It's #takemebacktuesday: Buffy and Angel edition!

Buffy and Angel are almost vintage shows, but they are totally awesome and really led the way for mainstream supernatural tv. Buffy was originally a movie (a classic awesome one) about a cheerleader who becomes a vampire slayer.

Whedon's formula for the show: Create a show about teenagers having normal problems while battling the forces of evil. Include gorgeous guys playing ancient vampires. Add drama, up and coming actors and actresses, and an awesome soundtrack, and you have a cult classic.

Buffy is still no longer a cheerleader, but she is the new girl at Sunndale High. Giles, the librarian, is her mentor. Xander and Willow are her friends, known as the Scooby Gang. Angel is a vampire, and he is cursed to never have true love. Spike is a bad boy turned good. These are the main characters. There are so many other good people on the show, but you need to watch it to find out!

Angel is a spin-off of Buffy. Angel moves to Los Angeles and becomes the head of a Wolfram and Hart Law office, which is run by mythical Senior partners. (This is a long story that's explained in the show). Gunn, Wesley, and a variety of other characters make this a memorable and equally interesting  series. The episodes run in tandem with Buffy, and in my opinion, was cancelled too soon.

Buffy and Angel live on in a comic book form. I suggest watching the show before picking up the comic! It's excellent!

Feeling comfortable in your own skin - just in time for beach season!

Hey there!

So it's summer. I want to talk about feeling comfortable with the body you have right now. I mean it, right now, this second. You with (what you think) is a "terrible" body, listen up! You're awesome, and your body is a gift. Can you walk? Can you lift things? Can you speak and move? Then, guess what, your body is perfect just as it is!

I keep seeing things like this being put up by people on Facebook:

This is Jack Black as Nacho Libre.

Tacos aren't inherently bad for you. You can make them with lettuce instead of corn tortillas, you can use grilled fish, tofu, or chicken instead of ground beef. You don't HAVE to add cheese - use onion and cilantro. If you want a taco, eat a stupid taco. This is what I want to reply when I see it, but I don't. Maybe I should, but honestly, I don't want to make someone with body issues feel worse. Instead, I normally tell them that they're awesome the way they are and that I puffy heart them.

One slice won't kill you. Seriously.

This one really drives me crazy. Again, healthful alternatives - cauliflower crust, whole wheat crust, less cheese, vegan cheese, no meat, etc. If you want it, eat it. Don't eat a whole pie - you'll likely feel gross. Enjoy the damned pizza, and go ahead and have a beer with it if you want. Enjoy your life, damn it!

I'm saying this to you as someone who was there before. I suffer(ed) from body dysmorphia, an eating disorder, and exercise orthorexia. There are some of us who are all or nothing. You can either suffer and burn out, or you can find peace and accept yourself. At almost 35, I've found peace and I accept myself. 80% of the time, I eat small portions and make healthful choices, and the other 20% I eat things that make me happy - like ice cream, s'mores, and hot dogs. I have food allergies and some gut issues, so I am forced to restrict certain items, or I'll end up in the hospital, so there's that. I find alternatives, like sunflower butter, that make me happy and remind me of foods that I used to eat.

Remember, you don't know what someone is battling, but you can be kind. Enjoy your life and please, don't feel bad if you have thighs that rub together - you're closer to a being a mermaid that way. Stretch marks and cellulite - puh-lease - battle scars. Chub? Whatever.

Enjoy the beach - wear an awesome straw hat, wear that suit, and if you need to, an airy caftan or cover up.  Use sunscreen, and enjoy the salt water or pool. Soak in those rays and read a book. That's what summer's about. Oh, and custard!

I Blame Rose McGowan

 

Since she's already in the line of fire due to recent events, I think I'll blame Rose McGowan, too....after all, don't we all need a scapegoat? <insert sarcastic eye roll here>

McGowan as Courtney in Jawbreaker

I say this because I've been absolutely in love with Rose McGowan for, dare I say, about 20 years now.  Yes, I was a big fan of Doom Generation....of course I loved her in Charmed....even once allowing myself to be bribed by a friend with Charmed DVDs.....back before Netflix binging was a thing, I was OD'ing on Charmed DVDs, true story.  But these are far from the only reasons I love her...I love her sass, I love her determination, I love what a strong woman she is, and I really love all the charity work she does, including work with Boston Terriers, see full listing of her charity work here.
 

McGowan & one of her Boston Terriers

I like to fancy myself a pretty open minded feminist, my version of feminism being that it's not my job as a feminist to tell you how to be a woman, but to support other women on their journey to figuring it out for themselves.  I don't believe in slut shaming (damn, I even hate the word used to describe it, it's so gross), I don't believe that if a woman is more masculine that it makes her any less of a woman any more than I believe getting all dolled up for a photo shoot makes someone else any more of a woman.  If I choose to wear make up today, but jeans and a t shirt tomorrow, none of that changes that I identify as a woman....neither makes me better or worse for it.

So, when I started noticing more and more things that began to bother me (in the form of casual sexism), I decided to blame Rose McGowan.  Since it's been just days after McGowan tweeted:

McGowan as Cherry Darling in Planet Terror

"casting note that came w/script I got today. For real. name of male star rhymes with Madam Panhandler hahahaha I die,"
The note: "-Please make sure to read the attached script before coming in so you understand the context of the scenes. -Wardrobe Note: Black (or dark) form fitting tank that shows off cleavage (push up bras encouraged). And form-fitting leggings or jeans. Nothing white."

I am now seeing it everywhere.  So when I saw the following meme on my Facebook newsfeed, it was the last straw...harmless, yes, however......

Let's just break this down for a second....

 "Here's to the girls" (not women, girls) "who grew up" (so clearly they should now be called women) "playing in dirt who ran outside barefoot" (ok, I'm with you on this, now) "and weren't afraid to be one of the boys!"  (1. I'm not afraid to be one of the boys, I'm simply not a "boy".  2. Why does "playing in dirt" and "running outside barefoot" make you any less of a "girl" and turn you into "one of the boys", 3. Why is it implied that it's better to "be one of the boys" or that you'll get praise for being "one of the boys"?

I am a woman, not a girl or a boy, thank you....whether I play in the dirt or am all dolled up, I am still a WOMAN because I identify as a woman....fuck your gender roles.

If we don't change our views and language amongst each other and to ourselves, how can we expect it to change for society as a whole?  With all of the shaming we do to each other, are we surprised when it happens in society?  We get mad when they do things to pat us on the head, "you're just a silly little girl", but aren't we doing it to ourselves when we treat each other with such judgement?             

McGowan as Amy Blue in Doom Generation

 So, I blame Rose McGowan, I blame her for shedding more light on something that we start to forget as we go on about our day to day lives, I blame her for making me feel like it's my duty to stand up and say something when I see sexism and misogyny, even if it's considered "harmless"....I blame Rose McGowan for making me feel like I really need to use my voice, not just for myself but for everyone that won't speak up for themselves...I blame Rose McGowan for kicking me in the ass and making me want to be a better person...Thank you, Rose McGowan.....

~ Lily White XoXoXo                                                              

How Full Is Your Glass?

Hello loves!

     I took a bit of a hiatus from the Internet in hopes to relieve some MAJOR amounts of stress in my life. I've come to the conclusion that this was completely necessary, but not because I wanted to be unsocial or cut people completely out of my life. I absolutely needed to reevaluate the way I looked at things. As funny as it may seem, it helped me realize how pessimistic I was with events that I could have, ultimately, taken control of in a healthier way.

“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.” 
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom: Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

     For instance, I was becoming self-doubtful in my career path and some choices I had made. I laid in bed one night, contemplating everything - pretty much on the verge of tossing everything away. In the midst of all of that, I hit a brick wall of realization. I had an epiphany! I knew I was looking at things in a negative light, so I just needed to switch that around. It seems so easy but when you’re stuck in a funk, man, you’re stuck. It really boils down to the determination you have to get the hell out of that sticking point and motivation to move forward towards greater things. I knew that if I wanted anything to change, I had to start with myself and how I was addressing situations.

     “Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.” 
― Mahatma Gandhi

     I got up and starting looking up motivational quotes, Pinterest is awesome for that, and researching how to become more optimistic. I stumbled upon a really great chart that narrowed down some unhealthy thinking styles. It’s funny how some of them I pointed to and said “Oh, I do that!” I knew that I had to improve on those at that point.

Find more at Health Central!

     Now don’t get me wrong, I am an optimistic person for things like solving issues related to my job and even for other people; however, I think we all hit snags in the road when it comes to ourselves. We just need to look at things differently. When a personal issue enters my life now, I do my best to stay focused on the solutions, get advice from other people or even try different approaches than I normally would of. It’s amazing what changes this has brought to my life since it has allowed me to see myself differently and communicate better with those who respect me and my time. I have also learned to not blame myself or personalize the situation when others leave my life for their reasons.

     I don’t think that being optimistic is so much about being positive but more about being motivated and persistent. It's about being able to look at a situation and seeing the good or just using the event to grow as a person in a positive light. Enough of my babbling! How full do you think your glass is??

xx

Jolie Kasar

Joining the Sinister Rouge Crew

When I was approached by Selena about contributing to SR, I couldn't say no! After being a lover of 13th Moon Creations (aka the reason why I always smell so good) for a few years now and learning about the self-love messages SR promotes, it was a good match.

So now I want to introduce myself and what I do!

I'm Keith Blackwell. I've been labeled everything from tarot reader, psychic, witch, more, and everything in-between. I think what I do speaks more than any label could! I am a co-owner of a counseling business in Lehighton, and conduct tarot readings, astrological consultations, and ministerial services.

I help people get clear and get through the things that are causing a lack of flow in their lives. People bring their problems to the table, anything ranging from school/relationship issues, business advice, to paranormal activity and beyond! When I shuffle the deck, I am literally putting all the different aspects and possibilities of the Universe into motion and I'll also let you know what the planets have to say.

Here on the SR blog, I'll be posting every so often about the latest astrological happenings or addressing any questions or topics that are thrown my way! (You can leave these in the comments below!)

You can find me online at www.KSBlackwell.com or email me at kblackwell7 @ gmail.com

XO 

Keith

#TakeMeHomeTuesday Intro & Abby's Story

Our Fluffy Bunny Cat in his window

I've always been an animal lover, but a severe allergy to cats seemed to have made me a dog person for the majority of my life.  Since moving to Jim Thorpe, almost everyone we know seemed to have cats.  Since allergy shots never worked for me, I never would have thought that being around cats more often would build up my tolerance.  Maybe my body changed, maybe I did build up a tolerance, I really don't know, but what I do know is that one day, I had no real reaction.  Which, of course, to me, meant I had a strong urge to adopt a kitty.  This was a year ago.  We went to Carbon County Friends of Animals after first dealing with a private rescue that left a bad taste in my mouth.  There we found "Quinn", or "Quincey" as he was called for the year that he called CCFOA home, we know him as Doyle, but he answers more to "Fluffy Bunny Cat", since that's what we tend to call him more often than not. 

Our Fluffy Bunny Cat with his Catnip

Our Fluffy Bunny Cat was the perfect fit for our home with two small terriers that we knew would take some time to accept into the house.  He's a Cymric, or long haired Manx, which means that he has no tail, just a bunny tail pouf and long, soft hair that falls out in clumps instead of individually, which means it's easier to clean up and better on my allergies (also how he got the nickname, Fluffy Bunny Cat).  This also means he's very vocal, very, very vocal, we love that he talks to us.  He's timid, but not a total push over, which helps with the dogs. 

Dana, from CCFOA was very helpful in helping us find the right fit for us to make sure when she finds one of their cats a home, it's one they'll have for the rest of their lives.  I was very clear on what our lives were like and what we needed in a new family member.  With her vast knowledge and care for their cats, she immediately showed us a handful of options that fit our description.  One of the cats that we looked at was Abby.  Abby was a bit timid for us and I was afraid of our high strung terriers chasing and tormenting her.  But I really did have a soft spot for this sweet girl. 

Abby needs our help finding her forever home!

  

I've been in touch with Dana and CCFOA on occasion and during benefits, etc, but yesterday was my first time going to their new location.  I will have more information on the new location next week, but for now, I guess, the biggest news for me was that sweet, little Abby still has not found her furever home.  How does this happen?  Abby has been with CCFOA since 2011 and was estimated to be 1+ years of age at that time.  She is good with other animals and is extremely timid, I would think she would be great with kids, but you may want to double check that with the staff if interested in adoption.

Abby

I only got to spend about 15-20 minutes with her, but, I guess it's easy to see how she would get overlooked, but not for 4 years.  She's a smaller girl, very timid and shy, but she does warm up fairly quickly.  She just doesn't push herself to the front of the line when people come in, but neither did our Doyle, which I guess is how he spent a year there, too.  They tell me that she doesn't really like to be held, which I could sense, but after petting her in her bed for a few minutes, she came out and came to me for more love.  That's how our Fluffy Bunny Cat was, but now, he comes to me to be picked up.  I probably spent 5 minutes a day working with him on that, I simply would pick him up and hold him (after some good quality petting/brushing time) until he wanted to get down.  Most of the time, in the beginning, it would last all of 2-3 seconds before he would freak out and kick to get down.  I think she's just broken down and needs someone to work with her a little bit, like our Doyle did.  She's stunningly beautiful and her eyes are brilliant.  I don't understand how this beautiful girl has not found a home in 4 years!  Please help us find Abby her new Forever Home!  Share this and if you are interested in bringing this loving girl into your home, please contact CCFOA and tell them Sinister Rouge sent you for Abby!   Don't forget to Like CCFOA on Facebook here.

Let's help Abby find her family, she's been waiting patiently for 4 years! 

         Hello and welcome to Sinister Rouge Pin Up & More!   

The idea is pretty simple, to create an online place to showcase passionate people and what they do, to bring information to our readers in our areas of expertise so that they can get to know us and what we do.  Of course, pictures of pretty ladies in between never hurt anyone! 

I have had a passion for pin up since that day in grade school when I stumbled across Marilyn Monroe.  Those soft lines, the ease of which she posed, the idea of catching a beauty in mid-laugh, or what looks like being totally at ease in an extremely difficult pose, the fantasy and beautiful illusion it creates, I was in love. 

I’m a fangirl all the way, I am passionate about what I love and it shows in what I create.  My products and their names are inspired by pin up, music, TV shows, movies, and books…I love seeing that spark in someone’s eye when they recognize the references. 

Our packaging has been created with a pin up image in mind from the start.  When it became time for me to start promoting our products with a photo shoot, there was no question it was going to be pin up themed. 

The second we began shooting, I felt at home, I was in love with the process and being a part of creating those images.  The pride I took in staging every last detail, then seeing the results was so gratifying; I have become addicted to creating the pin up images I always wanted to see. 

This concept started as a way to showcase those images, give me a reason to continue shooting and showcase artisans and crafters that are as passionate about what they do as I am.  I also wanted a place where multiple genres could cross over and get exposure from like minded people that you may not have reached any other way. 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this process, it’s that even if we may not have much in common, we can all recognize and respect that fiery passion in another artist and creator, whether it’s our style or not.  I want us all to be able to come together here to showcase that passion and support each other the way only other creative, passionate people can…and share that with the world.

The only rule for participating: Opposing thoughts and discussions are always welcome, but spewing negativity and trolling will not be tolerated.  We're here to support and be constructive in our criticism, not bash others for what they do. 
Thank you for stopping by!
Check back daily for new blog posts!

~ Selena of 13th Moon