What The Art Teacher Wore & For Evermore

Me now that October is over:

MY BRAIN:

::Immediately begins brain-storming while John stares wide-eyed at the stacks of Halloween bins we're still puting away::

Don't worry, this isn't a Christmas post. Yet. Even John and I need some down time, so we've been catching up with friends, cleaning house, and in John's case, practicing Low Fodmap stews. (Y'all have any favorite recipes? We have both fake onion & fake garlic, so I think we can modify most regular recipes. Help!)

We also started watching Rings of Power, and while I'm not usually a drama person and can't handle much violence or darkness, WOW IS IT GOOD. The visuals are so stunning they even surpass the movies(!!) and the cast is phenomenal.



It's definitely gotten more intense by episode 3, though, so we may have to start spacing these out with Disney movies for balance, ha. Can anyone tell me if the violence level gets worse from here?

Right, 'nuff chit chat, lemme bring you some genuine CONTENT.

 I bring you my latest two obsessions:

First, What the Art Teacher Wore.

Cassie is a jolt of joyful caffeine in my feed, and the moment I discovered her through a friend I spent over an hour watching every single one of her outfit posts. Cassie just finished an entire month of amazeballs Halloween outfits, but lemme start you off with a cheerful rainbow ensemble:

Does A Wedding Dagger Really Need A Point?

Hiya!

Remember our friends who threw that EPIC Game of Thrones dinner party?

You know, the party where every dish was themed, and dessert was traumatizing?

This was hard to forget... no matter how I tried, bahaha.

WELL, last weekend was these friends' 50th wedding anniversary(!!), so I knew a run-of-the-mill gift just wouldn't do.

Enter, THE INTERNET.

Well, Etsy, to be more precise.

I discovered the Strongblade Etsy shop, which sells personalized daggers and swords. This isn't sponsored, but what they made me turned out so nice I have to show it off.

First here's a look at the engraving, because I really like the saying John and I came up with:

Anna & John, Forged 1972
50 Years Unbroken

Eh? EH?

Listen, part of romance is having the ability to stab each other, but not doing it. (PRO TIP.)

Next we needed a way to display both the dagger and sheath, so we bought this wooden plaque at JoAnn's to modify:

John drilled holes through the plaque to pressure-fit wooden dowels:

... then Dremeled the dowels into shape so they'd cradle the dagger and blade exactly:

This is where the blade slots into place.

After this we spent a couple of days getting the finish right, because staining wood is a pain. First it was too dark, then it was too red, but our third attempt was just right.

Ready for the grand reveal? (EEEEEEE)

Here we go.

Why Disney's "The Owl House" Is A Hoot, And You Should Totally Watch It

Sure we have new seasons of Stranger Things and Obi-Wan to watch, but what if you're not in the mood for bone-crunching or a gritty Space Western?

That's been my dilemma; lately I've been craving something light and fluffy. I like to laugh, and John and I already binged the latest season of The Floor is Lava - which I HIGHLY recommend - during our lunch hour. (It's a hilarious game show, you can see my season one review here.)

We just started Ms. Marvel, which I'm really enjoying, but even that I want to space out with something lighter. Something easy to watch when my brain is fried and my heart is heavy.

Then I remembered this amazing cosplayer from last HolMat:

She told me she was Edalyn from the series "Owl House," and IMO any show with a staff that gorgeous deserves a watch. So this past month I finally started the series on Disney Plus, and ahhhh. This is what I've been looking for!

The premise may sound a little generic: a human stumbles into a magical world, makes friends, discovers her own magic, defeats monsters, etc. BUT. Give it three episodes, and I think you'll fall in love like I did.

Still not convinced? Would a Top Ten list help? Because I happen to have one RIGHT HERE.

:D

My Top Ten Reasons You Should Watch The Owl House:

1) It's funny, and has a huge heart

Again, give it a few episodes, because this wacky cast of characters will quickly fly, crawl, and bird-worm their ways into your heart.

2) It's not TOO cutesy

There's a bizarreness to the animation style and monsters, some gross moments, and plenty of raw chaotic energy that keep Owl House from being all sweetness and fluff like, say, Hilda. (Which I adore, so zero shade there.) 

The school bell gives a full-throated scream instead of ringing, and it makes me laugh every. dang. time.

