Must See: Les Misérables

As most of you might already know... I love Broadway musicals! And, on May 31st I was fortunate enough to see Les Misérables on stage in NYC. As you can imagine, I was so excited that I would be watching this (oh so) classic musical live.

In March, Les Mis was finally brought back to Broadway. This revival was produced by Sir Cameron Mackintosh, who also produced the musical back in the 80s. Actually, in 1987 it won the Tony for Best Musical (to much of his credit). This year it has been nominated for three Tony Awards: Best Revival of a Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (Ramin Karimloo), and Best Sound Design of a Musical (Mick Potter).

Summary:
Les Mis is a sung-through musical, has little to no spoken dialogue, based on Victor Hugo's novel (of the same name). The story takes place in 19th century France during the course of about 17 years (1815 - 1832). It centers around Jean Valjean and his quest for redemption. The main antagonist is Javert, a relentless inspector who vows to find prisoner 24601 and "not rest until he is safe behind bars". Throughout the years Valjean meets many other characters; including: Fantine, Cosett, the Thénardiers, Marius, and Éponine; who change and shape his life in different ways. The musical brings to light the themes of mercy, forgiveness, love, loss, God, morale, corruption, rebellion, and many more.

My experience:
I have to say that no other musical has affected me the way that Les Mis does... constant goosebumps!!! The musical numbers are out of this world amazing & very moving! And hearing & seeing it live really does make all the difference. The scenery, props, and projections are just outstanding. I wouldn't have expected less from such a "big name" production. However, as much as I hate to say it, there was one thing that was off... The musical numbers during Act II seemed to be a bit rushed. It was as if the orchestra was playing too fast and the actors where trying to catch up with them. This was incredibly evident during the number, "Stars" and "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" (which are two of my favorites). Nonetheless, this incident did not in any way ruin my experience. Like I said before, this musical affects me in a special way. And if you are like me... you will cry! So make sure to take a few tissues! I absolutely love this musical & I love the fact that I got to see it on Broadway. I sincerely could not recommend it enough!!!

Have you seen Les Misérables on Broadway yet?

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!

Must See: YouTubers (Beauty Gurus)

It's no secret how much I love YouTube... So, I wanted to dedicate today's post to some of my favorite Beauty Gurus. The truth is that if it weren't for these amazing people I wouldn't know as much about beauty products, application, brands, & techniques as I do now (of course, I'm no expert... not even close!). Not only are they informative, but they're entertaining and most of all inspiring.

Bear in mind these are just some of my favorites (if I were to include all of them this would be a very long post!). Let's start the list! Also, I have linked their channels (just click on the names).

From right to left: Michele1218, Gossmakeupartist, CheckInTheMirror, Amarixe, Itsjudytime (All pictures were pulled from each respective Intagram)

Michele1218: If I'm not mistaken, I've been watching Michele the longest (even before she got engaged, married, and had a baby! Actually, before I created a YT account). One of the things that I have always loved about Michele is how honest and specific her reviews & tutorials are. Oh, and she really knows her stuff! Make sure you check out her "Battle/Comparison" videos (they're spot-on and not to mention awesome!).

Gossmakeupartist: Where do I begin...? I have learned so much from watching Wayne. With 15 (or plus) years of experience in the makeup industry, it seems like there is nothing that he doesn't know. If he recommends it, you best believe I'm looking into it! Wayne has never failed me. On his channel you'll find great tips & amazing reviews. Honestly, he's like the best friend you have always wanted.

CheckInTheMirror: Rachel is the epitome of lovely! Plus, she has amazing taste! I just love how insightful her reviews & tutorials are. And, her cheerful bubbly personality is absolutely infectious. Her channel is not all about beauty, it's also about fashion, food, health, and home decor. I should also mention that her husband, Byron, also has a channel (ByronTalbott) where he shares amazing recipes. Make sure to subscribe to both of them!

Amarixe: I've also been watching Allison's channels (beauty & vlog channel) for some time now. I particularly enjoy her videos because we have similar tastes.  She's a girly girl, like me! At the end of each month I look forward to her "Monthly Favorites". Also, on her second channel she gives wonderful book reviews, "AllisonReads", and sometimes responds to her favorite TV shows, like Pretty Little Liars.

Itsjudytime: Judy is just awesome! If you're looking for great makeup tutorials Judy's channel is the place to go. Her "First Impression Reviews" are some of my favorites. Best of all, she has a vlogging channel (Itsjudyslife) with her husband, Benji, and three daughters (they just had twins... can you say "Super-parents"?) where they upload every day. Their little girls are absolutely adorable and they are so down to earth! You won't be able to get enough of them.

I wanted to include that most of them also have amazing blogs that you should also go check out. If you would like to show your support, subscribe to their channels. I know you won't regret it!


Who are your favorite YouTube Beauty Gurus? Let me know down below!

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!

Must See: Favorite Audrey Hepburn Movies

During my early teens I (like many others) wasn't really sure of who I was or who I wanted to be, and found inspiration in a very special lady, Audrey Hepburn. What has always captivated me about Audrey is how well rounded she seemed to be. She was elegant, sophisticated, intelligent, talented, & (maybe most important of all) a humanitarian. I think this is why she is so iconic and means so much to so many people. To this day, she is one of the people I idolize the most.

