Tag Archives: enjoy

Aug19

Audible Awesomeness

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Audible Awesomeness

Howdy! Johnny and I both love reading and we have quite a respectable collection of books between the two of us. To me, there is nothing better than holding a tangible book in my hands and turning the pages myself. I have never been too interested in books for the Kindle or book tapes because I do prefer an actual book. But, that all changed when I was introduced to Audible through a chance encounter with my Facebook ads.

For those of you who don’t know, I am obsessed with the Sandman comics by Neil Gaiman. I have read the series countless times as well as all of the offshoot stories for different characters from Sandman. I have several tattoos from Sandman and when I feel like splurging, I might just fuck around and buy the (very expensive) omnibuses so I will have my own copy of the saga.

For those of you who don’t know again, there were talks of making a Sandman TV series or movie for years now but it just never got put into production. And, because it is such an epic tale, it would be hard to condense all of it into a season of TV or a two hour movie. I had all but given up on any Sandman content outside of the comics until I was scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed.

The ad I saw literally made me pump my fist in the air and say “YES!” because it was for a book tape of Sandman that could be listened to on Audible. It’s not just any book tape though because it features an all star cast with James McAvoy, Kat Dennings, Andy Serkis, and Neil Gaiman, himself, as the narrator. I needed it.

Because Johnny has Amazon Prime, we got a month subscription to Audible FO FREE as well as two free book tapes. Johnny picked a history one out for himself and I, of course, opted for Sandman. I began listening to it as soon as we finished completing the info for our trial order and I honestly could have cried. It was that good.

For the past over half a decade now, the amazing and fantastical characters of Sandman have kept me company. However, all of their voices just sounded like me saying the lines in my head as I read them. Lol, to actually hear the character’s voices while I pictured the comic book pages in my head was nothing short of incredible for me. I got to hear the character’s in a way that their creator, Neil Gaiman, saw fit and that’s the coolest part. And hearing Neil Gaiman narrate is own story the way he wanted it to be told was the cherry on top.

The Sandman audible tape covers the first three collections in an almost eleven hour recording. I am not quite done with it yet, however, I am already chomping at the bit for the next installment which I hope will be a thing. Fingers and toes crossed!

Johnny and I worked out a perfect schedule for both of us to enjoy our own hobbies. As soon as we both get home from work, he settles in to play Borderlands and I curl up on the couch to listen to my tape. For about an hour and a half or two, we hang out while we do our own thing and then we have dinner and watch our shows for the rest of the evening. And, I’ve got to say, it suits us just fine and I can’t wait to conclude the epic audio tale soon. 🙂

Do you prefer an actual book to a Kindle copy or book tape? What are you currently reading? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug17

Fun Family Fiesta

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Fun Family Fiesta

Hello! Sometimes my schedule can change at the drop of a hat. Clients might cancel and I am left with a huge chunk of free time. For example, a few Wednesdays ago I only had to work with my morning client and not my afternoon one so I decided to go to my mom and dad’s place afterwards. Johnny would be at work and then band practice and I didn’t particularly want to spend all evening playing Animal Crossing… Again!

After I was done at work, I headed to chez parents. During the drive over, I gave my sister a call and she happened to be free too, which meant her and her daughter could join all of us for some family fun and a Taco Bell dinner party, as per my request. We spent time outside in my dad’s gardens but, mostly, we all just hung around and enjoyed each other’s company.

It is always such a treat when several members of my family can get together at one time and I know everyone had just as great of a time as I did. Since COVID, I still see my friends through Skype and social distance hang outs but that doesn’t happen often. However, I see my family numerous times throughout the week and that definitely helps. Even the shortest visits lift my spirits and, afterwards, I never fail to have an extra pep in my step.

A family Taco Bell night seems like such a simple pleasure but I am still looking back at it fondly a few weeks later. It was just so fun and the impromptu Hump Day dinner party kept me in a happy place as I finished up my work week. While going out frequently is not an option for me with such high risk clients, I have learned how to still have a good time with nights in. And you know what? Those nights in are awesome!

If these crazy times have you in a slump, you might need some quality family time to get yourself back in gear. Schedule a take out dinner “party” of your own and enjoy!

