*Yes I usually watch most of my shows Live. I like the experience.
MONDAYS– Dancing with the Stars (8pm), Supergirl (8pm), The Good Doctor (10pm).
*Although Supergirl will probably take the 8 o’clock spot for me, I do like to check in on Dancing with the Stars here and there- depending on who the Stars are this year. The year Bethany Mota was on, I was obsessed!
TUESDAYS– This Is Us (9pm). *I really need to catch up before this season starts!
WEDNESDAYS– Riverdale (8pm), Chicago PD (10pm).
THURSDAYS– Grey’s Anatomy (8pm), Will & Grace (9pm), Scandal (9pm), How to Get Away with Murder (10pm), Chicago Fire (10pm).
*I check in on Grey’s Anatomy here and there via YouTube and sometimes I will watch live. And although Scandal and Will & Grace are in the same time slot, I will probably watch Will & Grace live and catch Scandal on demand, I have to catch up on last season anyway! And I will probably choose to watch HTGAWM live @ 10 over Chicago Fire, since I kind of lost track of it. I love HTGAWM more, so I will just have to catch Chicago Fire on demand.
FRIDAYS– Jane the Virgin (9pm) and let’s be real probably streaming/binge watching Fuller House and Stranger Things.
SATURDAYS– _______________________
SUNDAYS– _________________________
(Low key debating getting back into The Walking Dead- AMC (October 22nd @ 9 pm)… but that’s a whole other blog post, if I make the decision, we’ll discuss more!) 😉
See you on the flip side, my fellow TV Junkie’s.
I’m sure I will be live tweeting on my twitter- @Shellbelle91
-come chat with me all things TV!
Happy Season Premiere Season!
*I do not take credit for any images, or gifs used.*
We didn’t have to wait long for the Queen to drop yet anther track off her upcoming 6th studio album- Reputation due out November 10th!
After her big music video premiere for her first single- Look What You Made Do at this year’s Video Music Awards- Taylor strikes again just a week later! After teasing new music last night, today, Sunday September 3 she dropped a sexy new track- …Ready For It?
This song is FIRE! Is it not? Yet again, Ms. Queen proves she is here to stay. Sampling some Bad Blood Vibesthere, we get to hear Taylor sing a sexy serenade to a “new love.” (I’m not getting into comparing the lyrics to who she’s dating now…no drama, just music.) I feel like these lyrics are more mature and in your face. It’s almost a Taylor Swift version of a rap song, and I’m with it! She speaks about how this current love interest is above all those from her past. And that in her dreams they have quite the scandalous relationship. She’s basically asking him if he’s ready for it? Ready for her- in all her crazy Taylor glory! 😉 I have to say although the track sounds like a “nicer” Taylor Swift with remnants of her old sounds, I still think it fits well into her new image. It’s still very different. I love the ending, how it’s very chanty and very audience sing-a-long friendly. “Baby, let the games begin…” 😉
FAVORITE LYRICS:
From Verse 1:
Some boys are trying too hard He don’t try at all though Younger than my exes but he acts like such a man, though I see nothing better Keeping him forever
From Verse 2:
Knew I was a robber First time that he saw me Stealing hearts and running off and never saying sorry
But if I’m a thief then He can join the heist and We’ll move into an island
Every lover known in comparison is a failure I forget their names now I’m so very tame now I’ll never be the same now
***
Pre-Chorus I-I-I see how this is gonna go Touch me, and you’ll never be alone I-Island breeze and lights down low No one has to know
Chorus: In the middle of the night, in my dreams You should see the things we do, baby, mmm… In the middle of the night in my dreams I know I’m gonna be with you So I take my time (Are you ready for it?) (Ooh, are you ready for it?)
Post-Chorus: Baby, let the games begin Let the games begin
Taylor Swift made tongues start talking once again, after premiering her Music Video for her latest single Look What You Made Me Do at the 2017 Video Music Awards this past Sunday.
