what i think of it

A little something for hibernation

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Well, we’ve another Christmas Past to add to the roster. The lights are down, the ornaments safely packed away. For those of us here in the valley, we’ve now the arduous task of seeing the winter through. That means snow and ice, and more than our share of inversions—where the temps drop, the sky hides for days, and you constantly teeter on the brink of utter misery.

In times such as these we’ve really no recourse but to buck up—and by buck up I mean don flannel PJs, snuggle in, and binge watch your favorite shows.

As it happens, my brother suggested my latest love: Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries . . .

MissFishersMurderMysteries2

Set in 1929 Melbourne, it follows the adventures of a certain Miss Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis). She’s a private detective, you know—much to the chagrin of Detective Jack Robinson (Nathan Page). Smart and sassy, kind and witty, she tangos her way through the upper echelons and dark recesses of society, alike.

She does it all.

And with the exception of justice, she takes a rather free-spirited approach to life–including sex (she really likes the boys, that Phryne Fisher). And that, my friends, is my disclaimer.

So if you’re looking to feast your eyes on the opulence of the roaring twenties (Miss Fisher’s wardrobe, alone, is positively swoon worthy); if you’re looking to get to know a hodgepodge of charming characters; if you’re looking for a hint of intrigue, minus the gore; if you’re looking to get away for a bit in a world that’s utterly fanciful, I highly recommend Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.

P.S. As it happens, the television show is based on Kerry Greenwood’s novels. According to Greenwood, “I decided to try a female hero and made her as free as a male hero, to see what she would do.” If the show is any indication, she does quite a lot. I best pick up the novels to read the bread of her shenanigans . . .

If I had a hammer

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One grandfather was a mechanic. One grandfather was an electrician–as is my father. Together they taught me that every girl should know how to change a tire, change the oil in a car, and rewire household fixtures with little to no assistance. I’m not sure how many of those lessons I took to heart, but I do know my Phillips to my flat-head. I know every girl should have tools all her own — and I’m pretty sure those tools should be a reflection of her style.

Take this hammer-screwdriver set, for instance . . .

tool set

{Hammer Screwdriver set from Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.}

A modern take on the basics . . . just the basics.  Perfect for those little projects that don’t break a sweat. An added feature: the built-in excuse; after all, if you haven’t the tools to get the job done, you can’t possibly be expected to do it yourself!*

*My poor, poor grandpas; if they were around to see this post, they’d be so disappointed. My dad? Well, considering he’s usually the one I call to finish the job, he’d probably be the least bit surprised. 

My one weakness

Lark_Rise_to_Candleford

It seems I’ve quite fallen for a little show called Lark Rise to Candleford.

It’s my one weakness.

Sure, BBC cancelled it a couple years ago. So in theory, we should be discussing something more current–like the latest intrigues of Downton Abbey. While I do like Downton, I can only take so much. The cattiness and otherwise evil schemes of certain wily characters raise my blood pressure to unhealthy heights. It can’t be good for a person. Lark Rise to Candleford, on the other hand, I could watch, quite happily, every evening, for the rest of my life, and be perfectly content.

Which is funny, because I wasn’t at all sure after the first episode. I thought it fine; I thought it deserved a chance–that’s the only reason I kept watching. But by the second series I was smitten. So what is it that stole my heart? So glad you asked . . .

  • Let’s be honest, BBC can do period pieces like  no other. Lark Rise to Candleford is certainly no exception.
  • It’s an adaptation of Flora Thompson’s autobiographical trilogy–Lark Rise, Over to Candleford, Candleford Green; set in the late 19th century, it follows a young Laura Timmins as she moves from the small hamlet of Lark Rise to the wealthier, market town of Candleford.
  • See those characters up there? Love every one. Not a one perfect, not a one wholly evil or bumbling. Perfectly cast, they have you laughing one minute, crying the next, and cheering them on throughout.
  • It’s an entertaining look at life. And while more than a century separates our lives, you can’t help but see all we share.

So, if ever you tire of the current menagerie on television, and find yourself in the mood for a bit of charm, I highly recommend Lark Rise to Candleford.

Also, for the record, it pairs quite nicely with a warm blanket, hot tea, and cake (cake is my one weakness). Wouldn’t want you to miss out on the full effect,  you know . . .

A civic duty

{and handsome fellas, naturally}

It’s election day here in the good ol’ US of A.

I’m pretty excited. Not so much to boot one candidate out or keep him in, mind you. I don’t place a lot of hope in any one person–because you’ve got to admit, anyone who would want that job must be a few cards short of a full deck. Not to mention, I happen to know the great and powerful Oz is little more than an ordinary man who longs to join the circus.

No, I’m more excited for the pomp and circumstance of it all. I love heading to the polls, standing in line with my fellow Americans, electing those I feel most worthy of the job, and handing my ballot to the volunteer who calls out, “Amy Jo has voted!”

That’s my favorite part–hearing my name. For I can’t help but think of all those who fought for my right to hear it.

So yes, to my fellow Americans, do cast your vote. And may the best man win. But even if he doesn’t, may we be steadfast in our determination to make a positive difference in the next four years.  We are, after all, a republic–our country is a ‘public matter.’ Getting involved after the election is as much a civic duty as the election itself.

Beauty and the beastly truth of it

I have a tendency to amass the simplest of beauty products. Plain, everyday brands adorn my cupboards; there’s nary an apothecary jar or chic label to be found. Gwyneth Paltrow would be appalled–appalled, I tell you.

But here’s the thing: they work. Not only that, but they work quite fabulously. And I should know. There was a day when I tried highfalutin brands; one, it seemed the festive thing to do; two, I figured the designer brand and elite price tag had to work wonders. Yet when it came down to it, those things I tossed in my cart with a head of lettuce often worked just as well, if not better.

And so the ‘chipper chicken‘ tradition lives on.

Right now, I’m quite loving . .

{Dove Visible Care Renewing body wash}

Some of you may still boast skin kissed with the dewy perfection of youth. The rest of us are happy for you–really, we are. But a funky thing happens the older you get; it happens quite suddenly and without notice. You go to bed, looking quite like yourself, you wake up the next morning and just like that “Your Body is a Wonderland” has whole new meaning.

One of the first things to go is your skin’s exuberance. It doesn’t retain moisture quite like it use to, giving it a tendency to look a bit dull. Well, fret not, my friends–Dove Visible Care | Renewing to the rescue. I’ve been using it for two weeks now and my skin is so soft . . . so soft. Even in the midst of a dry, hot summer.

My only complaint: the packaging. It’s large and unruly in size and the cap is difficult to open. Also, I have a feeling it will be near impossible to use all of the wash . . . and that’s just rude.

Also loving . . .

{Curel Foot Therapy}

If you’ve been around for awhile, you know I swear by Curel’s Hand & Cuticle Therapy–so it should come as no surprise that I’m equally delighted with their Foot Therapy. Since it absorbs quickly, you can even apply it right before slipping on your shoes, without fear of injury {ask not how I know this}.

That said, if you’re looking for a little extra moisture for your skin, I highly recommend the products, above. Give them a try–your epidermis and piggies are sure to thank you!