I Had the Holiday Blues | Belated Blogmas 2020

December 26, 2020January 2, 20211 Comment

Source: https://twitter.com/PattyJenks/status/1136351641563738112

Another year, another failed Blogmas. I like to be consistent. 😂 This year my excuse isn’t work because I had less shifts than I’ve ever had in December thanks to 20% capacity in malls. My excuse this year is . . . um . . . well, I’m not actually sure what it is. Lack of motivation? I was excited for the holiday season back in October, but something inside me fizzled as the days went by. I didn’t put up my family’s nativity scene or watch my favorite Christmas movie The Nativity Story. In fact, I barely watched any holiday movies. I did listen to a fair amount of festive music, but that was about it. If you’re feeling left out in the cold over here on my lifestyle blog, I didn’t do Vlogmas for my YouTube channel either. I desperately wanted, nay, needed to be in the Christmas spirit this year, but I just couldn’t muster up the energy to celebrate. Despite an undercurrent of sadness draining my energy, I still managed to have a lovely day at home with family on the 25th. I watched The Santa Clause & played Crash Team Racing with my brother, cooked a repeat of Thanksgiving with my mom, & watched the Lakers game with my dad & brother. The Lakers beat the Mavericks! 💜💛 We ended the festivities with a fire, popcorn, & Wonder Woman 1984. I didn’t like it as much as the first movie, but it was still a lot of fun to watch. Highly recommend! After that my brother & I watched Friends until midnight, the official end of Christmas. I guess all of that is a good metaphor for 2020, feeling down but making the best of the situation. In the words of Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane, “From now on we’ll have to muddle through somehow so have yourself a merry little Christmas now.” 💚 🎄 ❤

H A P P Y H A N U K K A H 🕎 M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S 🎄 H A P P Y N E W Y E A R 🎉

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– Lauren Michele ❤

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The Reading Rush 2020

July 27, 2020August 19, 20202 Comments

Source: https://thereadingrush.com/challenges

It’s the end of July which means it’s time to do some reading & rushing for seven straight days. The Reading Rush, formerly known as BookTubeAThon, is an annual weeklong readathon that I’ve been participating in since 2017. There are reading challenges, virtual badges, social media reading sprints, giveaways, merch, and so much more. This is my 4th year, & I’m ready to make it the best one yet. Start scrolling to follow my reading journey for 7 days. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! 😉👍

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

– J U L Y 2 0 T H –

🏅 Earned the 2020 Reading Rush badge for participating in the readathon

Source: https://forum.thereadingrush.com/badges

✔️ Started & finished “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han | eBook on Scribd | 328 pages | Earned the Read a Book in a Genre You Want to Read More of badge

Source: https://www.jennyhan.com/books

Source: https://forum.thereadingrush.com/badges

– J U L Y 2 1 S T –

✔️ Earned the Participated in a Twitter Sprint badge with Maureen Keavy

Source: https://forum.thereadingrush.com/badges

✔️ Started & finished “P.S. I Still Love You” by Jenny Han | eBook on Scribd | 312 pages | Earned the Read the First Book You Touch badge | I really wanted to continue this trilogy so I cheated a teeny tiny bit. I laid out four books on my bedroom floor & touched the one I wanted to read. Ariel & Raeleen said this prompt could be interpreted multiple ways so I used creative license. 😉

Source: https://www.jennyhan.com/books

Source: https://forum.thereadingrush.com/badges

– J U L Y 2 2 N D –

✔️ Earned the Participated in a Read In Live Show badge with hosts Ariel & Raeleen 📱

Source: https://forum.thereadingrush.com/badges

✔️ Started & finished “Always & Forever, Lara Jean” by Jenny Han | eBook on Scribd | 316 pages | Earned the Read a Book With a Cover That Matches the Color of Your Birthstone badge | This book cover has a pale yellow tint that matches honey topaz. If that’s not enough, topaz comes in multiple colors so take your pick. Another slight cheat! 🙈

Source: https://www.jennyhan.com/books

Source: https://forum.thereadingrush.com/badges

– J U L Y 2 3 R D –

✔️ Started & finished “Stuart Little” by E.B. White | Leatherbound edition from Barnes & Noble | 145 pages | Earned the Read a Book That Inspired a Movie You’ve Already Seen badge

Source: https://paulgirar1.wixsite.com/mysite/book-covers?pgid=k3tirske-24e0d25f-7bbd-44cc-8b16-d99e51462fba