3) Luz is the hero we all want to be

Luz is spunky, kind, and brave - almost to a fault. This may be my own anxiety talking, but I love her self-confidence, how she runs toward every dangerous challenge. In this show she does all the rescuing, and that fills me up in a way I can't quite explain. Just... happy. 

4) Eda the Owl Lady

Voiced by the incredible Wendie Malick, Eda is the eccentric rebel granny we all wish we had. She doesn't give a hoot what anyone thinks, and despite being the most powerful witch of the Boiling Isles, she digs through trash for a living, and loves it.

Also Eda's back story is SO GOOD, y'all. Gah. Completely sucked me in. I like how the mystery builds, weaves in more characters, and raises the stakes through season one.

3 Streaming-Exclusive Shows - And One Movie! - That Are Worth The Price

How is it that we have more options than ever on TV,  but we still end up re-watching Brooklyn 99 or Frasier again? (C'mon, I know it can't be just me.)

I've been looking for new shows to get myself out of the re-watch rut, so today I thought I'd shine a light on a few of my recent favorites that are streaming-exclusive. I'm talking shows you have to pay for, that are WORTH paying for.

Ready?

Starting with the one, the only:

Ted Lasso

Apple Plus

I'm late to this fandom, but so happy to be here. Believe the hype, my friend; Ted Lasso is every good thing you've heard and more, plus incredibly binge-able. Hilarious, smart, and unexpectedly kind, you'll find yourself rooting for just about everyone on screen, not just Ted himself. The friendships in this show are a revelation, and will renew your faith in TV shows, if not humanity.

Don't let the sports backdrop scare you off; this is not a sports show. Ted Lasso is the warm hug of sit-coms: plenty of laughs, just enough dramatic tension to keep you hitting "play next", and an occasional sniffle from the best kinds of feels. It also has lots and LOTS of swearing and some sex, so despite the happy feels, this one's not for the littles, parents.

(One tiny caveat: Skip season 2, episode 9. It's a bizarre one-off episode focusing on a side character, and the show's far better without it, imo.)

Ted Lasso alone is worth buying a month of Apple Plus, but while you're there, also give Schmigadoon a try. John and I enjoyed it even without understanding most of the Broadway references, so if you're a big musical theater fan, Schmig is a must-watch.

****

Next on my list of clear-your-schedule-because-you-WILL-be-bingeing-this,

Only Murders in the Building
Hulu

If you grew up watching mysteries on PBS, this is your show. A thoroughly modern whodunnit with plenty of humor, twists, famous guest stars, and fabulous outfits. Martin Short was born to ham it up for this role, and Steve Martin is his perfect straight man - with Selena Gomez rounding out the trio as the aloof-but-exasperated twenty-something. Tina Fey and Sting guest star, and the mystery will keep you guessing 'til the end - which makes it extra hard to resist watching "just one more."

John and I zipped through Only Murders in under a week - and that was us trying to pace ourselves! The show resolves nicely but also leaves you with a big juicy teaser for next season - which they just announced is coming this year, woohoo! Ahhh, I can't wait.

*****

Next up:

I Just Binge-Watched Centaurworld In 2 Days, Here's My Favorite Part

Last week on a whim I started watching Centaurworld on Netflix. This is a new show, and going by the preview pic alone I expected a bizarre Adventure Time kind of vibe:

 

I should mention I never really liked Adventure Time, so my expectations... were low. 

In a matter of seconds, though, I was yanked into the most riveting 3 minute intro. Completely unexpected, completely stunning... I was hooked. 

Now that I've watched all 10 episodes of the first season, I can confidently say that if you don't like Centaurworld after the first few minutes, walk away. This is not a series that takes time to hit its stride: it starts at its peak, maintains that level for about 5 episodes, then slowly declines in the final 5 episodes, though still with occasional moments of greatness. (At least for me, your mileage may vary.)

Centaurworld is a roller coaster of contradictions: it combines a beautiful, heart-wrenching emotional arc with fart jokes and absurdities. So while it does have that wacky Adventure Time vibe I was dreading (not judging, just not my jam) it also has enough depth and characters I instantly cared for to string me along 'til the end.