On Sunday, May 4th, Google honored Audrey with a Doodle in celebration of her 85th birthday. That got me thinking about which are my favorite Audrey Hepburn movies of all-time. In an effort to be brief, I choose to share with you my personal top five!

Here we go! (P.S. I've included a link to the trailers of each film. Just click on the movie's title.)

1. Funny Face (1957) - Two words: Fred Astaire! I have to admit that I'm a bit impartial to any movie with this man in it. He is unarguably one of the greatest stars of all time! Fred did it all: act, sing, and dance (and boy could he dance). Funny Face showcases all of Fred Astaire's talents along with Audrey Hepburn's. In this musical Audrey plays Jo, a bookshop employee and amateur philosopher who gets wrapped into a exciting adventure in Paris. This movie is just plain fun. Between the music, choreography, fashion, and scenery you don't have time to get bored. It's absolutely S'Wonderful!

2. Sabrina (1954) - In this romantic comedy Audrey plays Sabrina Fairchild, the chauffeur's daughter, who is madly in love with David, the Larrabee family's youngest son. But, David doesn't even notice Sabrina (yea, like you wouldn't notice someone like Audrey Hepburn...). However, Sabrina undergoes a transformation and becomes an elegant and sophisticated woman. The problem is that David is not the only one who notices, his older brother, Linus (played by the legendary Humphrey Bogart), does as well. This movie is just beautiful! The outfits that Audrey wears are absolutely stunning. So stunning that in 1955 the film won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. And then of course, the film is full of romance and has some great comedic scene (mostly delivered by William Holden, David). It will sweep you off your feet.

3. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) - This is undoubtedly one of Audrey's best known films. Here she plays (the oh so iconic) Holly Golightly, an eccentric socialite, who isn't really who she seems to be. Everything starts to change in Holly's life when she meets her neighbor, Paul, and they start to grow fond of each other. In one word, this film is captivating! It has it all: romance, comedy, fashion, and beautiful scenery (it is set in New York's Upper East Side after all). I can almost guarantee that after seeing this film you'll be running out to purchase a little black dress of your own.

4. My Fair Lady (1964) - Yet another great musical! This time around, Audrey portrays a poor flower girl with a strong Cockney accent, Eliza Doolittle. One day, she is recruited by the arrogant and pompous Professor Henry Higgins, played by Rex Harrison (who also played Professor Higgins in the original stage adaptation), so he can conduct an experiment and win a bet. Will he be able teach Eliza to speak properly and pass her off as a duchess at the Embassy Ball?  And in the process, will Professor Higgins fall for the Cockney flower girl? This charming musical is filled with great numbers, beautiful costumes, and magnificent scenery. In 1964 it won eight Academy Awards, including: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. It's a classic for a reason!

5. Charade (1963) - In this fun romantic comedy/mystery Audrey is the newly widowed, Regina "Reggie" Lampert. Reggie starts to discover that her late husband had some dark secrets. And, consequently she is thrown into a wild adventure alongside a mysterious stranger, Peter, played by the wonderful Cary Grant. This movie has lots of mystery, romance, comedy, and lots and lots of plot twists. It is just so amusing! You'll find yourself at the edge of your seat (along with a development of "trust issues"!).

I honestly have to restrain myself from continuing the list! These are just my personal favorites but, there are so many more great Audrey Hepburn movies out there. Some very honorable mentions are: Roman Holiday (which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1953), War and Peace, and Paris When It Sizzles. Like I said, the list can go on!

Audrey was, and continues to be, the epitome grace and kindness. And that is something that will never be "passé". Here's to a true classic!

What is your favorite Audrey Hepburn film? Let me know down below. Also, if you've enjoyed this post feel free to share it on your favorite social media network!

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!

Must See: Jersey Boys

Every year my family makes it a priority to go to New York City, visit family and see a couple of shows. This year was no exception. Therefore, we packed up our winter clothes and headed to the Big Apple.

I'm usually in charge of picking which show we're going to see because I'm the Broadway freak in the family (I just love a good musical!).  So, you totally get why I was torn over which show to pick…right? My uncle had just recently seen Jersey Boys and was absolutely smitten with it. I trust this man blindly when it comes to musicals, since he loves them as much as I do. Then suddenly, I remembered that my best friend had also recommended this show to me a couple of years ago. It was settled then. We were going to watch Jersey Boys!

Picture taken by me

This "jukebox musical", a show that uses popular music as its score, tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. You see they're story come full-circle: formation, success, and break-up. You also get the behind the scenes story of how they're hit songs came to be (and boy, are some of these interesting!). It is cleverly divided into four parts (seasons), with each part being narrated by a different band member. I found the scenery, accompanied by the projections and lighting, to be very impressive. The dialogue is witty and the acting is great. Oh, and don't even get me started on the singing!!! Soooo good!!! I would expect nothing less from Broadway!

This show will make you laugh, cry, and most of all: fight the urge to jump out of your seat and sing along to every song!!! I can almost guarantee that if you weren't a Four Seasons fan before… you will be after watching this. It's no wonder why it won a Tony Award for Best Musical back in 2006.

Picture taken by me

All in all, I absolutely enjoyed this musical and would recommend it everyone!!! Have you seen Jersey Boys on Broadway yet?

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!


Chimes