"The proven theory that women... pay more for everyday things branded 'for women' than men do, such as 'women's shampoo,' 'women's razors,' and 'women's deodorant.'"
I don't know if it's a proven theory and this definition was written by a grumpy SJW, but it's pretty much accurate. There are definitely some of you out there shaking your head and rolling your eyes, thinking I'm being ridiculous. I definitely thought it was BS when I first read about this a couple years ago. When I started buying my own beauty/care products, I really noticed the differences between the prices for products that were marketed towards women as opposed to those towards men. Most specifically razors.
For the record, and all the judgey SJW's out there, no I don't shave to appease men, kay? I started shaving cause I was bullied for it in middle school. Now I shave because I feel like a super sleek dolphin with smooth AF legs. Also under arm hair is gross, on anyone. So, moving on!
I have very dark, very thick hair, so I shave my legs every 3 or so days in the summer, and as little as possible in the winter (gotta insulate!) and under my arms pretty much every time I shower. As you can imagine, I was going through razors pretty quickly for a while. In college, I stopped buying them as often, trying to save a little money. For someone with very sensitive skin, this was a very bad plan. My skin was very itchy after every shower, and no amount of moisturizer did any difference. I was in a lot of pain, and I was miserable. I finished up the semester, came home, and returned to using the cheaper brand razors that the other ladies in the house used. I also started using a shaving cream. The cream helped, but I was still miserable.
About three weeks after this, I was in Walmart food shopping with Mama M and went to look for a new kind of razor. I was looking for one that was on the less expensive side, but still had some sort of soap in the blade part to help reduce some of the pain and itchiness. I had previously used the women's Schick Hydro razors, and was pretty happy with them. I grabbed a pack of three plastic disposable razors and turned to go, when something caught my eye. Not a foot over, there was a pack of Schick Hydro razors for men. This package came with a metal handle and a total of two sets of cartridges.
The women's razor? $8.97
The men's? $9.42
So for $8.97, I can have razors for about 60 days. So in a year, I'd need to spend $8.97 six times to have razors. That's about $54 per year.
OR
For $9.42, I can have razors for 60 days. With this package, I'd be spending $11.35 for replacement cartridges about twice a year. That's about $33 per year.
I'd be saving $21 per year by using the men's razor.
While $21 might not seem like a lot, think about the savings over 10, 20, 50 years. It really adds up! The products are essentially the same, and in all honesty? I prefer the men's razor! My legs feel so much better after I shave, and maybe it's just me, but it feels like my shave lasts longer too. I'm much happier with my switch.
The only negative thing about the men's razor? I can't keep it in my shower, because the metal might rust. I keep it in the tall cabinet next to the shower, on the little stand it came with. Keeping it out of the water will just help ensure that the handle will last longer before the eventual replacement.
In my eyes, using the men's razor instead of the women's is a great way to battle the pink tax, feel like a little more of a feminist, be a little more like a sleek dolphin, and save some money. What can be better than all of that??
Let's chat in the comments! What razor do you use? Would you consider trying out a men's razor? Questions? Comments? Concerns? Insults? Leave them all below!
I'm off to go tell everyone in my house how much of a smooth, sleek dolphin I am right now. Until next time,
Coming to you from M, Personally
I spent the past two years of my life living in Washington
DC, one of, if not the biggest tourist cities in America. As a college student,
it was pretty easy for me to fall into the “tourist traps” of the city whenever
I would head into DC Proper. For most of those two years, I stuck to the usual
spots. But once, on a routine walk by 1600 Penn, I made a spur of the moment
decision to bypass my future home/office and wander down an opposing side
street, following my nose to what one can only call the greatest taco truck
ever found. This new discovery really stirred something in me: a desire to find
the next taco truck. Literally or metaphorically, I was okay with either.
This first bit of fuel drove me to the ends of the metro
lines in search of something. As a self-described homebody, this exploration
was new for me, but I kind of loved it. Since that day I’ve had a drive to
explore the world around me, and all it took was a little inspiration.
...
If you liked this, you should check out the rest of the article over on GoWonder Blog! I did a short guest post there that came out on Saturday. It's pretty good if I do say so myself!
I'm back on my regular posting schedule, so check back here on Friday for a new post! But until then,
Writing to you from M, Personally
Long time no speak, right? I suck, I know! There's been a lot in the works on my end, and I promise, promise, promise, good things are coming!
