Saturday, February 25, 2017

Online Reviews From Amazon and Yelp Feb. 25, 2017


The 8-Minute Writing Habit: Create a Consistent Writing Habit That Works with Your Busy Lifestyle (Growth Hacking for Storytellers)
The 8-Minute Writing Habit: Create a Consistent Writing Habit That Works with Your Busy Lifestyle (Growth Hacking for Storytellers)
Offered by Audible, Inc. (US)

5.0 out of 5 stars Some Reasons Why I Am Happy to Have Obtained both the Audible and Kindle VersionFebruary 25, 2017
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This Unabridged audible version of The 8-Minute Writing Habit: Create a Consistent Writing Habit That Works with Your Busy Lifestyle (Growth Hacking for Storytellers) by Monica Leonelle,Cindy Piller,and Spaulding House is encouraging to listen to if you enjoy andor have a passion for writing. Information is elaborated in regards to the 8 minute writing habit and motivation for the helpfulness of posting writing on blogs. I also like that there are multiple resources recommended on podcasts and websites to turn to for writing mentorship/encouragement.

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
DVD
Price: $4.99

5.0 out of 5 stars A Glimpse Into Both the Professional and Personal Side of ReacherFebruary 25, 2017
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
I eventually decided to take a chance on watching the film Jack Reacher Never Go Back after I had seen an ad for it in my Amazon kindle. Additionally, my husband and I had seen the first Jack Reacher film when it was featured in movie theaters we both liked the first film (which made it easier for me to convince my husband to watch the second film with me). Both my husband and I enjoyed watching the Jack Reacher Never Go Back film for some of the following reasons; The character of Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) ends up getting into some dangerous work when he is compelled to help Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders) out of a difficult legal situation. Reacher senses that his friend Susan Turner is innocent, but needs all the help he can get to prove her innocence. What adds to the layer of complication is that he hears about the possibility of a teenager named Samantha Dutton (Danika Yarosh) who might be his daughter. I’m glad that there was a controversial yet realistic family angle written in where it is uncertain about the family status between Reacher and Dutton. I say this because I found out by early 2013 (in a reliable way) that it is not for sure/for certain who my biological father is (it is partially the reason why I only mention the racial backgrounds of my late biological mother, not out of shame but only due to being uncertain until I eventually purchase a dna test confirming everything I am). Anyhow, the scriptwriting of how Reacher and Dutton become connected unexpectedly made me feel less alone with seeing how the character of Dutton lived in uncertainty with who her biological father is confirmed to be, and with only knowing for sure who she is from her biological mother’s side. Of course, there are more actors/actresses who contribute to the movie (such as when the Reacher character is confronted by a man who remembered him due to a promotion situation that happened between them). Additionally, the movie does keep a suspenseful intrigue around who is trying to frame Major Susan Turner.

Maid In Manhattan
Maid In Manhattan
DVD
Price: $7.99

5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected Crossing of Different PathsFebruary 25, 2017
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Maid In Manhattan (Amazon Video)
Fortunately, I had the chance to catch this Maid in Manhattan movie through my Amazon Prime account last night (Friday night Feb. 24, 2017) and I enjoyed the movie so much that I went ahead and purchased the film (digital version) by 11:32 p.m. that same night (last night). What was even more interesting, was that my husband playfully laughed at me because he spotted the Maid in Manhattan film being played on the E Channel today (the 2-4 pm timeslot where we live) less than a day after I watched and bought the movie previously unaware that it was going to be on television today. However, I am still glad to have watched and purchased the film for some of the following reasons; Jennifer Lopez’s role as Marisa Ventura, a female character who ambitiously juggles doing her best at her housekeeping job at the Beresford Hotel in Manhattan while taking care of her son Ty Ventura (Tyler Posey). Things are going well at her job and she even has a confidant in one of her coworkers Stephanie Kehoe (Marissa Matrone). However, Marisa Ventura’s life changes dramatically when she unintentionally crosses paths with politician Christopher Marshall (Ralph Fiennes) and his assistant Jerry Siegel (Stanley Tucci). One reason contributing to Ventura’s life changing yet also a complication; Marshall unintentionally perceives Ventura to be Caroline Lane (played by Natasha Richardson). I do feel that there is strong screen chemistry between the Christopher Marshall and Marisa Ventura characters. Additionally, there are other actors/actresses in this film who also contribute to the movie. However, I do feel that Natasha Richardson also gave a convincing performance as Caroline Lane and the crazy lengths she goes to vie for Marshall’s attention, even though Natasha Richardson was given a difficult job of playing the villain (Caroline Lane). I keep an open mind when it comes to the types of films I watch and the music I listen to. However, I admit that one of the reasons why this film caught my attention is because it features a Puerto-Rican and American female that I do not see that often in mainstream American films. I’m a part Puerto Rican and Menominee Indian female (who only knows a little Spanish) and who does not have to always see a female who is of a similar race (at least partially speaking), however it is nice during the rare/occasional times that it does happen. One of the general trivia facts listed at the beginning of the film (that I viewed while watching through my Amazon Prime account) is that; This film is loosely based on a true story in 1959, Steven Rockfeller, son of New York Governor Nelson Rockfeller married Anne-Marie Rasmussen, a maid who had worked at his family’s Manhattan hotel. Some of the various pop culture references in the Maid in Manhattan film; a sample of the Lovergirl song by Teena Marie briefly played, the character of Ty Ventura mentioning about listening to Simon & Garfunkel and what sounded like the best of Bread (if I heard correctly), Marisa Ventura’s character mentioning about her son studying 70’s history in school and him reading a biography about Henry Kissinger and studying Richard Nixon, brief samples of the songs played such as; I’m Coming Up, If Only You Believe, Come Away With Me and Don’t Know Why I Didn’t Call (Nora Jones).
Paisanos


5.0 star rating
2/25/2017
I decided to try Paisano's Pizza in College Park, Maryland this week after receiving a flyer near the front door of the apartment that my husband and I live in. I admit that today was the second day this week that my husband and I ate from Paisano's.  This past Thursday (Feb. 23)was the first day as I ate one slice of their large Supreme pizza with fresh garlic as the extra topping, some garlic knots, and I left the rest of the pizza for my husband for when he got home from work (he works during the day and I work later in the evening). The delivery driver was polite and delivered my order in a quick timeframe for when I had ordered the pizza that early Thursday afternoon. I admit that I did not feel like cooking today and so my husband and I agreed to order from there again today. This time I got the chicken parmigiana with spaghetti for my husband and I ordered the personal sized white pizza with fresh garlic and green olives for the extra toppings (I still have two slices left over from that pizza in the refrigerator for tomorrow). The appetizers we got were the fried mushrooms and jalapeno poppers.  The delivery driver came pretty quickly for when we ordered the pizza today and was also friendly today.

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Sunday February 12, 2017 Online Reviews Amazon and Yelp and Song Listings

Songs for me to keep in mind today Sunday Feb. 12, 2017 
Skin by Rihanna
Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga
Ayo by Lady Gaga
Madonna Masterpiece
Happy by Pharrell Williams
Superstar by Madonna
Maroon 5 Animals
Dreams by Beck
Irresistble by Fall out Boy and Demi Lovato
Moondance by Van Morrison
Drive by by Train
My Type by Motel
The Walker by Fitz and the Tantrums

Mountain Sound by Of Monsters and Men
The Way You Move by Outkast feat. Sleepy Brown
You're The Best Thing by the Style Council
Wonderful Life by Hurts



Hacksaw Ridge
Hacksaw Ridge
DVD

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Moving and HeartfeltFebruary 12, 2017
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Hacksaw Ridge (Amazon Video)
I admit that I decided to watch Hacksaw Ridge after I saw an ad featured for it in my Amazon Kindle. I even bought that film, despite wanting to rent another movie on Amazon. After watching the film, I am very glad that I purchased the movie and would watch it again for some of the following reasons; There is an enduring and touching love story between the characters of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) and Dorothy Schutte (Teresa Palmer). Doss’s wife is even showing standing by him even after he is almost in danger of getting court-martialed for this beliefs. The film shows how the personality of Desmond Doss developed under the influence of his mom Bertha Doss (Rachel Griffiths) and his father Tom Doss (Hugo Weaving). Vince Vaughan makes an appearance in the film as Sergeant Howell, who becomes a significant part of the character development to Garfield’s Doss character. The end of the film shows among the following facts; Desmond Doss carried 75 wounded men to safety on Hacksaw Ridge. Doss was the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor. Desmond and Dorothy were married until her death in 1991. Desmond Doss passed away at the age of 87 in March 2006. Of course, there are more actors and actresses (as well as plot scenes) that factor a great deal into this film. However, I must refrain from saying more out of consideration for those who have yet to see the film.

The Meaning of Michelle: 16 Writers on the Iconic First Lady and How Her Journey Inspires Our Own
The Meaning of Michelle: 16 Writers on the Iconic First Lady and How Her Journey Inspires Our Own
Offered by Macmillan
Price: $11.99

5.0 out of 5 stars Shows the Multi-dimensional Side of Michelle ObamaFebruary 12, 2017
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This kindlebook of The Meaning of Michelle: 16 Writers On The Iconic First Lady And How Her Journey Inspires Our Own by Veronica Chambers opens with a heartfelt tribute by Ava Duvernay. The writers recall what they know about Michelle Obama’s life. One of the writers mentioned about Michelle Obama taking her daughters to dance lessons and movie play dates on Saturdays (I take it to mean before her husband became President). There is mention about some of the women connected andor knew Michelle Obama (Cindy Moelis, Valerie Jarrett). However, I was shocked to see that even Michelle Obama had to undergo great judgment from others when a writer wrote an article for New York magazine about Michelle Obama and the Vineyard vacation spot. I admit that one of the reasons why this kindlebook caught my attention was because my husband and I mutually agreed that Michelle Obama running for President one day would make a good Presidential race. However, I want to refrain from saying more for now to try to keep things drama-free because I do come from a racially diverse family (family members of Native American, Caucasian, andor African American/Black American descent)where I know of at least two of my family members who expressed support for Trump becoming President. However, one of those family members is from my late adoptive mother’s side (she was an American born woman of Caucasian descent) and they provide emotional support and encouragement to me through both the challenging times of my life and good times. The other family member who expressed support for Trump becoming President is my 78 year old adoptive father (American born man of Mexican and Aztec Indian descent)who took me in as his own daughter when he didn’t have to when I was just a few months shy of 8 years old.

My Lottery Dream Home, Season 2
My Lottery Dream Home, Season 2
Price: $13.99

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun To Watch If You Dream of Owning Your Own Home One DayFebruary 12, 2017
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
Purchasing Season 2 of my Lottery Dream Home is what I consider a fun purchase, especially since I also have season 1. I admit that my mother-in-law introduced me to this series back in July 2016 when we were watching an episode together. Anyhow, what I have watched so far of Season 2 (episodes 1-3) has been nothing short of riveting. What I found really fascinating in what I have watched so far is that one of the couples won the lottery after they had already made their minds up on where they were going to live long-term (the Music City episode). I intend to provide a review update on when I have watched the remaining episodes within 3-4 weeks from now at the latest.

The Magicians, Season 2
The Magicians, Season 2
DVD

5.0 out of 5 stars Adult Style Supernatural ThemesFebruary 12, 2017
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
The Magicians Season 2 Sy-fy channel tv show caught my interest after it was advertised to me recently when I was online. It was an easy decision for me to check out the first episode of Magicians Season 2 because I had the chance to check out some early episodes of Magicians Season 1 back in early 2016 (I had even reviewed what I watched of Magicians Season 1 on Amazon on January 17, 2016). Season 2 episode 1 features the character of Julia Wicker (Stella Maeve) accompanying a character (hope I’m correct with who I think is Charles Measure) who offers to help her shed certain parts of what makes her who she is with the payoff of greater happiness. There is also the characters of Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph), Alice Quinn (Olivia Taylor Dudley), William Penny Adiyodi (Arjun Gupta) and other characters important to the series engaging in some type of ritual to what looks to be elevating their power andor cementing an elevated status. I intend to watch more episodes in this season and I look forward to what is in store and I plan to provide a review update within 3-4 weeks from now.

Million Dollar Shoppers Season 1
Million Dollar Shoppers Season 1
Price: $9.99

5.0 out of 5 stars A Day In The Life OfFebruary 12, 2017
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This purchase of Million Dollar Shoppers Season 1 stemmed out of my desire to get a glimpse into the viewpoints of people who make a financial living out of shopping. The first episode has one of the shoppers naturally concerned and coming to terms with making sure that her client’s daughter is happy with the clothes selected for her. I did get a sense that this personal shopper is truly passionate about being a personal shopper. However, I do admit that I need more time to provide an update (within 3-4 weeks from now) on more detailed thoughts on what I saw in the whole season.

Edit
Texas De Brazil

455 Massachusetts Ave NW
Ste 100
Washington, DC 20001
at N I St

5.0 star rating
2/12/2017
My husband and I decided to take a chance on eating at Texas De Brazil yesterday (Saturday February 11) as a way of us getting our Valentine's Day meal on a weekend day. I was a little familiar with this restaurant because my husband and I ate at a place similar to this in Orlando, Florida and this place reminded us of a similar restaurant in the area that also serves tasty food; Fogo De Chao. Both the service and food were good as was the food bar that is also offered to accompany the meats. We were served a range of meats such as some type of garlic flavored steak, parmesan pork, and sides that were a delicious tasting what looked to be friend plantains, and some type of Yorkshire pudding bread. The only caveat is that this restaurant  costs 60 dollars for two people even for lunch, but the taste of the food and what is offered makes it worth it. Additionally, my husband and I would go back to Texas De Brazil in the future but it would be an occasional trip only because of the cost and the generous portions that are offered for what you pay for (a woman with goals such as myself could only go occasionally yet I'm aware that there are probably people viewing this who could go everyday if they wanted to).

Friday, February 10, 2017

Online Amazon and Yelp Reviews Started on February 10, 2017 leading into Feb. 11, 2017 plus some website links


5.0 out of 5 stars Even Better Than The First Film (which I also Liked)February 10, 2017
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Fifty Shades Darker (Amazon Video)
I must preface my review and interest in this Fifty Shades of Darker film by making it clear that I am writing as a reviewer who was able to watch this film thanks to my loving husband allowing me to use his card to pay for the movie. I was guilty of even letting the storyteller in me kick in when someone innocently asked my husband and I what are plans were for today (less than 12 hours ago as of this review). I mentioned that we were celebrating Valentine’s day this weekend. However, the innocent truth was that we are actually celebrating Valentine’s Day with a dinner tomorrow (Saturday Feb. 11) while my husband freely allowed me to go watch this movie on my own after we ate some cheap fast food together today (Friday Feb. 10). Fortunately, it was an easy decision for me to check out the Fifty Shades Darker film less than 8 hours ago because I enjoyed the 2015 Shades of Grey film (which I reviewed both the movie and soundtrack for on Amazon on February 14, 2015)and innovative coverage of the film through various media sources (Msn news, People online etc). The Fifty Shades of Darker film continues the complicated yet fascinating love story between Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) and Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). I enjoyed the 2015 film, yet one of the reasons I found the Fifty Shades of Darker film to be even better than the first one is because the Steele character is shown in a more complex and multi-dimensional light. For instance, this film shows Anastasia Steele giving her best in learning the ropes of the book publishing industry. The film introduces new characters into the film such as Marcia Gay Harden as Grace Trevelyan-Grey (Christian Grey’s mother), Eric Johnson as Jack Hyde (Anastasia Steele’s boss at her publishing job), Kim Basinger as Elena Lincoln (Christian Grey’s former lover and current business partner), and more actors/actresses. The characters of Steele and Grey are shown more frequently juggling their jobs and love life with each other more than the first film. There is even a party scene in the film that symbolizes the change in the relationship that is about to occur for both Steele and Grey. The end of the film gives clues as to the next film coming out in 2018. These were some of the reasons why I did not hesitate to also pre-order this film on Amazon.


Fifty Shades Darker (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)


5.0 out of 5 stars A Wide Mix of Some Songs With One CaveatFebruary 10, 2017
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Fifty Shades Darker (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Audio CD)
The Fifty Shades Darker Film soundtrack is perfect to get if you enjoyed the first Fifty Shades of Grey (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) from 2015. Even if you do not have the first soundtrack, some of the songs to sample on this soundtrack on the Fifty Shades Darker film are definitely some of the songs such as: I Don’t Wanna Live Forever by Zayn & Taylor Swift, Not Afraid by Halsey, Bom Bidi Bom by Nick Jonas & Nicki Minaj etc. The only caveat is that the soundtrack to this film is a little more quieted down compared to the first (more quiet songs compared to the 2015 soundtrack). I’m guessing the obvious reason was for the creation of a soundtrack to play while you have quality time with that certain special someone in your life (romantically speaking). However, it is helpful to have an eclectic mix in music due to the fact that this soundtrack does not stick to just one genre. For instance, the song What Would It Take by Anderson East has more of a blues type of music sound while Not Afraid Anymore by Halsey is a mix of chill-out and slight hints of electronic music.

Haagen Dazs Shop
703 7th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
b/t N H St & N G St

Due to some of my personal goals, I have cut down on my intake of ice cream in the new year and aim to be careful how often and how much I consume compared to the past. However, for whatever reason I had an inkling to get their smallest size of ice cream available (the regular) less than 8 hours ago from this Haagen Dazs Shop near the Gallery Place Chinatown metro stop. The people interacting with me while I was making up my mind which of the two scoops to take were professional.  Rum raisin and some type of cookies and cream icecream were the two scoops I selected. The cashier even enrolled me in one of their rewards programs that is free for the customer. For whatever positive reason, I did choose to not finish the whole two scoops that I purchased due to the generous portion giving to me for the regular size filling me up quicker than expected (just two years ago I would have easily ate the whole two scoops).

Regal Cinemas Gallery Place 14

701 7th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
b/t N H St & N G St



Less than 8 hours ago, I decided to go ahead and see the Fifty Shades of Darker Film at the Regal Cinemas Gallery Place 14 movie theater.  My wait time was extremely brief as I was able to purchase one of the tickets through one of the purchasing ticket machines near the front entrance.  The person taking processing my ticket purchase was polite and I was able to catch the 5 p.m. showing in a reasonable timeframe even though I did not purchase the ticket until the time period between 5p.m. to 5:17 p.m.


Website links

From my facebook friend Lovey Salis

http://thestayathomechef.com/healthy-tuna-stuffed-avocado/

HEALTHY TUNA STUFFED AVOCADO

https://www.lovemoney.com/galleries/62197/the-extraordinary-former-jobs-of-world-leaders

The Extraordinary Former Jobs of World Leaders

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/01/coloma_woman_shares_secret_to.html

Coloma woman shares secret to weight-loss success: 'I walk every day - no excuses'

http://www.today.com/health/walking-100-000-steps-week-helps-woman-lose-80-pounds-t107757

Las Vegas mom loses almost 80 pounds without surgery or joining a gym



New Book Says Bob Woodward Burned Hillary Clinton’s Ghostwriter