What I'm Into: April 2015

Spring time is here! It's time to get outside and read in the sun, walk your (or someone else's) dog and sit on all the patios! I really hope by saying all that I'm not jinxing this beautiful weather, because I will not be happy about another unexpected snow storm or torrential down pour. April showers have happened so bring on the flowers! Anywho here's what I've been into for the month of April:

Books I've Read

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

I technically finished this book at the very beginning of the month but I still wanted to talk about it! It was a long, detailed, but fantastic read that I'm so happy I stuck through. I wrote a more detailed post a few weeks back but I just wanted to throw it out there that if you're thinking about reading this book, you should. 

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

After reading the Goldfinch my brain needed a break so I turned to a young reader's book that has been sitting on my shelf since Christmas. As usual I was initially drawn to and excited about the cover but I quickly discovered how great of a read it is. Counting by 7s follows the story of young genius, Willow Chance, as she quickly must learn to adapt to a new life after her adoptive parents experience a tragic accident. This book is unexpectedly funny, sweet and endearing and what I think is a must read for all ages. 

TV Shows I've Watched

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

I love this show! It is just what I needed to get out of my 'Parks & Rec. is over' slump. This show is hilarious, has great characters and just makes you feel good. My only disappointment with it is that there is only one season up on Netflix and I finished it before I was ready! Now I'm in an 'Unbreakable needs another season' slump. Though, that can easily be overcome by listening to the theme song over and over again. 

Movies I've Seen

My Love, Don't Cross the River

I saw this at Hot Docs this past week and it definitely was one of the best films I've seen this year. It's a documentary following a South Korean couple who have been together for 75 years! They're a beautiful pair that appreciate simplicity, small acts of kindness and just being together. Definitely see it if you have the chance - but be sure to bring a lifetime supply of tissues for the tears you're bound to shed.

There are also a few days of Hot Docs left and you should go see all the movies! Free for students and seniors before 5pm! So many beautiful films! 

More Fun Stuff

Art Classes

I took two art classes this month. The first one I took was a beginners painting class where we created two pieces - one watercolour and one acrylics. The second one was a clay class where I made two clay bowls. Both were so much fun. It was great to be trying something new and feeling creative. I'm definitely going to check out some more over the summer!

Raw Shelled Hemp Seeds

When I tell people I don't eat meat they're always suddenly concerned with my eating habits and especially how I get protein. Everyone becomes a nutritionist. I mean I'm not the only vegetarian out there, I'm not doing anything crazy. I even eat eggs and dairy products still so why the sudden concern? Who knows. Anyways that being said I have recently discovered hemp seeds and they are the best. I add them to granola, oatmeal, cereal, nut butter toast, yogurt - anything really. They taste great, are easy to digest and are another protein source I can tell concerned carnivores about. 

Sleepytime Herbal Tea

I'm a natural worrier. I get anxious about the smallest details, sometimes my nerves just take over and I can't shut my brain off - resulting in many lost hours of much needed sleep! As someone who prefers to take the natural remedy route I recently tried Sleepytime Tea by Celestial Seasonings and am obsessed. A hot cup of this has become a crucial part of my night time routine and I'm happy to say I'm sleeping better because of it!

Also George came for a surprise Easter visit and that was pretty great.

What I'm Into: February 2015

We're still in the single digits for March so I think it's okay to be posting what I've been into in February. I will also say that since it is March - Winter, you are free to leave now, take your snow and your coldness and just leave. That being said February was a pretty great month. I spent the last week and a half in San Francisco and the rest reading at the cottage, making crafts on Valentine's Day, and trying to stay as warm as possible! Here's what I've been into:

Movies I've Seen

Still Alice - Having read the book a couple years ago (I loved it), I was really looking forward to the movie adaptation. Julianne Moore did an amazing job portraying Alice as she moves through the stages of early onset alzheimer's - definitely deserved the Oscar. I also really loved Kirsten Stewart's character, Lydia - Alice's daughter, who takes on the role as a primary care giver and makes you feel inspired to act as selfless as she does.

