Shows to Watch When You’re Feeling Blue

Sometimes it’s hard to get invested into a tv show and sometimes you just need some background noise that occasionally makes you laugh. As chaotic as this year has been, I’ll be the first to admit that it’s hard to watch a show that is loaded with emotionally heavy turmoil and drama, like Game of Thrones. While The Office, Friends and Parks and Recreation are the classic favorites, here’s a list of easy to watch shows that you may not know on streaming services that can keep your spirits lifted while filling the void.

Letterkenny (Hulu)

Letterkenny is hands down one of my favorite tv shows – ever – and that’s saying a lot. It is intensely creative, witty and sometimes the humor is so subtle that you’ll absolutely miss it. This Canadian sitcom was the brainchild of Jared Keeso, first launching ‘Letterkenny Problems’ on YouTube in 2013 before it was picked up by Crave in 2015. Centered around the small town of Letterkenny in rural Canada, the show follows the life and shenanigans of Wayne, Katie, Daryl and Squirrely Dan.

Schitt’s Creek (Netflix)

Another Canadian contender, Schitt’s Creek, was recommended by coworkers and I finally caved. The first two seasons are painful to get through – but once it gets going, boy it’s amazing. Synopsis: rich family loses all money aside from a shitty (pun intended) town bought as a joke and now resides there with local, small town folks. Chaos ensues. An easy watch for someone not looking to get attached to characters, also full of subtle humor.

Future Man (Hulu)

This one is completely out of left field. This show features Josh Hutcherson (of the Hunger Games) as a lonely, video game nerd in 2017 who ends up being the savior of humanity – in 2162. With fun time travel mishaps, a crazy crew, endless laughs and an easy to follow storyline, Future Man is a perfect show to just toss on when you don’t know what else to watch. I’m also happy that Hutcherson found something else to do besides Hunger Games!

Great British Bake-Off/
The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)

Let’s be honest, this is the most wholesome, satisfying competition show to watch. If watching Chopped or Iron Chef gives you anxiety, try out Great British Bake-Off. Hosted by comedians, there’s a lighthearted air to the competition. Plus, the bakers are always so nice to each other which is exactly what we need more of this year. There are over 10 years worth of this show, plus spin offs so you’ll be able to rely on this cute show for awhile.

Man Down (Netflix)

Greg Davies, a 6’8” British comedian, plays a primary school drama teacher in Man Down. Loosely based off of his own experience as a teacher in his younger years, this show is created for quick laughs. At only 24 minutes long, these episodes are easy to turn on as background noise while occasionally paying attention to the plot line. Don’t get me wrong – I absolutely love Greg Davies and everything that he does – but this show doesn’t require constant attention.

The Good Place (Netflix)

A more popular show, The Good Place, seems to be whimsical and fun on the surface but actually includes an accurate portrayal of philosophical questions. With a fun cast, easy to follow plot and a few twists along the way, The Good Place is a feel good show. Kristen Bell is amazing as showrunner, but let’s face it: Janet is the best character. If you can’t get into it, please just watch season 3, episode 9: Janet(s). Her acting range is stupid.

Bailey NanceLeave a comment

Antiperspirant vs. Natural: Don’t Sweat the Switch

Deodorant. D. O. for your B.O. Antiperspirant. Pit protector.

A product seeing a rise in popularity in the health/beauty/skincare realm, I’ve found that many people either love or absolutely hate natural deodorant. And with keywords like natural, organic, etc. on the rise, more and more people are looking to make the switch to the natural side of things.

When I was around the ripe age of 14 I was diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, AKA excessive sweating, AKA I was in high school like WTF I WAS SO EMBARRASSED WHY WERE MY PITS ALWAYS WET?! Probably due to the excessive anxiety and undiagnosed ADHD… anyway… I would be sitting in class, colder than a witches titty in a brass bra, and I would feel one little drop of sweat run down my underarm and into my Aeropostale sports bra. I would be freezing but my pits were telling an entirely different story. I had to wear sweatshirts in the summertime and I was that kid who always had a jacket on.

