My Favourite One Season Anime

I think of the day before I started watching anime, when I had a life, and I can't fathom how I was completely oblivious to so many amazing series. The amount of anime selection is practically limitless, there is something for EVERYONE. 

Recently, I've started watching one season anime- at first I was hesitant, knowing that I'd probably get borderline obsessed and be pretty upset at whatever ending I get. Nonetheless, I gave it a shot and I was right...it sucks when the story ends, most of the time it's not a concrete ending and I'm left trying to find OVAs, movies or spinoffs to find closure. 

In my attempt to binge watch as many shows as possible, I've found some pretty great gems that I think are worth a watch and re-watch. Here are my five favourite one season anime: 

1. Future Diary (2012) |  Creepy, intense, gory and explicit- this is probably the most adult anime I have watched to date. The characters have really interesting and depressing back stories, the plot is crazy and thrilling, and you'll never know what's going to happen next. If you enjoy watching messed up love, psychological thrillers and loss of morality- you'll enjoy this 26 episode anime. 
2. In Search of the Lost Future (2014) | Captivating, romantic and sad- this anime almost made me cry. The story begins slow and appears lacking, but as the show progresses it develops into something so sweet and interesting. This is the only show that ended right- no strings left untied and all questions answered. If you enjoy watching time travel, mystery and tear-jerkers- you'll enjoy this 12 episode anime. 
3. Guilty Crown (2011) | Thought provoking, sweet, futuristic and romantic- this anime had me hooked by the intro alone. The character development is outstanding and the fight scenes are spectacular- you are on an emotional rollercoaster most of the time, loving and hating characters in the blink of an eye. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic, sci-fi and futuristic adventures- you'll enjoy this 22 episode anime. 
4. Beyond the Boundary (2013) | Cute, supernatural and silly- this anime had many "aww" moments. It was very interesting to watch the mix of badass fight scenes with witty flirting and humour, it made the story line light while keeping it engaging. If you enjoy sacrificial love, demons and girl power- you'll enjoy this 12 episode anime. 
5. Ouran Host Club (2006) | Adorable, humorous and refreshing- this is one of the shows that I ended up re-watching because it's so good. There is romance, love triangles, flirting and regular harem stuff but the story is so much more- each character has a unique back story, the episodes are pretty much standalone and the female lead is groundbreaking. If you enjoy hilarious outfits, satyrs and strong female characters- you'll love this 26 episode anime. 

What are your favourite one season anime? Did any make my list? What should I watch next? Comment below with your top picks and suggestions. 

xo, 

Natalie 

The Power of Labels

Assigning labels and stereotypes is harmful in so many ways; it makes a person loose sight of who they strive to be and in turn, are moulded as others wish to see them. We try so hard to live up to these expectation and fit these labels, forgetting that it doesn't really matter how outsiders see you- people who are truly close to you, will know that you are much more than just intelligent, charming, sarcastic, fit, geeky, beautiful. You are not just ONE thing. 

Labelling starts during our pre-teens; young children don't care about how you look, they play and talk to everyone the same. The exclusion develops as we are exposed to media, the underrepresentation of certain groups and the bullying that arises from it. It's easier to fit a certain mould and stay stuck, than trying to step out of it and suffer alienation.

We tell kids that they should be inclusive, not judge others by how they look, but stereotyping is very much present in adulthood. Most of us don't fully understand what it means to be kind, regardless of there being something in it for us. We forget that we are allowed and can have more than one layer to our being. Those moments of ignorance, that's what the young adolescent mind hears and the cycle begins again. 

To me, it's simple. People are different. I, for example, would be described as a girly girl: likes getting dolled up, cares about their appearance and may not be the brightest or most athletic girl around. WRONG, as I may fit into some of those descriptions- I, like everyone else, am so much more. 