Source: https://forum.thereadingrush.com/badges

✔️ Earned the Read Over 1,000 Pages badge

Source: https://forum.thereadingrush.com/badges

✔️ Started & finished “Aquaman, Volume 1: The Trench” by Geoff Johns | Softcover Comic Book | 144 Pages | Earned the Read a Book Completely Outside Your House badge – I read in the shade on my patio. It was really nice until I got “attacked” by a fig beetle. I know they’re harmless, but I don’t care. Beetles freak me out! 😭

Source: https://www.amazon.com/Aquaman-Vol-Trench-New-52/dp/140123710X

Source: https://forum.thereadingrush.com/badges

✔️ I gave “Aquaman, Volume 1: The Trench” 5 stars & earned the Read a Five Star Book badge

Source: https://forum.thereadingrush.com/badges

📖 Started “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” by Agatha Christie | Hardcover | 52 pages

Source: https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Roger-Ackroyd-Hercule-Mysteries/dp/0062073567

📖 3 4 1 T O T A L P A G E S 📖

– J U L Y 2 4 T H –

📖 Continued “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” by Agatha Christie | 57 pages

📖 Started “The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society” by Annie Barrows & Mary Ann Shaffer | Hardcover | 120 pages

Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/59532026310760148/

📖 1 7 7 T O T A L P A G E S 📖

– J U L Y 2 5 T H –

✔️ Finished “The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society” by Annie Barrows & Mary Ann Shaffer | 158 pages | Earned the Read a Book That Takes Place on a Different Continent Than Where You Live badge

Source: https://forum.thereadingrush.com/badges

✔️ Finished “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” by Agatha Christie | 104 pages | Earned the Read a Book That Starts With The Word “The” badge

Source: https://forum.thereadingrush.com/badges

✔️ Earned the Read Seven Books badge

Source: https://forum.thereadingrush.com/badges

📖 2 6 2 T O T A L P A G E S 📖

🎉 I FINISHED ONE DAY EARLY ! ! 🎉

– J U L Y 2 6 T H –

I wanted to participate in the final Instagram & Twitter reading sprints so I picked up “Capturing the Devil” by Kerri Maniscalco, which I started back in October 2019. I finished the last 175 pages & completed the Stalking Jack the Ripper series. 🎉

Source: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/life/2019/09/20/kerri-maniscalco-capturing-devil-murder-mystery/2278660001/

R E A D I N G S T A T S

1 Reading Rush

7 Days

1 Comic Book, Softcover

3 E-books

3 Physical Books, Hardcover

7 Books

1,911 Pages

13 Badges

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– Lauren Michele ❤

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Disney+ Marathon Day 10 | November 21

November 21, 2019November 21, 20193 Comments

Source: https://www.amazon.com/The-Little-Mermaid-Volume-1/dp/B07GJT2CTF

8:40am – Rise & shine! 🌞

9:30am – Breakfast + The Little Mermaid series 🍳

S1E1 – The Great Sebastian

👑 One princess . . .

👂 Heard: Jim Cummings as Emperor Sharga

10am – Blogging + The Little Mermaid series 💻

S1E2 – Stormy

Um . . . I want to ride a purple seahorse! 💜

S1E3 – Urchin

👂 Heard: Jim Cummings as Crab Louie. If you haven’t already guessed, he’s Disney voice acting royalty. A few of his starring roles: Bonkers D. Bobcat, Darkwing Duck, Pete, Tigger, & Winnie the Pooh

11am – Blogging + Crikey! It’s the Irwins 💻

GASP! I cheated on Disney Plus. 😂

6:15pm – Blogging + Mulan 💻

👑 Two princesses . . .

Number one, Grandmother Fa might be my favorite Disney character of all time. She is HILARIOUS! “Great. She brings home a sword. If you ask me, she should’ve brought home a man.” 😂

Two, Mushu is the BEST! “Dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow . . .” 🐉

Three, Shan Yu is the most terrifying Disney villain. He burns villages full of men, women, & children to the ground. The first time I ever saw Mulan was on accident at a friend’s house. I caught a few seconds of Shan Yu onscreen & didn’t watch it again for years because I was SCARRED. 😭

Four, Li-Shang. No other words needed. 😍

Five, I’ll Make a Man Out of You continues to stand the test of time. What. A. Jam. 🎵

Six, Mulan kicks butt, takes names, & saves China. I’ll wait while you try to think of a superior warrior princess. 🇨🇳

Seven, this is one of my favorite quotes: “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.”

