Can the Grass be Greener?

Stranded on an island, of course one should wish they had family, food, friends ....Right?  Naw, this girl here needs Internet access and a Roku streaming device.  Just kidding,..... I think?  However, it is true that I would sell one of the unnecessary organs to pay my Netflix subscription. Judge me if you must. 

  I am extremely excited about some of the new shows streaming this Fall and I have boldly gone where a loyal Netflix lover doesn't belong.  Venturing to other platforms like Amazon Prime, HBO Go, Showtime Anytime and a peek at Hulu Plus. I have discovered shows that have me rearranging my schedule to find time to binge watch every episode. 

First up is my  experience with Amazon Studio's Original offerings to the streamasphere (yes, I made that up). Previously I had an Amazon Prime subscription because of my extreme addiction to shopping in their marketplace.  If you need it, want it or just think it, it will appear so $99 was worth every penny to get 2 day shipping on almost everything.  I  explored selling items, buying music and purchasing movies but didn't know they had original content.  

I was browsing the site (no purchases made -WHEW!) and stumbled upon a show called, "The Hand of God". It starred the step-father in Sons of Anarchy (Ron Perlman) and the pilot episode was free.  This could be interesting so I signed into my account and pressed play. Let me begin by saying this show is about his discovery of  religion but not its not religious! It's rated M for Mature so please don't engage if you are expecting a show you will discuss with your prayer group on Wednesday evening. The show is centered around Judge Pernell Harris (Ron Perlman) desperately trying to save his sons life and make amends for the time he has wasted with him. He is hoping his new found connection with God is real and will be the key to discovering the answers to bring him out of coma, punish those responsible which will also save him too.  This show is a ride of intrigue, confusion, craziness, sex, arrogance  and more that keeps you hooked and wanting more.

 The pilot is free on Amazon (click here) and if you don't have a subscription (or a friend who willing to share their account info), you can get your own for $99 a year. They offer a free trial for 30 days (get yours here) and a little birdie told me they will be reducing the price during Black Friday. Amazon Studios offers other original shows in the genres of drama, comedy, family etc.  I've started watching  Bosch, a cop drama starring Titus Welliver who happens to have also been on Sons of Anarchy, the jury is still out on this one.  

I wish Amazon had a monthly option and of course I wouldn't pay $99 for just its streaming services but if you like to shop online, read books and all the other things Amazon offers for your Kindle, Kindle app or Fire stick it might be worth the cost. 

Have you watched any of Amazon Studio's shows?

                          What are your favorites? Duds? 

Please "Don't Let the Fat Fool Ya"

I openly discuss my struggles with my weight and trying to get myself healthy here on my blog with no apologies or excuses.  I have shared goals, challenges and defeats but I have never been ashamed of my size.  Daily I read stories of women who feel or are treated as if they are inferior because they are plus size and it disturbs me.  Yes, you want to be healthy but size can be extremely misleading. Thin doesn't equal healthy.

Social Media is a great place to find inspiring plus size women challenging stereotypes and breaking them in pieces. Some of my Instagram favorites are fierce, bold, beautiful and all around Rock Stars! +Garnerstyle (@garnerstyle) is a blogger that has a voice that makes readers buy and companies change their policies.  Her fashion style, her "she looks like me" appeal and passion for the plus-size woman make her a force that companies want on their side. Chasity and one of my other favs "The Plus Size Princess" Cece Olisa launched the Curvy Con this year.  It is a day event that I hope to attend next year, that is centered around the needs of the curvy girl.

Photo from her IG page

@biggalyoga is proof that a plus size body can be flexible, healthy and amazing.  I am a huge fan of Yoga and the way it naturally relaxes, strengthens and lengthens my body.  I thought it was cool when I found a great plus size yoga DVD ( Yoga: Just My Size w/Megan Garcia)  until I discovered @biggalyoga and was floored.   This aspiring Yogi motivates with her pics of poses, fun challenges and promotion of self love.  She is currently working to become a certified Yoga instructor and has a Go Fund Me page to help her reach this goal financially.  I wish Valerie much success because she has truly help me without knowing it.

+CeCe Olisa  (@ceceolisa) with her workout vids, @tessholliday killing the modeling scene (and her #EffYourBeautyStandards campaign) and @Ashley_Nell_Tipton taking over Project Runway,are helping women  find love for their curves and influencing them to accomplish their dreams.


Their inspiration and a phrase that I find myself using when I'm doubted because of my size evolved into a t-shirt.  This tee is my way of shouting to everyone that sees me coming.... I'm Beautiful, Talented, Strong, Smart, Healthy.... So please Don't Let The Fat Fool Ya!

I hope you like it & Please support!  Follow me on Instagram @mslawanda 

 Get Yours Today! Click here to order ---->
                                  https://teespring.com/don-t-let-the-fat-fool-ya-tee

Grab a Cup and Come on! - #MslawandaWC

Taking control of my health is a must! I know how important water is to our organs, hair, skin and weight loss so I need to rally the troops. So heres a H20 challenge  to encourage me while getting support from friends, family and my social media world.

The goal is to consume a gallon (128oz) of that crisp and refreshing recently discovered substance on Mars. (I'm in the #RocketCity so it must be said)....








Anyone can join, simply drink a gallon

a day,  cheer each other on via social media and use the hashtag  #MslawandaWC to find each other. This is a 10 day challenge but I'm sure it will last longer with the great participation I have seen.  I'm going to be on Periscope, Facebook(personal page) , Instagram & Twitter. (@mslawanda)

Who's in?

So far we have had some great sponsors! Winners for each prize are chosen randomly . To be enter for prizes simply respond on "Roll Call" posts or share your daily consumption total with #MslawandaWC

So Let's Get Drinking... Water that is!!!

I Got a Crush!.... A Big Spring Crush

My daughters gifted me 2 tickets to the 2nd annual Homegrown Big Spring Crush! I was so excited to attend this event that offered over 250 wine labels ready for me to "Sip, Rinse & Repeat". I won't share how many sips I had, but I will say...I didn't drive home LOL!

This Saturday evening went well into the night with live music from local favorites the Microwave Dave Band & The Wolves of Chernobyl as well as dishes to satisfy your taste buds from local food trucks & chefs. I didn't try the food, I was distracted by the wine... I am an unofficial wine connoisseur of course!

One of the highlights of the event was a chance to stomp grapes the way they do in Italy! Although it

was a lot of fun, it was fun with a purpose. The stomping area benefit a very important charity, The American Cancer Society! 

I truly had a great time enjoying friends, sipping wine & attending another amazing Huntsville event!

Did you attend the Big Spring Crush? Do you have a favorite wine?

#BigSpringCrush


*Special thanks to Mary Ann for covering this event*