The Heat - I watched this on the plane on the way to SF. It's a pretty ridiculous movie but I was entertained - Melissa McCarthy was great as always.

Interstellar - I saw this in IMAX while in SF - and I really didn't know much about it going in. I knew it was about space and that according to everyone it's great - and they were right! I wasn't expecting to cry so much though! Gee whiz I was a teary mess. Seeing it in IMAX was definitely worth it though and the soundtrack was perfectly suited to the film.

Books I've Read

How to Build A Girl - I received this as a Christmas present this year and having never heard of it, I was excited for a new read. This novel reminds me of one of my favourite Young Adult series, Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging - but the adult version. It's funny, very graphic, and loaded with weird British humour and references.

The Hatchet - This is a book I missed out on in elementary school and it has been on my list forever. Though I accidentally borrowed the illustrated version from the library I still really enjoyed it. It was a simple read; great for reading up at the cottage cozied up by the fire, surrounded by snow covered trees.

TV Shows I've Watched

American Horror Story - George and I just finished Season 1 and it was terrifying. I really like this show but it's definitely not one I can watch by myself! It's full of suspense and terror and right when I think I know how things will turn out, I'm completely surprised. We're early into Season 2 now and it's already the best. 

Parks and Recreation - It's over! There's not much I can say other than I love this show and that I am so sad it's gone. It's easily one of my favourites - my go-to watch when I need a quick pick me up. Amy Poehler will forever be one of my favourite people. 

More Fun Stuff

Yoga with Adrienne - Yoga classes are expensive and since I have limited funds I wasn't about to fork over $15 for a class when I know there are some great alternatives on the interwebs. I found YouTuber Yoga with Adrienne in the middle of January and have been loving her videos! I recently completed her 30 day yoga challenge and loved it! They're the perfect length, easy to follow and best of all FREE.

Frozen Peas - I used to hate peas because they're hard to eat with a fork but I'm obsessed with them now. So easy to make, easy green food and made even better with a drizzle of olive oil and some salt and pepper.

What I'm Into: January 2015

It's cold and it's awards season, so I've watched a lot of movies this month. I've watched so many movies it's ridiculous. I still have a couple of the best picture nominees left to see before the Oscars at the end of February - Birdman and American Sniper. I read a couple books too and both were amazing! Here's what I've been into in January:

Movies I've Seen

Foxcatcher - I enjoyed this movie for the most part, Steve Carrell was super creepy and completely transformed from his usual weird, funny self. The story was different from most sports related movies I was used to, which I appreciated, and kept my attention throughout the film.

Wild - Though I wasn't a fan of the book (I didn't even make it half way), this was a great movie. It offered adventure and self-discovery without being pretentious (re: Eat Pray Love).

If I Stay - This is quite possible one of the worst movies of all time. Obviously it was a teen drama romance thing but it was even more terrible than you're thinking. It's the worst. Don't see it.

St. Vincent - I really liked this movie! It wasn't anything amazing but it was a great feel-good movie with lots of interesting characters.

The Imitation Game - I saw this with the whole family one Sunday afternoon, and we all really enjoyed it. Not being a huge fan of Benedict Cumberbatch or Keira Knightley, I was pleasantly surprised by both of their performances. 

Whiplash - Most people I talk to seem to love this movie but as a past school band member (though obviously not even close to the same level of talent) this movie made me incredibly uncomfortable and brought back the few bad memories I have. I was so happy when the movie ended and I could finally breathe again.

Selma - So we all agree that this should be nominated for more Oscars right? Without a doubt, David Ovelowo deserves a best actor nomination for his role as Martin Luther King Jr. (or win if that were possible), and best director? Where is that nomination hmm? I don't want to say too much, but this is a powerful film. It's beautiful. You should go see it right now.

Books I've Read

Opposite of Loneliness - This was my first completed read of 2015! I wrote more about it in this blog post, but all you really need to know is that it's a beautiful collection of essays and short stories, written by a talented woman, and you should read it.