If you couldn’t already tell, this is my favorite Disney princess movie. 🇨🇳 🐉 🗡 👑

9:40pm – Blogging + Pocahontas 💻

👑 Three princesses!!!

Mulan is the #1 Disney princess in my heart followed by Jasmine. Since I already watched Aladdin, I’m moving on to #3: Pocahontas! 🍁🍂🍃

Number one, the animation is breathtaking. The nature is so vibrant! 🌾🌊

Two, Meeko is always eating. That is a MOOD. 🍪

Three, Kocoum is a beautiful, animated man. I guarantee I’m not the only girl who’s had a crush on him. *sigh* 💕

Four, Jim Cummings is the singing voice for Chief Powhatan & Kekata. 🎤

Five, the frenemy relationship between Percy & Meeko is comedy gold. 😂

Six, this part makes me LOL:

*Meeko steals John’s compass*

John Smith: “Hey!”

Pocahontas: “Meeko! Come back here!”

John Smith: “Don’t worry! He can’t hurt it.”

*Meeko bangs the compass on a rock*

😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

Seven, Flit is so stinkin’ adorable. 🥰 Is it unrealistic to see this movie & want to explore nature with a hummingbird & raccoon?? 😂

Eight, I’m VERY upset that Disney+ didn’t include If I Never Knew You. 😡 That is one of my favorite Disney songs! 🎶

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALY-NdKexs0

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW! This movie is amazing & still in my top 3 Disney princess movies. 👸🏻 I know there’s controversy about the historical inaccuracies, but I want to focus on the positive which is the message of love over prejudice. That is something all of us can support! ❤️

Final thoughts for the day: I’ve already said a lot about what I watched today so I’ll just sign off for the night. I hope you enjoyed Disney Princess Day because there will probably be a few more before this marathon is done. See you tomorrow for day 11! 👋

D I S N E Y + M A R A T H O N D A Y T E N A R T

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– Lauren Michele ❤

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Life Update: Slumps, A Broken Heart, & Disney+

October 27, 2019October 26, 20192 Comments

Zawiła, Dawid. https://medium.com/thrive-global/this-year-pursue-meaning-instead-of-happiness-71e1bb3a3d8f. Accessed 26 October 2019.

This is a bit of a mouthful so please be patient with me. I’ve been inactive in all creative aspects of my life so don’t feel like I abandoned this blog for something else. I have been in not just a creative slump but also what I would call a life slump. We are nearing the end of a decade, & I feel like I’m going through a personal crisis, questioning my purpose in life & what I’m meant to be doing. At the end of the day, I am an artist at heart so none of this will be going away anytime soon. Writing keeps me sane, especially at times like this. That brings me to the next part of this saga.

A little less than two weeks ago, my dad drove himself to the emergency room. Three days later, he had open heart surgery. The next day he woke up with amnesia; it isn’t an extreme case but serious enough to require slow, detailed sentences & repetition. One week later he was able to come home, still showing signs of memory loss. To say my family is emotionally drained & physically exhausted is an understatement, but we are walking hand in hand through this journey & taking it one day at a time. Every day he shows signs of improvement, & I cling to those glimmers of hope because the lowest moments have brought me to my knees sobbing in prayer. Perhaps that’s where God wants me to be more often. I am so grateful for the overwhelming amount of prayers & outpouring of love. I know my dad is the best so I’m glad other people think so too. 😉 Onto the last part of this update!

I know this is a change of tone, but hear me out before you roll your eyes. Disney & reviews.org are offering $1,000 in exchange for watching 30 Disney movies in 30 days on their new streaming service Disney+. First of all, this would be a bright spot in my life after a sad ending to the month of October. Second, I am a Disney fanatic & binge-watcher extraordinaire, the perfect candidate for this “dream job.” Third, that money would be an amazing gift to me & my family. This is where I need Y O U R help so pay close attention. The application process includes social media following & a video reviewing my favorite Disney movie. The video is not on Youtube yet, but you can start clicking on each of my links & following me. What are you waiting for?? GO GO GO!!

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If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading everything I had to say. I appreciate everyone who has supported this blog. It means the world to me. 🌍 I promise it won’t be long before I’m back with a new post. Keep an eye out! 👁

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– Lauren Michele ❤

2018 Reading Wrap-Up

January 3, 2019August 21, 20203 Comments

For once, I completed my reading goal with time to spare & exceeded it by two. I set my goal at 55 and completed 57 books. Yay! 🎉 Now for the semi-disappointing news: I didn’t complete the Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge. I could beat myself up, but reading is supposed to be fun, not a competition. Not all of the 2018 challenges matched up with what I wanted to read last year, and that is okay.