Eventually my doctor blessed me with a prescription-strength deodorant that changed my teenage life, however, I stopped using that once I got into my 20’s. Now that I’m nearing my 30’s, I’ve got my sweating a lot more under control (thanks medication and therapy!), but also due to what I believe is making the switch to natural deodorant.

What is the difference in natural deodorant vs. antiperspirant?

I’m glad you asked! According to cnet.com, antiperspirant contains aluminium which blocks the sweat glands in the armpits and also keeps anything from coming out. Natural deodorant is different in that it helps with smell — it neutralizes the bacteria for when we do sweat. Antiperspirant contains chemicals like aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium, to where natural deo contains more familiar ingredients: coconut oil, cornstarch, arrowroot powder, etc. A friend of mine even makes her own natural deodorant and includes essential oils for smell! {We love a DIY queen.}

So basically, if you come across a product claiming to be an aluminum-free antiperspirant, run the other way. That isn’t a thing.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many people that claim antiperspirant has links to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s. I’m not going to get into that — you can do your own research and form your own opinion.

Do you sweat when you use natural deodorant?

Yas kween — you’re supposed to! Believe it or not, sweating is good for you. Let’s go back to our grade school days (you know, when I was crying from my armpits) and remember that sweat = our bodies regulating our temperatures and releasing toxins. And I know, the smell is an issue for a lot of people. Check this out from theeverygirl.com:

“Luckily for our bodies, sweat isn’t what actually smells; it’s just a mixture of salt and water. What does create that dreaded body odor is when sweat comes into contact with the natural bacteria that lives on our skin. Changing this reaction is easily done with natural deodorant.”

From my own personal experience, I can say with 100% confidence that my armpits have never smelled better since switching to natural. My current deo is unscented, but even the scented naturals I’ve used in the past left me smelling better at the end of a long day. Unlike past antiperspirants, which had me smelling like ass going on a hot date with a pile of rancid, teenage boy socks.

I can tell you there DEFINITELY won’t be a second date. We out here ghosting the antiperspirants.

Okay wow thanks for that incredibly descriptive comparison, Lindsey, but joke’s on you. I tried natural deodorant and broke out into an awful rash. Why?

Another great question! It was recently brought to my attention that many people have struggled with rashes when switching over to natural. I’ll first say my reactions to antiperspirants started becoming unbearable (prompting my switch in the first place), so I can see why you’d want to stick with what’s comfortable for you.

About 6 years ago I noticed a hard, painful bump in my armpit. GREAT!!!!!!! I got it checked out and thank god it turned out to be a swollen lymph node caused by my antiperspirant. I tossed that and switched to a different type of antiperspirant, and whaddaya know, it happened again! My body seemed to want to reject the sweat blockage I was offering daily. After battling that for the next few years, I made the switch to natural. For about the first week I could literally feel my pits detoxing themselves, not in a painful way, but I knew there was a change happening under there.

Okay so, what’s the rash about? According to self.com, natural deodorants can cause a reaction just like any other product can. Many natural deos contain baking soda to help neutralize B.O. but can cause a skin reaction in some people. FYI: there are some natural deos that are baking-soda-free.

For those who prefer scented natural deos, be mindful that some essential oils added for smell (peppermint, lavender, tea tree, etc.) can also upset your skin.

Also, coconut oil. It’s meant to be a skin conditioner in our natural deo, but much like previous ingredients, it can cause irritation to some — like me! I was using a natural deo that had coconut oil in it and I experienced a few pimples in my pits. I switched to a different type and now I am feeling ~*~fresher than a mother~*~

If you attempt to make the switch and notice red, itchy, peeling, scaly skin… you are experiencing some form of contact dermatitis and should consider switching to a different natural.

BOTTOM LINE:

Read the ingredients. If you know you’re allergic to coconut, lavender, peppermint, whatever, don’t buy it! If you test it out and notice the baking soda is itching you, try out a baking-soda-free natural deo. I promise you, there is a natural deodorant out there for you. You’ve just got to be willing to do a little digging for your little pitties.