What is your favorite restaurant? How often do you get take out? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug15

August 2020 Funky Time Jams

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August 2020 Funky Time Jams

Hi! We are breezing right along through August and spooky season will be upon us before we know it – hurray! I, for one, am so over the hot ass weather and am looking forward to curling up comfortably at home with a soft blanket without sweating my nads off. *Sigh* Wishful thinking. This summer has honestly been a bit of a bust so I say let’s keep moving forward into cooler, Halloween themed times to the tune of these songs:

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to these songs or videos!

Now, you might be wondering why I only chose three songs for the August 2020 Funky Time Jams and it’s a bit of a funny story… My car radio died. That’s it, lol. My car radio died and I have yet to get it fixed so I currently have not been listening to anything in my car except for my iPod turned up really loudly. It basically sucks and I will most definitely get it fixed EVENTUALLY!

In the meantime, I am more focused on being hyped about new music from a few of my favorite artists like Marilyn Manson and Glass Animals. Mr. Manson will be releasing a new album next month and Glass Animals just dropped their newest, Dreamland, a week or so ago. I have been privileged enough to see both of these bands in concert and I still think back fondly to those shows to this day.

Every event that Johnny and I were going to go to this summer got cancelled (For good reason!) and it is nice to have something musical to enjoy. This especially rings true since we were supposed to see My Chemical Romance’s reunion at Riot Fest come September. Whomp whomp. I am eagerly anticipating Marilyn Manson’s new album next month and, until then, you can find me blasting Dreamland by Glass Animals which is out now!

Are any of your favorite artists releasing new music? Did coronavirus cancel any of your events? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug10

Face Mask Festivities: Celavi Pomegranate Sheet Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Celavi Pomegranate Sheet Mask Edition

Howdy! I am currently working through a handful of different sheet masks from a brand called Celavi, which I purchased on Amazon. During the last edition of Face Mask Festivities, we discussed Celavi’s Charcoal sheet mask and I was really encouraged after using it because I noticed the positive effect it had on my skin once I took it off. I was now tied 1-1 between masks that I liked and disliked because the Honey one was a dud.

The Pomegranate sheet mask was my tie breaker with the promises to Brighten and Enhance. And we are now *drum roll please* at 2-1 because it was a goddamn delight. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Lol, sheet mask pictures crack me up!

I used the Pomegranate sheet mask after a real DOOZY of a day and, honestly, any brightening or enhancing would have been a noticeable change because your girl looked hit! And, I must say, the change in my skin was very noticeable after a twenty minute struggle of wearing the mask. Because, let’s keep it real, ill fitting face masks do not make for the most relaxing pampering!

When I removed the sheet mask, my skin seriously looked like I had just used a bunch of Vitamin C radiance treatments. My face was glowing bright and I looked wide awake even though I felt dead tired. So, needless to say, I was impressed and it was actually just the perk me up I needed to complete my last few tasks of the day.

The Celavi Pomegranate Sheet Mask has definitely been my favorite one out of the three that I have tried. I have three more left to test out so keep it posted for more new Face Mask Festivities soon!

How do you spend your time after work? Which products do you love for brightening and radiance? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul24

Harry Potter Great Hall LEGO Set

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Harry Potter Great Hall LEGO Set

Hello! While in quarantine, Johnny and I have been enjoying putting together LEGO sets including ones from Harry Potter and Star Wars. Johnny bought me the Hogwarts Clock Tower set for my birthday and we had such fun assembling it that I went ahead and bought the Great Hall set a few weeks later. Although the bigger sets are a bit pricey, they are worth every penny in the hours of entertainment that Johnny and I get out of them.

We stretched the Great Hall set out over the course of a weekend while Harry Potter movies, Impractical Jokers, or The Office played on TV. After at least five solid hours of building our Great Hall was finally complete. The best part? Attaching it to the Clock Tower, of course! Check it out:

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While the Clock Tower set is specifically from the Yule Ball scene in The Goblet Of Fire, our Great Hall set combines imagery from both the first and second films. Don’t believe me? We have Professor Quirrell and the basilisk to prove it! Our sets are, technically, not the most cohesive right now but our two sets combined look AWESOME… From the outside, at least.

