Movie Review: Promising Young Woman

Promising Young Women

Promising Young Woman opens in theaters Christmas Day. Hopefully, theaters will be opened back up in Michigan by then!

What I thought of Promising Young Woman

Promising Young Woman was a movie for the times, I’ll give it that. Following the Me Too movement, it does a pretty solid job displaying rape culture some of the experiences women go through with men.

For the first 15 minutes, it was a little hard to get into but after that, it started to have more of a storyline. However, it was kind of unpleasant, sad, and frustrating to be honest.

There was a lot of very suspenseful music which was just kind of awkward at times where it was a bit unnecessary—trying to be suspenseful when really it was just uncomfortable. The main character was a sociopath, which made it more intense and intriguing I suppose, but on the other hand, it was kind of distasteful. Psycho girls out for revenge like that just doesn’t sit right with me.

One of the last scenes left me just completely speechless that it went that far. Then again, I’m not surprised, but I am also still kind of confused.

I appreciate the kind of message it’s trying to give, but I think it’s a little too much for my liking. It would have been better if the main character wasn’t crazy and was more of a straightforward “normal” person, but I guess that was half the point of the movie. I think I was just left frustrated. I don’t think I’ll ever watch it again.

Would also like to note that I guess her sociopathic ways show what regret, grief, and/or trauma can do to someone.

About PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN

From visionary director Emerald Fennell (Killing Eve) comes a delicious new take on revenge. Everyone said Cassie (Carey Mulligan) was a promising young woman… until a mysterious event abruptly derailed her future.  But nothing in Cassie’s life is what it appears to be: she’s wickedly smart, tantalizingly cunning, and she’s living a secret double life by night.  Now, an unexpected encounter is about to give Cassie a chance to right the wrongs of the past in this thrilling and wildly entertaining story.  

Premiering to huge acclaim in Sundance earlier this year, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN is directed and written by Emerald Fennell (Killing Eve) and stars Academy Award®-nominee Carey Mulligan and Bo Burnham along with an ensemble cast that includes Laverne Cox, Alison Brie, Connie Britton, Jennifer Coolidge, Max Greenfield, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chris Lowell, Sam Richardson, Molly Shannon, and Clancy Brown.  Fennell produced along with Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley, and Josey McNamara for LuckyChap Entertainment and Ben Browning and Ashley Fox for FilmNation Entertainment.  

10 Reasons to Visit Tonia’s Victorian Rose Tea Room

On Friday, I ate out. In public. I know, let me let you catch your breath. If you\’ve been following along and/or know me personally you know prior to the pandemic I was already an OCD germaphobe. While stores were out of hand sanitizer I was stocked up, because that was already everyday life for me. 

As of Friday, it had been 275 days since I physically ate out. I stepped out of my comfort zone and took myself on a little date to Tonia\’s Victorian Rose Tea Room located in Rochester, Michigan. You see, in Michigan, restaurants have been shut back down for dine-in. The option is to carry out or dine outside. Restaurants have gotten really creative and have brought igloos into the mix to make winter dining even more fun. 

Tonia\’s Victorian Rose Tea Room took dining to the next level with her adorable little clear outdoor house. If you\’re looking to get out and safely enjoy a meal and a cup of tea or two I highly recommend heading to downtown Rochester and visiting Tonia\’s Victorian Rose Tea Room.

If you\’d like to reserve this adorable space call Tonia\’s Victorian Rose Tea Room at (248) 652-8595 I recommend having an early dinner like I did from 4-5:30 enjoying your food and tea and then walking around downtown Rochester and checking out the Big Bright Light Show!

10 Reasons to Visit Tonia\’s Victorian Rose Tea Room

1. A sweet and charming place to dine
Tonia\’s Victorian Rose Tea Room has created the cutest outdoor dining space. The ambiance is delightful and charming. The outdoor space offers a SAFE place to enjoy eating out, plus you\’ll get gorgeous outdoor views during the winter. 

2. Support local
Not only is Tonia\’s Victorian Rose Tea Room locally owned, but the owner is also a huge fan of supporting local and actually partnered with local interior decorator/ home staging expect Vivian of Impressive Home Staging to create this charming oasis. I absolutely love how Vivian decorated the Christmas tree and displayed the book inside the house. You will also find cute decorations from Plain and Fancy inside of the little house. Plain and Fancy is located in downtown Rochester as well so be sure to check it out and get some unique gifts. 

3. Tasty tea selection
Tonia\’s Victorian Rose Tea Room is of course home to a variety of tasty teas. 
Pro Tip: Get the peach passion – it\’s delicious.


4. Adorable mismatched tea sets
As a fan of Alice and Wonderland, you know that means I love the Mad Hatter\’s tea party. The mismatched tea sets at Tonia\’s Victorian Rose Tea Room remind me of just that. The fact that they don\’t match, or she does not match on purpose offers a sense of whimsy and wonder. 

5. Delicious menu
Tonia\’s Victorian Rose menu may be small, but it is mighty. The quiche lorraine and signature salad are absolutely delicious. I also love everything about the two-tier tea party. 

6. Homemade raspberry dressing
I can not brag enough about how absolutely delicious this salad dressing is! You can find it drizzled over the signature salad, and let me tell you – that raspberry dressing is the best dressing I have ever had.

7. Themed tea parties
Who doesn\’t love themed parties? From A Christmas Story and Harry Potter to High Teas and more. You\’re sure to find something you and your friends can attend at Tonia\’s Victorian Tea Room. Can\’t find a tea party to your liking? Host your own. 