I do not like sports, I hated most of grade nine gym. I do care about my appearance, not because I'll get complimented but because getting dolled up and doing my hair nicely is something I do for myself. I don't need my "other face" to go out, because I feel just as confident without it. I dislike romantic movies, I enjoy a good horror film and anything Tim Burton, Superhero, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars -esque. I watch anime, Doctor Who, Jane the Virgin, Shadowhunters and How to get Away with Murder. I love reading, writing, dancing and learning new things. I am and like many things- some may fit with how I look, others may really surprise you but it doesn't matter. I strive to be a good person, I try to spread kindness and that's all anyone should care about. 

Labels are unnecessary, they have no use in our society. We should care about people's actions toward becoming a good human being. We should look for and encourage random acts of kindness and empathy- how you look, talk or do things don't matter. 

You are an intricate being, don't limit yourself to please others.

xo,

Natalie 

My Favourite Series of 2015

Anyone who says "there is nothing to watch" needs to reevaluate their choices of words, because nowadays you can find something for absolutely everyone (there's a channel for DOGS). With school and work, my screen time has decreased and I've switched to the wonders of Netflix and watching shows online- I've watched a lot of shows, some didn't last past the first 20 minutes and others have consumed my whole life (no regrets).

Here is my 2015 Must Watch List (not in any particular order): 

1. Gotham (2014) | If you are a fan of all things Batman, then you'll love this dark show. This very thrilling series, showcases many of the beloved Batman characters: Catwomen, Penguin, Bruce Wayne and Commissioner Gordon- all the big names get their much needed origin story and interesting side stories in this series. This superhero, crime, mobster show is a definite MUST WATCH! 
2. Jane The Virgin (2014) | This series is the novela for the modern day Latina- it's exactly what you wish your Abuela had been watching all along. Smart, representative of the hispanic community and funny; this show makes you feel all sorts of emotions. Gina Rodriguez is my hero and the whole concept is refreshing to see. Finally, a series I can relate to and it's great! 
3. Hannibal (2013) | Dark, gory, psychological horror series- this is a psychology students dream! As a fan of Silence of the Lamb, this thrilling show was everything I could have expected and more- I couldn't believe I hadn't watched it before. The mind games, imagery and relationships illustrated in the series is beyond imaginative, it's a shame that this show has come to it's end. I've just started season two, so I have many more episodes to psychoanalyze. 
4. Jessica Jones (2015) | Hip, hip, hooray for the realistic portrayal of a woman with super powers. If you have had it with skin tight outfits, goody toe-shoes personality and dependent roles in Marvel women, then this brand NEW series is exactly what you've been waiting for. Also, the magnificent David Tennant is in this show and well..he's the Doctor! You have to love this show on that point solely. 

Have you watched any or all of these? Agree or Disagree? What series are on your 2015 must watch list? 

xoxo, 

Natalie

How to Handle Criticism

How something makes you feel is up to you. You have the power to let things go and ignore or listen and open up to all kinds of comments. I've doubted myself many times and needed reassurance every step of the way, but if there are three things I've learned about criticism, it's that: 

1. The comment may sting a little, it may make you feel insecure about yourself and it might piss you off but just cool down and be proactive. Don't react, think!
2. Is it Helpful or Hurtful? Can you use this new information to become a better version of yourself? Should you just ignore it, not take it to heart and smile?
3. You might not like it, it may have been purposely hurtful and your ego is hurt but every comment can only help you become a better person. Criticism, growth requires it. 

Free yourself of the insecurities and know that your heart is in the right place. As you continue to move forward, there will always be people who have something to say, judge and criticize. 

I am a control freak and need to realize that I can't control everything; people aren't always going to like you, things aren't always going to go your way and someone will always be better at something than you. And that's ok.

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Disney Princess: Role Model or Nightmare?

When did liking the Disney Princess movies become detrimental to your feminist status? It's just a movie, at face value it may not have many valid lessons but let's look a little deeper than simple- Princess needs Prince. Here are a few Princesses and the messages that I think they share: 

Belle (Beauty & The Beast) | Selfless, righteous and smart, this Princess is one of my favourites. One of the only characters (in early Disney movies) challenging gender roles, Belle is a bookworm and weirdo who doesn't care for regular norms. This princess selflessly trades her freedom for her fathers, staying in a creepy castle with a Beast (which she doesn't know is actually a Prince) not knowing what fate will bring. She single-handedly saves the Beast and though he has a temper, horrible etiquette and looks like a weird buffalo, wolf- she's able to get through to him with kindness and patience. 