We Were Liars - This is one of the best teen fiction novels I've ever read. It's about a group of cousins who meet up at their family's summer home every year but then something happens, and it changes everything. It makes you curious, and is full of suspense as you move through the novel trying to piece together what this "something" is. 

More Fun Stuff

Frozen Fruit - I am a big fruit eater and that's why I don't like winter - my only options are apples and oranges! Everything else is out of season, only okay tasting or super expensive. I've had frozen fruit (mostly mango) in stock for a while and I mostly used it for smoothies but then! I had a revelation. What if I just ate the frozen fruit as is? What if I zapped it in the microwave for 30 seconds? Why didn't I think of this before! My fruit woes are over.

Audio Books - When I'm trying to be productive, it helps me if there's some sort of background noise. Usually I count on Netflix so I can listen to an entire series, for a while it was the Serial podcast, but now it's audiobooks. I'm currently listening to Amy Poehler's Yes Please on audio (even after having already read it) and it's wonderful. I'm a huge fan of this book and will probably be re-reading and listening to it forever.

What I'm Into: August 2014

This summer has been insanely good. I can't believe it's already September. After a summer working for LiNK and adventuring all over Los Angeles, August was well spent with a week in San Francisco, some time at the cottage, and lots of movie watching. After seeing the idea on my friend Christie's blog, here is what I've been into for the month of August.

Books I Read:

Blankets by Craig Thompson-  I think I must have already read it before but have no idea when. Anywho, it's a coming of age type story starting with two young brothers, following a romance, and exploring faith - and I liked it.

Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick - After hearing this book mentioned time and time again at the LiNK office, I finally got around to reading it. It shares the stories of the lives of six North Koreans over fifteen years, each of them with very different experiences. A powerful book that gives great insight to life in North Korea.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway - This was my first read by Hemingway and I really enjoyed it. It's the story of an old man on a great fishing journey, as a he battles the environment around him. 

Movies I Watched:

Guardians of the Galaxy - I really love Chris Pratt. He's seriously the best. This move is action packed and full of space adventure and fun, with an awesome soundtrack. It's different than most other super hero movies I've seen - in a good way!

Chef - This movie follows a chef as he ventures out of the fancy restaurant kitchen and into a food truck. It shows you an honest glimpse into the life of a chef and makes you want every food from every city in America.

Obvious Child - I really enjoyed this movie! It's about a 26 year old aspiring stand up comic and follows her struggles with romance and life. It's a romantic comedy without perfect people and is just so pleasant to watch.

Boyhood - This was awesome. Filmed over the course of 12 years, it follows the story of a boy named Mason through ages 5 to 18. Boyhood is beautiful! Everyone grows up and the world changes right before your eyes. Loved it.

TV Shows I'm Into:

Breaking Bad - Way late on this one but I finally finished Breaking Bad! And I loved it. I am usually not one to follow serious type shows, but Breaking Bad really got to me. It's great writing, acting and way too much purple.

New Girl - After being compared to Jess Day so many times I decided to finally give New Girl a chance. It's fluffy enough that I don't feel like my brain is melting, but also funny enough that I don't feel embarrassed watching it (re: my old MTV reality habit). Also, Zooey Deschanel has perfect hair and clothes so there's that.

Music I Jammed To: 

Beyonce - I went to the On the Run Tour and whooey it was the best. Beyonce doesn't even seem like a real person. She was never out of breath, her hair was always wind blown, and she was always looking so fierce. Jay-Z also oozed with coolness every time he stepped on stage, and I couldn't help but obey when he told me to bounce. 

Fun Stuff I Did:

Wine Tasting at Castello di Amorosa - While in San Francisco, we hopped over to Napa Valley for a wine tour and it started at this awesome castle! It was a beautiful setting to pretend I knew things about wine, and the tasting was so much fun. I definitely recommend going - we also had the best, most hilarious tour guide, Victoria, so if you check it out request her!

Cottaging - Even though I'm missing the dry heat of California, nothing beats a weekend at the cottage. All summer long I've been dying to jump in the lake and finally the itch has been scratched! Reading, BBQ, relaxing by the water - all add up to some great weekends back home.