Two New Audiobooks

Blog

Hello Family and Happy Friday.

This weekend take some time to listen to our two new audiobooks on audible for free 🙂

Please enjoy one free audio review copy of Affirmations for Black Women & Girls for Beauty, Self Love, Career and Love, now available on Audible. Redeem the one-time use code below at https://www.audible.com/acx-promo

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Please enjoy one free audio review copy of Affirmationen für Frauen & Mädchen: Selbstliebe, Schönheit, Karriere und Liebe (German Edition), now available on Audible. Redeem the one-time use code below at https://www.audible.com/acx-promo

Liebe (deutsche Ausgabe), jetzt bei Audible erhältlich. Lösen Sie den untenstehenden einmaligen Nutzungscode unter https://www.audible.com/acx-promo en

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We would appreciate a review or comment so I can produce great audiobook content for you all! 🙂

Until next time,

Lauryn

What’s Your Eat Pray Love?

Blog, Lifestyle

This unprecedented time could be jaded with negative connotations of illness, unemployment and uncertainty. However, many of us are taking this as an opportunity to rise to our own occasion.

Exercising, learning a new skill, and more sleep and are a few aspects of life people have been trying to improve on during the pandemic. However, I wanted to take it a step further so I re-read the book Eat Pray Love while relaxing in the sun this past weekend.

There are a few reasons I keep coming back to this book. For one it is a self discovery book and I love that shit. You won’t believe how many self help books I have read over the years. Trust me, there are more blog posts to come.  I believe there is always an opportunity to provide good in this world. Why not start with yourself?

Second, I love the aspect of learning from the environment around you. When I learned Spanish in Argentina, I thought it was amazing to immerse myself in the culture and rhythm of the city while learning a new language.

Of course now, more than ever, I am dreaming of travel. But since I can’t go to India, Indonesia or Italy (the three locations in the book), I figured I come up with my own version of Eat Pray Love from home.

Kitchen: Building a healthy relationship with food.

Before quarantine, I thought spending time in the kitchen was a bit overrated. I often meal prepped the same meals, not really interested in expanding my knowledge about cooking in general. Well, I hate to admit it but this is still the case.

HOWEVER, I have enjoyed the idea of spending time with my love ones over the dinner table. Although I have to resist opening my fridge 100  ten times a day out of boredom. Without numerous distractions in our daily life, I started to peel back the onion to understand my relationship with food. Food is more than a foundation to support our body’s basic growth, development and function. Rather, sitting around the table and enjoying food has many symbolic meanings for love, friendship, family, helps us cope with stressful moments, and unites people together. 

Outside: Staying Active and Getting Sun

This is is self explanatory, but I have found it imperative to get some sun at least once a day. Most of the time, I walk around the block and act like I’m working out while listening to pump up music. No matter how you get it, spending at least 10 minutes out in the sun will boost your vitamin D absorption which can uplift your health and well being. Plus it gets my lazy ass off the couch. . . which is always a win. . . and who doesn’t like winning? 

A Night In: Take Time for Reflection

Although we all may be getting into the swing of quarantine by now, it is never too late to start with self-reflection. I have also found writing these blogs and doing journals as an excellent source of self-reflection. When your ideas are put on paper, you can clearly see what you want. Sometimes I let my thoughts run along the page with no restrictions or judgment. This time to be vulnerable and open with yourself can be liberating and relaxing.

We are more than half way through the year. If there is something that you want to change, start a business, move to a new place or improve your finances– now is the time to do it. It is never too late to make a change in your life. 

I hope you enjoyed my version of Eat, Pay, Love. . . what’s yours? Would love to hear about it in the comments below or send me an email at reelreviewbylauryn@gmail.com 

Until next time,

xoxo Lauryn 

Essential Shows That Improve Your Life

Blog, TV Shows

Time is what you make of it. But sometimes, it’s nice to have a little extra push. My taste in Netflix has changed throughout the past week. I’m never going to get tired of a good romantic comedy, but I am also been more curious about . . . well everything. Since we cannot go outside, I decided to bring the world to me. Here are shows that are thought-provoking, engaging, and actually make you a better human.