I'm not trying to convince you to watch Centaurworld, because it's definitely not for everyone. I just want you to watch the one-minute opening song with me, because it's haunting my brain in the best way, and I think more people should be talking about it:

You're OK
You're alright

I'll never ever leave your side

I will stay

I will fight

With you

You're OK

You're alright

I'll stay here through the darkest night

All the way

I will fight

With you

I played this for John, and after a second of stunned silence he demanded, "How is this song in THAT SHOW?!" Then he brought it up on Youtube and we listened to it three more times. :D

John's not the only one befuddled; here's the top comment on Youtube:

Yep. THAT.

If you're a Broadway fan you might recognize the voice from Rider's Lullaby, btw: it's Jessie Mueller of Waitress fame. I've never seen Waitress, but I do like to watch this Tony performance on Youtube from time to time for a good cry, so I love her. 

Centaurworld has tons more songs - I think nearly 30? - but only a few other stand-outs. My second favorite, "What You Need" by First Aid Kit, is another stunner:



That harmony, right? This episode was my favorite.


I hope this made your day at least 20% more beautiful, even if the first song made your eyes leak. I think we all could use a reassuring lullaby right now to remind us we're not fighting alone. ::hugs::

Anyone else watching Centaurworld? What do you think?

Or for everyone else, what's your go-to "good cry" songs? Link me up!

*****

  P.S. We had so many folks enter the Squeegineer give-away this month (turns out y'all really like dino mirrors) that we're picking 4 winners instead of just 2 or 3. So congrats to Angela B., Shannon E., Julie F., & Tricia H.! Please check your inboxes for a message from John, gang, so you can choose your prizes. We'll be making extra mirrors so at least 2 of you can choose a set, plus I added new options to the prize board, so be sure to check that out.

If you didn't win this round, remember you can enter now for my August drawing, it's free!

NOSTALGIA TIME: Someone Please Come Geek Out With Me Over The Muppet Show

This week I've started watching old episodes of The Muppet Show on Disney Plus, and I'm realizing I've never seen ANY of these. o.0 It's a little surreal, seeing characters I feel like I know so well in their original element.






I'm still in the first season, so they haven't quite hit their stride yet, and I've only recognized one or two of the celebrity guests, but overall it's been surprisingly funny - like, for adults! -  and utterly charming. The music, y'all. THE MUSIC. It's silly and catchy or suddenly soulful and beautiful; you just never what you're going to get. Oh! And the very first episode has the Mahna Mahna song. SCORE.

Anyhoo, last night John wandered in as I was rewinding this song to listen to it again, and I thought you might appreciate it, too:

John googles everything, so he immediately looked up Halfway Down The Stairs. Turns out the lyrics are a poem by A.A. Milne, author of Winnie-The-Pooh, and this recording was SO popular it hit #7 on the UK singles chart in 1977. How sweet is that?

Now the part that'll make you cry: Robin's puppeteer Jerry Nelson sang this song - in character, but without the puppet - at Jim Henson's funeral. Here's the video. Buckets, y'all. Buckets.

And just so I don't leave you on a sad note, here's the Swedish Chef skit we also watched twice, both because it's funny and because we couldn't figure out how they moved the spaghetti, ha:

 

I've watched this four times now and it still makes me laugh. The growling spaghetti, omigosh.

What's your favorite Muppet Show song or sketch? If you can, share a link here or over on Facebook; let's get a Muppet nostalgia thread going!

4 Of The Best New Shows We're Watching On Netflix

I'm behind on all the stuff I want to share with you guys, but I've reached the point with my current post where I keep writing and re-writing and then deleting the whole thing to start over. By the 5th day of this, as I grimly entered my office to try again, John gently suggested (from a safe distance, ha) that I take a break and maybe tell you guys what we've been watching on TV, instead?

I scowled at first, but then I realized I could be fangirling over my new favorite show with you guys. AWW YEEEEEAH. In fact, I'm not even saving it for last, I'm starting with it, boo. Here 'tis, the dark horse that won my heart, the scream-worthy, eminently bingeable, completely ridiculous thrill ride with the best sets EVER:

 The Floor Is Lava.

Y'all. Y'ALL. Watch this show the next time you're super grumpy and need a distraction to cheer you up. I promise it will suck you in, make you laugh, and eventually have you yelling from the edge of the couch like a diehard sportsball fan.