8. Decadent desserts
If desserts are your thing, then the Victorian Rose Tea Room is your place. From dark chocolate raspberry torte (my favorite) and orange cranberry scones to white chocolate raspberry pudding, there is sure to be something on the menu that you\’ll love.

9. Hot cocoa bombs
This year has all about pivoting and Tonia\’s Victorian Rose Tea Room took a huge pivot and jumped on one of the biggest trends of 2020… hot chocolate bombs! Hot cocoa bombs aren\’t just great for the holiday season, they\’re perfect gifts for friends, neighbors, and more all winter long. The best part, they offer anything from chocolate and white chocolate peppermint to themed HCBs such as the Grinch, Elsa, and more! 

10. Polite, friendly, and safe atmosphere
Tonia was sweet, kind, caring, and friendly. When I visited she made sure I had everything I needed while in the little house, made sure the food tasted good and I was enjoying myself. All the food was brought out with contactless delivery. This right here is why small businesses make my heart so happy. You would never get this kind of service and thoughtfulness at a chain restaurant. 

Friday Favorites 12.11.20

 

It\’s Friday roundup time! Currently, Michigan is having a very warm December. In fact, a couple days this week no jacket was required which is crazy to me. Tomorrow in metro Detroit we are supposed to get rain, while up north is supposed to get some snow. Little fact, I have not eaten out in 275 days! I can\’t even believe that I used to love eating out. As an OCD germaphobe, I have avoided it, thanks to \’Rona. However, that is all about to change tonight and I cannot wait to share with you on Monday where I ate out!  

Follow along on Instagram to see what we are up to this weekend! Now here\’s a few favorite finds from the week.

I bought this \”Five Year Journal Written One Line A Day\” from Lottie Mae and will be starting it on January 1st!

Indulged in Satsumas from The Peach Truck.

I have been looking for cutesy cabin stays on Airbnb.

This Pie Jam makes a great addition to any charcuterie board.

Tried a Kringle for the first time.

I have this tea on repeat right now.

Looking for hot cocoa bombs? Make your own with my step-by-step hot cocoa bomb tutorial.

Whether you want to stay in your car or adventure around – this metro Detroit Christmas guide has you covered.

5 Ways to Get Through the Holidays Alone

 

The pressure is on during the holiday season, and let\’s face it, this year is bringing on a variety of different challenges. If we are being honest with ourselves, we all know that even under the best circumstances the holidays can come with a lot of stress, drama, and discomfort.

At the end of the day, the holiday season shouldn\’t be about lights or presents or even sitting with all of your relatives in front of a crackling fire. The holidays don\’t have to look a certain way, and this year is showing up that sometimes we have to make up our own rules. If you\’re not used to spending Christmas alone, this year may be a struggle for you. But, as someone who has to spend some holidays alone, I can guarantee you\’ll survive and come out stronger. To help you soften those feelings of loneliness, I am sharing five ways to get through the holidays alone.

5 Ways to Get Through the Holidays Alone


1. Find ways to connect
In-person contact with loved ones is lovely, but as we have learned this year it is not the only way to connect. Make dates to video chat with friends and family. Send out some holiday cards with personalized notes. It\’s a different vibe this year for many, and you may have to take the first step, but that\’s okay it\’ll be worth it in the end. 

2. Indulge
If you\’re not thrilled to spend the holidays alone (by the way, it\’s perfectly fine if you\’re looking forward to some solitude!), make sure you\’re gentle with yourself. Reward yourself, give yourself a little gift, take a bubble bath, grab your favorite chocolates, or pick up some croissants and jam for breakfast in bed. It\’s been a tough year, you deserve a little treat.

3. Finish end of the year projects
There is no better time now than to get yourself organized for the new year. Make those doctor\’s appointments you\’ve been putting off, call for a pick up of clothing and items you no longer need, get your closet organized, clean your car…etc. Figure out what is making you feel overwhelmed and tackle it. Maybe it is time to sit down and create a new budget or create a vision board. Whatever it is, you will feel so much better once you complete it.

4. Keep yourself busy
Start a DIY project (I will be making this copper feather), create a vision board for 2021, start a new fitness routine, take an online cooking class. The holidays will be over before you know it, especially if you keep yourself busy. 

5. Or, do nothing at all
On the flip side, if you\’re not a busy body – you don\’t have to be. Stay in bed, have a Netflix movie marathon, and order food from your favorite local restaurants (I think I will order Thai one night – spring rolls and crab rangoons, please). Head to the book store and grab a book you\’ve been wanting to reach. It\’s your time of the year, do what will help you recharge for the upcoming year. 

How to Make a Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board

how to make a hot chocolate charcuterie board

Charcuterie boards are a huge trend right now. Technically charcuterie boards are made with cured meats, but who\’s getting technical? Not me. After putting together a variety of charcuterie boards together throughout the fall, I knew I had to level up in December. Let me introduce you to the hot chocolate charcuterie board. 

I had so much fun putting this hot cocoa charcuterie board together, especially after making these adorable hot cocoa bombs! That\’s right, in case you missed it – I posted a step-by-step tutorial to make the coveted hot chocolate bombs! 

The hot chocolate charcuterie board I made has hot chocolate bombs for the cocoa part. However, don\’t need to have hot cocoa bombs on your board. You can easily use packets of hot chocolate or make homemade hot chocolate in a slow cooker. 

Don\’t forget to put plenty of toppings on the board to take your hot chocolates to the next level. Think salted caramel, Mexican, peppermint, peppermint mocha, sprinkles, and more. Since it is just me, I kept my board simple. But you can definitely go all out for you and your family. 

Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board
Hot cocoa bombs
Candy canes
Grand Rapids Popcorn Company S\’mores Popcorn
Marshmallows
Hot chocolate mix
Mint candies