100 Humans: Life Questions Answered

Have you ever wondered if you sit on the toilet properly? Probably not. But this show answers that question so it must be good, right?

Here, one hundred humans participate in experiments that answer questions about well… everything. Using scientific data and tons of dad jokes, these experiments reveal the scientific basis around attraction, the best age to be alive and the proper toilet technique! FINALLY, a show that tackles essential issues.

Tidying up with marie kondo

Still think your clothes from seven years ago will fit? Do you have an impressive collection of random articles under your bed? Is that pile of clean laundry still on your floor from last week? Wow at this point I am just naming examples about myself hoping you relate. . .

Don’t fret, Marie Kondo will definitely help you learn about the joy of organization and de-cluttering 🙂

If you don’t, oh well. Rock those flair jeans and corduroy pants. #quarantinechic

You can also buy her fabulous book

BABIES

Who doesn’t wanna learn about little humans?!?! Fifteen babies, thirty six scientists, and one year is all it takes to see if we can answer what it means to be human.

Also, with COVID-19, we all have too much time on our hands. Who knows? We might have a baby boom nine months from now. . .

Plus they are all so CUTE! I literally love babies so much. The whole time I am like

Baby fever is real

There is also another movie on Amazon with Babies around the world which is equally cute you guys! It is a must see

Explained

I love this show because it is a colorful collage of intriguing topics. Some might say that it’s difficult to watch a show without a clear path. I think it’s marvelous. It was not created to fit within the confines of a specific audience. Rather, you can jump from episode to episode learning about anything: cryptocurrency, extraterrestrial life, the history of athletic clothing (athlesiure), the science behind the female orgasm and animal intelligence.

I know what you’re thinking. Who am I to tell you how to improve your life? Well besides being totally amazing, I genuinely want to encourage you to think beyond this uncertain time and dive into an industry or topic you’ve always wanted to know 🙂

I now leave you with some fancy quote to try and encourage you to actually watch the shows I recommend. . .

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest

Ben Franklin

Either way, as Kevin Hart would say. . .

Until next time,

Lauryn

How to Properly Watch a Movie

Blog

It’s easy to plop in bed with the same clothes you’ve have had on since yesterday and binge watch all episodes of Tiger King.

I love SUV: Special Victims Unit as much as the next person. HOWEVER, this is serious people. Society is trying to dilute the power of cinema. As more people plop in front of their screens after a long day at work, watching a movie at home is now seen as “escapism.” Let’s do more than mindlessly exist in front of ours screens.

Here are three ways steps to ensure you watch a movie properly:

First: Set the scene

I like to start with fixing up my bed and making some tea. This week’s favorite has been Peppermint with a dash of honey.

I love the Traditional Medicinal teas, especially during this time of year because it helps keep me hydrated and the peppermint smells super fresh :). Read some article the other day about the benefits of turmeric so I bought it. Also saw a YouTube video about how honey makes a wonderful natural face mask. You probably weren’t interested in that but I decided to tell you anyway.

If you are looking for the BEST detox facemask while you are watching a movie I recommend this one by teami 🙂

You’re welcome.

After, I like to dim the lights to prevent glare and turn the volume at just the right speed.

Make sure your pillows are nice and fluffed and the temperature is just right. This isn’t just binge watching. You are watching art come to life.

SECOND: HAVE FOOD READY

Cook your third dinner before you press play. I know this seems simple but when I watch movies with my family they be cooking dinner in the background and it is BEYOND annoying. I love them dearly but trust me, they take cooking noodles to another level.

I don’t know about you but I HAVE to snack on something while I am watching. But the snack depends on Genre.

  • If Romantic . . . chocolate or a tub of Halo Top ice cream
  • If comedy . . . pop corn, soda and pizza
  • If action . . . something light like fruit because I snack in higher frequency as the suspense builds
  • Thriller . . . nothing but water because I’m most likely going to scream and if I get anything on the furniture I will be pissed.
  • Any self exploration movie like Under the Tuscan Sun or Eat Pray Love/ any Sex and the City . . . Thai Food. Always Thai food. Always.