Cinderella (Cinderella) | Kind and forgiving, this Princess is the epitome of the saying " turn the other cheek". Having lost her family, being treated like a slave and only having mice as friends- if that's not a recipe for losing your mind, what is? By being brave, staying hopeful and only seeing the good in those around her- she finds her happy ending, not the Prince but her courage to finally remove herself from an unhealthy situation and forgive those who did her wrong. 

Snow White (Snow White) | As one of the first Disney Princesses, this character does not have much depth but if one thing can be said about this loveable character is that she's trusting. Keeping her innocence alive, she trustingly takes refuge with seven little men and accepts food from a creepy ass lady, like really? Maybe this is not the best message, but if some good could come from this movie is that you cannot focus on the bad in people; you have to have a little faith that people are innately kind and giving. 

Ariel (The Little Mermaid) | Troublesome and curious, this Princess is known for making less than ideal life choices but nonetheless is part of one of my favourite movies. Ariel is a character that's going through growth, she thinks she knows what's best and the only thing on her mind is exploring the world. Yeah, she may have Prince in the brain but don't all teen girls? This princess is a symbol of growing up, making mistakes and figuring it out along the way. 

Thought? Agree or disagree. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Bad Day or Wake Up Call?

Do you ever have a really bad day?  Not only did you get your period, but you feel like you are getting sick. All your plans and everything that you had hoped, just came crumbling down.  Well, that day was today for me and it sucks! 

The perfectly outlined plan that I had made is no more- I'm stranded between a "I told you so" and "you should of known better". The hormones don't help because as someone who hates to cry, I've been feeling like yelling and crying all day. I may feel like giving up and just curling up, I'm probably more in debt now than I started but I will figure it out and I'm not alone. 

I feel like crap and my throat still hurts, but today is just one day of many. It always gets better, even if its just one day of many crappy days- there is always a silver lining. It gets you thinking about how if this is my worst day, than I must of had a lot of good in my life, this isn't a tragedy or a loss but a fallen branch on my path. 

I may be freaking out and it may seem like the end, but it's not. Everything is going to be different, I'm going to have to come up with a new plan and that's ok. I'll have to try new things and blindly enter the unknown, but it was going to happen anyway. I might wake up with no voice tomorrow, but I'll still have a roof over my head and food in my belly. 

I may be having a crappy day, but I am still blessed and have lots of things to be thankful for. I have to step back and put things into perspective, this isn't the worst day ever- this is a wake up call and I better answer it. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Why Cruelty-Free?

There are a lot of people, who question why I pay extra money for a product, just because it is "cruelty-free". They say that I'm not vegan or vegetarian, and that I'm wasting my money when I could get the same product, for A LOT cheaper. All of this is very true, I am not vegan- I eat red meat, bake with eggs and drink dairy milk but I will ALWAYS buy products with the cute little Peta bunny logo. 

I firmly believe that testing on animals is cruel and unnecessary. We have all the information we need to keep creating innovative products, without hurting other living beings- who feel pain, just like we do. I think that the problem, is not the fact that we eat other animals because Lions and Chimpanzees do too, but how they are treated in the process. We claim to be the smartest organism in the world, yet we are the cause for its destruction and continue to not care. 

I try to do my part in making the world a better place; I talk about animal conservation and I choose to use cruelty-free products- it may not be as impactful as Peta, Green Peace or World Wildlife Fund, but I am creating a ripple towards change. Here are some of my favourite, cruelty-free companies: 

• Tarte Cosmetics | Found at any Sephora
• Smashbox Cosmetics | Found at any Sephora and select Shoppers Drug Mart 
• NYX Los Angeles Inc. | Found at select Rexall Pharmacy and Shoppers Drug Mart
• Urban Decay | Found at any Sephora and select Shoppers Drug Mart

Did I miss any of your favourite? What cruelty-free product do you recommend? 

xoxo, 

Natalie