The concept is simple: Teams of 3 have to cross a large room without falling into the surprisingly realistic "lava." The sets are what really make the show, although the snarky narrator/host adds to the overall enjoyment, too. This is perfect to watch with your kids, or in a group; the more people yelling and cheering at the screen, the better!

My only complaint is that they spoil us by debuting a brand new set every episode for the first 6 shows, and then go back and revisit each "room" with only 2 teams instead of 3. So really I'm just complaining there's not more of this to watch, because I WANT MORE. Please go watch it so Netflix will order season two.

*****

It's hard to follow that up, but Netflix is doing a great job with their reality shows lately. For you foodies, I highly recommend:

FINAL REVEAL: The Sherlock Room Over Two Years In The Making!

Just before Covid hit John was finishing up a bunch of custom furniture for our friends' Sherlock-themed living room. I don't think I ever did a final reveal on his fireplace, either, so here it is:

SO COOL, right? 

You can see how John built the faux fireplace here, and how he woodgrained it here. Our version has 2 secret doors and tons of hidden storage, but we'll get to that later.

Vanova's 3D rendering was invaluable to John during his build, since all the Sherlock set photos are pretty dark:

Anyway, then lockdown happened, and John's lovely fireplace and bookshelves sat in our dusty garage for three months.

But at long last...

John had to build the faux walls on-site to get the fit exactly right. You can never trust someone's walls or ceilings to be perfectly level!

Seriously. It just never gets old. ::munching popcorn::

By the end of the afternoon, we had this:

Binge-Worthy Shows That Are Like A Warm Happy Hug

You know what we need right now? Happy shows. More laughs. More wonder. Less news.

Personally I *always* need happy shows, so I'm forever on the lookout for more streaming series to watch. (I like shows better than movies.) So here come my Top 3 I've binged in the last few months:

1) Glow Up (Netflix)

Most reality shows have too much drama for me, but Glow Up is British, so there's none of the usual American nastiness. Plus it features incredible make-up art! It's not quite as jaw-dropping as Face Off (remember that gem?), but after a slow start with the first episode, Glow Up serves up some seriously stunning looks. We get to see the makeup the entire episode, too, not just for the last 30 second reveal, which I love. I also like that Val, one of the judges, makes the contestants cry from happiness more often than not. Val is so over the top that she could rub you the wrong way, but I enjoyed her kooky vibe and the fact that she yells "DING DONG, DAHLING" when she loves something, hah. Plus by the end of the season Val is more human, more relatable, and even cries over some of the eliminations. So sweet!

One big caveat with Glow Up: be prepared to disagree with the judges a lot. Some of their eliminations are straight up CRIMES, and the only thing that kept me going was the fact that everyone WAS so sweet. So you'll have to let your sense of justice go, and just enjoy the pretty visuals and lovely interactions.


2) Star vs The Forces of Evil (Hulu)

I've been wanting to watch this show for ages, ever since I met a reader cosplaying as Star (Hi, Rebecca!) - and recently found I could stream it on Hulu!

This is a fast-paced show (each episode is really two-in-one, so they're short) of non-stop action and zaniness, so it took me a minute to adjust after binging the slower-paced The Repair Shop. The animation is fun, the characters are sweet, and the jokes are laugh-out-loud funny - and sophisticated enough for adults. If you love Phineas and Ferb and Gravity Falls, this is on that level. HIGHLY recommend.

I have a caveat for this show, too, and a question for those who've seen all of it: The second season... does it get better? Because I've been dragging myself through it, and... bleh. Star isn't even in several episodes, which is a big part of the problem, and it's gotten surprisingly violent and depressing for a cartoon. So, yeah, Star fans, should I keep going? Should I skip ahead? Or do I just re-watch Season 1 and enjoy it as a stand-alone season?

Heaving Breaths, Thrifted Colors, & A Tale Of Two Sinks

The last few weeks have had John spending way too much time in doctor's offices, calling doctor's offices, fighting with insurance, making appointments, filling prescriptions, going back to the doctor because they wrote the WRONG prescription, and so on.