Although Swift was not there to present it, (definitely a strategic move on her part #LetTheMusicDoTheTalking) her presence was largely felt in the strong images on the screen.
The video opens up in a cemetery with a zombified Taylor clawing her way out of her grave which reads “Here Lies Taylor Swift’s Reputation.” And the dark levels of imagery do not stop there, as Zombie Taylor proceeds to shovel dirt on top of her more “nice girl” self, lying there peaceful, arms crossed.
There’s a massive car crash scene, a scene where Taylor swings on a swing literally inside of a gold cage, robs a bank, lifts motorcycles with her bare hands, builds a squad of robots, and then dominates a dance routine in a sexy black number. Seriously though, my fav look of hers from the video. When I heard this song, this is the look I pictured her in.
Needless to say, Taylor GOES ALL IN for this video. She calls out EVERYONE! Even herself.
At the 2:21 mark in the video, where Taylor begins singing the Bridge-
I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me I’ll be the actress starring in your bad dreams
and then hitting us with the infamous line-
“I’m sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now.” “Why?” “Oh, ’cause she’s dead!” (ohh!)
the hair on my arms stood up as I got the chills as we see current Taylor standing on a pyramid of past versions of herself- the fallen Taylors if you will, all clawing to stay alive as they battle it out for the top spot- eventually losing their grip.
As if that visual wasn’t enough to convince us that Taylor has completely transformed into a “Give No Fucks” kinda girl, we then get a real treat at the end of the video as we see all the different versions of Taylor cat fighting, so to speak. We see sweet country singer Taylor calling everybody ya’ll and trying to keep the peace, we see circus ring leader Taylor bully her and call her fake, biker Taylor call her out for “playing the victim,” “snake lover Taylor” hissing, and many others who some may say call out the disses made about her by other famous celebs. It’s as if a tell all and a satire had a baby and this was the result. It is dynamite and ballsy as all hell. Hats off girl, speak your truth. #WEWILLLISTEN
And yes there are tons of countless little references and hidden/not so hidden Easter eggs that point directly to the many people who have contributed to the down fall of the old, nice girl Taylor Swift. I won’t go into speculations, because let’s face it the internet is already going into overdrive with theories. Watch that video a ton of times and you won’t be able to unseen them! But girl damn. I am so intrigued by the route she is taking. I feel like she is pretty much a genius strategist. I don’t think she has really spoken out about anything publically regarding her new material and quite frankly I don’t see her doing so for this record. She’s lost all faith in the media to tell her story and do it justice.
In one of her latest social media posts, Taylor announced that her new album Reputation will be sold in partnership with Target. And with the album, fans will be able to purchase two collector magazines, which give them an insight into her creative process. Kind of like the personal voicemails she released on 1989 regarding how she wrote some of her lyrics, but more visual. The caption of the cover art for the magazine reading…There will be no further explanation. There will just be reputation.
All of her posts have been quiet formal, very commercial. Almost a disconnect there. I think she is done with sharing her personal life, because somehow the media always spins it and she ends up adding fuel to the fire that others have taken and burned her with. I look forward to seeing more of THIS Taylor’s journey. It may be scaring the living daylights out of me, but I am in it and ready to see what you got for us TS.
It’s no secret that the world has been in a whirlwind ever since Taylor Swift apparently deleted all of her social media posts. To be honest I didn’t think much of it, I thought oh maybe she was hacked, maybe she’s looking for a clean slate.
But then I heard she posted some images of a snake and low and behold the speculation amongst the media beast began.
Who is the snake?
Is she referring to the obvious choices- Kanye? Kim? Katy?
I’m not even going to go there. There are plenty of fans who have their theories- Google it if you must. I’ll let Taylor’s music do the talking.
FYI that snake image is actually quite terrifying.
Taylor’s following social media posts included the announcement of her single which dropped at midnight on Thursday, and the release date of her 6th studio album. Along with those announcements Taylor also released her album title and artwork.
EDGY, huh?