I know this is two Real Talk posts in quick succession, but these kind of discussions just pop up when they want to, so I'm at the mercy of that. Don't worry, this one is gonna be much shorter than my Quarter Life Crisis post!
For the past few months, I've been pretty alone when it comes to the boyperson front. There's been a few dates now and again, but nothing too promising. That's really not a bad thing though. In the past few months I've also had to make some pretty big decisions in my life. Especially after my little crisis, I spent a lot of time focusing on myself. Which was really good for me. The other day, I was painting my shelves (as part of my Room Redo project), and with painting, comes thinking. Sometimes good, sometimes not so much. On this particular day, my mind started asking some questions, particularly two pretty heavy ones:
Am I ready for another relationship?
Do I need another relationship?
Taking this question by question, Am I ready for another relationship? To answer this, I looked to my mistakes in my past.
One of my biggest problems was that I was extremely dependent on the other person for way too much. When I was in or attempting to be in these relationships, I was not in a good place, mentally. I relied heavily on the person for my happiness. I don't mean that they made me happy, I mean if they weren't texting or snapping me that day, I was in a bad mood. They were the sole source of it for me. Which, in case you didn't know, is bad. Honestly, I was kind of creepy. Once I finally realized what I was doing and got yo the root of the problem, I've really fixed my behavior to be more, well, normal. I'm not always in the most perfect mental state, but I've learned to concentrate my happiness on myself and my actions more than anything else.
Another problem I had was that I have this constant feeling that I'm running out of time to do everything. I feel like I should already have my degree, and a well paying career, and be married, and be a football playing king in space by now. And I'm not even twenty years old. I know I have time, but sometimes my brain goes on the fritz and freaks out. Fixing this is kind of just impossible, I really just have to constantly remind myself to stop, breathe, and live in the moment. I'm starting to get to a more relaxed point now.
Those two are the big issues, anything else is just small potatoes. I've really grown from my mistakes and I've learned to be more, normal? If that's the right word? So am I ready to be in another relationship? I think so.
That leaves me with the harder question, Do I need another relationship?
On it's face, yeah it would be nice to have someone to share experiences with and spend time with, who doesn't like that? Thinking deeper, do I want to share so much of my energy and focus with someone else? It sounds so selfish, I know, but I've been on such a good streak lately. I've worked very very hard focusing all of energy on myself to out myself in a much better place than I was a year ago. It's not that I don't want to share all of my focus and energy, I'm afraid of risking everything I've worked to improve myself. I'm happy with who I have become. I love myself. Do I need another relationship? No. I don't.
That may leave a certain few of you wondering, okay, so what now?
As I wrote the first draft of this post, I planned to say that I wanted a relationship. Then I though need fit it better. Then I realized that I didn't want one in the capacity that need was synonymous with it. I hit the point in my writing where it hit me, I didn't need anyone to make myself happy. I am happy on my own. I am finally the happy independent, proud, funny girl who love herself for who she is. I don't need anyone to "complete me," hell, I complete me. And with that, I realized that I am ready to find someone who is my equal to spend time with and experience life with. Why? Because I realized that in a relationship not only do I give half, but I get half too. Both people put in to balance each other out.
So that's my little bit on relationships, and that's where I am now. Let me know what you think in the comments below, but until next time,
Hey there everybody. I've been gone a while. But I think it's time we had a pretty serious chat. This post has been pretty tough to write, but putting it off does no help for anyone. Some parts were easier than others to write. The what to say wasn't bad, but the how? That was the more difficult part. I kept trying to hammer it out, but it just wasn't happening. So I did what anyone would do. Packed up a bag, went to the southernmost point of LBI, sat down and wrote it out, pen and paper style. So here goes.
As I'm sure you all know, the past year as been incredibly difficult for me in quite a few ways, but especially academically. I'll save myself the trouble of typing it all out and you the boredom from reading it all. In short, I fucked up. Real bad. And I brought it back. In one calendar year, I moved my GPA from 1.05 to 2.35. It might only be 1.3 points, but any college students out there, you know how big of a deal that is.