The good news is John's lungs are perfectly fine. The bad news is when we went to a new general practitioner to get John a physical, she claimed his lungs were akin to a "80-year-old emphysemic." Then she put him on a $300 inhaler that made him feel terrible and sound like a pack-a-day smoker.

After two weeks of misery we decided to get a second opinion from an actual lung specialist. Many exams and x-rays later, (see above), we were told John's lungs are the picture of health, and that the first doctor is an idiot. Ha! Our American medical system at work, everybody. ::headdesk::

I think the moral here is: don't go in for a physical?

 Suki questions my conclusions. 

John's also been dealing with new medication stuff for me (no worries, I'm also fine) and I'm grateful every day that I have the world's most charming Brute Squad going to bat for me. I tell ya, getting good health care is a full time job even when you're NOT sick.

Oh! There IS some really good stuff that came from the expensive lung debacle, but I'll tell you about that next time. Right now I have more important things to show you:

 Like my latest thrift store haul!

I convinced John to hem my new shorts (the middle ones are Men's sizes, so they're pretty long) and I was ridiculously pleased to find we already had matching thread for all of them. Look at those color matches! SO SATISFYING.

I wore two of those this week:

Let's Talk About A 27 Year Old Star Trek Episode

John and I've been re-watching old Star Trek: TNG episodes during lunch lately, and it turns out - to my utter delight - that he hasn't seen them all.  

On Thursday we watched The Inner Light, easily one of the top 10 TNG episodes of all time, and which I could almost recite from memory. (It's the one with the flute, if that helps.)

About 20 minutes in John asked, "Wait, he's aging? HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN?" and I got the biggest grin, realizing he was about to experience this story for the first time. (Isn't that the best feeling?)

After the show was over, John spluttered for several minutes. It was glorious. What finally came out was, "So... so... this is the best Star Trek episode of all time, right? This is it? This has to be it!"

I told him it was definitely in the Top Ten, but that did get me wondering what the all-time best episode is. I'm sure there are plenty of Buzzfeed-style lists out there, and everyone's mileage will vary, but what springs to mind for you guys?

I've been pondering this all morning, and even though it's been decades since I've seen most of these episodes, I have so many particular moments that spring to mind: Q with the Mariachi band. That single tear running down Locutus' face. Troi as a "cellular peptide cake." Data's daughter Lal, pounding her chest as she feels for the first time. The ship's kids celebrating"Picard Day." Worf and his "warrier's drink." Lwaxana Troi doing ANYTHING. Oof, so many good, gut-punching, hilarious moments. 

(I know, I still haven't picked my top episode! This clearly needs more research.)

Speaking of the heir to the holy rings of Betazed, while it's not from a TNG episode, the moment when Lwaxana handed Odo her wig in the turbolift at DS9 is one of the best in all of Trekdom for me. I love that scene.

Also while I was looking for an episode photo for The Inner Light I discovered there's a commemorative plate for it. Whaaaat. Remember when we had commemorative plates for everything? Ha!

Now, don't get me wrong, the art is lovely... but how is it that Picard's kids - who are in the episode for maybe five minutes - made the cut, but not HIS WIFE who is in the entire thing?! I need to speak to someone's manager.

I vividly remember my best friend Chris having a TNG plate like this on his bedroom wall, btw. Ahh, the 90s.

I also found this gem of a factoid on Wikipedia - you'll have to embiggen it to read:

They made the classic blunder! NEVER underestimate the "emotional fury" of devoted fans when screen-used PROPS are on the line! NYAHAHAAAAA.

That inspired me to go see if there's any other Inner Light merch out there, and would you believe there is?

 You can buy an official probe necklace replica for way too much money on Amazon, ha.

Or for a free option (at least for those with Amazon Prime): I've been listening to this orchestral arrangement of Picard's flute melody while writing this, and it's absolutely gorgeous! Reminds me of the Shire theme from Lord of the Rings.

Now quick, tell me which TNG episodes John and I should watch next. (We're not watching in any particular order; just picking random seasons and watching a few in a row.) Yesterday we watched the two-parter where they time travel back and meet Mark Twain, which is another great one. Love me some Guinan being mysterious. :D

******

Oh hey, if you're not into overpriced probe necklaces {snerk}, but are still itching to shop, I have lots of fun nerdy suggestions in my Amazon lists:

I've linked all kinds of goodies, from Harry Potter and Disney to my favorite toys and puzzles, plus more mundane stuff like cat gear and the clothes I wear. I've left comments on everything I actually own, which is most of it, so look for the comment bubbles above each item to read my reviews.

