Movies of the Week

Another week gone, another few movies watched. Something repeats from time to time, while sometimes I find something new. This week again I was watching Sons of Anarchy. The first season was good, but the second is just... awesome! It hooks you up from the very first second and you just can't control yourself anymore. You just have to keep on watching. So, with this continues one more week of good movies and TV series.

The Giver (2014)

10/10

Hot Fuzz (2007)

8/10

Hannibal (2001)

9/10

Unknown (2011)

10/10

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

10/10

Sons of Anarchy (Season 2)

10/10

Eco Products Haul

Gosh! Couldn’t time just stop for a moment??? I was so busy in creating and crafting and all that jazz, and I always feel like I didn’t do even half of the things I’ve planned. Like this article – I bought all the things ages ago, and I am able to post the article only now. Again – I wanted to collect all the information, so that every product would have a proper description with all it’s goodies. And, well, great raw products mean, that there’s coming some awesome organic DIY, which will be perfect for your health and beauty. Everything is tested on me!

OILS

Monoi oil 

Monoi oil is a real hair savior – it deep moisturizes and repairs hair, reduces hair breakage (studies had shown, that using monoi oil can reduce hair breakage by 96%! Isn’t that awesome?!) and increases elasticity. It’s also perfect for moisturizing the skin and boosts it’s elasticity by 28%. Monoi oil is also used as deep-massage oil, it treats well itchy mosquito bites and fades stretch marks. It is also perfect for very dry body places, like heels and elbows. And it smell heavenly!!! Definitely the best smelling oil I have ever had/tried.

Carrot oil

It is a super versatile oil, so I’ll mention few features of this amazing product:

• heals abscesses, boils and other skin disorders;
• nourishes, tightens and rejuvenates the skin;
• helps stimulate appetite;
• treats ulcers;
• stimulates the lymph system;
• treats kidney stones and jaundice.

There’s many more features and one includes it’s tanning properties. Carrot oil, used both internally and externally, gently tans your skin. Natural tanner for the win!

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil helps in wound healing, treats skin infections and other skin affiliations, slows aging of the skin. It also has anti-acne effects. Jojoba oil has antibacterial properties, so it is perfect for strengthening hair fibers from the inside. But wait, there’s more: jojoba oil penetrates hair follicle and hydrates hair from the inside of the hair shaft.

Sweet almond oil

This oil is an absolute winner – there’s nothing that compares to it’s features. I found endless lists of things, that almond oil is used for and I truly believe, that every single one of us should have it in our home. Here are some great benefits of sweet almond oil. It:

• improves the complexion and retains glow;
• moisturizes better and deeper soothes skin irritation and inflammation;
• relieves dry and irritated skin;
• nourishes skin, makes it softer and smoother;
• cures chapped lips and body rashes;
• reduces dark circles;
• delays signs of aging;
• removes impurities and dead skin cells;
• is a good solution for Psoriasis and Eczema;
• ideal makeup remover;
• reduces hair fall and improves hair quality;
• helps to get rid of split ends;
• is a substitute for shine enhancers and leave-in conditioners;
• treats dandruff;
• reduces scalp inflammation;
• prevents heart ailments;
• regulates blood pressure and maintains cholesterol levels;
• boosts immunity and aids digestion;
• boosts memory and strengthens nervous system;
• relives pain and stress of muscles;
• promotes healthy and strong nails;
• strengthens and helps in growth of eyelashes.

Wheat germ oil

It moisturizes and heals dry or cracked skin, prevents scarring, helps reduce skin damage, fights free radicals, supports healthy collagen formation and maintains even skin tone. Wheat germ oil also reduces bad cholesterol, has antioxidant and anti-aging properties, repairs tissues, boosts energy, regulates nervous system, prevents birth defects and promotes blood sugar level.

Lemon essential oil

Lemon essential oil calms stomach and relieves nausea, improves digestion, nourishes the skin and promotes weight loss.

Lavender essential oil

It reduces the irritation and the pain of bug bites (it is also perfect for keeping the bugs away!), improves sleep, excellent tonic for the nerves and anxiety issues. Lavender oil also is one of the most beneficial oils in treatment of acne.

BUTTERS

Shea butter

Shea butter is perfect for dry skin. It helps to heal skin rash, can be used for peeling skin after tanning, calms down itchy and irritated skin. It evens skin tone by treating blemishes, small wrinkles and wounds, cracks. Shea butter does amazing job for softening tough or rough skin (feet, elbows), healing skin allergies, eczema, dermatitis, preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.

Cocoa butter

Cocoa butter improves skin elasticity and tone, it has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, offers some protection from UV light, reduces stretch marks and, of course, is perfect for hydrating skin from within. Additionally, it smells like chocolate!