The album is entitled Reputation and is set to be released on November 10th! I am so ready! I didn’t realize how long it’s been, until now. Man I’ve missed T-Swift!
Something tells me this is going to be a whole new Taylor.
Not to segway, but I recently was checking in on Miley Cyrus (I know her album should be coming out soon too and she’s got new music out-Malibu, Younger Now) and in a recent interview on Jimmy Fallonshe said something that really resonated with me and I am sure rings true here in Taylor’s case too. Wait Demi Lovato has new music outtoo and her album is coming out September 29th, damn the trifecta is coming!
“With Bangerz too, I never tried to prove anything or not be myself. Anytime I say I’m being myself, whether I look like this, or I look completely different or I’m [dressed as] a panda, that is myself. I’m always being myself. It just depends what that is.” –Miley Cyrus
And I think her saying that makes absolute sense. Everyone goes through different parts of their lives, and we all change, we all grow, we all adapt. We all feel emotions and some of those emotions can lift us up, or tear us down, or help us write kick ass revenge anthems. Cue-the single. #LookWhatYouMadeMeDo
I totally dig this lyric video, the visuals are super cool and eerie, and the black, red, white, gray, color scheme, is GOLD when you hear the lyrics it all just goes.
In this song Taylor bites back at someone for making her change into a harder, more untrusting person. She does not make herself a victim, she does not act innocent. She owns up to her wrong doing, but also throws on the shade to this person (or people) that have stinted her once caring and generous ways. Basically saying that she tried with this person, gave them an inch and they took a yard.
Some lyrics that really have a bite include:
[Pre-Chorus] But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time I’ve got a list of names and yours is in red underlined I check it once, then I check it twice, oh!
***
The world goes on, another day, another drama, drama But not for me, not for me, all I think about is karma And then the world moves on, but one thing’s for sure Maybe I got mine, but you’ll all get yours
***
[Bridge] I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me I’ll be the actress, starring in your bad dreams
(Look what you made me do) (Look what you made me do) “I’m sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now.” “Why?” “Oh ’cause she’s dead!”
***
That last lyric mentioned is actually now, Taylor’s new twitter/instagram bio-
If you ask me, Taylor’s return to music (after three years since releasing the epic 1989) is highly calculated. She has a master plan here. Wiping her social media clean. Her edgy new look. The snake imagery. The new bio. She’s putting out a new vibe. She’s saying that all of this drama has caused her to change drastically. The old Taylor is gone, and we’re about to meet her evil twin sister. It’s a straight up telenovela. And I don’t hate it!
This is where she’s at now. And it looks like she’s ready to kick some ass. We got a taste of this boss lady in 1989’s Bad Blood…but I think this new album will be an entirely heightened level of calculated revenge. Shit’s been stirring for three years.
If we thought Dear John, and Better Than Revenge were intense because it shaded some of her famous exes…just wait!
Everyone reinvents themselves- artists especially. With everything that she has been through- publically being shaded my Kanye and Kim and her recent assault case, it’s no wonder Taylor has been keeping a low profile and has gone a little edgy when it comes to expressing herself through music. Her reputation has been tested. Her life exploited. This is the new Taylor Swift. Fan or not, I know you’ll learn to love it. You just have no chance here. This song is going to be EVERYWHERE.
I’m super intrigued to see how this new Taylor Swift Era plays out, and I’m eager to hear what the rest of her album will sound like. I know I’ll be getting my tickets, when she goes on tour! I’m already planning an edgy outfit in my head, #ShesOnMyConcertBucketList
Look out for a full album review COMING SOON!
*I do not take credit for any images, lyrics, or videos used.*
This Summer, I decided to test out the waters and watch The CW’s latest drama- Riverdale. I’m starting to brainstorm ideas for writing my own pilot episode and I was curious what a CW show looks like nowadays. Granted yes, I’ve watched Supergirl, but I feel like superhero shows are in a league of their own.
Left to Right: Veronica, Betty, Josie, Jughead, Cheryl, and Archie.
