summer of 2013 I made the decision to get a breast reduction. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My plastic surgeon did an incredible job of making my breasts way more proportionate to my body and I was immensely pleased with the results. One of my major problems with my former boobs were how big they made me appear. People usually associate a heavy chested girl with her being heavy in general. But for me, that was so not the case. It feels amazing to be small and appear small all over, without the illusion of extra weight from a huge rack. After my surgery, I’ve had quite a few people who haven’t seen me for a while tell me “you lost so much weight!” and it honestly makes me feel really bad. What? Was I fat before? As a girl who struggles with her body image like CRAZY, hearing those dreaded words uttered is the absolute last thing I need. Just yesterday when I was at work I had someone who I went to high school with tell me “you lost a ton of weight”, and it really just made me feel like shit. I don’t think any one understands that if I could have just cut my boobs off myself years ago that I would have. It’s time to get real, and tell you guys that I struggled with bulimia for a very long time. I haven’t purged in a while, but the mental recovery from the eating disorder is just as hard. Hearing this guy yesterday comment on my weight was enough to put me in a major slump. It’s always hard not to purge when I start feeling extra bad about my body. However, I know that I’m a strong individual, and I’m not gonna ruin all the progress I’ve made over one asshole. This is also me urging all of you to think before you speak. You might think telling someone that it looks like they’ve lost weight might be an awesome compliment to give, but there are people, like myself who struggle with self image more than you know, and might take great offense to that statement. I’m very proud of the way I look now, and I’m not afraid to show that. Here’s my body: I feel beautiful and I’m not ashamed at all anymore. Have a great night guys. Be kind to one another. -Sarah

IMG_0191[1]

Sep21

Beckwith Orchards

Posted on by
Standard
Beckwith Orchards

I had a lovely afternoon outing in Kent today with my parents at Beckwith Orchards. It was the perfect fall day in Ohio to go to the apple farm! The property is just gorgeous, filled with flowers, honey bees, and apple trees as far as the eye can see. They have a biking and hiking trail and a super quaint little gift shop filled with bakery, decor, and a million different types of apples to taste test. The orchard has been family owned and operated for over 125 years, and you could definitely tell. There was a home like atmosphere throughout the property, and all the workers were extremely knowledgeable about the apples and the products they sell. They were so friendly too! They all seemed to really be enjoying themselves, which added to the family like touch of Beckwith. I could have spent hours just roaming their acres of land and filling my bag with the luscious apples adorning each tree. If you live in Ohio and are looking for a fun afternoon trip for your family, I definitely recommend giving Beckwith Orchards a try. Make sure you get some of their apple cider while you’re there, it’s so ridiculously delicious!!! Here’s their website with their hours, directions, and event calendar: http://www.beckwithorchards.com/index.html

IMG_0544[1]

Above is a Pic Stitch I made of just a few of the batrillion pictures that I took today. My featured image is of my parents being all cute and walking the property:) Happy Sunday! -Sarah

Sep21

Three trends that I’m OVER

Posted on by
Standard

Alright world, we need to talk. There are three trends that need to end ASAP. My fashion sense is very sharp, so these three popular fall trends are absolute deal breakers for me, because they look sloppy as hell.

Trend 1: JOGGERS. Jesus god, why? THESE ARE LITERALLY SWEAT PANTS.

blog1 blog2

There is NOTHING OKAY about wearing these out in public. Do you want to look like you’re in your pajamas? Come on girls, you’re better than that. I understand that people think that they can “dress these up” with a cute shirt or some heels, but answer me this question. Would you ever wear heels with your sweat pants? No? I didn’t think so. Let’s be sharp ladies, I’m talking a nice trouser, a great jean. Literally anything but this heinous excuse for a “fashion” statement.

Trend 2: CROP SWEATERS. I get it. Crop tops are cute. They’re a fun summer staple, and I’ll tell you what, I rocked the hell out of my crop tops this summer…but that’s neither here nor there. Crop tops don’t belong in a fall wardrobe. WHY WOULD YOU WANT YOUR STOMACH TO BE COLD?! Goosebumps on your tummy are NOT cute!!!! Fall should be about cozy, chunky sweaters that serve a purpose….TO KEEP YOU WARM! Save the teeny tiny sweaters for Baby Gap.

blog5 blog6

I genuinely don’t understand this trend. Why waste your money on half a sweater? Spend five dollars more and get a full on cardigan that will last you through fall, winter, hell your entire life!