📚 A Classic You’ve Been Meaning to Read

📖 A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

📖 Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

📖 Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs

📖 The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

📖 The Sign of Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

📚 A Book Recommended by Someone With Great Taste

📖 As Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers

📖 The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

📖 The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

📚 A Book in Translation

📖 N/A

📚 A Book Nominated for an Award in 2018

📖 Obsidio by Amy Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

📚 A Book Of Poetry, a Play, or an Essay Collection

📖 N/A

📚 A Book You Can Read in a Day

📖 Death at Wentwater Court by Carola Dunn

📖 Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

📖 On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder

📖 Scream All Night by Derek Milman

📖 Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

📖 Sugar Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

📖 The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

📖 The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

📖 The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Athur Conan Doyle

📖 The Little Android by Marissa Meyer

📖 The Secret of Shadow Ranch by Carolyn Keene

📖 The Sign of Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

📖 The Queen’s Army by Marissa Meyer

📚 A Book That’s More Than 500 Pages

📖 Gemina by Amy Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

📖 Obsidio by Amy Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

📖 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

📚 A Book by a Favorite Author

📖 The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters

📚 A Book Recommended by a Librarian or Indie Bookseller

📖 Hiddensee by Gregory Maguire

*Note: This category doesn’t (necessarily) count. Even though Hiddensee is on an IndieBound list, I didn’t read it because of their recommendation.

📚 A Banned Book

📖 N/A

📚 A Memoir, Biography, or Book of Creative Nonfiction

📖 The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

📚 A Book by an Author of a Different Race, Ethnicity, or Religion Than Your Own

📖 Gemina by Amy Kaufman & Jay Kristoff (Australian)

📖 Harvest of Gold by Tessa Afshar (Persian)

📖 Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar (Persian)

📖 Obsidio by Amy Kaufman & Jay Kristoff (Australian)

📖 The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom (Dutch)

📖 The Strings of Murder by Oscar de Muriel (Mexican)

*Note: The definition of “ethnicity” is different depending on who you ask so I relied solely on where an author was born. I didn’t include British authors because of my own family’s roots, but perhaps that was just overthinking on my part.

I also read:

📖 A Fatal Winter by G.M. Malliet

📖 Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery

📖 Antidote to Venom by Freeman Wills Crofts

📖 Cress by Marissa Meyer

📖 Escaping From Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco

📖 Fairest by Marissa Meyer

📖 Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke

📖 Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco

📖 In The Woods by Tana French

📖 Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

📖 Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn

📖 Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

📖 Reign: The Chronicles of Queen Jezebel by Ginger Garrett

📖 Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

📖 The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

📖 The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson

📖 The Centurion’s Wife by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke

📖 The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah E. Ladd

📖 The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

📖 The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah E. Ladd

📖 The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest by Melanie Dickerson

📖 The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

📖 The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

📖 The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

📖 The Mystery at Lilac Inn by Carolyn Keene

📖 The Rose and the Dagger by Renée Ahdieh

📖 The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

📖 Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

📖 We Wish You a Murderous Christmas by Vicki Delany

📖 Winter by Marissa Meyer

📖 Written on the Wind by Judith Pella

Total: 9(ish) Challenges & 57 Books

⬇️ Here are all of my 2018 reading-related links ⬇️

• 2017 Wrap-Up | 2018 Reading Challenge

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vKpIwxNQxM&t=2s

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HGW-XvQ6N0&t=9s

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo45XqUaUFo

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyEZ9gzZb8c&t=288s

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHZs4Lxxr30&t=714s

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUz0HJjwdUg&t=1s

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMmn3r4M4_Y&t=5s

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BthNgFtCHOM&t=3s

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyvAdtvthT8&t=14s

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORnYN7RZZDo&t=4s

📚 Stay tuned for my 2019 reading plans! 📚

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– Lauren Michele ❤

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Reflecting on 25 Years of Life

November 4, 2018January 1, 20193 Comments

Source: http://www.wallpapermania.eu/wallpaper/macro-autumn-wallpaper-one-flower-on-an-amber-leaf

This isn’t going to be easy for me to write so while I take a few deep breaths, please listen to this song (or at least part of it):

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFeJkfB4xKo

“This is a story that I have never told. I gotta get this off my chest to let it go. I need to take back the light inside you stole.”

