Saturday, December 12, 2015

Lucky 13

The winter break tends to be a holiday from everything, including the steady stream of TV shows I watch during the fall and spring semesters. While new episodes are on hiatus, here are some of the things, both brand new and old favorites, I'm loving right now in the pop culture world.

1. Once Upon A Time, seasons 1-5A

I. Love. This. Show. (Sue me...NetFlix eases the 'sting' of no new episodes. #firstworldproblems) With a basis in fairy tales, it's a beautiful story with tragedy & true love, hope & loss, and a tremendous cast & crew that seems to share the same passion for the the product that the fans have. A few of my favorites?


Adam Croasdell was a *tortured* (or deceptive...not sure yet!) Papa Hook in the latest episode. Even better than that? He is a lovely, humble person who interacts with his fans ALL THE TIME online. Can't beat that. 



Swoon! ☺️

And to continue with the swooning... 

Look left:


Look right: 


Straight-on now: 


Oh, yes...forgive me as I fangirl in a way that is far too embarrassing for a married mother (and yet, isn't that the glorious fun of escapist storytelling?!)

Yet another reason (of many!) I adore this show: Girl. Power. Leading lady Jennifer Morrison is strong, beautiful, and brilliant, serving as actress, director, and avid reader in her downtime. I want to be her when I grow up.


Okay, yes, fine, she's friends with him...so what if I want her glamorous-from-afar life?😉

2. Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King

Stephen King is my favorite author, and he has been for as long as I can remember. Each new release does nothing but reinforce my devotion. The stories veer from poignant to uncomfortable-to-read. Read it now. Take a sip with one story, or guzzle them all at once. Great company for a cold winter night.

3. Wild Wild Horses

WWH is an amazing band with a stunning new album, Demon Days, and an equally beautiful video compilation for the songs. Listen. Watch. Download. Repeat steps 1 & 2. You're welcome. (And Jennifer Morrison directed the videos; double-bonus.)


4. classics by Steinbeck and Vonnegut

Of Mice and Men. East of Eden. Slaughterhouse-Five. Cat's Cradle. I get paid to read these books and talk about them with people. #winning

5. Two Brothers by Fabio Moon & Gabriel Ba

Daytripper was the first non-series graphic novel I ever read and loved. Even more impressive? It made me think, and feel, and yes, weep. Two Brothers is the most recently-released collaboration from these, well, two brothers. Read it and weep. Again...you're welcome. 



6. iZombie TV series

Based (loosely) on a comic book series, iZombie is an entirely different spin on the current pop culture zombie phenomenon. It's sweet, sexy (no, really), and irreverent while maintaining a sincere depth of heart. Plus, much like OUAT, the actors interact with the fans in a way that adds an additional layer of fun.


Don't tell me you don't want to hang out with them!


Again...swoon...in the nerdiest of nerd-girl fashions.

7. holiday viewings of It's a Wonderful Life and The Wizard of Oz

Okay, honestly, if you need clarification for this one, you're just past the point of understanding. Next!



8. Pinterest

A free website where I can collect recipes, outfit ideas, writing and teaching tips, and maintain a visual record of anything I deem desirable? (BTW: I may have a secret board entitled My Vices that is essentially a pinup wall for men I find very, very attractive. Maybe.) What  better way to mindlessly yet oddly productively pass the time?

9. OwlCrate

Books...delivered to my door...with book-related tchotchkes? My only complaint is that I didn't think of it.


P.S. My favorite read so far is A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis. Dark, thought-provoking, and pure twisted fun.
 
10. Holiday-Scented Spa Treatments 

I will never turn down a pedicure, a scalp treatment, or a massage. Throw in the seasonal scents of cranberry, apple cinnamon, or peppermint? A true treat yo' self experience.

11. Star Wars Mania

Confession: I've never seen Star Wars. Not a single one. Yet, for the first time, I find myself desperate to see the new film when it opens later this week. From there? I just may spend my Christmas break studying the Force.

12. Christmas Candylane at Hershey Park

I'm the first to admit that south-central Pennsylvania doesn't necessarily offer the most exciting nightlife. However, during the holidays, it does provide family-friendly affordable fun with carnival snacks, roller coasters, and a gorgeous lights display. It's a gem in my rustic corner of the world.


13. Netflix and Ch...inese Delivery ☺️


When temperatures drop and snow covers the roads, there's nothing better than being swept away in a movie or show while curled up with loved ones and a plate of General Tso's chicken. After all, some of the best stories are the ones we write for ourselves. 

I hope you take the time to get lost in some books, songs, shows, and experiences that keep you warm through the long winter months! Enjoy, my sweets.

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