2017 Wrap Up | 2018 Reading Challenge

January 9, 2018January 26, 20182 Comments

With twelve minutes to spare in 2017, I completed my Goodreads goal of reading 50 books. Thanks to the diversity of those books, I also completed the Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge. Let’s recap the categories accompanied by detailed & extensive lists:

📚 A Book you Chose for the Cover – Before we dive into the list, I want to clarify that I define a cover buy as a book I picked up because the cover caught my eye, which doesn’t mean I didn’t look at the synopsis:

📖 My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by Ally Carter, David Levithan, Gayle Forman, Holly Black, Jenny Han, Kelly Link, Kiersten White, Laini Taylor, Matt De La Peña, Myra McEntire, Rainbow Rowell, & Stephanie Perkins | I almost didn’t buy this book, but I couldn’t get the cover out of my head.

📖 The Messenger of Athens by Anne Zouroudis

📖 Wicked Autumn by G.M. Malliet

📖 Murder on the Cliffs by Joanna Challis

📚 A Book With a Reputation for Being Un-Put-Down-Able

And Then There Were None & Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie | Some people might also include Death on the Nile, myself included.

📖 Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

📖 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

📖 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, …Chamber of Secrets, …Prisoner of Azkaban, & …Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

📖 Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

📖 Cinder & Heartless by Marissa Meyer

📖 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

📖 The Rook, The Knight, The Bishop, & The Queen by Steven James ( bestselling author & series )

📚 A Book Set Somewhere You’ve Never Been but Would Like to Visit

🇪🇬 Egypt – Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie, Crocodile on the Sandbank & The Curse of Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England – A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, And Then There Were None, Crooked House, & The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie, Murder on the Cliffs by Joanna Challis, Mystery in White by J. Jefferson Farjeon, & Wicked Autumn by G.M. Malliet

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland – The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

📚 A Book You’ve Already Read – I did a lot of rereading last year:

📖 Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories & Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

📖 Kristy’s Great Idea, Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls, & The Truth About Stacey by Ann M. Martin

📖 Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters

📖 Mind Over Monsters, To Catch a Vampire, & Death Takes a Holiday by Jennifer Harlow

📖 Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

📖 Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

📖 Tutu Deadly & Tapped Out by Natalie M. Roberts

📖 The Rook, The Knight, & The Bishop by Steven James

📖 White Christmas Pie by Wanda E. Brunstetter

📚 A Juicy Memoir – In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox by Carol Burnett. The ending made me cry. No lie!

📚 A Book About Books or Reading – The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan & The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

📚 A Book in a Genre You Usually Avoid – These aren’t all genres I avoid on purpose; I just don’t reach for them often:

📖 My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by Ally Carter, David Levithan, Gayle Forman, Holly Black, Jenny Han, Kelly Link, Kiersten White, Laini Taylor, Matt De La Peña, Myra McEntire, Rainbow Rowell, & Stephanie Perkins ( contemporary )

📖 Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff ( science fiction )

📖 In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox by Carol Burnett ( memoir)

📖 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern ( fantasy )

📖 Mind Over Monsters, To Catch a Vampire, & Death Takes a Holiday by Jennifer Harlow ( supernatural )

📖 The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan ( contemporary )

📖 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, …Chamber of Secrets, …Prisoner of Azkaban, & …Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling ( fantasy )

📖 Cinder & Glitches by Marissa Meyer ( science fiction )

📚 A Book You Don’t Want to Admit You’re Dying to Read – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. I’m not embarrassed by this series but rather ashamed that I didn’t pick it up sooner. I also read …Chamber of Secrets, …Prisoner of Azkaban, & …Goblet of Fire.