A few years ago I choreographed a dance routine to “Warrior” for a talent show. I hadn’t danced in awhile so it wasn’t my best performance ever, but something inside me needed an outlet. After I finished, I had to run to the bathroom because I was shaking so bad & sobbing. I’m not open about things in my past because I don’t think it’s something the public needs to know. However, if you are someone who is still healing, you are not alone. Middle school and high school were hell for me, but college was even worse. I suffered for so long and then turned around and made my precious family suffer because of my anger. I was angry at myself for being weak & at God for abandoning me. I hope my mom doesn’t mind me sharing this, but she has told me that she thought she would lose me in college because I was so close to the edge without caring. There is no sugar coating this: I wanted to die.

Tomorrow I turn 25 years old. The broken little girl in middle school didn’t think she would make it this far. The angry college student didn’t want to make it this far. God brought me this far, and He isn’t done yet.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.” – Psalm 40:1-3

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– Lauren Michele ❤

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My Disney & Pixar Bracket

March 28, 2018April 7, 20182 Comments

It’s been awhile since we last talked so why not do something that will likely rip us apart. 😂 We are in the midst of March Madness so naturally a Disney bracket is making the rounds on social media. I have very strong opinions when it comes to all things Mickey Mouse, but it was extremely difficult to make these “life-altering” decisions. I felt like I was choosing between children. I allow me to walk you through each category so I can relive the pain.

Brave vs Up – This was hard because I really like both movies, but I had to listen to my wee Scottish heart. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

Toy Story vs Toy Story 2 – I absolutely adore this entire trilogy so my answer to this category is WHY WOULD YOU MAKE ME CHOOSE?!? In the end, I went with Toy Story because it’s the classic that started it all.

Cars 3 vs Coco – I haven’t seen either, but I went with Cars 3 because it’s the only one I’m interested in.

The Good Dinosaur vs Toy Story 3 – The Good Dinosaur is good, but it never had a chance against Toy Story 3 which makes me weep with little more than a thought.

A Bug’s Life vs Ratatouille – This is another tough choice. I would drop everything & watch either right now. I ultimately went with A Bug’s Life because I’ve always loved the concept & characters . . . which is also true about Ratatouille. UGH!!

Inside Out vs Finding Nemo – Why has Pixar made so many great movies?? 😡 I chose Inside Out, but both reduce me to tears so it could be a different answer on a different day.

Cars vs Monsters, Inc. – Cars is really good, but Monsters, Inc. is my favorite Pixar movie so this choice was easy.

The Incredibles vs Wall • E – I’ve never seen Wall • E so The Incredibles won by default, but I probably would’ve chosen it anyway.

Right side is complete! Moving on . . . to the left, to the left!! ⬅️ ⬅️ 😂

The Lion King vs Tarzan – I love The Lion King, but I chose Tarzan because it’s my favorite Disney movie. Duh!

Lilo & Stitch vs The Princess and the Frog – I chose Lilo & Stitch because it’s in my Disney top 10. Also, I’m not a big fan of The Princess And The Frog. Sorry (but not really).

Tangled vs Big Hero 6 – I’ve seen Big Hero 6 once, and it was okay but not very memorable. Tangled, however, is amazing. Flynn Rider has my heart. 💘

Frozen vs Moana – Frozen wins by default because *gasp* I haven’t seen Moana. 😭

Aladdin vs Hercules – My babies!! This category ripped my heart out of my chest, broke it, & stuffed it back into my body so I could relive the pain all over again. 💔 The only reason I was able to make a decision is because I have a set Disney trinity: Tarzan, Aladdin, & Hercules. That being said, Aladdin is pretty much interchangeable with Hercules.

The Little Mermaid vs Pocahontas – Ariel was one of my favorite princesses growing up but not so much anymore. These days Pocahontas is #3 behind Mulan & Jasmine therefore her movie wins this battle & my heart. 🍂 🍃 🍂 🍃 🍂 🍃

Mulan vs Zootopia – I love Zootopia, but as I’ve already mentioned Mulan is my favorite princess. 💚

Beauty & The Beast vs The Nightmare Before Christmas – I’ve tried to get into Nightmare Before Christmas, but it just isn’t happening. Beauty And The Beast will always hold a special place in my heart. 🌹

The time has come to choose between Tarzan, my favorite Disney movie, & Monsters Inc., my favorite Pixar film. I love both, but the choice is easy . . .

