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Thursday, July 23, 2015

All Things Entertainment

It’s Apple of Their Eye’s favorite member, Courtney,  here to report on all things Entertainment ! Since I was able to walk/talk (sneak an episode of The Real World: Miami in while my parents weren’t looking,) I’ve been pretty certain that I should have my own reality show.

But, alas, no networks have sniffed me out quite yet. So for now I’ll have to settle for these next few paragraphs being my outlet.

These posts are merely meant to keep you posted on the ups and downs of my celebrity fascination – whether it be music, television, or cinema. Oh and of course, if I am staying true to myself, there will be some booze thrown in the mix. Each blog will give you suggestions of new shows and movies to watch, cocktails to try, and tunes to jam out to.

So sit back, pour yourself some Pinot, and enjoy :-)



Netflix Binge Worthy
It’s early in the blogging game so I am keeping it simple and obvious with my choices. Here are my top 3 choices you MUST watch in a class binge-watch session. These shows, in my oh-so humble opinion, are the kind that make all of those tragic Instagram-Netflix references true.
1.       American Horror Story
a.     As someone who has a constant fear that any and all things living are about to capture me and sell me into  sex-slavery at any given moment…I must admit my doors are locked and my 911 speed dial is on while watching this show. However, the characters are well-developed, the story lines compelling, and lead actor Evan Peters makes everything seem a little less scary ;-) Each season is a different theme with completely new characters, which  makes enticing people to start watching with you a little easier. Happy Hauntings.
                                                                          i.      Favorite Season: One
                                                                        ii.      Least Favorite Season: Three
2.      LOST
a.     I mean really. Life does not get much better than Jack, Kate, and Sawyer stranded on a magical island. I must admit, every time I am on a plane, I look around and think, “Who will be the John Locke of the survivors?” … “Who will help me find the white polar bear that will inevitably come to our camp and taunt us mangled survivors?” The show is an “oldie” but a goodie….And binge watching it makes it even better. I will admit there are some odd story lines and a few loopy episodes that sneak their way in to the series, but overall it is hands down one of my favorites of all time.
                                                                          i.      Favorite Characters: Jack, Charlie, Ben
                                                                        ii.      Least Favorite Character: Sayid, Claire
3.       Walking Dead
a.     Is it weird that this has become my “Background Show”? The show I put on to relax me as I write emails, IEPs, and this very blog? Que everyone’s complaints….  “I don’t like anything to do with zombies” … “End-Of-The-World dramas aren’t for me”…To which I quickly reply….There is so much more to this show than zombies! It becomes about the relationships and survival status/strategies of the characters. Plus, I am now ridiculously confident that I will dominate in a Zombie apocalypse. So confident in fact, that mid typing this blog, I sent a text to my roommates stating we should all be watching this together…(And I quote)…”So that we’re ready”. So at this point my love for the show is purely educational.
                                                                          i.      Favorite Characters: Glen, Shane, Daryl
                                                                        ii.      Least Favorite Characters: Carl, Andrea


Courtney’s Cocktail Concoction
Summertime is here at last! Sunshine, Flip Flops, and Cocktails. Doesn’t get much better than that trifecta. My first choice is something refreshing, easy, and perfect for a day soaking in the Vitamin B. The beverage of the blog is called Backyard Lemonade. The most important part of this mix is the ingredients. The proportions are totally up to you and your taste buds…Or how happy you want your guests feeling.
            Ingredients for Backyard Lemonade:
                        Iced Tea
                        Lemonade
                        Raspberry Liquor
                        Vodka


Corner of Cinema (We’re working with a 5 *  rating….because we are THAT official)
Ted 2 (**)  To be honest, I sat through the first Ted contemplating my life. Wondering if it was worth the criminal charges to run up and slash the screen or pull the fire alarm to end my misery. Needless to say, my expectations going into the sequel were quite low. But, out of rainy day boredom and the promise of multiple 20 oz. Bud Lights, I begrudgingly agreed to go. Gotta say…worth a watch! Let’s not get hasty though. I am not encouraging you to spend the 10 dollars to see it in theaters.  I am simply standing behind your hesitant pointer finger that’s not sure whether to rent it on OnDemand for 4.99 (Standard View of course. The extra dollar for High-Def may make it on the cusp of not worth it). It got lengthy but was only 75% offensive, pretty funny, and (most importantly) better than the first.
Jurassic World (****) Loved it! …Literally walked out of the theater with jazz hands and a corny smile. It was entertaining, exciting, and Chris Pratt can do NO wrong. However, I saw the movie with some life-long, die-hard Jurassic fans who didn’t share the same feelings. There were definite plot holes that “should’ve/could’ve” been solved somewhere between the 1994 and 2015 gap, which is where some of their hostility was rooted. But overall I thought it was a fun watch that paid a nice homage to the original. It  made me leave wishing there was a park with real life dinosaurs…A park that left me stranded fighting for my life with their amazingly hot and studly employee…So, a job well done Spielberg.

Jam of the Day
My inkling is to share the song BEFORE sharing the artist, to avoid stereotypes, but that’s just not in the cards for this post. So I’ll fess up and admit the song is from Demi Lovato. I typically do not rock out to her songs but I am telling you this one is a classic! Turn it up and enjoy. You. Are. Welcome.  

Just tell me it's not the end of the line….

But it is my friends. But it is.

(Inside joke if you actually listened to my musical pick)

Until next time….
XOXO
AppleOfTheirEye

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Work it Wednesday


Welcome to Work It Wednesday!!!  Each week I will post a workout that you can do at home, during lunch at work, or in the gym! We are excited to also join fellow blogger, Queen of the First Grade Jungle, for week 4 on this road to a healthy and fit lifestyle!


http://queenofthefirstgradejungle.blogspot.com/

As a full time School Counselor, and avid fitness enthusiast, balancing working out and the demands of daily life can be a real challenge.  Working out has become something that I have made a priority in my life, and has turned into something I truly loving doing each and every day!  I hope to share my passion and love for fitness through my Work It Wednesday posts. 

All Work It Wednesday posts will include functional movements, meaning real world movements that lead to increased fitness, and less injury in the long run.  My experience with functional fitness began with experimenting with Crossfit workouts at my home gym, and I  then went on to get my Crossfit Level 1 Certification a few  months later.  One of the best things about these workouts is no matter what level of fitness you are, you can do the workouts! 

This weeks workout can be done in the gym with weights, or in the comfort of your home with just body weight- either way, it will definitely get you sweating!  See how many rounds of the three movements you are able to complete in the allotted time!


In the video below, you'll learn about proper squat technique.  Having proper technique really helps to get the most out of the movements.  Practice your squat form before starting the workout!


         AOTE Work It Wednesday Workout:

               AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) in 15 min:
                                                     10 squats
                                                      8 lunges
                                                    6 push ups


Set a timer for 15 minutes, press start and don't stop moving until time is up!  Keep track of how many rounds you are able to get through of the three movements ( 10 squats, 8 lunges, and 6 pushups = 1 round), and challenge yourself to beat that number of rounds next time you do the workout!!