ENTERTAINMENT
5 Must Watch True Crime Specials
Forget a sappy romance film, here at Miss Domesticated, we can’t get enough of True Crime series and documentaries. Seriously, not only do these shows keep us on the edge of our seat and biting our nails, they keep us up at night and inspire us to do better for the people around us.
Thanks to Miss Corona, we’ve had plenty of free time on our hands and have been able to binge watch just about every True Crime special on Netflix, Hulu and every other subscription service. We aren’t kidding. Need something suspenseful to watch tonight? Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered and have compiled the and-all-be-all, must-watch True Crime list. Pop some popcorn and lock your doors because it’s about to get eerie! Let’s do it, people!
Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Hotel Hotel
You may have heard about the disappearance of Elisa Lam on the news. The young Canadian girl disappeared at Los Angeles’ notoriously dark hotel, The Cecil. Lam’s body was uncovered from a water tank atop the hotel, 5 days after she was reported missing. To this day, conspiracies have run amuck in regard to who is responsible for Lam’s death, and the hotel has since risen to infamy. Want to learn more? This series is for you!
American Murder: The Family Next Door
If you have a soft spot for young mothers and their adoring children, you may want to steer clear of this documentary. If you’re a junky for a good murder mystery, then turn on Netflix and watch American Murder: The Family Next Door. This documentary covers the disappearance of pregnant mother Shanann Watts and her two young daughters, Bella and Celeste. Beware, this one tears at the heartstrings!
Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez
In case you missed this case when it made headlines in 2013, Aaron Hernandez was a linebacker for the New England Patriots who had been convicted of murder. This series is interesting because coaches, fellow players, and law experts give first-hand accounts and narrate the murder, and what caused Hernandez to act in such a way. Grab your popcorn because you won’t be able to watch just one episode! We watched all three parts in one sitting!
Evil Genius
Okay but for real, this Netflix original will be sure to blow your mind. Ever heard of the “pizza bomb” case? To make a long story short, Brian Wells was a pizza delivery driver who was coerced into taking part in an elaborate bank heist in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, Wells was killed while carrying out the heist and following the scavenger hunt-like instructions. We’ll let the documentary tell you the rest but seriously, this will inspire you to tip your delivery drivers a little more next time you order take out!
Mommy Dead and Dearest
If you loved Hulu’s series, The Act then you’ll be sure to love Mommy Dead and Dearest! This HBO documentary aired in 2017, and tells the story of Dee Dee and Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. Sadly, Gypsy suffered from Munchausen’s by Proxy at the hands of her mother who had the world convinced that Gypsy was very ill. We’re sure you know how this story ended, but this documentary brings the case back to life through the use of home videos, text messages and interviews with friends and family members. It’s truly a must-watch!
Whether it is a new at home project or a fun craft to do as a family, DIY kits really help form creative ideas into memorable pieces. Etsy is known for its arts and crafts environment and has a handful of amazing DIY kits to help get you started. We have found some of Etsys best DIY kits for you to try out!
Let’s get to crafting
Beginner Embroidery Kits
Embroidery can be relaxing, creative and entertaining to do in your free time! Plus, knowing how to embroider can open up a world of possibilities. You can have an endless amount of unique and one of kind pieces! The possibilities are truly endless however, many people say getting started is very hard. Not anymore!! Etsy user ZAZARITA has beautiful beginner embroidery DIY kits to get you started on your creative journey. These sets are completely customizable with full instructions and tools necessary. Depending on the style and fabric of your choice, kits start at $8 and go to $80. You can choose from 40 different styles! This is a great hobby if you need help de-stressing at night, if you are relaxing on the beach or if you just have extra time on your hands!
Low-MaintenanceTerrarium/Moss Art Kits
Terrariums and Moss art is great for the individual who wants to begin their at-home gardening journey. These kits are super low maintenance and easy to grow! They are great for households of all types but especially those in a city or area that has a lack of greenery. Bringing nature into your home can bring a sense of calamity to your life and to your home environment. Plus, these kits allow you to make completely customizable wall art. Picture above is a Moss box by NaturelyBox on Etsy. With three different sizes to choose from, it is easy to place this piece in an area of your home. These kits range from $30 to $50. Having plants in the house has never been easier!
Easy Macrame Kits
Macrame is an art from that dates back to the 13th century. The art of knot-tying can be seen in fashion, interior design, crafting and more. Different knots and patterns can create designs throughout the threads. Macrame is a very soothing hobby to have and a super fun DIY kit to check out! This particular one happens to make a hanging rainbow and is made by MotleyBliss on Etsy. There are three sizes to choose from, ranging from $22 to $33. Though there are directions, the color threads you use and order of knot-tying is completely up to you! By the end of the experience you will have learned a new hobby and will have a beautiful new wall decoration!
Delicious Bubble Tea Kit
Everyone has been obsessing over delicious boba tea for awhile now, but it just got even better! Introducing a DIY at-home bubble tea kit! This box has everything you need to make delicious brown sugar flavored bubble tea right from the comfort of your own home. This product is made by Kitsbyfoodcraft, is $36 and comes with the choice of having paper straws or stainless straws in the box. Save this for a rainy day or become a boba tea master!
Which kit will you try first?
Are you ever in a rut and in dire need of some inspiration. We hear you! Even some of the greatest scholars, artists, celebrities and CEO’s of all time have experienced similar feelings. These individuals have had to go through a lot to become the greats and have so much knowledge to share with the world, including sayings to live by. Here are some amazing inspirational quotes to give you some motivation and to help you work through tough times.
Let’s get inspired
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” —Albert Einstein
“To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
“In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.” —Les Brown
“Just remember: The people that say, ‘your dreams are impossible’ have already quit on theirs.” —Grant Cardone
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. -Steve Jobs
If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough. -Oprah Winfrey
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. -Aristotle
Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.” -Margaret Mead
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” -Helen Keller
In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. -Abraham Lincoln
Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. -Thomas A. Edison
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” -Henry David Thoreau
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -Nelson Mandela
Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about. -Marilyn Monroe
The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won’t. It’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere. -Barack Obama
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston S. Churchill
“I never dreamed about success, I worked for it.” -Estee Lauder
“Don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember — the only taste of success some people get is to take a bite out of you.” -Zig Ziglar
“Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.” -Jim Rohn
“People who succeed have momentum. The more they succeed, the more they want to succeed and the more they find a way to succeed. Similarly, when someone is failing, the tendency is to get on a downward spiral that can even become a self-fulfilling prophecy.” -Tony Robbins
Which quote will you live by?
For those who live in the tri-state area, going to the shore is a highlight of the summer. Northerns travel almost every weekend to the beach to soak up the surf and sand. Others who do not live in the tri-state area travel to NJ just to check out some of these beaches and experience the shore life. With 44 beaches in NJ, it can be hard to know which are best for you to travel to. We have found some of the best beaches in New Jersey to check out this summer!
It’s vacation time!
Asbury Park
Asbury Park is a small seaside city on the New Jersey coast. It’s known for its sandy shore and beachfront boardwalk lined with shops, arcades and cafes. The city’s live music venues include the Stone Pony, which has hosted native New Jerseyans Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, and the 1920s Paramount Theatre. The city is also home to the Silverball Museum’s video games, arcade games and pinball machines which date from the 1930s to the present. Art galleries, beaches, shopping, dining and more can all be done on foot and are within close proximity to each other.
Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook is a barrier spit in Middletown Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. The barrier spit, approximately 6 miles in length and varying from 0.1 to 1.0 mile wide, is located at the north end of the Jersey Shore. Most people come to Sandy Hook for its outdoor appeal. Surfing, kite surfing, and windsurfing are popular activities during summer months, otherwise known as peak season. The park also features a five-mile-long pathway for walkers, cyclists, and runners. Check out some of the historical monuments on the premises including the lighthouse, proving grounds, marine biologist lab, and Fort Hancock.
Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island, or “LBI”, is a barrier island and summer colony along the Atlantic Ocean coast of Ocean County, New Jersey in the United States. The area is known for its white sandy beaches, family friendly environment and close proximity to major population centers such as New York and Philadelphia. There are six towns in LBI, each with its own vibe. For example, Beach Haven is a town with a younger population whereas Love Ladies houses mostly retired individuals.
Lavalette
Lavallette is a borough in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. Lavallette boasts dozens of local clothing stores, trinket shops, and other boutiques selling everything you’ll need for your trip – and things you’ll want to take back with you. Find gorgeous gifts and accessories at My Sister’s Jewelry Box, or look for beach-inspired apparel and home goods at The Beach Home. You can also grab a hot cup of coffee at Lava Java, eat crabs at The Crabs Inn or go shopping at the clothing store Island Gypsy. Though the town does not have a boardwalk, you can travel to the Seaside Heights boardwalk 7 minutes away to get to one! Here you will find arcade games, rides, eateries, shops and more!