In comparison to the Clock Tower set, the Great Hall had a lot more pieces which made it a much more intricate and time consuming build. All the while, it was insanely hot in our apartment so spreading it out over a few days was definitely the move. As always, Johnny and I have a great system when it comes to our LEGO construction. He takes care of all of the detail work, which is impossible for me to do with my nails. I, on the other hand, handle a lot of the big pieces and everyone wins!

Johnny and I like to buy a new LEGO set every few months and I am already looking forward to my next Harry Potter purchases. What’s on deck? For starters, the Whomping Willow set! Then, I would love to add the Astronomy Tower, Hagrid’s Hut, and the Quidditch Pitch. Hey, it’s Harry Potter so I have to dream big! 🙂

What has been keeping you entertained in quarantine? Who else enjoys building with LEGO? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul18

Harry Potter Hang Out

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Harry Potter Hang Out

Hello! Sunday is normally my and Johnny’s lazy day where we indulge in a movie or TV marathon. It could be anything from binge watching the same show all day, experimenting with something new, or revisiting old favorites. For example, this past Sunday, Johnny and I had a Harry Potter marathon and watched The Chamber Of Secrets, The Prisoner Of Azkaban, and The Goblet Of Fire.

Of course, Johnny fell asleep immediately when we started Chamber Of Secrets and that gave me the opportunity to reflect on how much I friggen LOVE Harry Potter. All I can think about whenever watching the movies for the millionth time is how cool it was to essentially grow up with the cast. I also always reminisce on all of the fun my family had when we vacationed to Orlando, Florida and got to experience The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. (Take me back, PLEASE!)

It’s so special to think back to all of the Harry Potter midnight showings I’ve attended, reading the books for the first time, and then reading them one hundred times more. There is nothing better than immersing yourself in something magical when there is so much craziness going on in our world and Sunday felt like such a treat for that reason.

All of Sunday, I got to peek into the fantastic and mysterious wizarding world and it was a relief to “be” somewhere different for the day. Granted, I won’t be making anything levitate or be able to unlock my apartment door just by uttering a simple charm. But, my mind was occupied and totally entertained all day and that is the next best thing when you’re in quarantine!

What is your favorite book series? How about your favorite movie series? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul16

Lil Red’s Book Club: Christina McDonald’s Behind Every Lie Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: Christina McDonald’s Behind Every Lie Edition

Hello! For a while, I was really into reading the thriller/mystery books with an unstable narrator. I loved the plot twists and the grand reveals and all of the pieces finally coming together that seemed so disjointed throughout the book. Then, after a while, I became bored with the premise of another alcoholic or sleep deprived young woman being accused of murder.

Then, Christina McDonald said “hold my beer” and asked “what if the girl was struck by lightning?”. Lol, without giving any spoilers away, this is Behind Every Lie:

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Behind Every Lie is a back and forth thriller that alternates between Eva Hansen and her mother, Kat, every few chapters or so. However, all of Kat’s speaking will be in the past tense because her murder is what our unstable narrator, Eva, is being accused of when she wakes in the hospital after being struck by lightning. The catch? Eva can’t remember a damn thing.

Eva is an artist who lives under a cloud of insecurities and stays under the protective wing of her boyfriend, Liam. Already unstable from past trauma and tensions running high since the lightning strike, Eva’s world as she knows it takes a drastic turn when she realizes not everyone is who she thinks she is… Even herself.

So who is Eva? And who murdered her mom? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

For the most part, I really enjoyed Behind Every Lie. I haven’t read an unstable narrator novel in a while and the premise of this one was so different that I went for it. I’m not going to lie, I loved the story line – especially because I guessed what happened before it was revealed in the book and who doesn’t love that? 😀

However, the characters were not the most likeable and I had a hard time caring about any of them. They were all so closed off in their own ways that it was difficult to form a connection to them until the last few pages when the grand reveal was… revealed. Not to say that it wasn’t worth the read because it was for the story line alone. The characters are just not the ones you are going to remember vividly a year after reading this.

Overall, I did like this book and would definitely read something else by Christina McDonald. I rate Behind Every Lie with six and a half out of ten stars for a unique take on an unstable narrator and an unputdownable plot. Not bad. Not bad, at all.

