Last weekend I participated in The Bookie Trials Royal Weekender, 48 hours of reading to take everyone’s mind off the Coronavirus pandemic currently affecting most of the world. It was also a contest to find out which team gets a 2-day lead during The Bookie Trials in July. I’m on Team Mage; the other 3 teams are the Bards, Outlaws, & Scribes. Start scrolling to see how I did. 🧙🏻♀️
🗓 Wednesday, March 25, 2020 🗓
1:50pm – I declared my TBR on Twitter & earned my Oath Maker badge.
Declaring my TBR for #TheBookieTrialsRW 🧙🏻♀️ I’m staying loyal to Team Mage!
6pm – I posted my TBR & played This or That on my Instagram story.
6:30pm – I earned my Tournament Ready badge by participating in the Scavenger Hunt.
TOURNAMENT READY Scavenger Hunt
To prove your epic sleuthing skills you must search for the little Elven Princess hiding somewhere around the palace grounds – search around – see what you can uncover.
Noon: Things did not go as planned. Despite trying to get my mind off current events, I received news that the store I work at is closed until further notice & was encouraged to apply for Unemployment Insurance. My reading time turned into a long afternoon & evening spent crunching numbers for an application. I didn’t open a book until 11pm. 😴 💤
🌟 Wrap-Up: I stayed up until 3am & read 116 pages in “The ABC Murders.“
🗓 Sunday, March 29, 2020 🗓
9am – Running on 6 hours of sleep, I was determined to finish 1 book. A few hours later, I reached my goal & earned 3 badges: Clairvoyance, Magi Might, & Tome Champion.
Noon – 4pm: I wanted to attempt to finish a 2nd book, but the application process I started on Saturday got in the way. I turned into the Hulk & had a meltdown so it was for the best that I stepped away from reading. I did, however, earn my Master Your Craft badge by watching one of my favorite YouTubers: BooksAndLala.
This weekend didn’t go as planned, & my team didn’t win, but after a horrible reading slump dating back to 2019, I was happy to finish at least one book. I can’t wait for the big event this summer. I vlogged last year so I think I’m going to blog this year. See you in July! ☀️
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• Early 2015 – I borrowed DVDs from the library and watched Gilmore Girls for the first time in my life; at some point, I transitioned over to Netflix. Fun Fact: I created the draft of this blog post in April 2015.
• Unknown Date – I stopped watching the show in the middle of season 7, episode 14.
• September 2017 – After a long break, I returned to Stars Hollow and finishing everything including the four new specials.
* * *WARNING: IF YOU KNOW THAT CRITICISM OF THESE CHARACTERS WILL UPSET YOU, I SUGGEST YOU THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE READING THE REST OF THIS POST.
It may come as a surprise that I took such a long break before resuming my marathon. At the risk of sounding snobby, TV characters that are bratty or fickle get on my nerves, and those adjectives describe Lorelai & Rory on their worst days. If you need more specifics, I got sick of Rory being whiny; Lorelai acted like a best friend which made her daughter lack respect when she decided to put on her mom hat. Their relationship irked me, and the way their relationship affected the other relationships in their life irked me. Before you send out a search party with a warrant for my arrest, you should know a bit of background about the TV shows I watch. Gilmore Girls was a modern, realistic show that dealt with relatable issues, which is commendable. I watch very few shows that are realistic or take place in the current day. The drama got to be a bit much for me so I had to take a step back, but please don’t leave with the wrong conclusion. I love the citizens of Stars Hollow and consider myself a fan, even though I’m not as die hard as others in the community. Taking a break is exactly what I needed because I really enjoyed the last few episodes of season 7 as well as the specials on Netflix. I’ve even started watching the show again from season one. Everything worked out! 👍🏻
“Treat yourself to this luscious tropical getaway!! Juicy mango,freshly picked mandarins and sugared blackberries come together for an energizing burst of island aromas.”
“Savor the first bite of crisp green apples in a sun-kissed orchard! Refresh your spirit with this juicy fragrance that combines the scent of apples with a sophisticated blend of peaches and exotic flowers.”
“Love is in the air! Fall in love with this romantic blend of strawberries, peach, cotton candy and warm amber. The sweet aromas will fill the air with magic and passion.”
“Lure your imagination into a luscious field with juicy strawberries and plum blossom. The perfect blend of rich strawberry, juicy pomegranate and creamy vanilla will have you feeling ‘berry’ relaxed!”