FINALLY HAVE ON THE PERFECT MOVIE OUTFIT

Find your Quarantine Chic

I call this, ” I woke up late and realized I ran out of food so I had to stop by Trader Joes but didn’t feel like getting dressed so I sewed this together and owned it”

Nailed it.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. I usually go for a large college hoodie and some sweat pants to be comfortable 🙂

We can all use a little self care. So tonight (or right now) I encourage you to not only watch your favorite movies/ tv shows but savor them.

Movies touch our hearts, awaken our vision and change the way we see things”

Director Martin Scorsese

Until next time,

Lauryn

3 Reasons Brooklyn Nine-Nine is A ten out of ten

Blog, TV Shows

On the surface, Brooklyn Nine Nine is a hilarious television show about a group of New York police detectives. If you are eager to find a new show that will make you laugh and appreciate dry humor. . . this is for you.

Here are the top three reasons to watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine:

1. THE WRITERS

The same people who made all of us fall in love with The Office, Parks and Recreation and The Good Place all come together to make this splashing comedy series. It is genuinely funny and the continuous references to Die Hard, Harry Potter and Star Wars will ignite the nerd in you.

2. THE EPISODES ARE SUPER SHORT

Okay I know this is not a legit reason but hear me out. Have you ever clicked on a new show to see how many minutes it is? I have. When I see the remaining time as 1:02:02, I think to myself,

I can only get through 8 episodes today. . .

Not. enough. episodes.

IT’S QUARANTINE TIME and I have PLENTY of time to waste relax. #stayhome

We all have goals and I’m tryna finish a season a day.

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Luckily each episode is approximately 20 minutes so you can breeze through all 7 seasons in four days no time.

3. Captain Holt

The video speaks for itself. I have found my new favorite character.

All jokes aside, the show has amazing writers. The unique blend of characters go through stories that are funny, but also address life’s greatest challenges: relationships, racial profiling and sexuality. This is why Brooklyn Nine-Nine has such a huge impact on any audience.

So curl up up next to your friend, spouse, wine bottle, boyfriend, chocolate, girlfriend, next door neighbor, little brother, aunt, grandpa, or any other human you’re stuck in the house with.

( yes I know there a dangling preposition… you’ll get the reference once you watch it)

This is a show worth binging.

Gina Linetti GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY
my confidence after quarantine

Why let the experience stop there? Since we are all in the house, it is nice to get some human interaction. Take your obsession love of this show to the next level with the Cards Against Humanity version called “Brooklyn Against the Nine Nine.”

Until next time,

Lauryn


Platform: A Social Criticism

Blog

Note: If you haven’t watched Netflix’s Platform then stop! There are spoilers 🙂

After finishing the film Platform, it’s “obvious” the film centered around the dangers of capitalism and human nature. Goreng (Iván Massagué), a young man who voluntarily enters the prison to get his accredited degree, lies at the epicenter of this social criticism piece. This review we will take a deep dive into some film’s central themes.

First, the film opens up with a quote that remains essential throughout the entire film:

“There are three types of people: those at the top, those at the bottom and those who fall.”

The quote parallels life in the prison, aka the “hole.” People at the top are content with where they are. While those at the bottom don’t have the resource to make change.  People throughout this movie fall both literally and figuratively. Some fall to their death when trying to change levels. For Bahart and Goreng, they intentionally choose to descend into the hole in order to make change and send a message to The Administration.

Second, each prisoner is allowed to bring one item. Goreng chooses to bring Don Quixote, a book written during the Spanish Golden Age by Miguel de Cervantes.

This is an odd choice for Goreng. His roommate brings a knife that sharpens itself as he uses it. While another prisoner brings a rope, hoping to climb up levels himself. Both Platform and Don Quixote center stories around feat versus famine.  I don’t want to give too much away, but if you are interested in classic literature, I would definitely give this a read.

Lastly, the confusing ending. What does it all mean?

After Goreng and Baharat ascend 333 levels, they leave a young girl on the Platform as a message to send to the administration.