Recently though, there have been more issues. I found out that I would need to take 18 credits in the fall semester in order to graduate on time. The meant an extra credit fee, and a lot more work. For reference, most of my friends were taking 15-16 credits per semester. I considered going longer, attending for another semester instead, but the grant I received from AU would only cover another four semesters. With a 43,000 annual tuition, I'm pretty dependent on that grant.
On top of that, I had been waitlisted for on campus housing. I was number 78 on the list, meaning I was pretty much SOL on that front. DC housing is very expensive. And I am very broke. So the situation was very bad.
So add up incredibly heavy workload, incredibly problematic housing, already a lot of debt, and a seemingly infinite number of little things I just couldn't stand, what does that give you? Ding, ding, ding! You guessed it! Yes sir or ma'am I am now a (not so) proud transfer student!
There's a lot more on that, but I'll save the details for a later, more specialized post.
Here is the plan for all this crazy shiz:
I transfer out of American University to Ocean Community College.
I will stay at OCC for the fall 2016 semester.
After that semester, I have two options:
1. I transfer to a state university near New York or Philadelphia to finish my Bachelor's degree.
2. I stay for the year to finish my Associate's in Liberal Arts/Political Science, then transfer to a state university to finish my Bachelor's.
I haven't decided yet, but it's something I'm going to have to think long and hard about. I'll probably do a lot of my deliberation here, but also with my parents as well as an academic advisor from OCC. Either way, my goal is to graduate by December 2018 with a major in Political Science and minor in Communications or Journalism. It is a flexible plan, as I have certainly learned that strict plans aren't always good plans.
To that effect, there is one quote that certainly describes the life lessons I've learned this is it...
Anyone who knows me, knows one big thing about me: I plan. I plan everything. I plan so much sometimes, I don't do. It's a big flaw of mine, but I'm slowly (very slowly) learning to live with/control it. I've been getting better, but transferring? Well it was a pretty big punch in the face..
Yeah it felt kind of like that looked. I knew in my mind that transferring was the right decision for me, but it just felt like I had failed. My grand plan for college was 100% out the window now. I felt like I wasted so much time and money. I felt like I had failed everyone in my life. I couldn't do it.In my head it was the right choice. But to the rest of me, I felt like I should've stayed, for everyone else.
I was really overwhelmed by my decision and I reacted in a very adult way. I went to bed at 6 PM and watched YouTube videos.
(Yes, I am definitely ready to grow up, I assure you.)
But one of the videos I watched was Estee Lalonde's #FindingYou video all about the thing all twenty-somethings know so well, a Quarter Life Crisis.
I always joked about having a quarter life crisis. And some of those times I really thought I was having a quarter life crisis. But until I literally turned everything on it's head, I never really had a legitimate crisis. I'm sure plenty of people would bash the idea, of a quarter life crisis, but my situation really felt/feels like a crisis. I had operated on my own perfect college ideal for so many years, and now, here I was, throwing that out the window. More on that another time, but it's safe to say I was freaking the f@!# out having a legitimate quarter life crisis.
But after watching Estee's video, I really felt better about it. I mean, I was still flipping out, but just like two or three steps down from utter freak out. It was oddly comforting to be reminded that plenty of other people have these crises too, even the lovely Estee.
At the end of the video, I think I got the best advice. What will be will be, the idea that yes it's your life, but somethings will happen and you just have to be flexible and roll with it. Take as many opportunities as you can, don't be a passenger, life is short so live it the the best you can. Take the reins a bit. If you screw up, it's okay, it's part of life.
The best bit to me was when Estee says that if you're starting to feel this crisis coming on, just know that it's your mind and body telling you that you're starting a new phase in your life and this is the time to start cementing everything in your life that you like and finding what makes you happy. That and the idea that your twenties is such a perfect time to take all the chances you've wanted to take.
I finished Estee's video with a weird calm. I had this new sense of reassurance regarding my decision, but also a new sense of "can-do." There had been an idea rolling around in my head for a while, but it was finally starting to solidify, becoming less of an idea or a possibility, and more of a reality. I just kept thinking, you know, I could do that..
And that's when I said to myself, you know what? F@!# it, why couldn't I do it? What is holding me back??
