I recently submitted two essays to Anti-Heroin Chic and am happy to report that BOTH have been accepted! ‘On the Way Down’ was published on April 24th and the second essay will be published at a later date.
Both of these essays are extremely personal to me, so I was nervous about submitting them. My only hope is that someone who might be experiencing something similar won’t feel so alone.
‘On the Way Down’ was written about my first major experience with anxiety. Losing someone close to me was a trigger for me and it’s become a part of who I am. I was experimenting with different styles of writing, and I wrote this essay using only semi-colons to give off the effect of experiencing the anxiety I was feeling at the time.
You can read the essay for yourself by clicking the link below. This will redirect you over to Anti-Heroin Chic:
You may or may not know that some friends and I started an online literary journal called Longleaf Review at the end of 2017. As writers ourselves, we wanted the opportunity to read the work of our peers and to share their work with the world. You can view our titles and credentials HERE.
With that being said, the second issue of our journal went live at midnight last night and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you! You can check out the fabulous work included in the issue by click HERE, where you’ll be redirected to our official website.
You can also check out the list of contributing authors below. We appreciate all of the support from our friends, family, and fellow writers. We hope you have a fantastic weekend and that you help spread the word about our growing journal! This has been one of the most supportive communities I’ve ever been a part of and I, personally, can’t wait to see our little baby grow.
If you’re a writer yourself, we’re accepting submissions for Issue 3 until May 1st. You can find our submissions page & guidelines HERE.
I am so excited to finally be able to post about my first poem that is published in an online literary journal called Mangrove Journal. It’s the official journal put out at the University of Miami and I couldn’t be more ecstatic to be a part of it. Let me tell you how it all came about . . .
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved writing. I would write letters to people that I never intended to send. It was my way of expressing my innermost thoughts. I’ve always carried a journal, I was on the yearbook staff in high school, and I had countless notebooks with friends growing up. For some reason, I ventured off into other majors rather than going straight into English, writing or journalism. It wasn’t until my late twenties that I finally admitted to myself that this was the one thing that I was really good at, and the one thing I wanted to pursue.
When I enrolled in the University of Central Florida’s English/Creative Writing program, I signed up for a creative writing class that had one module focusing on poetry. As much as I’ve always loved writing, I’d never really attempted poetry. I felt like it was important for me to step outside of my comfort zone and really try to tackle it. With the help of a fantastic professor, I did well in the poetry module and signed up for two poetry workshops and an independent study in poetry after that semester. I can’t say that I’m the greatest poet who ever lived, but I think for someone who never ventured in that direction, I do pretty well. 😜
This particular poem that was published with Mangrove Journal is one that began as an epic fail. I’d written it as an assignment for class and it earned me a ‘D.’ As a perfectionist, I was devastated and disappointed in myself. I focused on reworking the entire poem and this was the end result. It proves that you can always fix a mistake, and that even if something is awful at first, hard work and dedication can make it great!
I am so incredibly thankful to the editors and everyone involved with the journal for accepting my piece for publication.
You can view the Winter 2017 Online Edition of Mangrove Journal below:
First and foremost, I want to apologize for being so late in getting this podcast review up for you all. We were having Skype issues and computer issues and school issues and life issues . . . you get the idea lol. But we didn’t forget about you and here it is!
Check out the podcast below and let us know what you thought of the episode!
SYNOPSIS: In an explosive season finale, the Mikaelsons find themselves out of options as they face the all-powerful and un-killable entity known as The Hollow. With the life of Hope at stake, Vincent proposes a final, desperate plan – one that will force Klaus, Elijah, Hayley, Rebekah and Freya to make the greatest sacrifice their family has ever endured.
That wraps up Season 4 of The Originals! I hope you enjoyed our podcast reviews and I hope you all tune in next season!
You guys!!! Mike and I are almost caught up on our recaps for The Originals. So sorry for the delay, but Mike had daddy duty and I was finishing up with one of my last classes. Adulting sucks sometimes, doesn’t it??
In any case, was anyone else watching this episode on the edge of their seat? There was also a lot of backlash towards the writers regarding the direction in which Hayley and Elijah’s relationship seems to be heading. Mike & I discuss our feelings on that in the podcast, but let me just say that if you’re a fan of the show be a fan of the show. Don’t start shooting hate towards the writers and creators because a relationship doesn’t have a picture perfect path that you want it to go on. They deliberate over the direction of the show in all aspects and they’re professionals for a reason! They know what they’re doing, people! Think before you send negative comments to people just because a pair of fictional characters aren’t giving YOU what you want. Write some fan fiction if that makes you feel better. As a writer myself, I just hate seeing the horrible comments like I saw on Twitter after these last few episodes aired. It’s not cool.
Anyway, check out the podcast below and let us know what you thought!
SYNOPSIS: When The Hollow targets the most vulnerable Mikaelson, Klaus is forced to rely on Vincent, who believes he can use The Hollow’s own dark magic to defeat their enemy for good. Meanwhile, as Marcel worries that Vincent’s plan might backfire, the King of New Orleans decides on a deadly backup plan of his own. Elsewhere, after falling victim to The Hollow’s manipulations, Hayley struggles to figure out Hope’s future in New Orleans, while Freya must confront her darkest fear.
Ok, my anxiety is growing with all of this business with The Hollow lurking around! What do you think is going to happen? Will Kol betray his siblings to save Davina? Do you think it’s truly over between Marcel and Rebekah? What do you think The Hollow wants with Hayley? Let us know what you think!
Check out the podcast below and let us know what you thought!
SYNOPSIS: When it’s discovered that The Hollow is using a magical totem to fuel her power, Freya enlists Rebekah and Klaus’ help to locate and destroy it. Elsewhere, an ultimatum by The Hollow puts Kol at odds with his own siblings, while an unexpected run-in forces Marcel and Rebekah to confront the growing tension between them. Finally, The Hollow’s plan for Hayley leaves her in the fight of her life.
What’s up, everyone?! I am so stoked about this post, I can’t even control it haha!
I got the news today that I’m officially a rep for PURAVIDA! Anyone who knows me knows that I love to stack bracelets on bracelets on bracelets, so giving others the chance to do the same makes me a very happy woman lol.
You can check out their full bio over at puravidabracelets.com, and also start to make your fabulous purchases. But first, I wanted to share a little bit of insight into why I’m so excited about this. “Pura Vida” is Spanish for “pure life” – something we should all be striving for, am I right? Each bracelet is handcrafted and helps to provide full-time jobs for local artisans in Costa Rica.
So, as a lover of art, and as a supporter of hard work and creativity, join me in supporting these artists and all local artists who pour their hearts out to make trendy things for us to wear and share! Check out puravidabracelets.com to order their limited edition 4th of July bracelets:
How did you all enjoy the directorial debut of our beloved Daniel Gillies?? I have to say, I love that The Vampire Diaries and The Originals have allowed some of the cast members to test their talents at directing. We’ve seen episodes directed by Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, Joseph Morgan, Charles Michael Davis and now Daniel Gillies. Can’t wait to see what some of the women can do!!
In any case, I couldn’t make it on Skype today, but I sent Mike my thoughts on the episode and he held down the fort!
Check out the podcast below and let us know what you thought!
SYNOPSIS: After the devastating events of the previous episode, Klaus requests that his estranged siblings Rebekah and Kol return home to stand by their family against The Hollow. Meanwhile, Freya recruits Hayley for a dangerous journey that will put both their lives at risk — but may be the sole means of saving someone they love. Elsewhere, tensions rise when Marcel leads a hunt for The Hollow — putting him on a collision course with the person he was least prepared to face. Finally, as Kol continues to mourn the loss of Davina, he is forced to consider the lengths he’d go to see her again.
What’s up, peeps??? How are you all coping after Friday’s episode??? It took me a while to pick my jaw up off the ground, but I know things will work out for our Mikaelsons! I mean…they will, right?!?!?!
Mike and I got together this afternoon to talk about last night’s episode and it was an interesting podcast, to say the least lol.
Check out the podcast below and let us know what you thought of the episode. If you listened last week, you know that Mike gave me some homework to do. I had to pitch our app idea to someone involved with The Originals and I’d say I got an A haha.
Also, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@ThisIsKristin_ and @mikethemovieguy) and Instagram to keep up with our shenanigans!
SYNOPSIS: When The Hollow sends a terrifying message to Vincent, he must team with Hayley and Freya to embark on a desperate mission to stop the Hollow once and for all – even if it requires a heartbreaking sacrifice. Refusing to allow anyone in his family to pay the high price of defeating their enemy, Klaus makes a surprising alliance and enacts a plan that threatens to change the Mikaelson family forever.
Mike and I FINALLY got together last night to talk about The Originals!
Check out the podcast below and let us know what you think of our new idea for an app featuring the voice of Charles Michael Davis! Haha! I mean, wouldn’t you enjoy an app that lets you hear the BEST speeches ever for any occasion? I think we’re on to something here!
As always, reach out to us on Twitter (@ThisIsKristin_ and @mikethemovieguy) or Instagram and let us know your thoughts on the episode and where you think our favorite vamps (and witches) might be headed!
SYNOPSIS: After being summoned by the ancestors, Hayley and Klaus travel to the ancestral world and come face to face with Davina, Klaus’ former foe and the one person who holds the secrets to The Hollow’s demise. Meanwhile, old wounds are re-opened when Elijah and Marcel are forced into an uneasy alliance. Together, they meet with Alaric who has tracked down a crucial artifact that could help in their fight against The Hollow.
Johnny Depp returns to the big screen as the iconic, swashbuckling anti-hero Jack Sparrow in the all-new “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” The rip-roaring adventure finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea—notably Jack. Jack’s only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales LOS ANGELES (Burbank)
Tuesday, May 23
7:30PM
AMC Burbank
Here’s how you enter the giveaway…
Email me your FIRST and LAST NAME to mikethemovieguy@gmail.com
In the subject line – #PiratesLife
– – – – – – – – –
This promotion will end May 21 at 10:00 AM. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Limit up to two (2) passes per person. Seating is first-come, first-serve basis. Employees of all promotional partners and their agencies are not eligible. Void where prohibited. Refer to screening pass for further restrictions. SEATING IS LIMITED, SO ARRIVE EARLY. PASS DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SEAT AT THE SCREENING.
Ok, let me first say that this trailer captured my attention immediately when it was released. Not just because my niece has had a crush on Nick Robinson since Jurassic World either. It was because I actually felt the chemistry between Nick Robinson and Amandla Stenberg in a trailer that was less than three minutes long.
With that being said, I went into the screening for this movie having NOT read the book, so I have nothing to compare it to, but now I definitely want to read it!
I thought the film was GREAT! I had a preconceived notion that it would be the typical young, teen angst/love story where you end up sobbing into a box of tissues because you can most definitely predict the outcome.
Spoiler alert: I was wrong. For the most part anyway.
The movie follows a young girl, Maddy, who has just turned 18 and has never left her house due to an illness called Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID). Basically her immune system sucks and can’t fight off even the most mild of infections or allergies. Her life is turned upside down when a cutie pie, Olly, moves in next door and has his eyes set on her from the beginning. He awakens her need to know what it’s like to truly live outside the confines of her home.
The casting for this movie was fantastic. Nick Robinson and Amandla Stenberg had great chemistry. When their characters felt awkward, it was obvious. When they developed feelings for each other, you could feel it. When worry and confusion set in, you felt that too. There were funny moments combined with sad moments, mixed with a little worry and anxiety about whether Maddy (Amandla Stenberg) would live or die, and it all marinated into a beautiful story about falling in love and truly living your life.
Sure, there could have been a bit more character development that I’m sure was missing from the book to film adaptation, but I still thought it was a solid movie that I would most definitely see again. Perhaps an extra 30 minutes might have done the trick. Even so, my brother, who is a 37-year-old man that literally hates chick flicks even said it was a very good movie. I’m looking at all you guys that think it’s uncool to watch movies like this hahaha. I promise you, it’s okay!
If it’s any consolation to you book lovers out there, my niece’s friend saw the movie with me and she’d read the book. She said they stuck to the book for the most part. I can not confirm nor deny that personally, but I will definitely check the book out now to fill in any blanks I might have had while watching the movie (and there weren’t many).
So go out with your friends and family to check out Everything, Everything in theaters May 19! You won’t regret it!
You should also check out the novel of the same title by Nicola Yoon (like I’m going to do)!
Have you seen it yet? When you do, let me know what you thought!
Ok . . . so I had to take a minute to compose myself after the influx of music releases and announcements over the past two weeks! How did you all hold up? lol . . .
So let’s talk tours first! Fans received announcements from some of their favorite artists regarding upcoming tours and, personally, I couldn’t be more excited! I’m hoping to make some contacts so I can keep up with all of them and get some show reviews posted for you all! Fingers crossed on that. Some of the artists who posted tour announcements include Fall Out Boy (dates posted below), Halsey (dates posted below), Janet Jackson, Harry Styles (dates posted below), Linkin Park, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, an extension of the current Kings of Leon tour, the list goes on and on! Not to mention the fact that some of our favorite artists are currently working on new music, which means (hopefully) even more announcements are sure to be on their way!
Also announced in the past two weeks are singles, singles, and more singles! Fall Out Boy released “Young and Menace,” Imagine Dragons released “Thunder,” OneRepublic released “No Vacancy,” Harry Styles released “Sweet Creature,” Halsey released “Eyes Closed,” Paramore released “Told You So,” Niall Horan released “Slow Hands,” X Ambassadors released “Torches,” etc., etc., etc.
In light of all of these announcements, we also got a few music videos to watch! Anyone else miss when MTV and VH1 used to play music videos? Do they even do it at all anymore? Let me know! Here are a few of the new ones:
Which artists are you more excited about? Are there any tours you’re planning on attending? Are there any new artists I should be listening to? Sound off in the comments or tweet me @thisiskristin_! I also would LOVE to know who’s planning on attending ‘Kinky Boots’ on Broadway this summer to see Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco playing Charlie? I know I am! 🙂
I’m sorry for falling behind a bit on these daily posts, but last weekend was my birthday! Never fear, I’m in catch-up mode and will try to combine some days so I don’t bombard you with my rambling lol.
For Day Seven, I wanted to talk about Playlists!
I’m a HUGE music lover and I absolutely love finding new artists. I get tired of hearing the same 5 songs in rotation on the radio, so any time I can Shazam a song from a TV show or movie I’m a happy camper! I’m always taking suggestions too, so if you know of anyone I should check out, comment on this post and let me know!
I have a few playlists going on Apple Music right now, but the one I use the most is eclectic to say the least! I have Hailee Steinfeld, ZAYN, Ed Sheeran, The 1975, Syml, Muse, Lady Gaga, The Chainsmokers, Ruelle and Amber Run. Ruelle is featured a lot on one of my favorite shows, The Originals, and they’re absolutely incredible! I usually add a lot of my Shazam tags to that playlist as well so it’s always growing.
I also have a Justin Timberlake playlist, OneRepublic, The Script and Imagine Dragons. Those four are probably my favorite artists/bands.
How about you? What are you listening to? Is there anyone I should check out?
Day Eight is about highlighting what Plansare on my to-do list . . . and there’s a lot! I won’t bore you with everything, but here are the essentials:
Definitely need to hit the gym. In the past year I moved from my home of 29 years to a cute little apartment. For some reason during the chaos of moving and working full-time, I decided it would be a “good idea” to also take 5 online classes. I haven’t had much time within the past year, but now that school has slowed down and I’m almost done, I plan on being at the gym every day.
This past week I started looking for apartments to rent in Georgia, New York and New Jersey. During my search, I stumbled upon a GORGEOUS new home for about half of what it would cost if it were here in Miami. This really made me smarten up about spending/saving money, so saving is definitely on my list of plans.
I graduated high school in 2002 (yes, I’m old) and have been taking college courses here and there ever since. I’ve worked full-time since I was 18 so it wasn’t always easy to put time aside for school. Trying to find online classes or classes that coincide with your work schedule is a bitch! I’ve already received my Associates Degree and Liberal Arts and am about to finish my Bachelors Degree in English – Creative Writing, so now it’s time to think and plan for the possibility of grad school. Am I crazy for considering it? Probably!
That’s all I’ll bore you with for now, but let me know what plans you have for the rest of the year!
Ladies and gents . . . the long-awaited first single from the One Direction heartthrob, Harry Styles, has been released today!
Following in the footsteps of his band mates (most of them, anyway), Harry has released ‘ Sign of the Times’ on April 7, 2017. Strange to know that there are thousands of young girls losing their minds today because of it – my niece included! It’s interesting how different their musical styles are, isn’t it? Harry Styles with this 80’s rock style single, Niall Horan released an acoustic style ‘This Town,’ Louis Tomlinson released an electronic/dance vibe single ‘Just Hold On’ with Steve Aoki and we’re still waiting on Liam Payne to release something! We also saw Zayn Malik branch out on his own with a different style as well.
I also find it interesting that this is the one boy band who has seen ALL members branch out to do their own thing. Not even my beloved *NSYNC did that!
Anyway, Harry will be performing ‘Sign of the Times’ on NBC’s Saturday Night Live this Saturday, April 15. You can also check out his upcoming movie, Dunkirk, which will be in theaters this SUMMER, July 21, 2017.
So here is the audio “video” released on Harry’s VEVO channel:
You guys!!!! We have been blessed with another EP from our favorite a capella group!
Pentatonix released their new EP, PTX Vol. IV – Classics, today April 7 and – no surprise – it’s incredible! We got to see their music video for ‘Imagine’ (posted below) a few weeks ago and it was fantastic. Their vocals were great and the message in the video was powerful. One of my favorite things about this group, besides their vocal talent, is the fact that their videos are so low budget but are better than most big budget videos. They showcase their talent rather than distracting us with nonsense lol.
So check out their ‘Imagine’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (released today!) videos below and let me know what you think!
Also…if you’re thinking of heading out to see them LIVE (and I strongly suggest you do), you can read my review of their show here in South Florida by clicking the link below:
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According to Kristin 