I grew up watching One Tree Hill and Dawson’s Creek also hosted by the same network- The WB turned The CW. And then there’s also Fox’s The O.C. What do each of these have in common? They were all about young people navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship and just trying to find their way. I needed a new Netflix series so after giving Riverdale’s pilot a watch, it was nice to see that familiar drama still occupying the screen of my favorite network. I was hooked.
If you haven’t seen the first season of Riverdale – beware this post contains SPOILERS!
****SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!****
Riverdale is based on Archie Comics. Now I never read the comics, but I had some loose ideas about them being comedy based. And after asking around a bit, I was told that they are nothing like the dramatic, sexually charged Riverdale. The charcters are the same, but the show definitely sexed it up a lot and took some dramatic, cinematic liberties. The town of Riverdale reminds me of the 70’s. At first I honestly thought the show was set in the 70’s. The old styled cars, the fluorescent lighting in the old fashioned diner with milkshakes and fries, the drive in movie theater. The town is definitely small, but has so much character, in fact if you ask me it’s probably one of the show’s most important characters all on it’s own.
The show opens up with a narration…Jughead Jones narrating and explaining the mystery that floats on the rivers of Riverdale. The death of star football player/student/all around golden boy Jason Blossom looms over their heads as summer comes to a close and school is back in session. Was it an accident or was it murder? And if it was murder? Then who did it? And why? While, his twin sister Cheryl goes around destroying everything in her path in her grieving state. This narration is Jughead telling us the story- we later find out through his words what happened and it becomes clear that Jughead is in deed a writer. Yes, I am instantly invested.
Needless to say that Jughead is played by none other than Disney Channel veteran- Cole Sprouse from The Suit Life of Zack and Cody. And let’s just say… What a hunk! 😉
It’s a bit deceiving, because we think this story is all about Archie Andrews. And yet as we find out more about him, we realize just how unlikeable he actually is. Not only does he reject his best friend Betty Cooper’s love for him, but he starts a secret love affair with his music teacher (#DawsonsCreekVibesAnyone). Also throughout the course of the first season he “dated”, “slept with”, “hung out with” like 4 different girls. Just hopping from one girl to the next, never letting the dust settle. Kind of a man slut, if you ask me, as his best friend Betty got a front row seat. He annoyed me so many times!
Enter Betty Cooper. The perfect best friend, the girl next door. She gets straight A’s, is on the school newspaper, and has a hand in many other school functions. She has been Archie’s best friend since they were kids and has lived next door to him for just as long. We learn of Betty’s feelings for Archie in the very first episode as she sits in her room primping for her end of the summer meet-up with Archie. She hasn’t seen him all summer. Her gay best friend Kevin blurts it out- “We agreed Betty, it’s time,” as they watch Archie change his shirt across the way. “Archie got hot, he’s got abs now, 6 more reasons for you to take that ginger bull by the horns tonight,” Kevin says, as Betty rushes over to see. However, Betty’s excitement is squashed when a new girl named Veronica comes in and interrupts her time with Archie.
Enter Veronica Lodge- the rich girl-turned broke. She’s new to Riverdale and not exactly happy to be here. Her father is in jail for fraud and now she and her mother have relocated to Riverdale. It’s clear within this first season that Veronica’s mom grew up in Riverdale and has a past with the other parents there. In fact all the parents went to high school together and harbor secrets of their own. Everyone in this town is CRAZY! I swear there are some twists and turns that will just shock the hell out of you. The only sane parent is Archie’s dad- Fred Andrews.
Veronica shows interest in Archie early on and Betty gets jealous, claiming to trying to be a better person since losing everything, and wanting to be Betty’s friend. She appears to want to help Betty get with Archie, she helps her get on the cheerleading squad too, which is something Betty has always wanted. However along the road to friendship, Veronica breaks some serious girl code. Cue the love trial. Although there will be more than one this season.