I've been watching YouTubers since the days when Shay Carl started his channel, iJustine was the only queen of YouTube, Phil DeFranco was just sxephil, Let's Play's were all long, and the What The Buck Show was the only drama show around. Ten years ago, I was nine years old. Being a YouTube content creator was only something that cool adults did. Now there are people of all ages from all around the world. Technology is so much more available, for goodness sake, we have a 1080p webcam just sitting in a spare drawer! I remember when YouTube didn't even have HD video for goodness sake!
So here I am. At my quarter life crisis. My twenties there in front of me. A whole new decade. A whole new chapter, ready to be written. So here I am. Taking a gigantic leap into something that scares the ever-loving hell out of a shy introvert like myself. I'm going to put myself on camera, listen to and watch myself talk, and I'm going to put it on the internet. For everyone to see. I'm going to go after my childhood dream. I'm going to start a YouTube channel.
It's one small step for bloggers, one giant leap for M-kind.
I tried to make that witty, but I don't think it went as well as I planned. Either way. You get it.
Why am I doing this? Because I have something to say to the world. Something that I think some people would want to and maybe even, dare I say, enjoy listening to. I also want to connect with people. The blog is an amazing way for me to do that, but YouTube is a more personal way of connecting with people.
Am I terrified of people I know watching my videos? Oh dear lord yes. It's one of the little fears I have to conquer though. It's going to happen. And if I want to end up like Justine or Phil, I kind of should get used to it don't I?
Do I think I will really hit the levels that these big Tubers are at? Ahahaah oh dear god no I don't. That being said, they didn't think they would hit that level either, just saying.
In all reality, I still have a lot to hammer out with this idea. A little bit of rebranding/restyling of the blog, recreating cover and logo photos, and getting my hands on some decent editing software that won't break the bank among other things. I want to try to film and post my first video within the next couple of weeks (eek!). It'll be rough, but you've gotta start somewhere! I'll have to post more about the channel and my progress with it soon in a more focused post.
To close all this up, I want to drop some reality here. I was on a high from Estee Lalonde's video when I made this decision. By the time I finally finished this post, I had had a few days of thought on the subject. I was shrinking back again, nervous about making this leap. I thought about how confident I was that I could succeed if I really dedicated myself to being a content creator. But then what if I failed? What if someone saw my videos and thought I was lame or a loser? What if I just embarrassed myself? I was so worried about everything and everyone. That day, I watched Jack Howard's new video. I really like Jack as an internet personality. I think he's funny and he seems so confident in his videos, like talking to the camera is so effortless for him. I liked this video, because it really brought home a lot for me. The last thing Jack says in this video is, "Is it possible to be confident and insecure? Yep."
And it kind of hit me. Everyone gets insecure about things. And having your face on the internet for everyone to see? Yeah, that's probably really tough. Whether its 30 people, or 3 million people, it's always going to be hard.
So there it is folks. I'm terrified, and excited. Confident, and insecure. But I am 100% ready for this next great leap in my life. I've got a lot planned, and it's going to be a lot of work. But it's all going to come together nicely I think. I'm completely changing my life plan around, and I think I'm a little bit happy to be this nervous about it. I mean, I've got the whole universe in front of me and no one can stop me.
If you've made it this far, go you! In the comments below, let me know your experiences with quarter life crises, transferring schools, or tackling a big dream! Until next time,
Coming to you from M, Personally
About a year ago I started my 101 in 1001 Challenge. My goal was to read 101 books in 1,001 days. Not too steep of a goal, right? Well throw in 17 hours in class weekly, homework, working, and occasionally sleeping, and that goal became much more difficult than I thought it would be. I've read a good handful of the books on my list, but at this rate, it doesn't look like I'll be getting all 101 done in 1,001 days. That being said, I'm going to restructure my list from X number of books to read in Y days, and instead to X number of books to read.
The new page is titled Reading List. All of the books I'm interested in are listed in alphabetical order, not numbered like they used to be. Each book will be listed with a link to their Goodreads page and, as I finish it, their review. This list is a little better than the 101, because I'm not forced to fill it up with books just for the sake of the number, but also I'm not limited by the number either. Head over to the list here to see the changes!
In the mean time, I definitely own you guys an update on the books I've finished! You can check out all my reviews on my Goodreads page here!
I finished Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train a few months ago and let me tell you, I don't remember the last time I read a book this fast. At around 300 pages, the isn't particularly long nor short. Once you get about halfway through, the pages absolutely fly by! The story is told from the perspective of three different women whose lives just barely touch. Seeing the best and worst of human nature, everything begins with Rachel, the girl on the train. The book is an intense psychological thriller, that'll have you absolutely hooked until the very, very end.