Natural deodorants I recommend:

Drunk Elephant’s Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream, $16

This is my current HOLY GRAIL DEODORANT! Yes, it’s pricey, but oh my god is it #worthit. A little goes a long way, and you can even apply it with your fingers if the square applicator is awkward for you. It’s packed with wonderful ingredients: mandelic acid, arrowroot powder, shea butter, and FREE of coconut oil (so no pimples for moi). Recently I’ve been, as Fergie said, “up in the gym just workin’ on my fitness”, and my armpits have remained unphased by me getting my swole on. It’s unscented, vegan, and cruelty-free too.

Native Deodorant Coconut and Vanilla scented, $12

This vegan, cruelty-free natural deo has a better price-point for most, and it comes in a variety of cute scents to choose from! (Pumpkin Spice Latte, anyone?) Native also recently launched a plastic-free deodorant line in their most popular scents! It contains ingredients like tapioca starch to keep you feeling dry, as well as probiotics and shea butter. This does contain coconut oil and baking soda, however. Just an FYI. I have a lot of pals who use this and love it.

Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant, $7.99+

This is the first natural deo I ever used and it was a great introduction into this world! A sweet friend of mine recommended it to me and the weird lumps I had been getting from antiperspirants went down almost instantly. A few ingredients: coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, arrowroot, and vitamin E. Unfortunately my body wasn’t stoked on the coconut oil so I did get a couple pimples and had to switch, but nonetheless I’d recommend this for anyone wanting to switch for the first time to see what does/doesn’t work for them. They have options for sensitive skin as well, along with jar formulas!

Tom’s of Maine Deodorant, $4+

Tom’s has SO many different scents for people of all ages. They’re free of any artificial colors, fragrances, and preservatives. Something that’s really nice on their website: you can browse all of their ingredients to find out more! Much like Native, they strive to be environmentally conscious with their packaging — something we can all appreciate.

I hope this helps! Like I said, I understand making the switch can be frustrating because there is sometimes a trial-and-error process. But I can promise you, there is a natural deodorant out there for everyone.

Now, go forth and smell AMAZING, PEACHES!

Lindsey MorrowLeave a comment

Podcasts Are Taking Over My Life

It’s a problem, y’all. I’ll have to admit, I was a little late to the podcast world which is weird — especially since I have a degree in radio. Or maybe that’s why I didn’t listen to them for so long? Either way it’s better late than never.

Now you can catch me listening to them any chance I get. I love a day to myself when I can get chores done and pod’ it up all day LOL. Okay wow I’m never saying that again. The point is, whenever I’m not listening to podcasts, I’m thinking about the next time I’ll get the chance to listen to a podcast.

I’m sure you’re wondering, “Wow Lindsey, all this podcast talk so you must have some great suggestions, huh?” Why yes I do! Thank you so much for asking. Here are my current favorites:

Manifestation Babe Podcast with Kathrin Zenkina will get you SO pumped at wanting to get your shit together. If you’re a fan of “The Secret”, then this is the podcast for you. We love to hear a good “from nothing to something” story, and Kathrin has a beautiful one. She has played a huge role in my spiritual growth, meditations, manifestation practices and MORE. I am forever indebted to her. I can’t wait for the day that we’re best friends.

Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu has taught me a lot about… a lot. Basically. He interviews an insane amount of talented people on topics like money, meditation, mindset, social media, etc. There’s a show out there for everyone. I love the fact that he has celebs on the show too — it gets them in a setting you normally don’t see them in which I can definitely respect. I always finish listening to one of his shows feeling like I gained something positive.

The Mark Groves Podcast normally leaves me feeling either warm and fuzzy inside or like I got smacked in the face. He’s not afraid to have the hard conversations, more often than not it’s exactly what I need to hear at the time. A few of my favorites are when he sits down with LeAnn Rimes, Mark Manson, and talks about holding space for others.