📚 A Book in the Backlist of a New Favorite Author – Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

📚 A Book Recommended by Someone With Great Taste – These are recommendations by bookstagrammers, booktubers & friends:

📖 Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

📖 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

📖 Night by Elie Wiesel

📖 Mystery in White by J. Jefferson Farjeon

📖 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, …Chamber of Secrets, …Prisoner of Azkaban, & …Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

📖 Cinder & Heartless by Marissa Meyer

📖 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

📚 A Book You Were Excited to Borrow or Buy but Haven’t Read Yet – Though I’m excited about every book I purchase, this list includes the titles I’d been dying to read but had yet to do so:

📖 And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

📖 The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters

📖 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

📖 Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire

📖 Heartless by Marissa Meyer

📖 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

📖 The Queen by Steven James

📚 A Book About a Subject or Topic You Already Love – Another thorough list:

📖 And Then There Were None, Crooked House, Death on the Nile, Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories, & Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie ( mystery )

📖 The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie ( Christmas & mystery )

📖 The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie & Charles Osborne ( mystery )

📖 The Messenger of Athens by Anne Zouroudis ( crime )

📖 In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox by Carol Burnett ( The Carol Burnett Show )

📖 The Mystery of the Stone Tiger by Carolyn Keene ( mystery )

📖 A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens ( Christmas )

📖 Crocodile on the Sandbank & The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters ( Egyptology & mystery )

📖 Wicked Autumn by G.M. Malliet ( mystery )

📖 Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire ( I already love the musical! )

📖 The Postcard Killers by James Patterson ( crime )

📖 Kingdom Come by Jane Jensen ( Amish life & crime )

📖 The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan ( books & reading )

📖 Mystery in White by J. Jefferson Farjeon ( mystery )

📖 Murder on the Cliffs by Joanna Challis ( mystery )

📖 Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder ( pioneer life )

📖 Cinder & Glitches by Marissa Meyer ( fairytales )

📖 Heartless by Marissa Meyer ( Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland )

📖 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak ( books & reading )

📖 Tutu Deadly & Tapped Out by Natalie M. Roberts ( dance & mystery )

📖 The Rook, The Knight, The Bishop, & The Queen by Steven James ( crime )

📖 Land of Silence & Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar ( Bible times )

📖 Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki Delaney ( Christmas & mystery )

📖 White Christmas Pie by Wanda E. Brunstetter ( Amish life & Christmas )

• Total: 12 Categories & 50 Books

• Here are links to my reading updates & 2017 Goodreads Challenge:

2016 Wrap Up & 2017 Reading Challenges ( V I D E O )

January Reading Wrap Up | 2017 Reading Challenge Update

BookTube-A-Thon

October 2017 Wrap Up | November 2017 TBR

Murder on the Orient Express Vlog

November Wrap + December TBR

📚 2017 Goodreads Reading Challenge 📚

Due to reading fatigue, I am not officially committing to the 2018 Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge. However, I’m not giving up completely. I may join at any point during the year so I’m leaving the categories here for reference.

Source: https://modernmrsdarcy.com/reading-challenge-2018/

📚 A Classic You’ve Been Meaning to Read – A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

📚 A Book Recommended by Someone With Great Taste – TBD

📚 A Book in Translation – The Time in Between by Maria Duenas

📚 A Book Nominated for an Award in 2018 – TBD

📚 A Book Of Poetry, a Play, or an Essay Collection – Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

📚 A Book You Can Read in a Day – Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

📚 A Book That’s More Than 500 Pages – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

📚 A Book by a Favorite Author – Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie

📚 A Book Recommended by a Librarian or Indie Bookseller – The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

📚 A Banned Book – To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

📚 A Memoir, Biography, or Book of Creative Nonfiction – Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between by Lauren Graham

📚 A Book by an Author of a Different Race, Ethnicity, or Religion Than Your Own – Harvest of Gold by Tessa Afshar

Last but not least, I pledged to read 55 books on Goodreads. I’m not going to push myself because reading should be fun, not a competition. Regardless of whether or not I read a certain number of books, I’m doing something I love. Happy reading!

Source: http://bestanimations.com/Books/Books2.html

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– Lauren Michele ❤︎

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The Last Jedi | Blogmas 2017

December 21, 2017December 22, 20171 Comment

Source: http://www.starwars.com/films/star-wars-episode-viii-the-last-jedi

⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: My intention is not to spoil the movie for you, but spoilers are hard to avoid once you’ve seen and want to talk about it. You have been warned! ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️

I recently saw Star Wars: The Last Jedi and loved it, but I’m still dealing with a lot of feelings. The severity of my emotions caught me off guard, and it wasn’t just because of Carrie Fisher’s death, although that sadness is still very fresh. This is the end of an era, a transition from the old to the new. I’m excited about the next generation of characters, but that doesn’t make the change any easier. When the twins reunited, Luke said the words “No one’s ever really gone” as he placed Han’s dice in Leia’s hand. From that point on, I couldn’t stop crying. That one poignant moment sums up my experience with this film. I know that’s a really short statement about a really big movie, but I honestly can’t bring myself to say anything more.