The film for The Girl on the Train is slated to come out this October, and I cannot wait to see it in theaters! The cast looks amazing, especially Scott.
Both my reading of E. Lockhart's We Were Liars as well as the review were a long time coming. If you were one of the people to attend BookCon 2014, you definitely saw the We Were Liars both. It was pretty intense, and left everyone hanging on the cliff, waiting for the book to come out. Everything comes from the perspective of Cadence. Through her, we follow the story of the summers of a distinguished family on a private island near Martha's Vineyard. I read this book on a recent flight to Chicago. I read about half of the book on the way there, and finished it 2/3 of the way back. The beginning is a little slow and confusing. There are a lot of characters and the map in the beginning of the book is much needed. Once you figure out who belongs to who and where, it's much smoother to read. Even though the beginning grinds a little bit, once the plot starts moving, it just doesn't stop.
The end of the book is stunningly written. All I can say for the end without giving it away is that you'll finish the book smiling.
Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See was another stunning piece of literature Absolutely worth the Pulitzer! The story follows two main characters, Marie-Laure and Werner, as they traverse their worlds during World War II. Their stories parallel through the book. Though it does take place during World War II, it's completely different than I expected it to be. It isn't a sad story. Yes, there are sad parts, but in the end it's a story of adventure. Doerr's writing will take you all over in your herat and mind. I was a little bit exhausted after I finished this book, but it wasn't exhaustion from a difficult read, it was exhilarating! I held my breath in suspense, I whispered the words in my mind when it was quiet, I felt like I was actually there, seeing and feeling the same things that Marie-Laure and Werner were seeing and feeling. Doerr's writing put me in the moment like very few novels had recently. It really reminded me of my true love for reading.
Those three are the big one's I've read lately. Check out my Goodreads page for a few more recent reads that I didn't have as much to say about this time around. Also check out My Reading List to see what's up next on my TBR list and what I'm currently reading. Don't forget to follow me on all of my social media links below, I always post what I'm reading and when I get a new book. Let me know your recommendations for books to try out too! I always love hearing what you all have to say too! I'm about to go crack open a new book, so until next time,
I got to hear the whole of Netherlands performance and I love it!
Azerbaijan here we go!
Still sounds just like One in a Million from Miss Congeniality
Blonde back up dancer guy looks like sexy football stripper. And I am okay with that?
Didn't like the song, but your hair is amazing Azerbaijan.
I love Hungary's intro video.
Damnit, he does sound like Nickleback..
Back up whistlers on point.
Drum guy is the real star.
Back ups dancing like an early 2000's video game character
This one is so weird looking. Like why is there a dangling eye..?
It's cute. But is it win worthy? No way.
English or Italian. Pick one.
Turnip for what? Or is that a radish? Someone ask Michelle!
YES ISRAEL SLAY IM SO EXCITED
I LOVE the visuals on this one SO much!!
SO SPARKLY and it totally works!
And it rains fire!! YES!
Kind of not pumped for Bulgaria tbh
Poor girl had lipstick on her teeth!
She's amazing, but it's too much! And still sounds just like last year.
Smosh logo on her ears..
Light pants: cool, but silly.
Sweden! Haven't heard you yet!
He looks a tiny bit like Nathan Kress..?
Looks like he just had a cramp.? You okay Sweden?
This is just, meh really. It's boring.
The light show is making me totally not pay attention to the singer.
MISTAKE. DEVIL. LIES.
It just looks odd that Germany isn't not repping her own culture
Despite that, she's really talented and I really like the song!
France looks like a Jonas brother
Just because you're France doesn't mean you can get away with the foreign language nonsense
It's okay. I don't love it. But it's not the worst. (cough, Poland)
I HATE Poland's song. And performer. He looks like Weird Al.
TOO MUCH EYE CONTACT AHHHHHH!
I'll tell you what color my light is when you tell me when you're getting a haircut.
What color is my life? Idk what's the color is bored?
Shark Tanks are cool.
So excited for Australia again!
Cool sparkly rock.
Still not sure who those faces are...
You keep sparkling to the sound of silence!!
YES GIRL BELT!
I do like Cyprus' different sound!