Tracy Otsuka’s ADHD for Smart Ass Women — DUH! It’s so good I’m in the Facebook group. I will say, it makes my ears want to bleed when someone says they’ve found their “tribe,” but if I were to say that, this group would be it. Tracy is so helpful in teaching and talking with others who teach all their tips and tricks for dealing with ADHD. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate having ADHD, but I also don’t love it… yet. (I’m learning to, ok?? We’re all on this self-love journey together.)

And last, but DEFINITELY not least, the Call Her Daddy podcast. That’s right. One of my girlfriends introduced me to this last year and I’ve been obsessed ever since. If you want the best for you AND your partner, give this a listen. Alex is hilarious and has given me quite a few pointers to say the least… 😉 Alex did have a co-host (Sophia) at one point but they’re no longer together, and the tea on that is PIPING HOT!!!

CONTENT WARNING: This is not for the faint of heart (men). There are many people (men) out there who aren’t comfortable with strong women talking about their sexuality even though it’s 2020! Maybe if the haters (men) of this show gave it a listen and opened their minds, they (men) would learn that we all deserve to have good sex. Not just them (men).

Okay phew wow anywayyy those are my fave podcasts! Let me know yours! Love ya

Lindsey Morrow1 Comment

Period Cravings Turn me into Ariana Grande

That’s right. Every month when my godforsaken period rolls around, I want to eat all of the food. And by that, I mean everything in sight. I would normally describe myself as quite the #SnackQueen, but as soon as that time of the month rolls around, I can’t help but quote our Lord and Savior:

I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it.

Ariana Grande

So, why are we blessed with period cravings? According to healthline.com, it’s all thanks to the hormones! Estrogen and progesterone levels change right before your period starts, causing your diet to be even worse than it was before (if you’re me).

Progesterone: Helps thicken the lining of the uterus to prepare for a fertilized egg. Also helps regulate the menstrual cycle.

Estrogen: Basically… regulates the reproductive system as a whole.

To sum it up, we’ve got progesterone in one corner and estrogen in the other ready to whoop my cranky, hangry ASS every time Aunt Flo pays me a visit. Rude.

Let’s talk types of cravings now. During my most recent period I ate two entire boxes of Pop-Tarts in a day and a half. I also wanted all the carbs I could shove into my big mouth.

Is this necessary? No.

Is it needed? HELL. YES.

“I want it, I got it,” remember?

In that same Healthline article, it explains that craving carbs comes from something deeper the body is wanting: serotonin. That “S” word that everyone is on the hunt for these days. Turns out that eating an entire chicken alfredo from Fazoli’s isn’t the answer because it makes you feel more sluggish than before. Yay!

That means don’t even THINK about eating two whole boxes of Pop-Tarts (@ myself) because all those sweets will cause you to crash hard. And you’re already about to get wrecked by mother nature. She is the ultimate HBIC {Head Bitch in Charge for those of you who aren’t #woke.}

Now let’s compare notes. I’ll show you mine, you show me yours. Some of my other must-haves during The Crimson Tide are:

  • Chocolate + Peanut Butter ANYTHING
  • Taco Bell
  • Donuts. Especially with sprinkles. Good lord in heaven let them rain down on me
  • Bread. Bread. BREAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’M OPRAH BECAUSE BREAD! TAKE ME TO PANERA RIGHT NOW! okay wow sorry
  • An order of Burger King fries bigger than Mount Everest. They have the best fries and if you disagree please tell me where to meet so we can fight
  • Almond milk yogurt — SPECIFICALLY vanilla — SPECIFICALLY Silk brand. My mouth waters at the thought.
  • Brownies. Duh.

I could go on but this is starting to get weird. Your turn! Please share some of your fave period snacks/meals/anything with me. I’m always looking to expand my palate because even though my cravings got me feeling like Ariana Grande, my period as a whole can be described in four simple words:

Lindsey MorrowLeave a comment