I don’t know about you but I was hella confused. Did she make it? Is Goreng dead? Is this all just a dream?

When asked if the message reached the administration,  Director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia wrote, “That’s something you should ask society. It’s up to all up to you… it depends on whether we want to remain the most miserable species that have ever set foot on the planet…”

Although his response was grim, allowing the audience to make their own ending gives power to a viewer’s interpretation.

Spoken like a true artist, he further notes,

“As I said before, this is a self-criticism. I don’t feel authorized at all to tell anyone what to do. The film only aspires to explore, not to indoctrinate or to lecture. And, of course, there are many who do what they have to do, but most of us spent the day looking for an excuse.”

Each prisoner entering the “hole” is promised a prize. Whether it is freedom or an accredited diploma these prizes symbolize an individual’s “American Dream.”

As people cling to hope, they soon realize aspirations to reach the top are dramatically inhibited by an oppressive institutionalized system designed to keep them down, sound familiar?

Okay this is Cynical.

The film’s version of humanity is not generous, yet it allows us all to take a step back and ponder about societal inequalities facing us today.

Have a better way to spend your quarantine?

Until next time,

Lauryn 🙂

Have you seen Platform yet? Let me know what you think about it!

If there are any movies you love, let me know! Would love to watch them!!


BUY ME COFFEE

Like what you read? Donate $5 to buy me coffee so I can have the fuel I need to keep producing great content! If you want to give more, feel free to up the quantity (: No Pay Pal, no worries! Click directly on your branded credit card, gift card or debit card logo and donate as a guest! If any problems arise, send an email to reelreviewbylauryn@gmail.com and you can donate through Square, Inc.

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Después de 183 episodios

Blog, En Español, TV Shows

Hola 🙂 

Tengo muchas cosas para ti este weekend. Hace dos semanas (more or less) ví el ultimo episodio de “El Clon,” el show a Netflix sobre el amor, la familia, la vida y otras cosas también.

Por supuesto, Él Clon es una historia del amour. Ugh y yo soy una chica romántica, entonces. . . me encanta todos los episodios del programa.

I want to write this whole thing in Spanish but maybe I should do it in English.

Si? No? Yes?

Okay now I am having some sort of playful banter with myself.

I think I have officially gone insane.

Maybe it’s because I spent 183 hours of my life watching the ultimate telenovela: El Clon.

I know what you’re thinking…

 

Well guess what? You do. It’s quarantine people.

Normally, there are a million other things to do on a Friday night. But tonight take some time to try something new. Plus, the little moments in our day add up. Did you know that the average person spends 120 hours a year doing laundry?

Just kidding that’s junk science and I made that up. But if you almost believed me that means you are spending way too much time folding clothes instead of living your life.

It’s Quarantine people! Now is the time to jump into the dramatic world of Spanish Soap operas… and possibly do laundry.

Until next time, 

Lauryn <3 


BUY ME COFFEE

Like what you read? Donate $5 to buy me coffee so I can have the fuel I need to keep producing great content! If you want to give more, feel free to up the quantity (: No Pay Pal, no worries! Click directly on your branded credit card, gift card or debit card logo and donate as a guest! If any problems arise, send an email to reelreviewbylauryn@gmail.com and you can donate through Square, Inc.

$5.00

Just Getting Started in 2020…

Blog

Hiiii Reel Family!

Wishing you all a wonderful and happy new year!

I am super excited about 2020! The year 2019 has brought significant growth to my personal and professional life. So thankful for another year!

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Accurate depiction of me on New Years Day

In the meantime, stay tuned with Reel Review by Lauryn in 2020 because I’m just getting started. . . 

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BUY ME COFFEE

Like what you read? Donate $5 to buy me coffee so I can have the fuel I need to keep producing great content! If you want to give more, feel free to up the quantity (: No Pay Pal, no worries! Click directly on your branded credit card, gift card or debit card logo and donate as a guest! If any problems arise, send an email to reelreviewbylauryn@gmail.com and you can donate through Square, Inc.

$5.00