The cages are a little weird tbh.
Sounds like Somebody Told Me from The Killers!
Serbia seems like it's song is sort of anti-domestic violence? Am I the only one getting that?
But no shoes? WTF?!
Justin Bieber is back. I'm so excited. Can't you tell.
O: Sounds like Let It Go from Frozen.
Don't Let In, Don't Let Them See..!
I hate it when I lose my jacket in a foggy backflip.
Waiting for the dress to come off is so suspenseful...
AH YES! Still love that!
I really like that the background people arena't really a thing, just there for cape removal.
Time for Russia's song, I missed theirs the first time..
He's kind of hot.
OMG I LOVE CASTIEL
Okay the visuals are freaking amazing.
Still judging for that Just Dance thing they had there.
Wait what the hell how did he get up there?!
Espana!
Don't love the outfit, but it's very Spanish style.
I like her dancing! That's what I do.
Ayudame! I've fallen and I can't get up!
Latvia is really good, but it's just really good. It's not great.
I didn't love Ukraine's performance as a whole, but I ranked them high because her voice is STUNNING. Stops me in my tracks every time.
Still spooks me as very cry for help sounding.
Malta's song is good, but sounds like it's something that's on US radio already.
Also this dancer guy is weird as hell.
Use of the term A-Okay
That dancer looks old.
Only four more thanks goodness.
Georgia is playing again and I'm getting flashbacks to Hollister.
And his hat is stupid.
Did he just give a shout out to his mom?! Okay, extra points for Georgia.
Austria looks like Avril Lavigne's cleaner sister.
Why is she signing in French. I'm confused
When you have Eurovision at 8, but prom at 9...
Austria borrowed from Lisa Frank I think.
Still, she was adorable.
UK's performers are the more musical, less awkward versions of Dan and Phil.
Why was Graham Norton's face on the stage?
Trying to leave the EU but sings about always being together get your message straight
Armenia this is weirdly sexual.
Hardcore wannabe Beyoncé
Still, I LOVE her lipcolor.
If Eurovision doesn't work out, I'm pretty sure Victoria's Secret would hire her.
This is slightly sexual and I am slightly uncomfortable.
Please can I be you Armenia? Like not Armenian, just to have your voice and looks and also that lipstick.
GANDALF I LOVE YOU
Burn! Petra killing it again!
Here is my top ten for Eurovision 2016 Finale:
Australia - Armenia - Israel - Belgium - Russia - Serbia - Netherlands - Croatia - Ukraine - Czech Republic
AHHHH JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE!
Bulgaria why are you still lit up. And holding your phone not a flag.
I love ABBA so so much.
I didn't know some of these singers were Swedish! This is really cool!
That was a cute little documentary!
JUSTIN YES OH AND THE BEST SONG STARTING WITH A THROWBACK YES I LOVE IT
I vote USA to win Eurovision.
Updated: rankings:
USA. Just USA. We get all the points.
In all seriousness, Justin was a really great pick to represent the US at Eurovision.
Can't stop the rhythm, so just dance, dance, dance, dance! (Brief commentary interlude to dance to JT's new song with my dog)
This song is better than Sweden's actual entry.
Can I be Petra pretty please.
Man in hamster wheel and I am dying.
This amazing.
"Love love, peace, peace" Eurovision song or Miss America pageant?
Lynda is the extroverted side of my brain.
This is one hilarious Eurovision, go Sweden for this!
GO LYNDA! CROWDSURF TO YOUR DREAMS
This documentary is amazing.
If Donald Trump is elected, I'm moving to Sweden just for the sense of humor.
The guy ion the left looks like he could be John Cena's brother.
Heroooeoeoessssss! Wish he did the full act!
Okay, here we go!
The accents. I can't. Too cute.
This is so exciting! Australia definitely wins it!! I'm so excited!! She is adorable and a little awkward and it's precious.
THIS IS STRESSFUL
AUGHHHH IM SCREAMING
Wait who was the hot guy next to Sweden's singer??
THE SUSPENSE OH LORD
Thank god they took Poland out.
Please Say Russia. Please say Russia. Please say Russia.
NOOO RUSSIA NOOO
OH MY GOD OH MY GOD
UKRAINE IS THE WINNER OF EUROVISION 2016!!