You’ll see some familiar faces, that’s for sure- for instance, Jughead’s dad F.P. Jones is played by Scream’s Skeet Ulrich. While, Archie’s dad Fred is played by 90’s heartthrob Luke Perry (Dylan on 90210) and his mom Mary is played by 80’s movie queen Molly Ringwald. All kinds of YES!
There’s even a When Calls the Heartactor on board too- Martin Cummins plays Kevin’s dad- Sheriff Keller. I’m pretty sure you can place every actor form this cast from somewhere, so many familiar faces!
After Betty’s suffers the heartbreak that Archie just doesn’t feel the same way for her, she is thrust into a bit of a family whirl wind- her sister’s crazy…her parents are crazy. Is she crazy? When Betty begins to spiral and question herself, her identity (doing some questionable things throughout this time) it’s not Archie who helps her through it, but Jughead. It’s clear that everyone in this town is linked in some way. As the story unfolds, we learn that Jughead, Archie and Betty all grew up together. Archie being the best friend that linked them all. Although Jughead and Archie had parted ways they begin to be friends again.
As Archie and Veronica show interest in each other from the very beginning, Betty has some trouble being a friend to either of them, until Jughead kisses her that is.
Cue the second love triangle and my Riverdale Ship! #BUGHEAD
Second love triangle you ask? Why yes, because after Archie and Veronica get all hot and heavy- he begins to notice little things happening between his good friends Jughead and Betty. Jughead putting his arm round Betty, and comforting her. He also watches from afar as Betty hugs Jughead lovingly. Yea, we saw that coming from a mile away. Always wanting what he can’t have, that Archie. Well keep it moving ya man slut, your looks are no good here now. Peep that look at 1:03.
Jughead and Betty are ADORABLE! Jughead is a loner, his family is torn apart. Betty becomes his support and in turn he becomes her sanity. They have some of the sweetest moments, and you get to see a different side of him, a tender side. He’s always so sarcastic and keeps to himself but with Betty, he finds a safe place. And we get to see Betty soar, free from harboring feelings for Archie. Fly Betty, Fly! In fact the Archie/Betty/Jughead love triangle reminds me of Dawson’s Creek’s love triangle between Dawson/Joey/Pacey. And yes you guessed it, Jughead is Pacey. 😀
Here are some clips of the couple-
That first clip gets me every time, I love how he looks at her before he kisses her. Like he’s thinking about it, if you ask me, I think he’s liked her for a long time. That is definitely one of my favorite scenes. That last clip is also one of my favorites- they just had a pretty big fight and then this is their aftermath- she let’s down her walls and he just literally takes her darkness into his hands and kisses it, just being there for her. Brilliant and so so perfect. #Swooning
Season 2 is sure to bring some serious drama and I won’t be surprised if they attempt to get Archie all fired up for Betty, but to contradict Kevin Keller, I believe Betty and Jughead are endgame. Bughead had some bumps in the road, and some trust issues, but they had some really great moments in the finale. Jughead confessed his love for Betty, while she did they same, taking them into their first sexual scene. I remember being like- *Gasp* Jughead! Betty! I didn’t know you had it in you. They seem so cute and reserved. Haha!
Anyway let’s just say their tryst was cut short, because something scandalous happens which of course throws a wrench in it all. Now that I breezed through Season 1 on Netflix, Welcome to me waiting for Season 2 like…
Riverdale has it all…drama, teen angst, mystery, suspense, love (a great ship), friendship, writing, singing, and an interesting town!
Fun Fact: Kevin Keller ends up having a romance with this rough around the edges characters named Joaquin DeSantos. Haha that’s my last name, so crazy!
Left: Joaquin, Right: Kevin
Season 2 airs on The CW on Wednesdays @ 8 pm starting October 11, this Fall.
*I do not take credit for any images, or videos used.*
So recently I’ve gotten into a bit of a habit of turning on Netflix and browsing through the Romantic Drama/Romantic Comedies Genre and just clicking play at the first sign of interest.
I’ve watched quite a few and I thought I’d share them with you.
One Small Hitch
This movie has all the makings of a Hallmark feel good film, with a twist. The twist…that major love scene. #YouKnowHallmarkIsTimid As typical as the storyline may be…we all saw it coming…this film was still a great passage of time. And was super fun!
Be Somebody
This movie is one of those cute teen romances, between a young solo artist heartthrob and a young high school art student. It’s one of those films that kind of leaves you wanting more to the story. With this Justin Bieber looking male lead, and the cute actress that plays JLo’s daughter on Shades of Blue-you just want to see these two kids make it work. I really enjoyed it, but I wanted to see how things panned out, long-term. So many unanswered questions! 😀
A Case of You
This movie was adorable. I love Justin Long! In this film he plays a struggling writer. (Hmm….instant relatability.) The whole story we follow his journey into crafting himself to be the perfect man for the object of his affection and writing it into story and it’s the sweetest thing- complete with comedy and drama. A+
Playing it Cool
Chris Evans oh my! This movie is about yet another struggling writer. (I swear I get even happier when there’s a writer in the mix!) But the way that they showcase the character’s inner writer’s mind is so clever and so entertaining to watch. He has this way of putting himself into everyone’s stories and we get to see them awkwardly play out. Although this movie is the cliché of boy doesn’t believe in love until the inevitable “HER,” the movie somehow puts this fresh spin on it. She’s engaged. The ending was a little eh,, but overall, really good watch.
All Relative
A movie with a twist that many of you will see coming. But it was still entertaining as hell. It bridges the gap between comedy and drama with a hint of crazy. You seriously question the characters and the family as a whole. If you think your family has problems…wait until you meet this family…what a twisted bunch!
Blue Jay
A beautiful modern black and white film that will have you saying…wait what the hell is going on? What happened between these two? This movie is bizarre. We see two ex-lovers meet again years after their teen romance. And as they walk through the past we begin to see how much they really meant to each other and the pain of their past is revealed. I will be honest I knew this film would be one of the films that leaves you uncertain, and very they are where they are and there’s nothing they can do what smile and have this one moment, but I was still quite annoyed. I will always be the audience member rooting for love. But there was beauty in the love of these two characters. I was waiting for some young flashbacks that we never got, but instead we saw these two characters indulge in past traditions at their current stage in life which was an interesting route to take, and I actually thought it worked rather nicely.
If you have any Netflix picks of your own, leave them for me in the comments below!
*I do not take credit for any images, or videos used.*
Since I’ve been working and having my own money for the past few years. I have started a little tradition. I get my mom play tickets for Mother’s Day and I get them for usually sometime in June and we kick off our Summer season with a fun little Mother/Daughter Day out.
Last year I took her to see the Radio City Spring Spectacular. And it was absolutely amazing. My mom and I always say there’s all these things in New York City we have yet to experience and so this is my way of making a little dent in our extensive wish list.
So this year we went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this past weekend. We enjoyed it! There were some really cool production tricks used and some of the sets were just absolutely stunning. The acting was amazing too! I loved the beginning and the ending, but there were some parts in the middle where I felt like they strayed away from the storyline of the original film. That film was a childhood favorite in my house, my brother and I loved it! So it’s original roots hold dear to my heart, and when they modernized some of the characters and the story up a bit, it didn’t sit right with me at first. Something about nostalgia. Ugh! You can’t mess with my nostalgia. But it was still a great show, a fun experience and a really fun thing to be able to treat my mom too.
After the play, we went to have some lunch at Olive Garden, my mom had never been, so we thought hey why not, let’s do it! #Breadsticks
I got the Margherita Chicken-Grilled chicken breasts topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil pesto and a lemon garlic sauce. Served with parmesan crusted zucchini.
My mom got the Shrimp Scampi– Shrimp sautéed in a garlic sauce, tossed with asparagus, tomatoes, and angel hair pasta.
For drinks– Left: I got a Non-alcoholic Strawberry-Passion Fruit Limonata (because I was taking some allergy medicine and didn’t feel like drinking much.) -A refreshing mix of lemonade, sparkling water, strawberries and passion fruit. Right: My mom got the Green Apple Moscato Sangria (because she knew I wanted to try it!)-A blend of chilled Moscato, granny smith green apple and a splash of pineapple juice.
For dessert: We shared Zeppoli-Soft, traditional Italian doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar, served with chocolate sauce for dipping.
My crappy cell phone pics, do not even do this meal justice. Everything was so DELICIOUS! We had such a great day together! Fun, Food, and Family.
The 35th Annual Mermaid Paradewas hosted this past
Saturday, on June 17th in Coney Island.
This was my third year attending and I dressed up a bit so I thought I’d share my look with you.
This year I went with a Aquamarine/Teal/Blue theme. All pieces were just to reflect oceanic colors. I added some shell accessories-a bracelet and a necklace. The sweater I’m wearing just seemed perfect because it was this net type material, like you see in the ocean when fish life get caught up in random netting and seaweed. I randomly found this sea shell bra in dollar tree a few days before and I just thought why the hell not. I was a little reserved wearing it at first and I definitely got some looks on the train going there, but I just owned it. It’s not every day you get to dress like one of the sea’s most beautiful mystical creatures. Life is too short to stay in a box.
Me, my mom, and my aunt! When we left it was pouring and we thought to ourselves are we crazy… but we kept going and by the time we got there, it was clearing up. There was a slight overcast, and a mini drizzle, but it wasn’t bad at all. In fact I preferred it because the crowd wasn’t as big and the weather wasn’t disgustingly hot. We got to enjoy and it ended up getting nicer and we had a great day!
While I was there I got to check another item off my summer bucket list- to visit the Coney Art Walls.
Had to rock my mint green vans, cuz…Rain.
And last but not least the food…I indulged and I have no shame. Because it’s not often I get to hangout on the board walk and eat that type of food. It just screams summer! So I had my usual Coney Island staples – a corndog and a shish-ka-bob. And then I’ve been dying to try fried chicken and waffles. If you know me- you know- I LOVE Chicken…any kind of chicken, and I LOVE waffles. So there was a food truck there and…um….it’s all that I imagined it would be.
Sorry I know that corn dog looks kinda gross, but it was delicious! Haha #SorryNotSorry
You can read my more in-depth experience fromTHE BLOGI posted when I attended 2 years ago. I describe in detail how I put together my outfit. A lot of the things I did this year were the same. I did the scrunchy hairstyle with a blue extension, blue hair chalk and a whole lot of product. I also used a similar makeup technique, where I basically just used stick on jewels, and blues to highlight my face and make it mermaid-y plus glitter, on glitter, on glitter. I even used my starfish DIY hair clip again too! This year I liked my outfit a little better, but the feelings of hope, creativity, and acceptance that radiant from the parade are still in my heart. It’s such a weird experience, but I think it’s pretty cool.
Next year I hope to gather more of a crew to go, and I think I may have to really plan a badass mermaid outfit. I’m going to make everyone dress up right along with me! It’s so much more fun, when you join in on the weirdness. 😀
As you may know my current Netflix obsession is the CW’s Supergirl. The show’s second season has just been recently added and I have been a very happy girl. In the premiere episode we see a conflicted Kara/Supergirl as she is now faced with many open doors. Finally getting a hold on her role as a heroine, she must explore her options in new areas of her life; her career and her love life. The man she has been in love with; James Olsen-has expressed how he wants something more than just friendship and her boss Cat Grant has decided to give her a promotion allowing her to choose any position she wants. The world is her oyster and she is completely stuck. She’s scared. She’s confused. So Cat gives her the encouragement she needs, the push that only Cat Grant can give, in her fashionable Cat flare. When I sat there hearing these words, they felt real to me. I could relate to that fear and that uncertainty. The need to want to stay within your safety zone. That fear of change. What she said made me think, made me question my own life. And once again I felt such a connection to this show, and I think that is something beautiful.
“Dive. You’re standing on the shore afraid to dive into the new waters. And you’re afraid because you don’t want to say goodbye to the mild mannered, love-lorn Kara Danvers; the sweet and dutiful assistant to Cat Grant. You are standing there looking out at your options- the icy blue water, the fast flowing river, and the choppy sea and they all look very appealing to you, because your dying to go for a swim. But you know that water is going to be cold, and the journey is going to be hard. And when you reach the other side you will have become a new person. And you’re scared to meet that new version of yourself. Now we all get used to our own personas, and we’re used to our own comfort zones, but trust me, in order to live we must keep daring, keep diving.”
– Cat Grant [Season 2, Episode 1- Entitled “The Adventures of Supergirl”]
Speech @ 5:07
Stream Seasons 1 & 2 on Netflix Now!
Cat Grant is played by Calista Flockhart and I can promise you this speech is just the first of many epic moments of wisdom and empowerment.
FRIDAY: I had a day off of work so I met my friend for dinner at a local Greek restaurant.
Grape leaves & some red wine
SPANAKOPITA (Spinach Pie)
Lamb Gyro Platter
After we went for some coffee and ice cream at Dunkin Donuts.
My newest drink is an iced decaf hazelnut swirl coffee. So good!
I tried their Caramel Macchiato Ice Cream. Delicious!- (Google Images)
This was a nice little catch up time with my best friend Jenny. She’s getting married in less than 2 weeks. And we had much to discuss. Her fiancé joined us at Dunkin’ Donuts which was a nice well rounded night out before I get to witness their BIG DAY, as her maid of honor.
SATURDAY:I went out to the outlets upstate with some family and we shopped til we dropped! Literally.
I caught some good sales! I needed some nice summer outfits for work- I got some really great stuff!
*Stay Tuned for a Clothing Haul!
SUNDAY: I met up with my Best Friend Roe and her cousin for brunch to celebrate her birthday and her wedding. She had gotten me this voucher to a place in the city called Vandal, so we just decided to make it one big all inclusive celebration.
The ambience was very cool, covered in street art inspired walls.
Seriously wanted to hide this lamp in my purse and take it home.
We really treated ourselves that day. We just got a whole bunch of dishes to share. And topped it all off with a pitcher of Sangria.
Left to Right: Sangria, House Salad, Coffee Pancakes, Polenta w/ Scrambled Eggs, Frittata, and Chicken and Waffle Mac & Cheese. Everything was served in pretty small proportions and it was definitely a splurge but, it was all really delicious and we got to sample a lot of different things. You know what they say…sharing is caring. 😉
After we relaxed our stomachs a bit, we walked our food off and ventured toward Black Tap.
We got three different crazy shakes to share.
Left to Right: The Cookie Shake, Brooklyn Blackout, Bam Bam.
I know they look super intimidating, but honestly under all that fluff and decoration on top, it’s just a simple small shake. We shared and even ended up leaving some behind, because we were all so stuffed. But these were definitely delicious!
MONDAY: My brother and sister in law hosted their first BBQ. If I tell you how much food they had, it’d put the rest of my food filled weekend to shame.
To support the day I rocked a blue and white striped- off the shoulder top, a navy knit cardigan over top, some high-waisted acid washed jeans that I cuffed up at the ankle, and some black tie up flats. I kept my makeup simple with just a bold red lip and for hair- my go to messy bun. ❤
Corn Soufflé and Empanadas.
The picture on the right is a Berry Crumble which I made….you pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. So good!
I had such a great long weekend, filled with great company and great food. There’s no other way I would have liked to spend it. And I don’t get to go out and splurge often, so it was all a great time.
Thank you to all those who fought for our country. Your bravery is what allows us the freedom to be able to celebrate our own lives. I pray for your loved ones, that they can find comfort in your heroism, and I pray for your eternal life at peace. ❤
*All photos (with the exception of the dunkin donuts ice cream photo) are my own.*
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Michelle Leigh Writes 