OTHERS

Beeswax

Beeswax forms a protective barrier on the surface of the skin, which provides a film of protection against irritants, while still allowing the skin to breath. It also offers anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral benefits. Beeswax draws moisture to the skin and seals it in.

Green clay

Green clay removes impurities, tightens the pores, tones the skin, exfoliates dead skin cells, reduces inflammation in acne. It also softens dry, rough skin.

Aloe Vera juice

Aloe Vera is detoxifying, it supports the immune system, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar, is excellent for digestion, makes it easy to boost vitamin and mineral intake. It also helps with hair growth, is good for burns, acne and hydrates the skin well. 

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has many great features. It cures hiccups, soothes a sore throat, lowers cholesterol, prevents indigestion, clears stuffy nose, aids in weight loss, gets rid of dandruff, clears acne, boosts energy levels, banishes bad breath, whitens teeth, fades bruises and helps control blood sugar.



Sources:
livestrong.com, mercola.com, nenonatural.com, stylecraze.com, draxe.com, 
organicfacts.net, sheainstitute.com, marieclaire.co.uk, rd.com.

Movies of the Week

So this week was filled with VERY different things. I was watching loads of documentaries, interviews, web seminars, comedies... Some of them were just totally for fun, while some are useful and help me prepare for entrance exams, which I will have in April. Well, obviously I won't tire everyone here with all the boring business related web seminars, but I'll definitely share some interesting stuff!

Thor 2: The Dark World (2013)

10/10

The Avengers (2012)

10/10

Into the Storm (2014)

7/10

A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)

10/10

Saw I (2004)

8/10

Our Idiot Brother (2011)

9/10

Sons of Anarchy (Season 1)

10/10

The Best Ever Mud Cake (Gluten Free)

I am a big fan of all kinds of sweets, but to be frank many of the things, sold in the shops in Finland, are way too much even for me. I’ve got no idea, why everything is sooooooo sweet over here (maybe because people consume huge amounts of black coffee?). 

Anyway, I found this mud cake recipe back in the summer of 2014. The very first time, when I tried it, I knew immediately, that it was the absolutely best mud cake I have ever made/tasted. I love the idea of using the nuts instead of flour – so much healthier and it also gives a great boost to your taste buds (sorry, if you are allergic to nuts!). This amazing cake recipe is by Donal Skehan. You can find both the recipe and the video over here!

Movies of the Week

This week was really surprising - I liked all the movies I watched. Of course, you just can't unlike a movie like "Thor", which I've seen once before, but others were a great pleasure to watch. Without much small talking, let's get into it!

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)

9/10

The Devil's Knot (2013)

10/10

Sex Tape (2014)

9/10

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

10/10

Gone Girl (2014)

10/10

Thor (2011)

10/10

Home Sweet Home: Wallspiration

While it's snowing behind my window and the thermometer shows way below 0, I am just sitting here in my perfectly white Finnish apartment dreaming about at least few minutes of warm sun or colors. So far - white and dark outside. Isn't it fun living all day long with an artificial light? Nope. Not at all.

ANYWAY. Even though I can't really have much color outside 6-7 months a year, there's always computer magics. And, of course, imagination. And even though I can't really change my apartment (one of the disadvantages of rented apartments), I still keep on planning my future home (hey, would you come sooner???). I love colors, I love boho, I love everything free spirit. Like, how can you say a straight "No" to this beauty?

www.buzzfeed.com

So bright and beautiful! Ah, I can't wait finish my studies and just move on to somewhere warm and sunny with no winter at all. Wonder how it would feel though... Awesome, I guess! Because anytime I want snow, I can just fly back to visit my family. :)

Moving right along!

aperfectgray.com

www.onekindesign.com

www.buzzfeed.com

pixersize.com

I love everything about this living room, especially the purple lights!

www.onekindesign.com

And some lilac color...

living-room-a.com

Flowers, anyone?

tallersmariavictrix.blogspot.com.es

blog.freepeople.com

www.decocrush.fr

And, of course, how without wallpaper?

keepingthechristmasspiritalive365.blogspot.fi

carlaaston.com

One of many proofs, that a brick wall can rock your apartment too!

www.apartmenttherapy.com

Meanwhile this one could be an awesome DIY project!

parisapartment.wordpress.com

Movies of the Week

So I decided, that in the end of the week I’d do ”Movies of the Week” article. Why? Well, firstly, as for a movie addict, it would be a good thing to remember, which movies I’ve seen already. Secondly, many people are usually searching for something to watch, so I believe that it could make certain suggestions for others. There will be no spoilers, I will be like a mini IMDB – just my personal points out of 10 + trailers. Some of the movies I’ve seen once, some – already few times.