Trend 3: KIMONOS. This trend is the less of the two evils that I mentioned above, but I’m still over it, just the same. I liked the idea of these tops in the beginning a lot, but then the trend got out of control. Everywhere I turned there was a kimono top in the exact same shape and the exact same unoriginal floral print. I suppose these tops are acceptable. Maybe I’m just bitter because they look like maternity tops on me. BUT that still doesn’t change the fact that some of these kimonos are super sloppy. I’ve seen many that look like the girl wearing them literally draped a curtain over herself. Maybe I should just wrap a bath towel around my arms and start the next big thing.

blog3 blog4

I dunno guys, these tops just do nothing for me. And I feel like they do nothing for a lot of people.

Are there any trends that you guys are ready to be rid of? What are your thoughts on some of these trends I mentioned above? Comment back and let’s talk! -Sarah

Sep21

Gone Girl

Posted on by
Standard

So after completing The Strain trilogy, which was absolutely delightful, I decided I’d like to start reading Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn. I have to say, I’m twenty pages in and I’m already hooked. Miss Flynn can write! She has a very dry wit to her writing which I like immensely. When a writer has a sense of humor that mirrors my own, it makes me relate to the characters in the book that much more. It makes me feel like their friend. It makes me feel like I’m in on the joke. Because I already have an instant connection with our main characters Nick and Amy, I feel like the twists and turns of this book are going to be even more shocking. I’m very excited to delve deeper into this story, and find out what all the buzz is about, because I’ve heard raving reviews on this book, but I’ve also heard some mediocre ones as well. I’d really love to finish Gone Girl before the movie comes out. I’ve seen the trailers for it, and let me just say, Ben Affleck is looking mighty fine! HUBBA HUBBA! Have any of you read this book before? What are your thoughts on it? Do you think the movie will do the book justice? No spoilers please!!!! I’m about ready to go cuddle up in my blankies and crack this book open! Have an awesome night guys, sweet dreams! -Sarah

IMG_0482.JPG
^ This picture has literally nothing to do with my post…but it’s just so damn funny to me that it had to be included!!!

Sep21

The Following

Posted on by
Standard
The Following

Public service announcement: I am SO obsessed with this show. I binge watched the entire first season of The Following about six months ago thanks to Netflix. Yesterday, my sister suggested we started watching it again. I completely forgot how amazing this show was, as I watched the entire season in one day, and was a complete zombie during the fifteen hour marathon. It’s astounding that I have any recollection of the show at all! We’re on the fifth episode now, and so many critical details that have been lost in my noggin are now surfacing again. This really is a show that you need to watch over time. If you watch it all in one day, you look past some of the key “hidden in plain sight” details that the show offers, as I learned. Kevin Bacon (SO SEXY!) plays former FBI agent, Ryan Hardy, best known for his capture of serial killer, Joe Carroll (played by James Purefoy). Mr. Carroll escapes prison, only to be recaptured again by Ryan. Once Carroll is back in jail, insane instances begin happening, carried out by his cult followers of psychopaths and killers. All of Joe’s plans that are being carried out outside of the prison walls, have a direct effect on his loved ones, especially focusing on his ex-wife Claire and young son, Joey. It’s now up to Ryan Hardy and a team of very capable FBI agents to track down these followers before all of Joe Carrolls’ twisted plans fall into place. The cat and mouse chase of this show keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. The acting is SO brilliant too. The scenes between Bacon and Purefoy are so raw and powerful, you can honestly feel the tension through the tv screen. There’s a solid crew of supporting actors as well, specifically miss Valorie Curry who plays Emma Hill. She’s Carrolls’ right hand woman, and let me just say: she’s fucking nuts. This girl can ACT. It really is impossible to not hate her character, so that just means she’s doing a fantastic job of playing a fanatical killer. Did I forget to mention one of the coolest parts of the show? All of the Edgar Allen Poe references!! One might say that Mr. Poe was the inspiration for Carrolls’ serial killings. Poe believed nothing was more beautiful than a beautiful girl dying, as did Joe Carroll, leading to his murders of fourteen young women at the college he was a professor at. Stories and poems of Poe are quoted through out the show, as well as specific references in the murders to famous short stories such as the Tell Tale Heart and the Black Cat. Seriously guys, do yourselves a favor and give The Following a try. This blog post doesn’t even begin to dabble in how amazing this show is. What’s your favorite Edgar Allen Poe story or poem? Have you watched this show before? What do you think of it? Leave me a comment and let’s discuss! -Sarahpoe_following

Sep20

Out of Print

Posted on by
Standard
Out of Print

I’ve recently grown very fond of the brand Out of Print. The T-shirts feature different iconic and often out of print book covers. Not only are the shirts adorable, but the purchase of them helps benefit a great cause. For each product sold, one book is donated to a community in need through the brand’s partner Books For Africa. All of the clothing is treated to feel soft and worn, like a well read book. I found my first shirt from the brand in a cute little boutique called Shoo in Wisconsin. I instantly fell in love with the Goodnight Moon shirt, as it was my favorite growing up. At the boutique they also had a little onesie for a baby with the Le Petit Prince cover on it, but unfortunately no adult t-shirt. I was so disappointed because Le Petit Prince is one of my all time favorites. I was so pleased to find it when I was browsing on ModCloth and just HAD to buy it! Whenever I wear either of these shirts, I get tons of compliments, and I always make sure I let the admirers know about the great cause they can help out by buying these shirts. Here’s the company website: http://outofprintclothing.com/ make sure you check it out, and find your favorite book! You can also purchase some select styles on ModCloth as well: http://www.modcloth.com/

Here are a few of my personal favorites that I’d love to add to my collection:

1 3 6 7 8 madeline raven

Can’t wait to buy some of these soon!!! What book cover would you like to have on a shirt? Leave me a comment and let me know! -Sarah

Sep19

OOTD! Ta da!!!

Posted on by
Standard

IMG_0500.JPG
Soooo happy I got to break out a fun fall outfit of the day today!!! This outfit is one of my favorites because I’m wearing all of my favorites!! Here’s a breakdown of my clothes and where they’re from:
Jacket – PacSun, LA Hearts brand
Green sweater: American Eagle Outfitters
Coated skinny jeans: PacSun, Bullhead brand
Hat: PacSun, Gypsy Warrior
Boots: Macy’s, I.N.C.

If there’s one color I LOVE wearing, it’s dark green. It compliments my skin tone, hair color, and eyes to the T. There’s something so alluring to me about a fair skinned redhead in a nice deep green. It really makes a statement. The jeans I’m wearing are Old Faithful. I’ve had them for years, and I can’t bear to part with them…no matter how often the zipper falls down per day from so much wear and tear! The jacket I’m layering with is one of my favorite fall jackets. I purchased it last year, and still love it just as much to this day. The fun elbow patches are what really sold me, and I love the contrast between the colors of the dark khaki and charcoal gray. The boots I’m rocking today are a pair I’ve had for quite a while, but only recently started wearing frequently. Shame on me for that, because they really are gorgeous! They’re such a nice change from my usual beat up combat boots. (The sole of the shoe is completely peeling off….I’m going for the hobo chic look ;))). I thought my Gypsy Warrior hat was the perfect accessory to tie the outfit together. Variations of this outfit are gonna be my staple for fall. What looks do you guys plan on rockin this season? Comment me some ideas! -Sarah

Sep19

Thankful.

Posted on by
Standard

IMG_0499.JPG
Today I got to spend time with one of my favorite people in the world. My sweet southern belle, Neva. And for that, I am SO grateful. I met Miss Neva about ten years ago. She was living in the same Christian retirement center that my beloved grandma was living in. Whenever I would visit my grandma who is now passed (I love you!!!!), she would introduce me to all of her friends, so it was just a matter of time before I met Neva. I instantly took a liking to her, with her sweet southern drawl, her gaudy jewelry, and her blonde bouffant wig. Over the years, we developed a very special friendship with each other. My grandma passing was extremely hard on me, and being able to mourn with her when I came to visit her was always very comforting to me, because she too lost a dear friend in my grandma. I try to visit Neva as often as I can, because her friendship is very important to me. It makes me happy to know that I make her happy. And the joy she brings me is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Whenever I visit, it’s seriously just two girls hanging out. We gossip and gab about our families,the retirement home residents, our beauty and fashion secrets, and anything else that comes to mind. Neva used to be an extremely talented painter, and bless her heart she still continues to paint her days away, so whenever I come to see her, she always has plenty of new art pieces to show me. I cherish our time together, and seeing her today made my day off perfect. Have a great Friday guys. Spend time with someone you love. -Sarah