I hope you all enjoyed the attitude and critique filled internal commentary of the Eurovision 2016 Grand Finale. I absolutely loved the show and being able to reach out to so many people with my live blogging! Who knows, maybe this time next year, I'll be live on YouTube instead! I think it would be much more fun that way, don't you? Let me know what you think in the comments or on any of my social media links below! Until next time,
Writing to you from M, Personally! до побачення!
It's 10 PM, I just spent the whole day walking around in NYC, let's do Eurovision!
I love these two so much
THIS IS FROM THE PRODUCERS. I LOVE THE PRODUCERS. I GET THIS REFERENCE
All of the theater references and I LOVE IT SO MUCH
That's how I riverdance
I GET THIS REFERENCE TOO ITS TO WACKOS WORLD
I vote for this opening act to win Eurovision 2016. 12 Points to them for those references.
Eurovision Sooooong CooooonTEEESSSSSSTTT. Yes I am singing along.
"Are you ready?" Aye Aye Captain Let's get this show on the road!
This guy looks exactly like I would expect a Latvian to look tbh.
It's okay, but I'm waiting for the drop
WOAH Cool ass floory things
I mean I like it, I like it a lot. But I don't know if I like it 12 points much, ya feel?
It's not lackluster, but it just doesn't have that special thing I was looking for. A decent start.
Poland's singer is a squirrel whisperer.
I really don't like this.
Try to ask your heart what color is your life? What?
Minimal applause for that one ahahah
There's a lot of suspense knowing that the top ten were kind of already chosesn when I'm watching this..
IT'S HIPSTER ELSA
Where are her shoes, oh ew.
I'm really not loving this one either.
Currently topping the list, because the pyrotechnics just topped Latvia.
Israel looking a little bit like a long lost Jonas brother?
I like the sparkles on his outfit and mic. Stars on the stage are really cool too.
Amazing visuals here, taking full advantage of the space!!
Cool actobats in the spinny thingy!
I like the camera through the hoop!
PYROS!
Weird rocking thing at the end, but definitely topping my list.
Also, yes dreams really do come true you precious soul!!
WAIT WHAT THE HELL IS HE NAKED
Oh okay nevermind.
This wolf thing is a little weird tbh.
There is a unified theme behind this, but it's just like three levels above me and I am not getting his.
And baby. What the hell.
Night two is off to a rocky start y'all.
HELLO NAKED HOST. He can be naked. I'm okay with that.
This clip really doesn't do a good job introducing Serbia. I'm already worried for the song.
Okay.. Weird bladey thing, but she's really talented.. Looks a bit like Kat Dennings?
Is this song against relationship abuse, because that's pretty amazing if it is..
I like that this performance is really about the singer, and NOT throwing visual effects at the audience.
WHY NO SHOES AGAIN
I liked it Serbia! Current number 2!
IRELAND! MY PEOPLE! Big hopes for y'all!
A real band, not just a singer, I like that! Catchy song! Sounds a little bit like Bruce Springsteen's voice..
This seems like an actual song I'd hear on the radio.. Really like it too!
Okay, sorry Serbia, Ireland is up at 2 right now.
Oh I really don't like it when it's not in English. It sounds super ignorant, but I feel like I can't fully appreciate the song, because I have zero clue what they're saying.
Even then, she has a stunning voice!
Creepy drummer close up...
Holy wow high note!!
Donny Montell sounds like the name of the other Jersey Boy that never existed.
Nice use of the lights..
Woah! Big jump!
He's pulling a Bieber with all this camera pointing and making eyes
Ahahaha that one bald guy with zero expression
Cool flip bro.
It's was good. But like. Meh.
I'm looking forward to Australia's entry this year..
She. Is. Stunning.
Who are these faces.. I feel like I should know who they are..
This is another one with a little underlying theme that I'm not quite getting.. Much more than Mace though
I love her voice!!
YAS GIRL BELT!
AH-MAZING!
Slovenia, this sounds a little like transition Taylor Swift
Weird dancing, weird lyrics, weird theme
Blue, Red, the other color doesn't matter. Wait what. Tons of countries don't have blue and red. I mean like Ireland, Spain, Lithuania, Italy, and tons of others.
Not. A. Fan.
Is Viktor Krum Performing? I'd be up for that.
The static makes my eyes hurt.