🍃 🌳 🐵 🌳 🍃 T A R Z A N • F O R E V E R ! ! ! 🍃 🌳 🐵 🌳 🍃

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New Name, Same Blog

January 26, 2018January 25, 20182 Comments

Source: https://jane.com/deal/12623/hello-goodbye-vinyl-door-decals

My eagle-eyed followers might’ve noticed a big change on my blog, but allow me to make an official announcement for those who missed it. I started this blog in the midst of my poet phase of life, but it’s been awhile since I transitioned to lifestyle content. I’ve wanted to change the name for years but hesitated due to the cost. Last week I decided to take the plunge & couldn’t be happier with my decision. This blog has officially changed from laurenmichelepoetry.wordpress.com to laurenmichelelifestyle.com. Thank you so much for faithfully following my blog! I can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store for my little corner of the internet.

Source: https://giphy.com/gifs/thumbs-goggles-beston-hIbl8KWbPrpSg

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Source: https://giphy.com/gifs/internet-jim-carrey-working-bAplZhiLAsNnG

• 🎨 • My art blog also has a new name ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ laurenmicheleartblog.com • 🎨 •

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– Lauren Michele ❤︎

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When It Rains, It Pours

January 18, 2018January 18, 20183 Comments

Source: http://mirage-a-trois.blogspot.com/2012/03/red-earth-and-pouring-rain.html

It has been a rough few days in my household. After my cheerful blog post on Tuesday, things went downhill. My mom got really sick & went to Urgent Care which turned into an emergency room visit. She used to be a nurse so sickness rarely affects her unbelievable threshold for discomfort & illness. I knew the pain was serious when she sought treatment from a doctor. Approximately fourteen hours later, all tests had come back negative, and my very tired parents were back home. I was worried sick about what the illness might be, but nothing major appears to be wrong. My mom is strong & healthy, and I have no doubt she’s going to make a speedy recovery. I swear she is a living, breathing superwoman. The day she got sick, she bought groceries & dinner despite the pain. After everything was unloaded from the car, she said the following to me: “Here’s the food. Please fill this container with dish soap. I’m going to Urgent Care. I’ll be back.” If you think that sounds nonchalant, you are correct. She might as well have said “I’m going to the nail salon. I’ll be back.” I want to be her when I grow up! 💪🏻

In the midst of being concerned for my mom, I received a distressing email early Wednesday morning from YouTube. According to their new standards, I am no longer eligible for their YouTube Partner Program. This means I lose out on making money from my videos as well as helpful features such as creating my own thumbnails & scheduling upload times. I wouldn’t still be a YouTuber if money was my main motivation, but what little I do make helps me to continue creating content. It is so motivating to watch my monthly income increase month by month thanks to increased viewership & support. Right now the news feels like a punch to the gut, but I refuse to let this stop me. I am here to stay for as long as I feel inspired to make videos. If you want to support my channel, thank you from the bottom of my heart! <3

The cherry on top of this emotionally draining week is a bit more humorous. Thanks to the amount of clothing I have jammed into my teeny tiny closet, the right pole flange (look it up) broke. I had to remove one of my hanging shelf organizers on the other side of the closet, no easy task when you’re angry & tired, and make space for some of the clothes about to fall to the floor. Just what I needed to cheer me up! 🙄

Source: http://pureella.com/happiness-is-waiting-for-the-storm-to-pass/

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– Lauren Michele ❤︎

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Reunited, & It Feels So Good

January 16, 2018January 16, 20181 Comment

Source: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lists/teaching-content/series-books-for-summer-reading/

Last night I stayed up late reading. In my mind I knew I should be a responsible adult & go to bed, but my heart told me to take advantage. It’s been awhile since I devoured a book so I resisted sleep for as long as I could, specifically until 1:30am. Goodbye reading slump! For those that are curious, I’m currently reading Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco. It is the sequel to Stalking Jack the Ripper, and I am loving it so far. Speaking of books, my family visited Barnes & Noble Sunday night. I always know how depressed I will be looking at all the books I can’t afford, but I go anyway. My parents were kind enough to buy me a new book. THANK YOU!!!!! I chose Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero, a novel I’ve been dying to read for months. I am a HUGE Scooby-Doo fan so I hope this mystery gang-inspired story lives up to my expectations. In regard to my Tuesday agenda, I am currently blogging on my typewriter while watching my favorite Almanzo & Laura episodes of Little House on the Prairie. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. Happy Tuesday! :)

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– Lauren Michele ❤︎

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