I sat within a few feet of each soy candle while it burned. The scents smell exactly as described. They are subtle at first but grow stronger after the first hour; they don’t hit you all at once but rather in waves every few minutes. For the Green Apple candle, I changed the location to a central room in my house; after the three-hour burning time, every open room smelled like green apples. The fruit scents are my favorite because I’ve transitioned into spring/summer mode; they smell even better when the candle is lit, like grilled fruit for a summer BBQ. Sugar Kisses was a pleasant surprise because Charmed Aroma was nice enough to send it to me for free. I am happy to announce that it is not sickly sweet like candy but rather soft like vanilla.
“Ever dream of swimming with the dolphins? Take a dip into the turquoise waters and drift into a dream state. This fresh-scented bath bomb captures the pure marine notes of the sea that will have you dreaming of your next getaway!”
This bath bomb turned my bathwater into a gorgeous shade of turquoise blue but didn’t leave any stains. After one hour my skin smelled like I had spent a day at the spa. I’m not really sure how to describe the scent. It’s kind of floral but also a bit like watermelon. This is an odd thing to say, but the only thing I can compare it to is the Seabreeze Squeeze smoothie at Jamba Juice (cranberry/apple juice blend, orange sherbet, banana, raspberries, strawberries).
The first bath bomb arrived broken. I filed a complaint on March 31st and received a response on April 1st that my broken bath bomb would be replaced. I received an email on April 7th that Sea Breeze was out of stock and replied that Green Apple would be fine as a replacement, even though it isn’t what I ordered. My package shipped on April 19th and arrived on April 22nd. I wasn’t expecting it, but I did receive Sea Breeze. I am happy that the problem was resolved, and the customer service representatives were very nice. However, the process was frustrating. I initially wanted to place my first order back in February, but all the bath bombs on the website were out of stock. I waited a little over one month, and finally a new bath bomb was introduced. It arrived broken, and when I tried to get a replacement, it was out of stock. I said Green Apple would be fine, but my package took another two weeks to arrive because I was sent Sea Breeze. I ended up with what I ordered, but I wish someone had told me that was why my package took so long to ship. Due to lack of communication, I had no idea what was going on.
“Engage your senses every day with the tropical sensation of Charmed Aroma’s Acai Berry Body Scrub. Our unique sugar scrub formula contains a balance of gentle exfoliants and deep moisture that leave your skin healthy and refreshed. Massage generously onto skin with warm water.”
“Pamper your skin with an indulgence that lasts throughout the day. This rich, luxurious cream with natural coconut oils penetrate deep into the skin’s surface, infusing it with deep moisture and a silky soft feeling that lasts for 24 hours.”
“Pamper yourself with The Sterling Body Butter & Body Scrub Bundle. Each bundle contains (1) Sterling Mango Coconut Body Butter and (1) Sterling Acai Body Scrub.”
The scrub isn’t chunky and abrasive but rather like a gritty silly putty. I know that’s a weird description! Basically it’s great for sensitive skin. I recommend soaking in the tub after using the scrub to let the numerous oils soak into your skin; the silky smooth results are worth it. The creamy body butter adds even more moisture, and the combination of scents are a tropical match made in heaven. The lotion did make my sensitive skin a little red, but the irritation went away within a few minutes. After nine days, I had used approximately 75% of the scrub and 15% of the lotion. Perhaps I used too much scrub at once but I would say the lotion is a better value for the price.
*Note: If you like the Mango Coconut body butter, you will like the Aloha Mango candle and vice versa.
I placed my order on March 23rd. The package shipped on March 24th and arrived on March 31st. I am very happy with the quality of each product, and the beautiful jewelry is an added bonus. The earrings don’t hurt my ears, and the rings don’t make my fingers turn green. My one complaint is the Sugar Kisses ring has some kind of yellow glue on it which cheapens the look. The products are pricey so I wouldn’t recommend Charmed Aroma for value but rather a special treat every once in awhile. They are also a great resource for gifts. Happy shopping! 🛍️
On April 15, 2015, tragedy struck the Anne of Green Gables family. Actor Jonathan Crombie, known for his role as the beloved Gilbert Blythe, passed away. If you are interested, here is the blog post I wrote following the news of his death: Don’t Forget Me
A member of the AOGG fandom, Sandra McKinney, has started a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of putting some kind of memorial in David Crombie Park. The Toronto park is named after Jonathan’s father, and Sandra felt it was the perfect place for a memorial. She has talked to the proper authorities, and the idea has been accepted. If there is any money left over from the donations, it will be given to a charity of the Crombie family’s choosing. Donate if you are able to do so, but don’t feel like you have to. At the very least, share the page on social media and help spread the word. Sandra’s efforts speak volumes on behalf of the AOGG community, and I want to do my part to help.
• Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/970383573006872/
In the words of Sandra, “If you like this idea and would be willing to help so that this can happen please donate whatever you can. Let’s make this fundraising campaign a success and let’s keep Jonathan’s memory alive for our generation and generations to come.”
Take a deep breath TWD fans. Let’s talk through the pain.
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* * * Warning: I will be talking openly so please DO NOT read this if you have not watched the season 6 finale. There may be SPOILERS ahead.
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1. I have no idea what is wrong with Maggie, but I’m scared. What happens if she miscarried?? Every human that dies becomes a zombie. What does that mean?? Are things about to get really weird??
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2. I’m pretty sure Carl and Enid will never be friends again. He locked her in a closet!! I know he was trying to protect her, but I don’t think she will be very understanding. On the other hand, maybe she will be. The group has worse things to deal with now.
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3. I loved watching Carol’s progression into the kick-butt category but didn’t realize the toll it had taken until this episode. She stared death in the face and taunted her shooter to finish the job. She has managed to stay alive, but fear and emotion are starting to make her unstable.
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4. I was concerned when Morgan told Carol’s shooter he could leave alive. He has tried my patience this season with his “zen” approach to the zombie apocalypse. Thankfully he did what he had to do: shoot the enemy. Seriously though, the one time he decides to kill a (bad) human, and he wastes all of his bullets. One headshot would have sufficed.
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5. The Saviors taunted Rick’s group the entire episode, but the worst blow was the stunt they pulled dressing two zombies with items from Daryl and Michonne. That was cruel considering no one knew Daryl, Glenn, Michonne, and Rosita were in danger.
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6. This episode had me on edge the entire 90 minutes. By the end, I had cried and said goodbye to every character just in case. When Eugene left with the RV, I was sure he was a dead man. Next thing I know, I’m watching several beloved characters kneel before Negan and fear for their lives. My body was shaking. My hands were partially covering my eyes. Tears were streaming down my face. I was not okay. I’m still not okay.
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Closing Thoughts: First of all, let’s take a moment to appreciate the stellar cast. The regulars did a fantastic job, especially those who came face to face with Negan. Watching Rick go from confident leader to powerless victim was heartbreaking. The Saviors’ whistling sent chills down my spine and freaked me out, paving the way for Negan. I knew Jeffrey Dean Morgan would kill it, and he did not disappoint. In the end, it was implied that someone died a la Lucille, but the identity was not revealed. I was so emotionally shaken that I didn’t think twice about the cliffhanger until I read social media comments. I have come to expect cliffhangers from TWD so I wasn’t bothered, but I understand why fans are upset. After numerous mid-season and season finale cliffhangers, people were craving some closure, closure they once again did not get. I trust that the writers know what they’re doing, but I do think the show has lost some of its edge in the eyes of viewers. I have not given up and don’t plan on doing so anytime soon. The Negan storyline is promising in terms of edgy content, and I’m nervous/excited to see what happens next.
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If you like time period shows, nursing, midwifery, heartwarming stories, or all of the above, this show is for you. Me and my mom, a former nurse, are madly in love!
Best concert of my life so far! If you are into metal, show support for the four bands by visiting their respective websites and giving their music a chance.
Thanks to encouragement from my mom, I gave denim vests a chance and have no regrets. This is a great layering piece for warm weather, and I will venture to say that it will be equally adorable in colder months with long-sleeve tops.
When I turned 21, I started to get light acne. If you have this same struggle, I highly recommend this product. It does dry out your skin, but the effects are not drastic. A little extra moisturizer is all you will need. However, keep in mind that my results may vary from your own.
I am not a fan of berry scents; they tend to be too strong for my taste. This lotion is a bit strong and headache-provoking, but the scent lightens when it comes in contact with my skin. I have been wearing it ALL month. I am glad I gave it a chance!