Sounds really similar to last year's winner to me, a tactic I am NOT a fan of.
She dances like I do lol
Super cool light up costume though.
Wait, who are all these other people?!
Six more countries, and the big yawns are starting. Uh oh, Gotta make it through!!
Heard good things about Lighthouse X.
They look kind of old..?
Cool light up mics though!
I like the lyrics! Cute, global, adaptable to the radio. Soldiers of Love is a little tacky, but it's still cute.
It was really good, but a bit boring
S/O to you America, Love is Love!
Oops, Australia with a little flash there! All forgiven with the Spice Girls though!
Oh, helloooooo Ireland...
Uuh Ukraine, you okay there? These lyrics are making me worried..
This feels a little bit like a dig at Russia..? Just me?
Not sure how I feel about this one really..
Stunning voice! This girl is talented!!
She looks a teeny bit like a Norweigan Ellen Page..
Gorgeous dress!
.. do they have hurricanes in Norway?
I'm liking this one, a little pop-ish for my taste, but really good.
Three more performances. 50 minutes. The sleepies are hitting. Oh boy.
Alright Georgia! New sound! Bringing some life back!
Okay I feel like I'm in a really trippy Hollister..?
This camera work is giving me motion sickness..
Good, catchy, new sound.
Maybe it's the hair, but she looks a little like Jessie J to me
"Message of love can bring change" I do like when these songs have legitimate messages with them.
I like Belgium's hair!
I am liking this one! Jazzy, a little disco, great to dance to!
Plus the singer is just too cute!
It's 11:30, I'm exhausted, and definitely dancing to this one! Go Belgium!!
Belgium definitely has a pretty good shot! Loving that song!
Here are my rankings for the second Semi-Final: Israel/Australia/Belgium - Ireland - Serbia/Ukraine - Denmark - Macedonia - Georgia - Norway - Albania - Lithuania - Switzerland - Latvia - Bulgaria - Slovenia - Belarus - Poland
I realized the reason I ranked Belarus so low, even through the song was okay, I spent most of the time trying to figure out the weird visuals and paid like zero attention to the actual song. It was too distracting.
Ahahaha stab at Nixon, I see that Sweden!
I love that little documentary thing.
I was skipping the recap and missed the name of this thing, but is that Jarvis? Where is Tony?
IT'S SENTIENT! RUN! THE MACHINES ARE TAKING OVER!
Kill it with fire before it becomes a Cylon!
In all seriousness, this is actually really amazing. technology is so cool.
WOAH THREE?!
AND LAZERS OH MY GOD THIS IS SO COOL
You three are cool too, but no lazers.
Ah, ah, ah, ah Stayin' alive!
Thriller! Yes! FAB music choice!
Is this Bey?!
NO DON'T MAKE THEM SAD
Don't unplug him! He was just jamming out man..
WALL-E IS ALIIIIVVVVEEEEE
AND THEY BOWED OMG
Wait, wait, wait, what was his name?!
Was that a masturbation joke?! Holy crap.
The girl from Italy looks terrified.
That fake accent though ahaha
Future Goals: Be Petra.
Here we go Germany. Not loving her Japanese inspired look, I think for Eurovision you should really embrace your own culture, you know?
Either way, she's really talented! And I think like, 17, right? Good for her!
Italy this is weird with your floating stuff..
Again, if it were in English I'd be better able to understand it and the point behind it.
Oh hey, English! I'll have to withhold judgement until Saturday really.
Good song UK! Again, have to wait to hear the full thing to judge, it's pretty pop/radio friendly.
Whoo time to announce! Here we go..
Latvia - Meh. It was okay
Georgia - Okay I'll take it! Good pick!
Bulgaria - Not a fan really.
Australia - YEES!!
Ukraine - Yay! Loved that one!
Serbia - Yay again!!
Poland - No I'm sorry I did NOT like that one AT ALL.
Israel - YES! The poor thing looked so terrified I'm so happy!!
Lithuania - Meh. It was okay.
Belgium - TOTALLY knew it! She was amazing!
So I picked six out of the ten who were chosen for the Grand Finale! Not Bad!
Also JT is performing at the Eurovision finale this weekend and I am real pumped for it. Could this mean that the US will be invited to perform next year? In that case, move over Australia, yall gotta get out of this Star-Spangled way!!