What have you been reading recently? What is your favorite genre to read? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul15

At Home Concerts

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At Home Concerts

Hello! For those of you who don’t know, my “big girl job” is as an independent provider for people with special needs. I specialize in community integration and the development of daily living skills and have been an “essential” employee throughout the coronavirus pandemic. So, you can imagine how hard it is to do my job of getting my clients out and about in the community when there is a contagious virus and many of them are high risk.

My job has now been limited to the homes of my clients and that is A-okay because it’s what is best for them, their families, and myself. But, that’s not to say it hasn’t been easy, especially when cabin fever is kicking in for everyone. I am constantly trying to come up with fun ways to keep my clients entertained at home to combat the boredom blues and was particularly pleased with my brain blast last week.

My most senior client who I am with the most often during the week LOVES the golden oldies and always tells me about when he saw The Beach Boys and Sha Na Na in concert. After his recollection last week, he asked when we can see those bands live together. I told him as soon as it was safe, as always, and then I realized we kind of could see them in concert.

I told him I had an idea and pulled YouTube up on his TV. Then, I found some live footage of Sha Na Na performing as well as plenty of full length Beach Boys concerts. He couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw his favorites performing right in front of him again. In fact, he was so elated that he told me to bring his brother up so he could see how much fun he was having. 🙂

My friend and I plan on having weekly “concerts” at home, compliments of YouTube. We have The Beach Boys on deck and who knows what will be next! It was amazing to see him so excited about something and, sometimes, the most fun things can happen right at home. ❤

Which bands have you seen in concert? Who would you love to see perform live? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul8

What Have I Been Playing?

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What Have I Been Playing?

Hello!! Johnny and I have spent plenty of time in quarantine watching TV shows and movies. We also enjoy documentaries or just pulling some music up on YouTube to listen to while we chit chat. And, I’d be a liar if I said we weren’t playing hella video games on the Nintendo Switch! I am not a huge fan of the shooter games like Johnny but I have definitely been getting down with the following:

Animal Crossing:

You guys already know how much I love Animal Crossing and my heart grows fonder with every single super fun update. For example, starting on July third, you could purchase a wet suit from the store and go swimming! That’s not all, though, because not only can you take a dip but you can also go diving for undersea critters – I’ve even found a few pearls. 😀

Johnny and I have gotten our money’s worth out of this game and then some. It’s always kind of exciting to check in on our island and see what new bugs and fish have made Dingusburg their home. I especially like fishing for sharks!

Trivial Pursuit:

Johnny and I purchased a trivia game from the Nintendo store for twenty bucks and it was well worth it. Not only have we enjoyed putting our knowledge to the test against each other but it is also very fun to play with others. My siblings love it and we spent a lot of our time during our staycation pairing up into teams and playing against each other.

The game features traditional trivia categories like Sports, History, Science, and Entertainment but it is definitely nontraditional when it comes to the answers. You have to earn your pie pieces through a series of different, quick draw formats and we have yet to have any repeat questions so it has remained interesting. Highly recommend for a random knowledge based change of pace.

Super Smash Bros.:

I have been a fan of SSB since childhood and remember always playing as Captain Falcon against my brothers on the N64. We have all of the Super Smash games for each system but primarily play Ultimate on the Switch. There are so many amazing stages and characters to pick from and Johnny and I have the best time playing as total randoms and figuring out how to fight with them.

Normally, I like to play as Pit but I do change it up with Captain Falcon, Link, Joker, Hero, and TERRY. Lol, Johnny and I really love playing SSB Ultimate with my brother, Andrew. He and Johnny are both formidable opponents so it makes victory even sweeter!

Mario Party:

Finally, you can never go wrong with a little Mario Party! Johnny and I don’t have Super Mario Party for the Switch but we have all of the games for the GameCube and Wii. Sometimes, when we’re feeling bored at home we’ll turn a Mario Party on and kill an hour or so. If it’s a lazy weekend afternoon, there ain’t nothing better than throwing back a few glasses of white wine and firing up the ol’ GameCube. The mini games are fun, the boards are exciting, and it’s a complete classic. We usually end up laughing the entire time. 🙂

Which video games have you been playing recently? How do you keep yourself occupied in quarantine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah