Maria's Space: September 2021

Monday, September 27, 2021

Apartment 413 - Small Cast But Very Interesting

 



The 411:

I loved this limited cast movie. Is Marco’s pregnant girlfriend keeping a secret from him or is Marco losing his mind? The cryptic messages he gets through post it’s and messages on a found phone will tell him the former.

The movie opens with a man packing. A woman calls from another room and the man silently walks in a bludgeons her before walking out with a blood soaked hammer. We fast forward a few years and Marco and Dana live here now and we never hear or see anything about the last couple. 

There were times I thought Dana was real, the a figment of his imagination. She’s pregnant, not pregnant, the damn crib, the red scarfs, the landlord, mechanic and then that damn air conditioner. What the heck? I have so many questions. If you see this movie look me up. I want to talk to you about what I think. If you love the thriller, psychological genre, you will love this movie.

Sunday, September 26, 2021

5 Ways to Finish a Stylish Outfit



A stylish outfit can transform your self-esteem. Despite many cool clothes hanging in your closet, you might feel they never appear complete. A few finishing touches might be all that’s needed to take your style to the next level.


If you are unsure how to perfect the little details to turn an average outfit into a jaw-dropping style, a few small adjustments are all that’s needed. Check out these five ways to finish a stylish outfit.


1. Invest in a Designer Handbag

A designer handbag is a big fashion investment. Yet, a timeless, neutral bag from a respected designer will grab people’s attention and tie various garments together. While the expensive price might not feel justifiable, it is one item you will use season after season, and the high-quality materials can help the handbag stand the test of time. If you have the money to spare, it’s an ideal way to finish off a beautiful outfit.


2. Wear Pretty Drop Earrings

Drop earrings can help you develop a standout style, as they will make you look well put together. A feminine design can draw attention to your beautiful features and glam up the simplest of outfits. 


Plus, you can choose from various designs to match your taste and clothing, such as pearl hoop earrings or miniature champagne huggies. Check out drop earrings from Katie Waltman to find a style that suits your image and budget.


3. Paint Your Nails

Painted nails can add a pop of color, texture, fun, and glamor to any outfit. It’s one finishing touch that proves you have great attention to detail and that you care about your appearance. Also, you can choose different shades and designs to match your mood or the styles hanging in your closet. 


For example, you can’t go wrong with classic red, but a neutral color will complement every item you wear. Treat yourself to some high-quality nail varnishes, or take a trip to a nail salon for a professional manicure and pedicure.


4. Add a Pop of Lipstick

A pop of lipstick can turn any look from drab to fab. Choose a shade that matches your skin tone, personality, and even your freshly painted nails. It is the perfect way to finish off an outfit as you step outside your door, and it could help you burst with confidence when socializing with friends, shopping for groceries, or attending a party. The right lipstick shade can add a splash of color into your style and make your lips appear full and feminine.


5. Incorporate a Third Layer into an Outfit

Most fashionistas will finish an outfit with a third layer, as it can take a look to the next level. Finish it with a scarf, jacket, or cardigan to add an extra layer of texture and color. Also, it’s a functional item, as it will allow you to cool down or warm up with ease. If in doubt, add a third layer. You won’t regret it. Plus, it will look fabulous with the rest of your outfit.


Photo source

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Why You Need to Manage Your Blood Pressure

 


 

Your body is a powerhouse that is constantly churning away to keep you alive and content as best as possible. It does so much that sometimes it is impossible to comprehend until you have an existential crisis. 


Bloodthis thin, colored liquidis one of our life forces, flowing through our veins and being led to all of the organs in our body to keep them working and in top condition. So, what happens when the pressure of our blood is altered? Quite simply—it is not good news.

This piece will take a look at why you need to manage your blood pressure to keep a healthy body and mind. 

 

What is Blood Pressure?


Blood pressure, put simply, is the pressure at which the blood is circulating around the body. The blood vessels that take the blood, which is pumped by the heart to the organs, constrict and/or expand in order to maintain a healthy blood pressure at all times. When blood vessels are put in a position where they cannot do that as effectively, it can affect the body in serious ways. The heart has to work much harder in order to get the blood to the vital organs, which creates an unnecessary and sometimes deadly strain. 

 

To Protect Your Kidneys from Damage 


Many areas of the body are affected by high blood pressurenot just the heart! Your kidneys can suffer when your blood pressure is too high, as it can put stress on the their filtering systemwhich is vital for our overall health. Kidneys are consistently removing waste and toxins from our blood, help control our blood pressure, and also produces urine so we can expel what the body does not want. 

 

This is essential to our overall health, and when high blood pressure interferes with how efficient the kidneys can work, there is the chance of developing chronic kidney disease. 

Always consult a professional for high blood pressure management, which can be crucial in retaining your health. 

 

To Avoid Fatigue 


Fatigue is an extremely unpleasant condition to experience. It can affect all areas of life, and causes the body to run on the ‘lowest power mode’ possible to conserve energy. Those who have low blood pressure may experience this debilitating fatigue, along with dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting. It is also important to note that for those who experience significant low blood pressure, the body may be struggling to get blood to reach the vital organswhich can cause these symptoms at first, but also has the potential to make the body seriously ill. 