As with all my Amazon links, if you purchase any of these John & I will receive a small percentage, but it doesn't cost you anything. So you get to shop, we get to feed the cats, EVERYBODY WINS. 

Thanks, gang. Live long and prosper.

Jen's Gems: Animatronic Ravens, Mermaid Tail Jewelry, & Things To Watch On Netflix

I see so much cool stuff in my meandering online, here are a few things I think you'll love:

First, a reason to save up $300:

 

LOOK AT HER!! ::whispers:: She's so beautiful. 

I can't get over how fluid those movements are... and this is a kit, so you build it all yourself! (In my mind that's a feature, ha.) Granted, I don't think I have the skills to put her together, but I'm game to learn. Especially since the maker, Mr. Chicken's Prop Shop, has a whole Youtube instructional series on how to do it. SO TEMPTED YOU GUYS. (You think I could customize her to turn her into a phoenix? Or would those movements not work?)

As always, nothing here is sponsored, and all I know about Mr. Chicken is that Norm on Tested likes him, which is good enough for me.

*****
I spotted some ingenious movie dioramas over on the Replica Prop Forum that use action figures and recycled TVs. These are by Rickey Williams, and his post over on the RPF didn't get NEARLY enough love, so here:

 

This one even has the VHS tape in the bottom. Love it.

Best use for old computer wiring!

  And a classic:

YASSS.

Check out Rickey's post on the RPF to see one more Predator diorama. 

*****

In sparklier news, Sarah of Mad March Moon Designs debuted this mermaid tail and earring set, and errrrrmergosh:

 

 

 SO SHINY.

I once bought her rainbow dragon suncatcher for Sharyn (one of our FOE mods extraordinaire), but I've yet to get anything for me. Hmmm...

Then again, there are also Raven Wings:

And dragon necklaces:

We Went To An Epic Game of Thrones Dinner Party! ...But We Don't Watch The Show, So Please, EXPLAIN

John and I just had the most AMAZING Game of Thrones dinner experience, but it's not fair because we don't watch Game of Thrones, so I'm going to share all the goodness here and trust you guys will appreciate it even more than we did.

First, a little background:

Our friends John and Anna love to host big dinner parties, and every Christmas, Easter, & Thanksgiving they throw open their home to all of us without family in town. They're basically our adopted local parents. In reality they're our friend Christie's parents, but now we lay claim and she has to share. 

Now, trust me, with Anna's cooking, you do NOT miss one of their dinners. Even if the theme is for a show you've never seen, like Game of Thrones.

And let's get this out of the way real quick: John and I (that's my John, not host John) aren't GoT people. I'm squeamish and easily traumatized, and John won't watch anything with sexual violence, so GoT is a non-starter. Which is cool, just like it's cool if you like the show. Different death strokes for different folks, eh?

That does mean we were clueless over pretty much everything at the party, though, so bear with me as I explain stuff I know NOTHING about.

Oh, but I did find what I think is a pretty sweet hostess gift:

There are versions of this on Etsy where they'll add in a custom name if you have more time, but since I only had a week I ordered this one from Amazon. And it's so pretty!

This wasn't a costume party, but that's never stopped me and John before. He brought & distributed all our fur cowls from our Knights Who Say Ni cosplays:

(Goes great with a polo, right?)

(The sword belongs to our hosts, and is SUPER heavy.)

Meanwhile I did my best with what I had in my closet:

I wore my Hufflepuff cup necklace, because of course I did.

Now, let's set the stage at John and Anna's place:

Their house is lovely, for starters, and their decor is already kind of Thronesy, from what I can tell. (Anna is originally from Estonia, and they've traveled all over.) John even has furs and big swords mounted on the wall in his game room, ha.

 The plates and cups were especially in theme:

 

And the table was set with candles, dragons, coins...

... and fun miniatures:

You'll see the bread in a minute. It's worth the wait, I promise!

We got there early that day to play Borderlands together (told you they're awesome), but here's the table later with everything lit up: