// And how is your search for apple related recipes going? Cause Mel's Kitchen Cafe just made my entire life with this one...


// I'm going to link to Minimalist Baker's recipe here, but really all I want to tell you is to make arepas. They're easy and so tasty and a wonderful vehicle to transport (to my belly) all my favorite flavors. And now I want to try them for breakfast sandwiches too!



// I realize the next couple of articles are mostly results of time and Halloween, but nope, DON'T CARE. STILL AWESOME.



// And also see...




And then some fun/interesting posts & random finds: "Law Roach: the stylist who transformed Céline Dion and Zendaya"  // "How Best Buy survived the retail apocalypse" // "The iPhone’s New Parental Controls Block Searches for Sex Ed, Allow Violence and Racism" // "Chrissy Teigen on Kanye, Getting Blocked by Trump, and Actually Caring About Her Comments" // "Netflix’s new ‘Salt Fat Acid Heat’ is unlike any other food show on TV" // Did you know there was an actual use for those straps on the shoulder of jackets?! // Lyft Announces $2.50 Flat Fare to Grocery Stores for Families Living in Food Deserts

// I had actually never heard of Innuendo Studios before this io9 article, but damn this 8 part series on Mad Max: Fury Road is epically awesome.



// I love that John Legend is so beloved that even the Jezebel Scrooges can't nasay his upcoming Christmas album, lol.



// I'm just leaving this here if you're like me and feeling constantly rage-y about the current state of the U.S.....



// I blame Epbot for this obsession, but storyofthedoor on Etsy is blowing my mind right now.




// Voldemort as a burlesque performer is both the coolest and most terrifying thing I've seen today.



Fun Posts & Random Finds: Loved this outfit planning hack from A Beautiful Mess. // Did you see that Atlantic Pacific is coming out with a collection with Nordstrom?! // LeBron James Continues His Quest to Be the Blackest Athlete in Pro Sports // "For The First Time In 55 Years, A Woman Has Won The Nobel Prize In Physics" // Read the First Two Chapters of In An Absent Dream, Seanan McGuire’s New Wayward Children Novella (this is an amazing series, even if so far I've been too chicken to read the prequels) 

Clothing & Jewelry: I keep hearing wonderful things about these "vintage inspired" Madewell jeans and I am sorely tempted... // Since this is the season where I start thinking about Nightmare Before Christmas for all things, may I share with you this amazing cardigan and hoodie dress, BOTH of which come in plus sizes?! // I'm trying to keep myself away from anymore sweater purchases, but this oversized turtleneck is amazing, and this crewneck from Grana looks intriguingly well fitting (& is $99! For cashmere!)...

// We're starting out with a Nicole Warne love fest because she just got married and it. Was. LIT.
She had two articles for Vogue online detailing the wedding itself and her five couture outfits.

// Plus she gave all sorts of details about her skincare routine to In The Gloss. Thus is my love affair with her wedding complete, because I've shared it with you all (just in case you weren't following her already).

// I was slated to attend Universal FanCon before it f*cking imploded, so this article at The Root is particularly close to my heart: It Be Your Own People: On Universal FanCon and the Perversion of Community


 // I don't usually make any cookie recipe that requires waiting 36 hrs, but I just may for this Chocolate Chip Cookie one from Kate Miss.

// Did you see that Sezane has named Nordstrom its first US retail partner? I took a look at the collection online and was a little sad to see none of their classic wrap tops, but I'd love to also see the in store set up.

// And also from BoF, it was pretty interesting to me to read about the rise of designer fashion in South Korea. I don't think I spend enough time reading about the how the masses relate to fashion and its expression in their everyday lives across the globe.

// I so enjoy when the internet comes together as a force of good, like for this LGBT+ bookstore in Michigan.

// Because Twitter.

"Someday I will tell you the story of the day I had today, and it will be the greatest twitter story I have ever told.

Someday.


I feel like I should just have another beer and tell it now.

This story starts with my dog taking a shit on the bathroom floor, and ends with me cleaning out a meth house.

Hold up, I need a beer.

Okay. Let’s do this."

// And finally, let's keep personal safety in mind, because it's STD Awareness Month and apparently DC is among the STD capitals of the US. Yay.

Fun Posts & Random Finds: I can't vouch for it personally, but this alternate timeline regency Gay romance sounds fun. // I'm glad I'm not the only one who understood that the Constantine movie was good as long as you took it out of context from the actually series it was based on. Small details. // My love for Tamora Pierce knows no bounds so I'm all about this list of books people might also enjoy if they like her, but I do think that Mercedes Lackey series they mention needs a warning about sexual violence so....you've been warned. // Chanel Files Ugly Suit Against What Goes Around Comes Around, Citing Fakes  // StudioDIY spilled ALL the details on her colorful rug buying habit. //

Clothing & Jewelry: I can't remember if I mentioned these cute handmade sandals before, so I'm just going to link them again to be safe.  //  Ditto for this straw bag. //World Market continues to be a shockingly great source for clothing and accessories, which is why I have to point out this adorable off the shoulder embroidered dress, this convertible coral and pink maxi dress, this blue and white striped dress, AND this white kimono, which is a perfect beach coverup. // All the made to order shoes and accessories from this Etsy shop are DIVINE. //

// Yes.


// "Digital Download: Chriselle Lim, the Superinfluencers’ Outlier"

// I know that my relationship with my hair dresser is very personal, so this article isn't at all surprising to me - "Beauty Salons Are Still Too Sacred for the Tech World to Take Over"


// My teenage dreams are coming true because the Spice Girls are going on a reunion tour!!

// Easy come, easy go I guess - "Victoria Beckham squashes Spice Girls tour hopes"

//  I usually don't make it all the way through the long articles on Jezebel (sue me (but don't, because that would be terrible)) but this one is speaking my language - "The Romance Novelist's Guide to Hot Consent"


// Free Book! I think this was a Dear Author recommend a little while back, but I have to say for a genre I don't read that often (mystery) I really enjoyed it!

// "Janelle Monáe Stars in "Noir Town," Directed by Jordan Peele"


Fun Posts & Random Finds: Have I mentioned the web comic O Human Star? If not I have been remiss because it is amazing. // StudioDIY has been killing it with the home content lately, and their closet might actually be my favorite thing they've shared so far! // I love this Disney inspired prom collection at Unique Vintage, *especially* since Tiana is included and she doesn't get enough love in my opinion. //If you're not already following the Mascara Melee roundups on Pretty Superb you should be, because mascara is unnecessarily expensive in my opinion, so I appreciate knowing if I'm gonna get the most bang for my buck. // Someone buy me this Black Panther Teddy Bear!!! Or buy it for yourself so I can live vicariously through you.

Clothing & Jewelry: I feel like I keep hearing about Target and their new clothing options lately, so I've got a couple on my radar - this light denim shirt option, and the cutest white button down I definitely don't need. // This Tory Burch bag is a bit too rich for my blood right now, but the color/size/shape is so perfect I might actually save up for it. // Have you prepared yourself for a long list of sh*t I don't need? Cause if so, here you go: a chambray maxi dress (that I'm pretty sure my tits will fall out of), a white midi dress I've loved for months, a long-sleeved white maxi dress I just saw today, a pseudo two-piece set perfect for summer nights, and a red-floral maxi for the day, all topped off with an over-sized button down that would look great tied over denim shorts or tucked into high-waisted mom jeans.

// I don't think anime reviews are really my thing (for that you all should check out The Josei Next Door), but based one of her recommendations I binged Kabukibu! over a couple days and it was wonderful.  I guess it would be considered a slice of life anime since it stars highschoolers, but their unique personalities and passion (just burgeoning or long established) for Kabuki make it a treat to watch for someone like myself, who enjoys non-drama with likeable characters. Plus it's free on Amazon Prime!


//  "How A Girl Scout Fought Sexual Harassment At School" - I have never been and never will be as f*cking awesome as this 13 year old girl, but reading this gave me some small hope about the future.

// "In Brazil, soccer has been mainly a straight guy’s sport. A new gay league is changing that."

// Um, did you see that soon we'll be able to buy the Cheesecake Factory's brown bread in stores (and also online)?!

// Ilona Andrews has started posting chapters in a new Inkeeper novel, focused on one of the supporting characters from the last book, and it is SO GOOD.

// "DC is Getting an All-Male Burlesque Brunch"

//I'm not usually the one who pays attention to fashion as it goes down the runway, but Claire Wright Keller's Spring 2018 Haute Couture collection at Givenchy is freaking beautiful.


// "Why The Satanic Temple's Historic Case Could Be A "Win-Win" For Abortion Rights"

// I don't watch The Magicians, but I've watched this clip 3 or 4 times and been so entertained every time that I kind of wish I did, lol.



Fun Posts & Random Finds: I'm going to wait on this Mahalo mask until I get through a bit more of my skincare stash, but it sounds INCREDIBLE. // I don't need a new foundation, but this release from Dior sounds intriguing (I already love Dior Forever). // Are we ok if I keep bopping back between skincare and makeup? In the skincare column this essence sounds intriguing, but sometimes I feel like any possibly dehydration issues I might have are in my head. // "I'm a guy trying makeup for the first time — here's what happened when I had a makeover at Sephora"

Clothing & Jewelry: A beautiful and unnecessary black swimsuit I'm trying on. // The Realisation Par-like dresses I've tried on lately include: one, two, three, four. One and two people saw on Instagram, but I'm still waiting on three and four to develop an opinion. And in case you're wondering, it's not the price point I object to at RP, it's the LACK OF SIZES. //

// "A Major Corporation Just Bought America’s Biggest Black Beauty Company" - it's hard to see black owned businesses get bought up, if only because it's hard to believe that the same customer it was founded to serve will continue to be the priority.

// Look how talented this woman I went to highschool with is! Kaitlin (cello) is living her dream like a f*cking BOSS.



// I'm not going to say that I have like, *full* royal wedding fever or anything, but damn if these two don't make a beautiful couple.



// Sephora built a makeup theme park in Dubai and I'm definitely jealous.

// I will probably never be the die-hard Cardi B fan my friend is, but I can always appreciate a woman's hustle.

wow cardi x steve madden collaboration is so fucking cute! she’s perfect for it.

“y’all giving me these, right?!” #me pic.twitter.com/fIRsFNojoa

— 𝓡𝓪𝓾𝓵 (@fauxdeity) December 13, 2017

// Pinch of Yum has me convinced that I can make brioche, which might be a terrible lie, but I'm going to use Bread in Five's recipe anyway.


// An important article from Racked:



// Not an article, but some animes have crept up on my "should watch" list that I wanted to mention: Little Witch Academia and The Royal Tutor


// Ssssshhhhh!



Fun Posts & Random Finds: Between Caroline Hirons & A Beautiful Mess I kind of feel like I have to try Leahlani Skincare. // Do I need a $69 hair mask? Or a $55 curl cream? The Magic 8 Ball says no but I can't deny that I'm tempted. // The morning cleanser I've got ear-marked to buy next. // Sydney and her daughter are the cutest.  // CHRISTMAS THEMED CONVENTION YOU SAY?!// I didn't know I needed this article about Sarah Paulson until I got it.

Clothing & Jewelry: Some beautiful necklaces on my personal wishlist: one and two. // I'm still looking for my perfect pair of jeans, and I'm intrigued by the options from Coco Cooper and Universal Standard - anyone out there have an opinion on either? // I think my next investment purchases are going to be a leather jacket (cropped, probably moto) and some Chelsea boots. I'm pretty sure I'll go with the Everlane version for the latter, but if you have any Shot From The Street-inspired options (one, two, three) that are under $300 mark let me know.

// I've never read Ask Polly before, and I have pretty apprehensive feelings about Kanye and Lena Dunham, but this is an interesting article for the most part: "How Do I Find True Love And Stop Dating Half-Assed Men?"

// Oooh, Jane Austen/Regency era inspired video game.


// WTF teachers.

// I don't understand why I'd want to walk around in anything that has Kylie's face on it, let alone if it looks like a cheap iron-on. To each their own I guess?

// This actually looks like a super interesting movie to watch - it's going on the list!

// I'm still on the fence about whether the new Power Rangers movie will be anything other than trash, but this latest trailer is kind of fun.

// I'm also still unapologetically scarred by the awesome but terrifying Pan's Labyrinth and this trailer is much too reminiscent of it. But I still kind of want to see it.

// Need a soup suggestion? Budget Bytes continues to knock it out of the park with this one (I added some red pepper flakes and used 19oz of tricolored tortellini - so freaking tasty.)


// Thanks be to the Internet, especially for things like this:


// Did you add the 2018 Mid-Term Elections to your calendar? Because you should.

Fun Posts & Random Finds: I've never done a 10x10 but watching Un-Fancy and Style Bee do it is both mesmerizing and inspiring. // Did you know a subscription to Teen Vogue is only $5? // Alison Freer is the best and worst person to be imaginary friends with on the Internet. // Dammit, I want ALL of these. // A Beautiful Mess is looking for writers - looking for a new dream job? //

Clothing & Jewelry: The reviews are only so-so on this dress, but I kind of like the idea of a full length sweater to wrap myself in, lol. //  Looking for some gingham this summer? Get ye to Last Call, where this dress is cheap and cute as hell. // Anyone else looking for a cute plaid wrap that doesn't cost your whole life? Modcloth has us covered. // I have no idea why this dress appeals to me so much, but damn if it doesn't. // I bought a super cute pair of Dolce Vita booties from TJ Maxx recently on clearance. These aren't quite the same but are close and should hopefully fit similarly :). // NY&Co is always hit or miss, but their Resort Collection has some pretty cute stuff in it. I finally submit to the pervasiveness of the bell sleeve and present this dress as a good look. Ditto on this embroidered peasant dress. // Elephant skirt!

 // Anyone else going to be in DC for the Women's March? Here's your new headgear and it is fantastic.

// A powerful article from Jezebel - "Becoming Ugly"

// The Paley Center for Media hosted a special discussion about representations of STEM in feature films and this one, centered around Hidden Figures, is freaking awesome.

// I have no idea what Fashion Nova is, but this Revelist article was both hilarious and depressing.

//This.


// "Obama's Anger Translator Helps The President Make His Farewell Address"

// I don't even wear perfume but I loved this article from (RIP) xoVain.

// Do yourself a favor, buy the smoked paprika, and make this soup. The bomb.com, and I'm not a soup person.


// I love the idea of rewarding yourself for the little things we succeed at everyday.


//  "I hope that, as you think about what that list might hold, you’ll allow yourself to be enveloped in a resolve similar to the one I am feeling right now – that no administration, no matter how hostile it may be to the dreams we have for ourselves is going to succeed in crushing them. That no set-back, no matter how daunting it may seem, is going to constrain our desire to see our values reflected in the policies of this country. That no one is going to quiet us, sit us down, hold us back or ignore us. That we are, in fact, the makers of change." - Wendy Davis, Bustle


Fun Posts & Random Finds: This and this. They're pretty similar topic-wise, but things I've thought more about lately. // THAT DRESS ON KATIE IS AMAZEBALLS. // A little happier world-wise, in case you missed the story of how Stephen Colbert met his wife. //

Clothing & Jewelry: I still preferably want a yellow rain jacket, but this red is nice too. // When In Doubt, Go To The Library //

//I know I don't normally highlight articles like this, but damn Idris.


// I don't know if I'll ever actually be on top of my cooking game enough to make little compact flavor bombs, but it certainly does sound cool (& useful!).

// I love Louise over on xoJane, though not always her Creepy Corner articles because duh - they're creepy - but this one about her great-grandmother and great-grandfather is beautiful.

// Movie tangent! What do we think about A Monster Calls? or La La Land I have to admit I'm a bit hesitant about them both (La La mostly because I'm never getting over Crazy, Stupid, Love and how the whole damn cast nailed Steve Carell's ass to the wall because he left THE WIFE WHO CHEATED ON HIM.).
// Is it strange that I like Chuck Wendig so much but haven't read any of his books yet? Probably.

// Want!


// I pretty much hate being marketed to in my social networks, and reading this article about LuLaRoe just sealed the deal.

// It's like Lifehacker read my mind about how the current world events are affecting me.

// Um, ok Cartoon Network.


// I didn't actually watch the BET Awards live but this performance by Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar was amazing.


// Fuck yeah, Samantha Bee.

// Yes, I would celebrate July 4th like Taylor Swift if I could.

// There's already been a lot of talk about the real life Muses that were inspirations for Disney's Hercules, but I STILL LOVE THEM.



// And finally, because so much of the world is awful it feels like, here is Patrick Stewart to make it a little bit better.



Fun Posts & Random Finds: It's not even a little bit fair that you can get custom Lancome foundation, but only in the Nordstroms on the West Coast. // Something I never thought about - modest workout gear. // I wish I had seen this post before I spent way too long on my living floor with E6000... // I don't have a hammock and I'm probably not coordinated enough, but this StudioDIY post makes me wish for both. // Do I need a new makeup bag? Of course not. But this one is cute, as is this one and this one. Do with that information what you will.// These Fluffernutter Waffles are evil genius. //

Clothing & Jewelry: Is it too early to be thinking about Christmas outfits? // I'm not sure I'm allowed to own any more off the shoulder tops, but... // I don't know why ASOS hates me so much, to Tweet links to gorgeous swimsuits that are already sold out. // Sale Swimsuit finds at Bloomingdales! A beautiful Trina Turk one piece. This Tommy Bahama gingham suit is perfectly retro. Love the strappy action of this La Blanca suit. I actually bought this one by Robin Piccone for Puerto Rico this summer. Mara Hoffman does the prettiest patterns. Finally, while I don't do cut outs, I do like the mesh panels on this Bleu Rod Beattie suit. //

// Yeah, I'm not getting over how weird this look/sounds any time soon


// Cool library posters!

// Generally speaking UpWorthy tends to really annoy me, but this video is totally worth watching (& squeeing over :D).



// I've made this twice in the past few weeks and it's really (really) good.


// You are NOT WRONG Buzzfeed.

// Cute animal posts are doing a lot for my mental health right now.

// I just don't understand how Nicole Warne is even a real person.

// Another interview that confirms my love for Constance Wu.


Fun Posts & Random Finds: LOVE this article on xoVain about blending. I feel like I do pretty well but I also like learning more! // I am unashamed to admit that I loved Deadpool, and this Honest Trailer is pretty neat too. // A Labyrinth board game! Cool! // There are pros and cons to cats, but apparently a con I hadn't thought of before is the sudden concern your house might be possessed. // Gilmore Girls!!! **happy flailing!**// I like fonts and I cannot lie. // Don't miss out on free Chick-fil-a!

Clothing & Jewelry: These heels serve no purpose in my life but I love them. // Just tried this dress on in Ann Taylor over the weekend and it was super cute (but runs a tad small). // The Ashley Graham Swimsuits for All collection has released, and to be honest, I'm just not sure I feel cool enough. // Lipstick blouse! // Super cute Anthro blouse! Love the retro look & feel.

// I'm not ashamed to say SK-II had me crying at this commercial. If I had the means it'd pretty much be "TAKE ALL MY MONEY" time.



// Ok, JYP, I see you, lol.



// As someone who often sees herself as one of those "in-betweeners", I'm not sure how I feel about the plus size or not discussion. I'm glad it's one we're having at all honestly, since I do agree that seeing more of all kinds of bodies is good for everyone.



// I didn't have an allergic reaction per se when I moved to all Lush products (many years ago) but it definitely didn't work with my skin like what I use now. I tend to tell people to trust research first, leave "natural" at the counter.

// Thank goodness for Facebook (which, wow) and my friend Natasha because I loved this video. Each guy really genuinely expressed how they dressed and what their style wishes would be, and it was awesome to see them enjoy the change.





Fun Posts & Random Finds: I don't even regret being a terribly inconsistent TV watcher if this is what we're getting now a days... // I'm incredibly proud of the people out there doing good work, even when total douchenozzles make it difficult. //Anybody watching this show? I'm not much of a reality TV person but this review & the show's apparent "lack of drama" intrigue me. // Ghost in the Shell was a really monumental anime moment  in my youth, which is just part of why the cast in its live action remake annoys me so. //

Clothing & Jewelry: Amanda wears that "Fun and Games" dress SO WELL. // Yes to this shirt. // And this one. // YAAAS. // I'm officially throwing my BFF under the bus because WHY would she show me this?! I love this necklace. And this purse. Both totally useless, both totally adorable. // I haven't seen this dress in person but online at least it looks fantastic. //

// I loved this show as a wee little Dana, and while I'm kind of apprehensive about a reboot these types of articles do give me hope.


// I've never seen Silence of the Lambs (don't hate me, I just haven't felt the need to) but this is cool regardless.
// How could I not share Ilona Andrew's amazing blog post on the Alphahole Trope?

//Is this really happening right now?



Fun Posts & Random Finds: I don't even care that much about JK Rowling and I still love this. // I pretty much never get sick of reading about different makeup tips and tricks. // So I love Mythbusters and Adam Savage, but this video is both interesting and a bit boring to me, but only because I don't have enough DIY knowledge to follow everything he's doing. // I'm generally trying not to be political here but fuck you Joe Scarborough. // Junebugs and Georgia Peaches are inadvertently trying to convert me to the highwaisted pant. Resist! // This is pretty much exactly why I'm so concerned about a film version of A Wrinkle In Time.

Clothing & Jewelry: I blame Ashley Graham for me wanting this. // A really pretty maxi dress I tried on in H&M. Cute, but open back so definitely not bra friendly. // There are some super cute shoes at Anthropologie lately: one, two, three, four. //

// I'm more of a 2NE1 girl myself, but this video/song by 4 Minute is really good!


// There is never not a good time for Disney mash-ups.


// I have no real opinions about Amber Rose, but I loved this whole series of gifs about raising her son to be a feminist.


// Another article to add to my list of things I never knew I needed to know.


// I'm not ashamed to admit I'm just not cool enough for Korean spas. I may invest in one of those "Italian towels" though, we'll see.



Fun Posts & Random Finds: I remember watching this in theaters, and even tearing up a bit at the end. NO SHAME! //...Cordy? //The Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin // This really shows the heights of my lame, but I need A Color Story to be available on Android too! // Romance books with female billionaires (and some of my favorite authors!) //Spoiler alert! This is what my BFF's daughter is getting for her first birthday. // I have so many mixed feelings about this article. A Winkle in Time was/is my JAM and while I love and respect Ava Duvernay I'm not sure I event want there to be a movie at all. // "Also, your drinking is a type of witchery that can whip babies into existence out of nowhere."

Clothing & Jewelry: Every time I see these shoes I wonder if I'm cool enough to pull them off. // How can we justify me buying this skirt? // Or possibly this dress. // And maybe this dress too. // If you liked the Seychelles sandals I wore last summer, Anthropologie is carrying them this year! // Love these pants and top from BR. // Actually, I love this whole "ten pieces/ten outfits" article from BR. Thanks for the ideas! // I have mixed feelings about the pattern on this bikini from LOFT, but I'm gonna try it anyway.