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➡️ ➡️ ➡️ A R T M A S ⬅️ ⬅️ ⬅️

F o u r D a y s U n t i l C h r i s t m a s . . .

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– Lauren Michele ❤︎

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The Gilmore Girl Experience

October 5, 2017October 5, 20173 Comments

Source: ttp://assets-s3.usmagazine.com/uploads/assets/photo_galleries/regular_galleries/2609-Gilmore-Girls-Cast-Then-and-Now/photos/1412119262_gilmore-girls-group-560.jpg

• 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! 👍🏻

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

W H E R E • Y O U • L E A D • I • W I L L • F O L L O W

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– Lauren Michele ❤︎

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My Favorite Disney Channel Original Movies

May 29, 2016June 3, 20162 Comments

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Someday I will write about subjects other than Disney & nostalgia. Today is not that day. 😂 In honor of Disney Channel’s original movie marathon this Memorial Day weekend, I am going to share my favorite DCOMs.

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• Stand-alone

Stuck in the Suburbs – 2004

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuck_in_the_Suburbs

Taran Killam is one of my favorite Saturday Night Live cast members. When I realized he played Jordan Cahill, I freaked out. Baby Jordan!

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• Series

Cheetah Girls – 2003

Source: http://www.popsugar.com/love/photo-gallery/35799092/image/35799095/Cheetah-Girls-Inspiration

Cheetah Girls 2 – 2006

Source: http://movies.disney.com/the-cheetah-girls-2

My friends and I listened to the soundtrack on repeat. We would pretend to be The Cheetah Girls, touring and making music videos with my camera. Since there were three of us, I was a Chanel/Dorinda hybrid. ;)

High School Musical – 2006

High School Musical 2 – 2007

Source: http://disneychannel.disney.com/high-school-musical-2

The HSM movies are the only DCOMs I still own (besides Camp Rock). That about sums it up.

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Stuck in the Suburbs is my favorite because it possesses the DCOM spirit. The only reason it’s above The Cheetah Girls and High School Musical is because both of those series blew up and became something beyond just Disney Channel films. They were revolutionary and to this day hold significance in DCOM history. A random person on the street might know about T.C.G. or H.S.M. but most likely not S.I.T.S. Hopefully that makes sense!

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• Others

Cadet Kelly – 2002

Source: http://movies.disney.com/cadet-kelly

Lizzie McGuire and Kim Possible are two of my favorite Disney Channel shows. A movie with Christy Carlson Romano (Kim) and Hilary Duff (Lizzie)?? Yes please!!

Camp Rock – 2008

Source: http://disneychannel.disney.com/camp-rock

I was obsessed with Mitchie’s wardrobe. Also, the Jonas brothers.

Cow Belles – 2006

Source: http://movies.disney.com/cow-belles

Fun fact: Aly & AJ songs still play on repeat on my Spotify account. No shame!

Go Figure – 2005

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/go-figure/

Figure skating, hockey, & Everlife music. Need I say more?!

Jump In – 2007

Source: http://movies.disney.com/jump-in

I’m pretty sure I asked my mom for a jump rope after this movie premiered.

Kim Possible: So The Drama – 2003

Source: http://movies.disney.com/kim-possible-so-the-drama

I already mentioned my love for KP. No other words are necessary.

Now You See It – 2005

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/now_you_see_it_2005/

This movie is a hidden gem. I found out about it after seeing Johnny Pacar on Flight 29 Down and doing further research about his career. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Pixel Perfect – 2004

Source: http://disneyexaminer.com/2015/10/29/ranking-disney-channels-most-memorable-sci-fi-films/disney-channel-original-movie-the-pixel-perfect-1/

I totally forgot about this movie until I saw it on the Disney Channel TV schedule. I flipped out!! Hands down one of my favorite DCOMs. I wish I could watch it more often.

