With the election taking a turn I didn’t expect, I’m finding myself feeling a little lost today. I, like many, thought this was going to go in a completely different direction. And honestly, I’m in a state of shock and even grief I was not prepared for. As an artist, storyteller, and yes even beauty blogger, I find myself turning to my work to process these unexpected feelings, as well as looking for the closest distraction to ease my anxious mind. Just the act of putting on my makeup this morning was immensely therapeutic and helped add a little self care and sense of escapism I needed. I had many plans today to write about lipsticks, cleansers and a bazillion other beauty related things, but I decided it was a good time to put out a post I’ve had in the back of my mind for weeks now. As we head into a rocky feeling time for many of us in the country I encourage you to turn to your work, your passions and to your art …

Short’s huh? You’re gonna write an entire post dedicated to short films on Vimeo? Why yes, yes I am! I know it sounds pretentious, and maybe it is pretentious, but hell I’m gonna own it! I present you five shorts films I think you should put in front of your eyeballs and enjoy. Quick warning, the majority of these are NSFW, have adult themes, violence, and foul language, you know, all the good stuff. Funnel My fiance recommend this one to me recently, and it’s become a fast favorite. The Funnel is absolutely hilarious, simple, and strange. Presented by Bob Odenkirk, this comedy adventure gem by writer-director-actor Andre Hyland is a breath of fresh absurdist air. It went to the likes of Sundance and SXSW and now I just can’t wait to see his 2016 Sundance entry, The 4th! Successful Alcoholics Successful Alcoholics stars baby faced TJ Miller and Lizzy Chaplan as two, you guessed it, successful alcoholics. This hilarious and hard to watch short explores the (sorta) downward spiral of a couple that’s both great and …

I had a unique experience that while in early elementary school a family friend owned a video store. I spent countless hours after school browsing the shelves while my mom and her friend chatted in the back. Fast forward a few years and my family has moved across the state and the family friend, for a few years at least, sends bootleg copies of movies we requested in chicken scratched letters. As the friendship dwindles with distance so do the movies. Fast forward to Junior High, I ask for a VCR for my birthday so I can watch all the $2 VHS tapes I buy from the local Safeway discount bin. I lock myself away in room, replaying old favorites over and over. Fast forward to college in Seattle. I grow an affinity for the independent movie store and larger chains alike. I abuse monthly passes and student discounts. I walk the long way home so I can stop at my favorite one. I methodically browse the aisles, reading staff recommendations and get introduced to the likes …