2013 Favorites in Film, TV, and Books

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I worked Christmas Eve then spent a relaxing day at home with family on the 25th. A nice quite holiday, but fun.

I can't believe tomorrow is New Year's Eve already. 2013 has went by crazy fast for me. The past few months in particular feel like one big blur for me. Hopefully the new year won't go by quite as fast.

Since the year is practically over, I though some sort of review post was in order. I decided to share my favorite movies, TV shows, and books that I watched/read this past year.

Movies
2013 was the second year that I've kept track of every movie I watched. This year the total is 108 films, with 74 being ones I'd never seen before. Just three films short of how many I watched in 2012. Looking back I didn't watch nearly as many old movies or musicals as I'd like. Out of the new ones I watched, these are my favorites:

Monsters University (2013)

Monsters Inc is one of my favorite Pixar films, so I was really excited for this one and it didn't disappoint. Seeing a different side to Mike and particularly Sully was neat.

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick note wishing everyone the merriest of Christmases!

Deck the Halls

"Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la la la la la.
'Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la la la la la."

  

Christmas Favorites: Movie Edition

Watching Christmas movies is my favorite way to spend a cold December evening. There are many good ones to be watched each year and most of mine are favorites that I grew up on. But last year I began expanding my horizons a bit after I discovered some of the Hallmark Channels Christmas films.

Sadly, though, this year between work and other activities there hasn't been much time for movie watching. I've been able to fit a few in, though not as many as I'd like. Hopefully I'll be able to fit in more these next few weeks, especially since I have a lot of Hallmark movies sitting on the DVR begging to be watched!

Anyways, today I'm sharing my all time favorite Christmas movies. They're in no particular order, as I doubt I could pick one as better than the other.

P.S. Please pardon the wonky formatting. I keep trying to fix it, but it just keeps getting worse!

Eloise at Christmas Time

{2003}

STARING
Julie Andrews as Nanny
Sofia Vassileva as Eloise
Gavin Creel as Bill
Sarah Topham as Rachel Peabody
Rick Roberts as Brooks

Bill: So, how's that Christmas list coming?
Eloise: Still one or two items short.
Bill: How many you got so far?
Eloise: Seventy three. What? I think it's nice to give Santa lots of options.

NYX Haul

On my last Amazon order I added in the NXY blush in Pinched and the Natural Eye Shadow Palette. I've really been enjoying both products, so when NXY was having the fall sale on their website I filled up my basket with some fun new items to try. Since it was my first order I used their 25% off your first purchase code and spent $25 so I could get free shipping. So between all those deals, I really scored!

Christmas-y Portraits

Christmastime is such a fun time of year for anyone who likes photography. All the pretty decorations and lots of twinkle lights provide many opportunities to get creative and have some fun.

Every year I like to take portraits of my siblings with lights in the background. Christmas bokeh is so awesome, and especially so with portraits.

One year I strung them in the dinning room window. Another I placed them on top of a tablecloth on the stairs with Daniel sitting at the base. I've also done some in front of the Christmas tree.

This year I tried doing white lights on the garage door, but we didn't have as may of those lights as I though and it didn't look very good. So Tiana and I moved all the lights and draped them on the branches of a tree in our front yard. I have to say, I think I'll be doing this set up every year!
(photos of me taken by Tiana)

The Sound of Music LIVE! (2013)

As you may have known, last night was The Sound of Music LIVE! on NBC. Even though I can count on one hand how many times I've seen the 1965 film, I definitely enjoy it, even if it's not one of my top favorites. It's not hard to see why it's such a classics, though, and so I was excited when I heard the were doing to be broadcasting the stage version live on NBC.

Knowing that this was going to be the stage version adapted for television, I wasn't worried about story and songs being different or anything like that. Being a Broadway fan, just being able to see something like this is exciting and fun!

Spidey's Back!

I don't think I've mentioned it before, but I'm a big Spidey fan. When I first saw Spider-Man years ago I didn't think much of it. But this past year we watched The Amazing Spider-Man, which I loved, and then Spider-Man and it's sequels. It was after that when I became a fan.

Which, when you think about it, it's kinda funny. Spiders are pretty much my least favorite thing in the whole world, yet Spider-Man is my all time favorite super hero. Yes, I like him even better than any of the Avengers, which are most peoples favorites.

Even though I think The Amazing Spider-Man is fantastic as a whole, I prefer Toby Maguire's Peter Parker much more--I'll save all the details for a future blog post. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the new reboot just as much.

Anyways, today Sony released the official trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man 2.


It. Looks. AMAZING.

No pun intended.

I'm not one who usually goes to the theater, but I might just have to go and see this one. Just maybe.

Christmas Favorites: Music Edition

(Note: I FINALLY got this post up. Whew! My computer died last week, so I had to buy a new (much faster) parts, which arrived yesterday. Now that it's up and running, I've been installing things Lightroom and Photoshop so I can finally edit photos again. Now I can share all those posts I have ideas for in my head. :) )

Now that Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas season is upon us, I decided to do a little themed series here on the blog called Christmas Favorites. Each post will feature some of my favorites for a particular category, and this weeks is music. So without further ado, I present Christmas Favorites: Music Edition!

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When it comes to music at Christmastime, I like both the original classics and some modern renditions. Most the artists I like are either classics (Andy Williams), have strong vocals (Jackie Evancho), or big orchestras (Boston Pops). Some of my favorite songs are Carol of the Bells, The Christmas Waltz, and Ding Dong Merrily on High.

If I listed all of my favorites, it would go on forever, so I narrowed it down to fifteen that I really like. Which is still a lot, but hey, there are way too many good ones!

I've also made a YouTube playlist of all the songs listed below. You can either listen to them all, or skip to the ones you haven't heard if you're up for something new!



Carol of the Bells :: The Boston Pops

Ding Dong Merrily on High :: The Priests

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas :: Johnny Mathis
Whenever I hear Jonhhy Mathis I think of Christmas. It's kinda odd as we never owned any of his Christmas songs growing up--or any songs for that matter--but I guess I just heard him enough on the radio and in the stores over the years. Hearing him sing just makes it feel like Christmas.

The Christmas Song :: Nat King Cole

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year :: Andy Williams

The Christmas Waltz :: Michael W. Smith

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen :: The Priests

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas :: Susan Boyle

Carol of the Bells/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen :: The Piano Guys
The Piano Guys + Christmas = Awesome!

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town :: Ray Conniff

Holly Jolly Christmas :: Michael Buble

The Christmas Waltz :: Peggy Lee
Classic Christmas right here!

Jingle Bell Rock :: Bobby Helms

Ding Dong Merrily on High :: Jackie Evancho

Winter Wonderland :: Johnny Mathis

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just a quick post to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

This year is different for me, as it's the first time I'm working on a holiday. It'll be kinda strange as I've always spent Thanksgiving at home prepping for dinner, watching the Macy's Parade, and looking at Black Friday ads with the family. I'm very thankful for the job that I have, so all is well. We close early though, so I'll be home in time for the yummy turkey dinner!

A Whole New World Coming to Broadway

You all know how I love Disney, but what you probably don't know is that Aladdin is my favorite Disney animated film. Even though it wasn't one of the movies I watched over and over and over again (Toy Story 2 wins for most watched movie in our house), it's always been a favorite of mine. I thing it's mostly to do with the songs. They're really catchy. 

Because of that, I'm super duper excited that they're turning it into a Broadway musical.

Wocka Wocka! The Muppets are Back!

The Muppets. You either love 'em, or you can't stand 'em. And I just happen to be one of those who think they're the best.

As you may or may not know Muppets Most Wanted, a sequel to the 2011 film The Muppets, is going to be in theaters this March. And Wednesday the released the first official trailer.



I. Can't. Wait.

It's true, The Muppets wasn't the most amazing movie ever, although it definitely had it's highlights. But let's be real, Muppet movies are never meant to be taken seriously. If you've only seen the movies, you need to give The Muppet Show, the tv series, a try. It's the best.

Going from the trailer, this sequel is bound to be great. And since it's the Muppets, I think I'll actually go see it in theaters. Which is something I very rarely do.

So, how 'bout you? Are you a Muppet fan?

Disney Memories

I've had this blog for two months now, yet I haven't posted a thing about one of my favorite topics: Disney.

Ever since I can remember I've liked Disney. When I was little my favorite video tape was The Jungle Book, which I called the "bare necessities". My dad bought several of the original Mickey Mouse cartoons when they released them on DVD, which my sisters and I watched a lot. For my 13th birthday I planned a Mickey Mouse/Disney themed party, including a giant Mickey head cake that used four cake boxes and had mini chocolate chips on the sides.

And those few things just scratch the surface of my fascination with it. The parks, movies, cartoons, the store. I love it all.

If fact it's not just me with a fascination for it, but my whole family. Tiana was obsessed with anything princess when she was little, but especially with Snow White, her favorite princess. Alina and Daniel both love The Lion King more than any other Disney film. And since my dad's always been a big Disneyland fan, it's because of him that we started going to Disneyland.
Disney is just something that I never grew out of and I doubt I ever will. Even now at nearly twenty-years-old (*gasp* When did that happen?!?!) I enjoy it just as much as when I was younger. If fact, I think it's safe to say I love it even more. Just as my mom, she can vouch for acting as excited as a four-year-old every time I go in the Disney Store. There's lots of squealing and hugging Mickey Mouse plushiest involved.

Anyways, all this is to say I'm working on writing a lot more Disney related posts, and since I'll likely refer to past trips, I thought it would be a good idea to give a short little summary of each trip so you hopefully won't feel lost. Let's start from the latest trip and go backwards...

Arwen's Vigil

When The Piano Guys released they're first album, they included a few new songs that' they hadn't released online. One of those songs was Arwen's Vigil, which instantly became a favorite. It makes my list of top favorite slower songs and I'm happy to say that they finally released a video for it this past Tuesday!

Single Serving Apple Crisp

Yesterday while I was scrolling though Pinterest I saw a photo of some delicious looking apple crisp. I love anything with oats in it, and I think it goes really well with the apples, but hadn't made any since cutting out dairy and refined sugar from my diet. That gave me the inspiration to make my own version, but this one would be a single portion and wouldn't have gluten, dairy, or sugar in it.

Basically just threw in a few simple ingredients that I thought would taste good and microwaved it. It turned out great one the first try! And it's perfect for not just a quick and simple dessert, but makes a great snack as well. 

Every time I've made it I've just eyeballed the ingredients, but here are the approximate measurements for a jumping point:

Ingredients:
1/2 of an apple, chopped into bite sized pieces
1/2-3/4 cup rolled oats
Up to 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
Combine all ingredients into a bowl and microwave until hot, stirring every 45 seconds. 

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If you can have dairy, you could add a little butter in it, or even coconut oil to add some flavor. The next time I made it I'm going to add some flax meal to it to make it even better for you.

What Do Bananas, Sparkles, and Novels Have in Common?

Absolutely nothing. But that's what you'll find in this post. Just a few random topics on this dreary Thursday afternoon. And so it begins...

My siblings and I decided randomly on Monday to watch Doctor Who and now we're hooked. Even though I had never seen a single episode, I was really familiar with it 'cause of Pinterest. I already know all the famous quotes and lots of spoilers, but that doesn't take the fun out of it one bit. But now I'll never be able to look at mannequins, banana, or screwdrivers the same.

We finished the first series last night and also watched the first episode with Ten, The Christmas Invasion. I loved Nine, he was fantastic (ha!), but I think I'm going to like Ten just a wee bit more. What can I say, David Tennant is just plain awesome.

Fall is...

Chilly weather. Trees filled with shades of red, yellow, and orange. Breezy days. Wearing tights and scarves. Pumpkin and scarecrow decor. Leaves everywhere.

I love fall.

   

Ginger Cookies

Although my mom and brother love it, I don't care for pumpkin. I know how much everyone seems to love it, but I've never been a fan, so ginger is my favorite fall flavor. Back before my food allergies, I had this amazing ginger snap recipe that I loved, and since gingersnaps are one of my favorite types of cookies I set out to find a Paleo one. After looking at several recipes via Google I settled on these ginger cookies from The Detoxinista. Along with being sugar, dairy, and gluten free they also use any eggs, therefore they're that perfect recipe to make when you feel like baking but just happen to be all out of eggs. I've made them a couple times now and modified them a tad to fit my taste. One batch makes around 15 cookies, so if you have any ginger lovers in your house they're not going to last long!



Ginger Cookies
modified from The Detoxinista

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons coconut oil, softened

1/4 pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined.

2. Chill in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using rounded sized tablespoons of dough, roll into balls and flatten slightly into disks.

4. Bake for 8 minutes, or until firm around the edges but soft in the middle. You can also cook them a little longer for a more crispy cookie. Let cool 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Serve and enjoy!

The Autumn Leaves

I've taken barely any fall photos this year, which is really sad considering it's my favorite season. Work has been keeping me busy, and then on my days off I haven't felt like braving the cold + plus I've been somewhat uninspired when it comes to photography lately. Well more on the transfering, editing, exporting, etc side.

Anyways, we went on a walk last week I got this fall photo with my new iPod Touch. This shot makes it into my list of all time favorite leaf photos I've ever taken. And I think the fact that it's my lock screen photo proves that. ;)

(taken with iPod Touch 5th Gen. and edited with VSCOcam)

Little Women

“November is the most disagreeable month in the whole ear,' said Margaret, standing at the window one dull afternoon, looking out at the frostbitten garden.
'That's the reason I was born in it,' observed Jo pensively, quite unconscious of the blot on her nose.
'If something very pleasant should happen now, we should think it a delightful month,' said Beth, who took a hopeful view of everything, even November.”

My first introduction to Little Women was this past winter when my sister, mom, and I watched the 1994 film. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to read the book a few months later. I thought the movie was good, but the book is even more wonderful. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are so real and relatable and that's what I think is so great about it.

After reading it the movie seemed so rushed, especially the end with Laurie and Amy. The whole ending flows much better in the book. I think the movie is great, but it would be awesome if they made it into a mini-series. Then they'd be able to fit in more of those details.

I'm Back + Some Selfies

Wowzah, it's been two weeks already since I posted last. I got a job in retail recently which started on the third, and although I've had a few posts all ready in my drafts, I've been just too wiped out to even think about posting them. My brain was totally fried by the end of the first day and the three days of cashier training left me crazy exhausted. But for now I'm only working a few days a week, so I'm planning on posting a couple times a week.

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Two weeks ago I pulled out the tripod and gathered my camera and remote in the front yard to take some seflfies. It had been seven months since I'd taken any, so I decided it was time to take some updated shots.

I decided to go with a red and black color scheme, which are two of my favorite colors to wear. The plaid scarf was a gift from my mom on my birthday this past spring and the bow headband, AKA my new favorite hair accessory from Forever 21.

Cinnamon Muffins

Until discovering this recipe, I had never been able to make a gluten-free muffin with quite the same texture as a regular muffin. Most of the recipes are much more dense, especially the ones with coconut flour, but this these cinnamon muffins are light and airy.

Strokes From My Brush

Last month I was browsing Amazon when I came across a set of inexpensive watercolors. I'm not much of a drawer, but painting seemed a little more my style, so I decided to purchase it along with a set of brushes. Since I knew I could get watercolor paper cheaper locally I bought mine at Hobby Lobby with a coupon. I wanted a notebook to just practice and experiment in, which the  5.5"x8" Strathmore Visual Journal is perfect for. It's 140 lb. and while it isn't the best for super wet on wet, it's great for everything esle. It's also spiral bound, so it's easy to use. I also got a 9"x12" pad for when I feel like painting something to display.

Adventures of Cinderella Stars Laura and Santino

In my final post for Celebrate Musicals Week I'm talking about the leading couple in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella: Laura Osnes and Santino Fontana. Basically there are lots of photos of Laura and Santino, with some thoughts of my own and some interview questions I found online thrown in. So without further ado, let the awesome-ness begin!

'Ten Minutes Ago' Comparison

Ten Minutes Ago is probably the most well known song from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, and is one of my personal favorites. I decided to do a comparison of the four different versions and see which one I liked best. 

The 1957 version with Julie Andrews:

(Starts at :53)

Although I like this version, it's not my favorite. Dancing scenes are my favorite, so I'm kinda sad that most of the song was them standing, but I'm happy they at least have them dancing near the end. At least they put more emotion into their characters while the were singing, unlike the 1965 version.

The Princess Diary with Laura Osnes

(Note: I tried really, really hard to get the formatting right, but Blogger is being really buggy, so if it looks kinda funny, that's why.)

A few weeks after Cinderella opened on Broadway I discovered a video series on Broadway.com called The Princess Diary (Not to be confused with The Princess Diaries with Ann Hathaway). Every couple of weeks they'd post a new vlog, hosted by Laura Osnes, and we'd get to see what it's like behind the scenes of a Broadway show. I was so excited when I discovered The Princess Diary, 'cause when I get into a show or movie I'm the type of person that wants to know everything about it. I especially like seeing what the actors are like off camera/stage, so this video series fit the bill perfectly. It's really enjoyable to watch and other than a couple of odd moments, it's perfect. 

But you want to know the best part about the video series? Herman the fish. Yes, the best part of the series is a fish. Laura gave Santino a beta fish on opening night, which sorta became the unofficial mascot for the show. Herman's become pretty famous in the Cinderella world and is loved by many. Seeing Laura chat with him usually the highlight of every video for me. He's very chatty for a fish and is fond of the castle in his bowl. And he really likes Laura's smile.

One of my favorite parts is when Laura and some of the cast are waiting just of the stage waiting for their cue, most off the time during Stepsister's Lament. It seems a lot of the most memorable moments happen there and I think it's neat seeing the performance going on from a backstage perspective. I always end up with Stepsister's Lament stuck in my head after!

Then there was the time when Santino gave Laura a Cinderella puzzle (was it on opening night? I can't remember). Of course the Cinderella in the puzzle had blonde hair, so he colored it in brown, so I would match Laura's hair.

Anyways, I've always been one of those people who watches all the bonus features on a DVD, so being able to see what it's like to put on such a big show and get to "know" the cast really makes me appreciate Cinderella even more. The whole cast is like one big family, and they're always goofing off and having a fun time. And Laura especially seems like such a sweet person. The only bad part is that they finished the series a few weeks ago. *fake sob* I guess that means I'll have to go and re-watch all 15 episodes again.

You can find all of the episodes of The Princess Diary on Broadway.com.

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Joining in on Celebrate Musicals Week at Yet Another Period Drama Blog.

The Cinderella Costume Comparison

Instead of focusing on all the outfits in one version, I decided I would compare the same costumes from four different versions. There will be a photo of each dress and I'll share below what I think of each one. There are three different comparisons and I would had done a few more, but it's really hard to find photos of the older versions so there are only three comparisons below. 

All of the images will be in chronological order:
-1957 TV version with Julie Andrews
-1956 TV version with Lesley Ann Warren
-1997 TV version with Brandy Norwood
-2013 Broadway version with Laura Osnes

The Ballgown

Between the four, there really is quite the variety of styles. Julie's ballgown is very elegant and the flow-y back looks really pretty on film as it floats behind her coming down the staircase. The neckline also really pretty, but the skirt part is a little too straight and simple for me, considering this is Cinderella and all. The long gloves add to the elegance as well.

Cinderella on Broadway

This post could also be titled "The Post in Which I Share Bazillions of My Favorite Cinderella Photos". But ya know, that was a bit to long.

Although I was very vaguely familiar with the 1957 version of Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella (basically, I knew it existed and Julie Andrews was in it, and that was all), it wasn't 'till the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade last year when cast performed Impossible and Ten Minutes Ago that I really discovered it. I was really excited that Cinderella was coming to Broadway and from the numbers they did it already looked great! Then I forgot about it until late March, the month it debuted. Since then I've been keeping up with it, watching videos clips and behind the scenes videos, looking up photos on Pinterest, and eagerly waited for the official album to come out, which is AMAZING! The show will be touring in 2014 (Whaaaa! So excited!) which I plan on seeing as long as they come to Seattle.

The Beginners Guide to R+H's Cinderella

This week I'll be joining in on Celebrate Musical Week at Another Period Drama Blog. The idea is to pick one musical and write about it several times this week. Being such a big musical fan I though it would be fun to join in, so for this week be prepared for all sorts of awesomeness from Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella.

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We're all familiar with the story of Cinderella: a young woman forced to be a servant by her cruel and selfish stepmother and stepsisters, yet dreams of a better life. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella is transformed into a princess and finds her prince.The R+H version is the story that classic fairy tale that they put their own spin on and filled with spectacular songs.

Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein were genius' when it came to writing musicals and Cinderella was no exception. Their shows were originally written for the stage and later on most of them were made into films as well. And although The Sound of Music, The King and I, and South Pacific may be some of the most popular and well known shows they wrote, in my opinion this is one of, if not the best musical they wrote.

To start off the week I though go over the history of the show, which spans over 50 years!

And now I present:

Star Trek Into Darkness

This past Friday we finally saw Star Trek Into Darkness. Whoo-hoo! Being a big Star Trek Fan who's seen most of the series' and all of the previous movies, I was excited to see this latest edition to the Star Trek franchise. I wasn't completely sure what to expect (after seeing the first trailer last year I decided not to watch any more or read any more about it so it wouldn't be spoiled for me), but I have to say J.J. Abrams did a fantastic job with this film and it was better than I expected.