Read it And Weep – 2006

Source: http://movies.disney.com/read-it-and-weep

It’s always special re-watching movies that I saw commercials for before they premiered. I got the full experience!

The Even Stevens Movie – 2003

Source: http://movies.disney.com/the-even-stevens-movie

My brother and I loved this show growing up. Of course I love the movie!

The Proud Family Movie – 2005

Source: http://movies.disney.com/the-proud-family-movie

I wish Suga Mama was my relative. I love her so much! 😂

Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior – 2006

Source: http://movies.disney.com/wendy-wu-homecoming-warrior

I had the biggest crush on Shin Koyamada. Also, girl power!

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All of the previously mentioned films fall below my favorites but are in no way on the bottom. I could watch them over and over and never get bored.

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• Honorable Mentions

Avalon High – 2010

Source: http://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/4496/Avalon-High-(2010-TV).html

Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam – 2010

Source: http://movies.disney.com/camp-rock-2-the-final-jam

Get a Clue – 2002

Source: http://movies.disney.com/get-a-clue

Lemonade Mouth – 2011

Source: http://movies.disney.com/lemonade-mouth

Starstruck – 2010

Source: http://img.lum.dolimg.com/v1/images/72c967fa202d9ac6b27c9599cfee8b883fe587fd_7e6ca44b.jpeg?region=0%2C0%2C750%2C1110

The Cheetah Girls: One World – 2008

Source: http://movies.disney.com/the-cheetah-girls-one-world

Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century – 1999

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/zenon_girl_of_the_21st_century/

Zenon: The Zequel – 2001

Source: http://www.vhscollector.com/movie/zenon-zequel

Zenon: Z3 – 2004

Source: http://1080.plus/Zenon_Z3-Trailer_by_DisneyMoviesOnDemand/95OJyZ-8kYE.video

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These are movies that I like but don’t love. Some may surprise you, but keep in mind this is my personal opinion. I also want to point out something. I like the Zenon series, but I haven’t watched the movies many times therefore I don’t feel right putting them in the favorites category.

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If you’ve missed part of the marathon, have no fear! There are many DCOMs available on Netflix. Also, more will be airing throughout June in preparation for the premiere of Disney Channel’s 100th original movie Adventures in Babysitting.

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I suggest you tune into the Thingamavlogs livestream. They are staying live through the entire marathon for a great cause: The Pablove Foundation. Necessary links below:

• Livestream – http://www.dcommarathon.com

• Pablove Website – http://www.pablove.org

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– Lauren Michele <3

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Back to the Days of Yesteryear

April 17, 20162 Comments

Source: https://creativemornings.com/themes/childhood

If you know me well, you know that my life is fueled by nostalgia. Not a day goes by without me thinking about something childhood-related. For awhile I felt like a freak who just couldn’t handle the stress of “adulting.” Turns out I’m not alone. More and more people born in the 90s are speaking up and reminiscing about the “good old days.” In college, blankets and backpacks adorned by beloved characters such as Strawberry Shortcake and Spongebob Squarepants were a normal sight. I’ve recently noticed several Youtube videos revolving around childhood. Remakes of classic TV shows and movies are being produced by the dozens. There is unrest in the 2010s!! I can think of two major reasons why this is happening.

1. It’s normal to reach an age where childhood is a distant memory, and adulthood is a scary place. The feeling is similar to that of a skydiver’s parachute unexpectedly disappearing. Suddenly the innocence and freedom of the grade school years sounds like an upgrade.

2. People are truly unhappy with the quality of entertainment (toys, music, movies, shows, etc) being produced this decade. The 90s and 2000s are a golden age of sorts. Think about it. “Full House” has a successful spinoff, and “Hey Arnold” reruns air every weeknight on The Splat. If demand is any indication, the surge of nostalgia isn’t stopping anytime soon.

No matter the reason, we are winning the battle. Millennials unite!! Here’s a look at my childhood:

• Baby Years (1993 – 1998)

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• Middle Years (1999 – 2003)

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*Note: I also watched a lot of old shows such as “Looney Tunes”, “The Flintstones”, I Love Lucy”, The Andy Griffith Show”, and “The Brady Bunch.” My dad and I watched western movies on the weekends. Lots of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. :)

Teen Years (2004 – 2011)

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*Note: My later teen years were spent obsessing over crime shows such as “CSI”, “CSI: NY” and “The Mentalist.” I also watched reruns of old shows such as “The Nanny”, “Friends”, “Saved by the Bell”, and “Full House.”

• This is only a small part of my childhood. For more nostalgia, click the following link & visit my “Childhood” board on Pinterest:

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/lagirl93/childhood/

• I also have a “Throwback” playlist on Spotify:

Source: https://open.spotify.com/user/lagirl93/playlist/4iPObw0WtuVbw3v4zIvI4S

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– Lauren Michele <3

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCic1VLw_OuW2fzDQ88oi_AA/feed

– Image Sources in Order of Appearance –

• http://www.eonline.com/photos/10678/the-most-awesome-things-from-the-90s/339845

• http://www.amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-Forget-Their-Manners-ebook/dp/B00472OBSE/ref=pd_sim_351_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=615x3gtjaNL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_OU01_AC_UL320_SR320%2C320_&refRID=1R8T38FD5SMD9WG6MKE7

• http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Ratigan6688/Top_10_Best_Little_Kids’_Shows

• http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/TaleSpin

• http://dreamworks.wikia.com/wiki/VeggieTales

• http://www.americangirlmuseum.org/beforever/

• http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140618006549/en/Can’t-Can’t-Meet-Entrepreneur-Barbie®

• http://theodysseyonline.com/uvm/90s-fashion-that-should-make-comeback/376214

• https://play.wimpmusic.com/album/1412843

• http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Kim_Possible

• http://fortyfoursunsets44.blogspot.com/2012/08/back-to-school-with-lisa-frank.html

• http://www.playbuzz.com/emilyg11/do-you-actually-remember-lizzie-mcguire

• http://www.hulu.com/the-saddle-club

• http://www.m-magazine.com/posts/10-crazy-facts-you-never-knew-about-the-cheetah-girls-40916/photos/flashback-friday-tk-crazy-facts-about-the-cheetah-girls-48579#photo-anchor

• http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/hannah-montana/images/15486507/title/hannah-montana-season-1-wallpaper-21-wallpaper

• http://www.amazon.com/High-School-Musical-1-3-Efron/dp/B001Q3KQ68

• http://tigerbeat.com/2009/08/check-out-this-hot-jonas-poster-only-in-october-tiger-beat/

• http://kellyclarkson.wikia.com/wiki/Breakaway_(Album)

• http://olsensanonymous.blogspot.com/2013/04/mka-2004.html

• http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Clock-Nancy-Drew-Book/dp/0448095017/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1RMEE3QJGKS50VGPE8SR

• http://www.maximumpop.co.uk/suite-life-of-zack-and-cody-throwback/

• http://winxclubworld.wikia.com/wiki/File:Season.jpg

• http://nickelodeon.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_Zoey_101_characters

Farewell American Idol

April 8, 20163 Comments

Source: http://www.hulu.com/american-idol

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*Note: There were a number of contestants unable to be involved in the Idol finale. Some of those absences were disappointing, but it must have been a nightmare trying to organize so many different people and schedules into two hours of television. I am squelching my feelings and focusing on the positive in this post.

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Going into the Idol finale, I knew I would be emotional, but I didn’t realize the tears would fall so soon. Familiar faces from past seasons appeared during the opening song, and the floodgates were open. In that moment I buckled my seatbelt and prepared for a two-hour storm of nostalgia. The majority of the show was dedicated to a flow of performances by contestants and judges. I really like that the contestants were mixed rather than organized by season. It was fantastic to hear duets and groups that I would never have dreamed of seeing perform. Even Larry Platt (“Pants on the Ground”), Sanjaya Malakar, and William Hung made an appearance. I died from laughter when I realized Sanjaya was moving around the audience and wearing different wigs. 😂 Of course the original judges had to make an appearance: Paula, Randy, & Simon, the trio that started it all. Judges come and go, but they will always be the most memorable panel. I noticed that the current judges were very emotional throughout the night. It’s hard to say goodbye to the show, but I think it had more to do with the slew of past contestants & winners making an appearance. This show has been on the air for 15 seasons, and the numerous performances proved that more times than not, the judges and voters got it right. Not every contestant made it to the pinnacle of fame, but they are spread out all over the world of music sharing their unique gifts. Last but not least, America found out who the final “American Idol” is. The winner is… Trent Harmon!! Even though I was rooting for La’Porsha, Trent is incredibly talented. I wish both of them nothing but the best. I believe both of them can go very far in the music industry.

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Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4eWXM5CYFU

🎶 Uh oh… here come the waterworks!! 🎶

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkgz31z3IJE

🎶 This song was performed by the original top 2 Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson. One boy & one girl. Bookends!! 🎶

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jNCX5cgfiY

🎶 “I have won and I have lost. I got it right sometimes, but sometimes I did not. Life’s been a journey. I’ve seen joy, I’ve seen regret. Oh and You have been my God through all of it.” Sing Colton Sing! 🎶

– Kelly Clarkson Medley –

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1PEC1yVCAE

🎶 Chris Daughtry, one of my favorite voices EVER. 🎶

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiCz05ZY7Nc

– Country Medley –

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8_BYnpJhAo

🎶 How adorable is she?? Such a beautiful voice! 🎶

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQHdMkaJnv8

🎶 I didn’t know I needed a Casey James & Katharine McPhee duet, but I did. One of my favorite parts of the show. 🎶

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A42LQdytWdY

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCHJ5Qm8NuY

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txFl3teEUJY

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzNu26Z3JrY&nohtml5=False

🎶 These are my boys!! I’ve always felt that the singer-songwriters from “American Idol” were underrated. 🎶

– Gag Reel –

– Original Judges Reunite –

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWjnS31C_hY&nohtml5=False

🎶 Oh. My. Gosh. 🎶

– Ford Memories –

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfJiBg8r95g&nohtml5=False

🎶 I see you mouthing “Praise the Lord” at the end. Preach girl preach!! 🎶

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t267JTtalw

🎶 Once again, congratulations Trent!! 🎶

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*Note: The videos that are missing will be posted once I find them on Youtube.

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I didn’t start watching this show until season 6, but it impacted my life long before then and continues to do so. I have owned Chris Daughtry, David Archuleta, David Cook, Kelly Clarkson, and Lee Dewyze CDs. My ipod playlist has included Angie Miller, Carrie Underwood, Colton Dixon, Jason Castro, Jordin Sparks, Kris Allen, and Phillip Phillips. My diary (2006-2014) is full of “American Idol” predictions & celebrations. I still own Kelly Clarkson’s album “Breakaway” on CD. Over the past decade, I have played that thing to death. Watching Kelly’s medley tonight, I was reminded of just how talented and special she is. She was a huge part of my childhood, and I will forever be grateful that she took a chance and auditioned for a brand new reality competition TV show.

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Farewell American Idol!! Your legacy lives on in the careers of the numerous stars you have produced.

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Congratulations Bindi!

November 26, 2015January 14, 20161 Comment

Image Source: http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/bindi-irwin-might-put-her-dwts-mirrorball-trophy-in-her-croc-pond-w158434

I don’t usually do this, but I felt the need to write a post congratulating Bindi Irwin on her “Dancing With the Stars” victory. Over the course of the season, I saw nasty comments on social media saying “Bindi is a fake person” and “She gets special treatment because her partner is Derek Hough.” I could rant and fight on her behalf, but I don’t think that would do any good. This is all I will say: There was no way of knowing she would be so amazing because she has never had formal training, and from a dancer’s perspective, Bindi had natural ability from the very first episode. Despite what people may say from their television, computer, or cellphone, people on the DWTS set interacted with Bindi for three months, and no one has one bad thing to say about her; that speaks volumes about her as a person, more than online comments ever could. I grew up watching Steve Irwin on TV. He gave me so much joy as a child, and I am so glad to see Bindi carrying on his legacy with grace.