So, this week for the first time I’ve watched these movies: Frozen, Tusk, Only Lovers Left Alive, The Host. Movies I’ve seen more than once: The Rum Diary, Sweeney Todd, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Solomon Kane. Some of the movies, that I've watched for the first time, were just something “Meh” (like, for example, Frozen), while others were a real surprise to me. Again, The Rum Diary and Sweeney Todd I watched again just because some of my friends were bragging about how much they would like to watch those movies as they have never seen them. Mission accomplished!

Let’s start the list from the very best (in my opinion) movies.

Tusk (2014)

10/10

Only Lovers Left Alive (2014)

10/10

Solomon Kane (2009)

9/10

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) 

9/10

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

9/10

The Host (2013)

8/10

The Rum Diary (2011)

8/10

Frozen (2013)

7/10

Let it glow!

As much as I am obsessed with home decor, I can tell: this is already way out of my league; it is something, that made me ”wow” picture by picture and, for some strange reason, it reminds me the caves, full of glow worms . All these amazing rooms look like they're out of this world, and it is something I would LOVE to have one day. Yes, it doesn’t look “special” by day, but when the darkness comes… Not sure, if I actually would be able to sleep in a room like this (who knows though?), but it would be a perfect place for stargazing (if you have huge windows or glass roof) or simply hanging out with your friends. But seriously – have you ever seen anything like this?

All these amazing rooms are painted by Hungarian-born Vienna-based artist Bogi Fabian using glowing UV paints. More stunning pictures and info you can find in Bogi Fabian’s official website http://bogifabian.com/.

Nashi Argan Review

For some reason, at some points of my life I get obsessed with certain parts of my body. And even though I try not to forget to take especially good care of my face right now as here in Finland we have harsh temperatures, the thing I care for the most is my hair. I’m just all into that I’m-gonna-get-long-hair-soon-and-very-soon-blahblahblah mode. Anyway, again I was reading loads of internet blogs and watching Youtube videos and found something, that made me interested in argan oil all over again. And so the newest additions to my hair care routine are those two teeny tiny packages of shampoo and conditioner from Nashi Argan.

Nashi Argan is an Italian hair care company, which originally makes their products for professional hair salons (at least it says so), but it’s also available on some internet shops. Here in Finland, of course, we don’t have it (Oh, mother of surprise! *rolling eyes*), so I ordered Nashi Argan products from Swedish internet shop Nordic Feel. I ordered shampoo and conditioner, both prices were the same – 9,90 euros each. Also they have Nashi Argan argan oil, but at the time I skipped it as it was 27 euros and it seemed a little pricey, especially, that I didn’t know is it even worth the money. 


In the company’s website http://www.nashiargan.it/ it says: “Products are made with consideration of impact on environment: packaging is done from recycled and recyclable materials and production process uses energy from renewable sources. All the Argan Oil contained in the products is 100% Bio certified and the biodegradable raw materials are not derived from petroleum products.” 

My opinion. I love, love, love Nashi Argan! My hair feels so soft, clean, shiny and luxurious after using it and it also makes them so easy to brush. It smells amazing (at least my brain tells me so) and the smell stays in your hair for days! It has a really sweet smell and none of my after-wash hair products can take it off, so be aware of that, especially if you are not into sweet smelling things. Now the little bottle of Nashi Argan argan oil is on it’s way too, and I can’t wait to try it! But again, that’s the other story. The only thing I would count as a minus is a tiny package. And by saying tiny, I really mean it: both shampoo and conditioner are packed in 80ml (2.7 Fl. oz.) bottles. Yes, if you have short hair or wash them once a week, it might go a long way for you, but if it would be the only shampoo I am using every time I wash my hair, it would last maybe 3 weeks for me. Conditioner – even shorter.  Anyway, this is the product I will definitely be repurchasing and I definitely recommend it to everyone, who is looking for the hair product, that would moisturize and nourish your hair. 

Book Haul December 2014

If there would be a choice between my favorite food and the book... I’d rather take a book. My obsession with reading and getting to know more is very similar to Carrie Bradshaw’s from Sex & The City addiction to shopping. 

Whenever I go somewhere, my first stop is a book section. Yep, right. But again – I hate crowded shops, where everyone is pushing you around with sorry-not-sorry face, so often I prefer shopping online as it also saves a lot of time. And, well, who would love to leave his very warm apartment, when outside is -15? I wouldn’t. So often (actually, always) I order my books from bookdepository.com. It’s a great website, where you can find pretty much anything you want for a very good price. They ship all the books from UK, and they offer free worldwide shipping. I also love the little details they add to almost every book – these cute bookmarks, designed by their customers. How cool is that?!

So, here we go – few books I ordered on December 2014.

Where you can buy: 
101 storecupboard suppers
Easy budget dishes

I love cooking, but let’s be fair – sometimes it sucks. Firstly, I always choose the recipes, that require 2-3 hours to cook. Secondly, with me trying to do business over here and study in the same time I have very limited time, that I can invest in cooking. Thirdly, I decided to save some more money (because again – business is never a cheap option). So with that being said, I bought these two books, which, to my mind, could have helped me – non-expensive meals, that can be cooked in less than 30 minutes. What can I say about them? I am totally in love with “101 storecupboard suppers” – the recipes are so simple, so easy to make and you don’t need to buy anything fancy as most of the products can be found in pretty much everyone’s fridge. Meanwhile “Easy budget dishes” disappointed me quite a bit – the dishes require quite a lot of ingredients  (the list sometimes go up to 10 ingredients) and preparation time sometimes goes even up to 2 hours. I found some recipes, that I will be using and some of the ingredients can be substituted, but it definitely isn’t one of my favorite cookbooks.

Where you can buy: Four blood moons

I haven’t started reading this one yet, so I can’t really say much of my personal opinion, but the description definitely intrigued me.

“Inspired by NASA projections and recorded history, Pastor John Hagee shows direct connections between four blood-moon eclipses and major world events. Further, he reveals the significance of the four upcoming blood moons and what they portend for Israel and all of humankind.”

Where you can buy: Things I wish I'd known before we got married

Again, another book that I haven’t read yet, but thought would be useful some day in the future. 

“Gary Chapman writes, "Most people spend far more time in preparation for their vocation than they do in preparation for marriage." No wonder the divorce rate hovers around fifty percent. Bestselling author and marriage counselor Gary Chapman hopes to change that with his newest book. Gary, with more than 35 years of experience counseling couples, believes that divorce is the lack of preparation for marriage and the failure to learn the skills of working together as intimate teammates. So he put together this practical little book, packed with wisdom and tips that will help many develop the loving, supportive and mutually beneficial marriage men and women long for. It's the type of information Gary himself wished he had before he got married. The material lends itself to heart-felt discussions by dating or engaged couples. To jump-start the exchanges, each short chapter includes insightful "Talking it Over" questions and suggestions. And, the book includes information on interactive websites as well as books that will enhance the couples experience. Dr. Chapman even includes a thought-provoking appendix. By understanding and balancing the five key aspects of life, dating couples can experience a healthy relationship. A revealing learning exercise is included at the end.”

Where you can buy: A girl is a half-formed thing

I started reading this one (which, actually, I didn’t order from anywhere, but got it as a Christmas gift), but because of lack of time needed to put it aside. It’s a book, that needs your concentration. Not a light funny read, but something more serious and emotional. At least that’s the impression I got, when read  the first few chapters. And by the way – the book is written in a way as if you would be in a girl’s head: just born girl’s, later – 5 y/old’s and so on.

“Eimear McBride's debut tells, with astonishing insight and in brutal detail, the story of a young woman's relationship with her brother, and the long shadow cast by his childhood brain tumour. Not so much a stream of consciousness, as an unconscious railing against a life that makes little sense, and a shocking and intimate insight into the thoughts, feelings and chaotic sexuality of a vulnerable and isolated protagonist, to read A Girl Is A Half-Formed Thing is to plunge inside its narrator's head, experiencing her world first-hand. This isn't always comfortable - but it is always a revelation. Touching on everything from family violence to sexuality and the personal struggle to remain intact in times of intense trauma, McBride writes with singular intensity, acute sensitivity and mordant wit. A Girl is a Half-formed Thing is moving, funny - and alarming.”

Where you can buy: 
Gemstones
Diamonds
Gemstones - Cally Hall
Rocks & Minerals

And, of course, last but not least – few books about something I love eternally. Earlier I would just take some books from the library or find the needed information from the internet, but I simply love having everything next to me. These are the very first books about gems and minerals I actually buy, but definitely not the last ones as in bookdepository.com  I already have a wishlist, which contains like 500 euros worth of books. Moving slowly towards my goal, but the point is to move, isn’t it?

sarahsaysreadbooks.files.wordpress.com

By the way, have you heard of 2015 reading challenge? I found it accidentally on 9gag.com and I think it’s a great way to empower people to read more and educate themselves. Because let’s be fair – these days many people not only don’t read, but also consider it as something boring or waste of time. I am definitely up for this challenge, not sure, if I can fulfill it completely though as many things are happening this year. But fingers crossed!