Note: spoilers are included below.

Banana Bread, Nom Nom!

Banana bread is one of those foods that I forget how much I love it until I make it each time. My mom had this really simple recipe she would make whenever we had really ripe bananas on hand or as a treat for our Starbucks break while at the mall on Black Friday. It was soooo good! Then a few years ago, when discovered her gluten allergy came up with gluten-free version. That was good, but it wasn't until this spring, after finding out about my dairy allergy and cutting sugar out of my diet, that I found this delicious recipe.

This recipe is Paleo, so it doesn't have any gluten, dairy, sugar, or grains. In fact the only sweetness comes from the bananas, which makes it even better. It's really simple to make and whips up real quick, especially if using a Vitamix, AKA my favorite kitchen appliance. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool, but I think it's actually best when it's still slightly warm.

For all you banana bread lovers you can find the recipe at Civilized Caveman Cooking Creations.

Bonjour!

Hi there everyone! I'm Sereina and welcome to my blog, Ribbons Down My Back! Here I'm planning on writing about whatever strikes my fancy, but there are several topics that are bound to pop up more than others which I'll talk about below. 

Food

I've always loved being in the kitchen and baking. Cooking not as much, but I am enjoying it more now than I used to. Since I'm allergic to dairy all of my recipes will be dairy-free and for the present won't have any gluten or sugar. I'll save all the details on that for another post, but I doubt they're will be a shortage of recipes around here!

TV & Movies

Generally the movies I like are filled with humor and/or musical numbers (Singin' in the Rain anyone?), but don't be surprised to see a few action films and period dramas thrown in. When it comes to television, I really enjoy a wide variety of genres, but like with movies, most of them are comedies. Nearly all of the shows I watch are re-runs, like Monk, my all time favorite series, and the classic comedy shows from the 60's will always be a favorite of mine. Recently I finished Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, which is now on my favorites, and now I'm working my way to and the Voyager.

Crafts

Repainting old frames, scrapbooking some of my favorite memories, embroidering with vintage patterns found online, making ruffle-y headbands. Those are just a few different types of crafting that I've done and my latest thing is watercolors, which I started last month. Hobby Lobby is my favorite craft store and I always come home with some new ideas to try sometime.

Musicals

The dance numbers, the pretty dresses, the catchy lyrics. Those are just some of my favorite things about musicals, both on film and on stage. There are few things better than a classic musical and I've recently been getting into and loving just as much is Broadway musicals. Broadway albums are amazing and even though I've never seen on in person (yet!) I'm always keeping an eye out for new photos and videos from my favorite shows.

Disney

Having been to Disneyland several times and knowing all the ins and outs of the place, I guess you could call me a Disney Expert. It's not just the parks, but Mickey Mouse, the animated and live action films, and the history behind it all. All the little details, both in the parks and in their films, is what makes the really stand out from everyone else.

Natural Health

After learning about eating real foods I started getting into natural health and beauty. This last year especially I've become really particular about not using products with chemicals in them, which often means making them myself. Not only is that heather, but it's often much less expensive as well.

So that's basically the most popular topics that I'm planning to blog about here. There's bound to be plenty of randomness, since I'm often quite random myself! To finish off this post, I'll end with some random (see, I told you!) facts about myself:

-I have three younger siblings, two sisters and a brother. 

-I never saw The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, or Singin' in the Rain till I was 16. 

 -This past spring I discovered that I'm allergic to dairy. As of April I also cut sugar out of my diet and right now am testing to see if I'm allergic to gluten. None of that stops me from baking yummy foods that I can eat though! 

-I've been to both Canada and Mexico.

-I've never owned an iPod, although I think I'm going to get an iPod Touch soon.



-When I was young my dad build a playhouse in our backyard for us kids and I have many fond memories playing in it with my sisters and neighbor.

-Fall is my favorite season.

-I'm a total cat person. We have two cats, Seal Point Siamese brothers, named Kokopelli (Koko for short) and Doji.

-When I was about 10 I discovered Frank Sinatra's music and he's been my very favorite ever since.

-One of my all time favorite movies is The Princess Diaries. My sisters and I watched it all the time after it came out on DVD and it's still just as fun to watch now.