The simplest of factors can cause low blood pressure, such as pregnancy, current heart issues, and also issues such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 

Managing your blood pressure is essential to your health and quality of life, so be sure to do further research and consult a professional if you are having symptoms or experience diseases and disorders linked to the problem, such as heart issues. 

 

 

 Photo source

Monday, September 20, 2021

3 Reasons to Read with Your Children



Parents want to do everything they can to give their children all of the opportunities possible in life, though many overlook the simple act of reading with their children to encourage independent thinking. Helping your child develop a love of learning and reading early on can provide them with many lifelong benefits, including:

1. Developing Empathy

When children read or hear stories about characters facing challenges, it strengthens their capacity for empathy. Empathy is an important skill to have, as it can help a child relate to other people and imagine what it would be like to be in another person's shoes. Empathy also plays a part in helping children become more kind and caring about others. 

2. Improving Concentration

Children tend to get easily distracted and struggle to stay focused during certain tasks, but reading can improve their ability to concentrate over time. Improved concentration skills can help kids perform better and be more engagemed at school, and you may even notice an improvement in their ability to follow directions at home. 

3. Learning About Other People and Cultures 

Selecting books that highlight how other people live, work, and play can help your child learn more about different cultures all over the world. This can make them an overall more well-rounded individual, and it can open their minds to other possibilities in their own lives. Getting exposed to new ideas and ways of life from an early age can set your child up to have an open mind and willingness to engage with people who may not look like themselves. 

These are just a few of the dozens of benefits of reading to or with your child, and spending quality time with your child to share a story is something they will take with them for the rest of their lives. 

 Photo by Lina Kivaka from Pexels

Saturday, September 18, 2021

My Best Worst Adventure - A Movie Review

 


 

The 411:

This was an interesting coming of age story about a girl whose step father sends her to Thailand after her mother passes away to spend some time with her grandma.

Thailand is a far cry from her wealthy upbringing but since her mother’s death Jenny is mute (this was me after my mom died and I totally get it) preferring to talk through writing. 

At school she meets another mute, a boy who is bullied. Together they find their voice and the respect of others.

I enjoyed this movie and found it very sweet. With very little dialogue it is easy to follow along, and young people will easily be able to figure out who the protagonist and antagonists are. 

Lily Petra makes an stunning movie debut playing the vulnerability and strong girl at the same time. She is wonderful.

Great family movie to discuss cultural differences. There are moments of violence. An alcoholic father hits a boy, bullying, a fight, and an animal gets injured, all of which can be warned and discussed with your child. I thoroughly enjoyed this quiet movie.




When I’m A Moth Movie Review



The 411:

Maybe I live in a cave but I had no idea this was loosely about Hilary Clinton. Even though the main character’s name was friggin Hilary. I was intrigued immediately by the super dry, non-feeling, could care less delivery of lines by Addison Timlin. She was awesome. 

I kept wondering why some young woman wanted to be a fish monger in Alaska one summer and why she would walk up to two strange men and then go to their home. I was like WTF and what is going to happen. Nothing happened. They drank, talked and Hilary told them of her aspirations. 

While it wasn’t an omg you must see this kinda movie my friends. I did appreciate the cinematography. I loved the shots of of the storm thrown fishing village, the ocean, the sky. It was beautifully shot. I also loved Addison Timlin. It is worth seeing for these reasons. Other than that I think it was just eh. 

However, if you are into indie films see this. It is a bit pretentious but isn’t Hilary?


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Wednesday, September 01, 2021

My Current Must Have Item Is Lumicharge II


AVAILABLE: www.thelumicharge.com 

The 411:

OK Guys...this is it; my current favorite product. I absolutely love it. It has made my life easier and saves me space too.

The Lumicharge II has allowed me to clear up my bedside table. I've removed my lamp, as well as a multicharger for my devices. Now I just use the Lumicharge. It  features a lamp with 3 different hues (see above) as well as a charger for my iPhone and iWatch. It has a Bluetooth Speaker and supposedly can also be paired with Alexa although I haven't mastered that yet.  I love that I can charge my iWatch and iPhone as well as use a light bright enough for me to journal or read as well as use as a nightlight.  

The iWatch charger fits right into the attachment, there is also a pencil and a headphone holder but I am using the pencil holder for my pretty galaxy rose. 

I highly recommend this and think it makes a great gift for college students or really anyone. It is a wonderful product.




Zodiac Signs Board Books For Toddlers Are Out Of This World!




The 411:

I cannot wait my class to see these news board books on our book rack tomorrow! Clever Publishing put out an interactive book for each zodiac sign. They are so cute. The illustrations are adorable. They are going to love the spinning wheel in each book. I love the inclusion of each signs lucky colors, gemstone, flower and more! They are so cute that my daughter made sure to bring her and my signs home for our own bookshelf.