It is with a heavy heart that I write this post. Jonathan Crombie, best known for his movie role as the beloved Gilbert Blythe, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, at the age 48; the cause was a brain hemorrhage. I grew up watching the Anne of Green Gables movies and dreaming of meeting and marrying my very own Gil. Me and my friends were so smitten with him that we had to designate an area specifically for freak outs; the “Jonathan Crombie Couch” will forever be a treasured memory of mine. I received an Anne of Green Gables music box for Valentine’s Day this year. At the time, the gift was thoughtful, but now it holds so much more meaning. God knew I would need a special reminder of Jonathan, my own personal piece of Gilbert. The following is a short statement given to the Canadian Press by Crombie’s Anne of Green Gables co-star Megan Follows:
“He was incredibly funny, Jonathan just had an amazing sense of humour,” she told The Canadian Press. “Truly I just remember at times just laughing so hard that you’d just be crying. He was so playful and silly and, as I said, really bright, so his humour was always informed with that, which made him even funnier.” Follows called Crombie a “sweetheart” and said a lot of the chemistry onscreen was natural during the filming of the movies. “He had that beautiful face. He was a lot of fun, he was very open so you just felt he was someone who really wanted to play and it really was a new experience for him,” she said, adding that the project was one of Crombie’s first. “We were all just in it to do the best that we could and we had a lot of fun.” (Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/04/19/jonathan-crombie-megan-follows_n_7095258.html) I think it is safe to say Jonathan’s version of Gilbert was not far from his true nature: playful and endearing.
It seems all too appropriate to mention some of my favorite Gilbert and Anne scenes from each movie. I have more than one in each film, but, for the sake of attention spans, I will keep the list short. In the first movie “Anne of Green Gables”, one of my favorite moments is the very last scene in which Gilbert sacrificially gives up the Avonlea school so that Anne can teach there and stay at home with Marilla. They exchange the following dialogue, recalling fondly what was originally an explosive and classic moment:
Anne: “Aren’t you worried? I’m liable to break another slate over your head.” Gilbert: “I’m more worried I might break one over yours, carrots”
The scene starts at the 9:57 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPREdzRRRlY
In “Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel”, one of my favorite moments is when Gil and Anne are FINALLY a couple, and they are standing on a bridge discussing their future:
Gilbert: “It’ll be three years before I finish medical school. Even then there won’t be any diamond sunbursts or marble halls” Anne: “I don’t want diamond sunbursts, or marble halls. I just want you.”
In the third and final film “Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story”, my FAVORITE moment has to be, of course, the scene when Anne and Gil are reunited after her arduous search during World War I. Anne is on a stage with two friends singing for soldiers; they are singing “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”, Gil and Anne’s wedding dance song. As she is scanning the crowd, Anne spots a familiar, beloved face. Running ensues as well as a heartwarming reunion. Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8dc9kqaXBI
I want to give my condolences to all of Jonathan’s loved ones. My heart goes out to you, and you are in my prayers.
Jonathan: You embodied a classic book character, a portrayal that was truly a gift to the film industry. You will always be remembered and loved as Gil in the hearts of your fans. Rest in peace.
The “Anne of Green Gables” family could never forget you!! <3 <3 <3
– Lauren Michele :)
” You know, every day I would pick a different memory of you and play it over and over and over again in my mind, until every hair, every freckle, every part of you was exactly as I remembered.” – Gilbert Blythe, “Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story”
Hello readers!! I am back. I am actually in class right now, but I felt like writing, and today is a work day therefore I have the freedom to blog. First of all, I want to thank Katy Perry for her lyrics, A.K.A. the title of this post, and Brooke Shaden for her relevant photograph. This post is all about the transition from a good mood to a bad mood. My Easter weekend was amazing. I was smiling for three days straight, and at one point I was dancing around my house singing “Walking on Sunshine.” Those who know me personally know the person I am describing is a total stranger to them. Have no fear! My “holiday high” did not last long after the sun went down Sunday night. Understand that my good mood did not disappear because I was uncomfortable with being happy. Reality hit me as soon as my schedule returned to normal. I resumed working on mid-term projects, and things were going wrong left and right. Life is not a Hallmark movie. We earn moments of peace by working hard, but life requires more work than relaxation therefore the ratio is far from 50/50. When you are in a good mood, enjoy the happiness. Those are the moments you can cling to when life attacks from all sides.
Chin up readers!
– Lauren Michele :)
“Everybody wants happiness. Nobody wants pain. But you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.” – Unknown
Lauren Michele ❤️ 