LIFE LESSONS I WISH I KNEW IN MY 20S THAT WILL HELP YOU RIGHT NOW
Best Crime TV Shows to Binge Watch
22 Crime Dramas to Binge Watch Now
Need to a new show to watch? Try these Crime Dramas.
03.11.2019
Crime Dramas are one of the mostly popular genres in Television (with the occasional movie). They are both a captivating and alluring to watch. Here is a list of the best crime shows to binge watch including some popular teen crime dramas.
1. Ozarks
Thriller/ (TV Series)
Netflix
A financial planner must make amends to a Mexican drug cartel by washing their drug money.
2. Criminal Minds
Thriller/Police/TV Series
CBS/Netflix
This show follows a group of FBI members that try to psychologically get inside of criminals minds to solve their cases.
3. Mindhunter
Psychological Thriller
Netflix
Mindhunter is another psychological thriller that follows an elite FBI team.
4. Major Crimes
Police Drama
Youtube/TNT
This show has been cancelled, but binge watch worthy.
5. The Closer
Police Drama/Mystery
Amazon Prime
This show follows a CSI agent in Los Angeles that covers high profile crime cases.
6. S.W.A.T.
Thriller/Action/Adventure/Police Drama
CBS/Amazon
This show follows a Los Angeles S.W.A.T. lieutenant, that is caught in between two worlds.
7. Person of Interest
Crime Fiction/Science Fiction
Netflix
A former CIA agent that is presumed dead and billionaire software genius join forces to stop crimes before they happen.
8. Drug Lords
Drug/Cartel Drama
Netflix
This show is about some of the most notorious drug cartel leaders including Pablo Escobar.
9. CSI
Mystery
Hulu
There are multitudes of CSIs set in different cities. The original CSI (Las Vegas) has 15 seasons. A great crime show to binge watch.
10. Sherlock
Mystery/Detective
Netflix
A spin on the classic Sherlock Holmes and his mate Watson.
11. The Innocent Man
Netflix
The innocent man is based on John Grisham’s nonfiction book. It is a limited serious that is only found on Netflix.
12. Lucifer
Netflix
Supernatural/Comedy
This show is about the fallen angel, Lucifer, that has abandoned his thrown in hell.
13. Queen of the South
Netflix
Drug/Cartel
A young woman falls in love with a member of the Cartel and must pay for his crimes after he is murdered.
14. Rizzoli & Isles
Hulu
Police
Set in Boston, this show follows a medical examiner and detective solve some of the city’s toughest crimes.
15. The Punisher
Netflix
A man that loses everything becomes his city’s vigilante.
16. Pretty Little Liars
Netflix
Teen Crime Drama
This show follows the lives of friends that are being tortured by an unknown person name A.
17. From Dusk till Dawn: The Series
Netflix
Action/ Horror/ Fiction
This unique show incorporates vampires and the mexican cartel.
18. Riverdale
The CW/Netflix
Mystery/ Crime/ Teen Crime Drama
This teen crime drama is set in the town of Riverdale, where a killer is on the loose.
19. La Casa De Papel
Netflix
Thriller
This spanish television crime drama tv show is about a criminal mastermind and his 8 recruits that plan to pull of a heist.
20. Ray Donovan
Showtime/Amazon
Thriller/ Drama/ Black Comedy
This show follows the life of the man that fixes and cleans the messes of Hollywood.
21. Breaking Bad
Netflix
Thriller/ Drama/ Black Comedy/Drug
A high school chemistry teacher is given the news that he has Cancer and only a certain amount of time to live. He decides to make and sell meth to provide for his family and to cover his medical bills. When he lives longer than expected, he has to pay for his life of crime.
22. Hanna
Amazon
Thriller/ Action/ Mystery
A young girl is taught to be an assassin by her CIA parent and must fight to stay alive.
5 Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him
Yes the thought does count, but a thoughtful and useful gift counts even more.
5 Affordable Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Women
5 Affordable Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for your Girlfriend or Wife
Gift Ideas for that special lady in your life
Updated 02-04-2019
Ana Veiga
Can’t figure out what to get your wife or girlfriend for Valentine’s Day? Here are some fail proof Valentine’s Days gift ideas that fits any budget.
Tip: Start with a budget and work around that.
Don’t have money for a fancy dinner- then make it.
Don’t have money for a full bouquet of roses, buy just one or go to Home Depot and buy a nice plant.
1. Bathtub Tray
Perfect for an at home spa day. Add other gifts like bath balms and a nice loofah.
2. Jewelry Box
A jewelry box is a fantastic Valentine’s day gift idea. Just make sure the recipient has jewelry to place inside of it.
Tip: TJMaxx is a great place to go or Amazon if you are on a time crunch.
3. An Online Club
You can format it to your budget. Choose for a couple of months or for the whole year. The great thing about this is that it is the gift that keeps on giving.
Birchbox- awesome beauty products and makeup
4. Ouai Gift Set
Ouai is a current cult favorite. Their hair products are sheek and of high quality.
5. Yoga Mat
For your Yoga Enthusiast or Spouse that wants to get into Yoga. Yoga matts are also perfect for stretching in the house and meditating.
10 ways to keep your New Year Resolutions
LIFESTYLE
10 Ways to Keep Your New Year Resolutions
By Ana Lefebvre
12-07-2019
The New Year is a great symbol of starting something new or pressing restart to something you are determined to re-do. It’s like the big “Monday” of the year. Most New Year Resolutions are actually great goals, i.e. “Get Healthier”, “Stop Smoking”, “Start a new hobby”…So why wouldn’t you want to do them?
According to U.S. News, approximately 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February. Why? Because most resolutions are made unpractically and without an execution plan.
Here are 10 ways to keep your New Year Resolutions to Yourself
1. Keep it practical
Don’t set goals that are impossible to achieve. For instance, “I’m going to lose 15 lbs by February.” This is not a practical goal. Not because of the weight and time frame, but because of the fact that you are trying to lose something that you many have no idea how to track. How do you know if you are losing fat vs. gaining muscle vs. what is water weight?
What is a more practical goal: “I am going to workout three days a week for 1 hour and bring my heart rate up to my Target Heart Rate.” Now this is something that you can track.
Unless you are a trainer, have a trainer or nutritionist, know how to measure your BMI, there is no way for you to scientifically and accurately tell if you are losing Body Fat.
Be practical when writing your goals (practical and optimistic are NOT the same thing).
2. Set ways to get there
Don’t just write a goal and leave it there. Write how you are going to accomplish your New Year Resolution.
I am going to read 30 minutes a day. Well how are you going to do that? – “Instead of watching a TV show before bed, I am going to read” or “I am going to wake up 30 minutes earlier to read” or “I am going to read during lunch.”
3. Check-in with yourself
After you start committing to your goal, look for ways to enhance or improve it.
Maybe you noticed that reading before bed is not the best time, because you are too tired. Maybe you realized that you like this one workout class or gym better than another one. Look for ways to enhance. Do not stay stagnant.
4. Give Yourself Motivation
Motivate yourself! If you you go to the gym 3 times a week, treat yourself to new workout pants or start saving towards something you truly want.
As children, most of our parents would reward us for our accomplishments. For instance, if you received straight A’s you might have received a toy that you really wanted. This was built into our socialization process, making this cause and effect action still valid.
5. Make sure you are doing it for you
Make sure your New Year Resolution is for you and not for someone else. Now your goal can start from somewhere, like a your spouse asking you to do something, but you still have to find the core of why you want to do it…these are double edged resolutions.
Here are some examples of double edged resolutions:
-You are reading a book because you want to be apart of a book club; so, you can spend more time with your friends.
-You want to get healthier because you want to be around longer for your family.
-You want to save more money; so you can go on that trip.
6. Be open about what you are doing
We all need a support system. Be open about what you are doing and if someone is judgemental that is their issue.
Now you don’t have to do the above, but one thing I have learned, there will usually be a naysayer or two, but be honest. Explaining it to them, will help you keep yourself on track.
“The last office I worked in, people would judge me because I would bring in my own food prep. They took what I looked like and what I was eating and automatically made their own assumptions about me. One day someone had made a joke about my size and my food. I told the woman why I was eating healthy -because of my uncle’s battle with colon cancer, because of my grandmothers battles with breast and ovarian cancer…and she never bothered (picked on) me again.”- Ana
7. Be your own biggest cheerleader
If you are doing your Resolution..be proud of yourself! Give yourself a pat on the back. Not in a narcissistic way, but in a motivational way. Tell yourself how proud you are of YOU!
It all starts with you.
8. Motivate yourself
Investigate the why of your New Year Resolution. – I want to start dressing nicer. Why? Because I forgot how much I enjoy fashion.
I want to start working out 3 times a week. Why? To improve my health so I can run around with my kids and also teach them a healthy lifestyle.
I want to read 30 minutes a day. Why? I want to keep learning.
9. Don’t give up
There may be days where you would rather watch a movie and not read, eat saturated fats, or splurge on that jacket, but don’t give up! Go to that why and find your reason to keep going because….
10. Don’t lie to yourself
Never lie to yourself. Never break promises to yourself. How does it feel when you lie to your significant other or family member? Not to good right? Well lying to yourself doesn’t feel very good either, but some people are so used to doing so that they are hardened to this feeling. When you lie to yourself you are disrespecting yourself just as you would if you lied to someone else.
If you find that you have fallen off the track, it is never too late to press the restart button. You don’t have to wait for New Year or a Monday (or Sunday) to start a goal. You can start right now, in this very moment. *Set yourself up for success, by reassessing how to achieve your resolution.
The Best Christmas Movies
The Best Christmas Movies
Editor
12-19-2018
We asked our viewers what the best Christmas Movies are. There were a ton of answers and a lot of great movies suggested… So, grab your family, some snacks and the best seat on the couch and get ready to be entertained. Here are the best Christmas Movies of all times (movies listed are family friendly).
1. Home alone
2. Grinch
3. Elf
4. Love Actually
5. National Lampoon Christmas Vacation
6. Prancer
7. It’s A Wonderful Life
8. Jack Frost
9. Princess Switch
10. The Polar Express
11. Snow Buddies
12. A Christmas Story
13. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
14. Eight Crazy Nights
15. Miracle on 34th Street
16. Deck the halls
17. Nightmare before Christmas
18. Peanuts Christmas
19. Rudolph
20. Frosty the Snow Man
21. One Magic Christmas
22. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
23. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Wine to Bring to a Party
LIFESTYLE
Best Wine to Bring to a Party
Editor
12-10-2018
December is usually filled with Holiday Parties. As a rule of thumb, you should never go to a host’s home empty handed. Wine is a traditional gift to bring, but which one should you bring. Here’s a list of the best wine to bring to a Party and since the Holiday season is a season full of celebrating, we are sticking to the bubbles (not Champaign). All wine listed are under $20.00.
Here's our list of Best Wines to Bring to a Party
1. Cote de Roses
It is a nice Pink Wine (we won’t say Rosè because it does not advertise itself as one.) The bottle is beautiful and a conversation starter. It is not too sweet or too dry. Fresh and Fruity.
“I don’t usually bring a dark wine to a party because reds are known to make people relax and at a party, people are supposed to be celebrating. This wine is highly recognized and the beauty of it is a bonus.” -Ana Editor-In-Chief.
2. Cecilia B Spumante Rosé
This Rosè is dry, with a fruity finish. You can purchase at Trader Joes.
“This is one of my favorites and is under $10.00.” -Ana
3. Pink Party
Rosè with bubbles…how can you go wrong? It is refreshing with “notes of honeydew and cantaloupe” (Bevmo).
“Bevmo usually has the buy 1 get 1 for 5 cents.”- Ana
4. Cuvee 89 Sparkling Rosè
The perfect Rose to bring to a party. This one has hints of Strawberry. You can usually get a good deal at Bevmos.
“This is hands down my favorite Rosè.” -Ana
5. Da Luca Prosecco
Da Luca Prosecco, sparkling wine from Italy. A subtle orange and apricot flavor. A great value because it can be found for around $10.00
“I fell in love with Proseccos when I worked at a Pizzeria in college.” -Ana
6. Mezzacorona’s sparkling wine
60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Bianco, and 10%. A very light fruity flavor. According to the website: “The bouquet displays rich and intense aromas.. like red apple, pear, white peach and melon, and…pineapple…”
“It is amazing how different Proseccos are. Some are very sweet. This one is not. Very balanced.”- Ana
6. Cecilia Beretta Prosecco Treviso
On the dryer side. Light bubbles for those who do not like champaign. Refreshing and balanced.
Top Christmas Gifts 2018
Top Christmas Gifts 2018
Editor
12-09-2018
We asked Instagram what was their Top Request Gifts for 2018 and here are (some) of the responses. Please note that these are Christmas Gifts for Adults.
1. Money
We are not sure why giving money has such a bad rap. It is actually the most requested, because the receiver can do anything that they want with it, rather than having to purchase from a certain store. Let’s be real, most of the “gifts” that we receive for Christmas end up going into the corner or re-gifted.
“I do not care if it $5.00 or $10.00, sometimes money is the best gift and the most unwasteful.” -Ana Editor-In-Chief.
2. To be around Family
For those who do not live close to their family, this is the season to where the void is felt the most. Help them out by giving them an early Christmas present that will help them travel. Yes it is non-traditional, but worth it.
“Sometimes the way to be with your family is the best gift.” -Ana
3. To travel
For someone that is looking to give a gift to a travel bug…give them a gift card to an airline, that way they have to use it for traveling.
“Find out what airline they like to use or what airline goes to the place that is on their list.”- Ana
4. Good Health
For your health enthusiast friend or family member, give them a gift card to a health store or even gift them vitamins.
“Vitamins and health supplements are not cheap. I would love to find multi-vitamins in my stocking.” -Ana
5. More time with my Spouse
For those couples that are super busy, give your significant other a gift card or tickets that includes…you. For example a gift card to a restaurant, tickets to a concert or a couples massage.
“Tickets to a basketball game is something my husband loves.” -Ana
6. Tickets
Concert tickets to your friend’s or family member’s favorite band, ect. is a great gift. Just make sure you get two; so, they can bring a friend. Also, if you weren’t planning on going with them, then let them know with a note that they can bring whomever they want, that way they do not feel pressured.
7. A Designer Bag
8. Drunk Elephant
If you do not know what Drunk Elephant is, it is a skincare line. An instagram cult favorite. Instead of putting up a photo of the products, we will have a gif of two drunk elephants.
Photo is from Pexels.com, Gifs are from Gify.com
14 Things that Things Every Bride Should Know Before Her Wedding Day
Relationship
14 Things Every Bride Should Know Before Her Wedding Day
Editor
11-08-2018
When your wedding day comes it’s going to be quick and fast and you are going to want to be prepared. There may be a lot of last minute things that happen that will be out of your control, but the things you can control, you should be prepared for.
Here's 14 Things Every Bride Should Know Before Her Wedding Day.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask for money instead of a gift registry. I know that this may be frowned upon, but weddings are expensive and if you don’t have money for a honeymoon, this is a great way to fund it.
Now a days, a lot of wedding registry gifts are something we already have or don’t need. Decades ago traditional couples would get married and move into a house together. The wedding registry was a terrific way for them to get things like mixing bowls. Now a days, couples already live together and the necessities are already purchased.
“Don’t plan your trip counting on wedding money from the honeymoon. It is financially wise to wait to see what funds that you will have (if you are counting on the wedding money) and then plan it according to your budget.” -Ana Editor-In-Chief
2. Wear comfortable shoes.
Even if your feet are not shown, it is tacky to exchange shoes. You will notice it in the picture for later. Just wear comfortable shoes.
“If you are going to wear flats, wear flats the whole night. My shoes were not the prettiest, but they were pretty and the heel was comfortable.” -Ana
3. Make sure you check your undergarments weeks before the wedding.
The correct undergarments can be hard to find. The last thing you want is to look in the mirror and see lines or see through fabric.
“It took me almost 4 weeks to find the correct undergarments for my dress. Don’t wait until the last minute or the day of to try your undergarments on.”- Ana
4. If you are doing your own makeup, make sure you practice and then take pictures with flash to see what they will look like. If you hire makeup artist, always hire someone that is highly recommended because slow or unqualified makeup artists can make/break your day.
The timing of getting your hair and makeup done is important, especially if your whole makeup bridal party is getting it done too. If you have large bridal party, have all of your bridesmaids bring their foundation, that way the makeup artist do not have skin tone match them.
“With hair/makeup and photographers, I always advise to use someone that you know or comes highly recommended. Make sure you have at least 3 hair/makeup artist per 5 people. ” -Ana
5. Don’t get a facial right before the wedding.
Get it at least a week prior. You do not want any flare up or allergic reactions to happen for your wedding day.
“I would never try a facial for the first time right before my wedding. Get one a couple months prior to test it out. .” -Ana
6. Have someone set aside food from the cocktail hour for you to eat.
During your cocktail hour, you will be probably be taking pictures. You might completely miss it; so, have someone bring you food so you don’t go into the reception hungry. The reception you will sit down for a moment before everything starts and you will also be greeting guests.
“The first 2 hours of the reception goes by fast. That is usually the time the food is served. If you are planning to drink, plan to eat as well. “- Ana
7. Have some with pockets that is responsible, like your dad, brother etc. hold your phone and lipstick.
If your dad is walking you down the isle, his suit coat pockets are the perfect place to stash your essentials during the ceremony.
8. Assign tasks to people, even if you have a wedding planner.
Delegating is a must for you to enjoy your day. Have someone you trust check on things you may be nervous about.
“I wish I delegated more tasks. I will always be haunted by the 1000’s of flower petals that missed the ceremony floor. “- Ana
9. Pause and take in the day.
They day will go by so fast that everything will be hard to remember. Take in the moment and enjoy what the day actually means. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
“I had about 3 huge mishaps on the day of the wedding that I had to just let go of. I was already tired and stressed that if I decided to make those things the focus of my attention, I would have fell apart and the wedding would have been a disaster “- Ana
10. Accept that the day might not be all about you.
A lot of people with a lot of different personalities will be there. Do not let anything ruin your day.
11. Let go… if something happens have someone assigned to handle it. Let nothing ruin your day.
Have someone you trust handle all of the things that may come up. At the end of the day, the bride does have to entertain and greet her guest. You need to be front and center, not in the back handeling things.
12. Make sure you eat before the wedding.
Eat every meal. Do not skip a meal.
13. Do nothing the day of the wedding.
The only thing that you should plan on doing is arriving at your venue. If you have to go to the salon, make sure you have someone with you that can help you stay on track with time.
14. Practice moving in your dress.
Have a friend move around in the dress for you to emulate your spouse in your wedding dance. Practice walking around, so you don’t trip the day of.
11 First Date Questions
11 First Date Questions
First Date Questions That Don't Totally Suck
Staff Writer
09-18-2018
Here’s 11 first date questions that will help that awkward first 20 minutes and hopefully ease you into a useful conversation.
1. What was the highlight of your day?
You don’t have to ask it just like this, but asking a precise question can lead to more of a direct answer instead of an open ended questions like “How was your Day?”- which a shy person may just answer “Good” or “It was okay”.
2. Tell me about your closest friends?
This is a great questions that will open up the topic of family and friends.
3. Have you been to any good restaurants recently?
You can learn a bit about their lifestyle habits and what type of food that they might be into.
4. Are you watching any good movies or TV shows?
If they don’t enjoy the Cinema or TV, you can ask the next question…
5. Are you more of an indoors or outdoors person?
Maybe the next date idea?
6. What pets have you had?
Pet’s are a big part of certain people lives. It’s important to learn about their furry best friend.
7. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Here you can tell a little about their lifestyle habits.
8. What did you do last summer?
Could lead to more questions about favorite places to vacation
9. What are people often surprised to learn about you?
A question that can lead to vulnerability and openness.
10. What’s your favorite holiday?
You can tell if birthdays are important to them or family oriented holidays.
11. What habit do you wish you could start?
This is a question that many people do not ask. May lead to a conversation about future goals and dreams.