Tissues. You will need lots and lots of tissues.

Let me preface by saying I'm not usually one to cry at movies (EXCEPTION: Marley & Me. That one killed me). But Irreplaceable You made me tear up, made me weepy, and made me so emotional. It's a true tear-jerker movie with beauty, emotion, and a whole lot of feels.

It is a tragic romance about the devastating effects of cancer. I know what you're thinking--because I thought it too--there are so many movies out there already about this topic. Fault in Our Stars, and A Walk to Remember, for example--how could anything beat those?

Nonetheless, Irreplaceable You does a good job at creating its own feel and story line. For one, the protagonists are in their early 30s and planning their wedding. The age of the protagonists alone created a new set of problems, emotions, and a different dynamic. 

Abby, who is diagnosed with cancer, worries about what will happen to Sam once she dies. Will he be able to find joy again? Will he be able to find someone to share his life with again? Thus, she decides to spend her final months preparing for her death by scoping out the dating scene for Sam. Her hope is that she can find a replacement for herself so she can die at peace, knowing he'll be happy.

I know it sounds like an odd premise... and it made me a little uncomfortable at first. However, Abby's quirky personality was able to shine even during the most depressing moments. There are small moments that break up the depressing, heavy scenes and even made me laugh. Furthermore, Abby's sense of dark humor throughout the movie allowed the tension to ease at points and allowed me to appreciate her character even more.

The story is a tad cliche at points and is pretty predictable. However, I felt like the point wasn't to have some over-the-top plot or unexpected twist. The point was to capture the emotions of this tragedy while also showcasing the depth of a love story. The movie did just that and ripped my heart out in the process.

I think the fact that Abby and Sam were childhood sweethearts added a layer of depth to the story as well. They didn't meet during her diagnosis or shortly before or after. They had already lived so much of their love story and were looking forward to decades more when cancer ripped that from them. Their shared history makes it all that more difficult to accept, for the characters and the audience. 

I liked that their history came through in their interactions. The memories conveyed, their roots, and their catch phrases made them feel so real as a couple.

At times, I did wish I could see more of Sam's character. I felt like he wasn't as open in the movie as Abby. Of course, she is the main focus, which could be why I felt like that. Still, I wish I could've seen more of his struggles with the diagnosis and the situation. Sometimes, it felt like he wasn't emotionally moved by what was happening like he should've been. I also don't know that the movie accurately depicted the true devastation, emotionally and physically, of cancer. The movie skipped over a lot of the heavy issues Abby would have been dealing with. I think this could have made it richer and more realistic.

I will say that this movie is very heavy, especially with the ending. It really makes you think about so much. Most of all, it made me think about time and how time with my husband is really the most important thing. 

If you're looking for a romantic drama with all the feels, check out Irreplaceable You on Netflix... but be sure you have some waterproof mascara and some comfort foods ready to go.

Have you watched this yet? What did you think? Comment below and let me know if you have any other Netflix recommendations!

There's nothing worse than finishing your favorite show on Netflix. Seriously.

You aimlessly browse show after show, looking for another to make you laugh, cry, to suck you in. You look for that binge-worthy show.

If you're like me, it's hard to find that replacement. I will start twenty different series, discounting it in the first five minutes because it's just not the same.

This is what happened after I finished all my favorites. Jane the Virgin, Reign, Once Upon a Time, Orange is the New Black: after waaayyyy too many hours of binging, I was caught up.

Then my friend Christie mentioned Wentworth.

At first, it was just okay. I liked it, but it wasn't Orange is the New Black. I could stop after just one episode.

And then, around episode eight... I couldn't. I'd found my new binge-watch just in time for summer.

Wentworth is an Australian drama set in a women's prison. Like Orange is the New Black, it gives us a cringeworthy, dramatic look inside prison life. You start to root for the characters, you see the connections develop. You see relationships on the outside fall apart. There's a whole lot of lying, cheating, stealing, killing, crying, and drama. I love that the prison staff isn't immune to all of these things, either.

The only thing hard to get used to is the lack of humor. This IS a DRAMA. It was weird because I kept waiting for the punchline, for the crazy Susan moments. They don't come. There aren't any laugh out loud moments. 

But... there are a whole lot of good things.

The main character, Bea, is very likable. Unlike Piper, she really is much easier to feel sorry for. Bea finds herself in a very difficult position, one we can empathize with. I really feel for her throughout the drama.

In my book, Australian accents are awesome, so there's that going, too.

I feel like the atmosphere in Wentworth is a bit more realistic since it is a drama and not a comedy.

The verdict? I'm still an #OITNB fan all the way. It's still my favorite.

But if you find yourself in a "show hole" (Kristin, are you smiling? :) ), Wentworth is a good watch for in-between seasons. 

So now... I'm off to watch more of season 2. Happy binging!

Lindsay Detwiler

P.S: If you're feeling like reading instead, check out the book Orange is the New Black. It's very different from the series, but I found myself "binge reading" it. It's rivoting. Here's my video review on Youtube to check out.

It's February.
Cue everything pink, sparkly...and, as contradictory as it seems, the winter blahs.
The holidays are over, and summer seems so far out of sight. The prospect of two-hour delays is dwindling for those of us in the teaching world, and it seems like we're in the eternal days of slush, cold, and boredom.
Okay, enough dreariness for one post! If the season has you down, read on to find some of my newest obsessions. They've managed to perk me up...maybe they can help you boost your mood as well :)

1. Born This Way Foundation by Too Faced

I've tried dozens of foundations, always looking for the perfect mix of coverage and glow. I've tried foundations that have turned orange or looked cakey. I've tried brands that make me look oily and that don't cover.

This one is sheer perfection. It's medium coverage, so it does give you the evening out benefits you need in a foundation, but it doesn't make you look like you have on a Halloween mask. It also seems to help control oil, as I have somewhat oily skin and haven't had any issues. It's a little pricey at $39, but I feel that it is definitely worth it!

2. Jane the Virgin 

I found myself in a "show hole" a few weeks back, so I decided to give this show a try.
Laugh out loud funny! That's all I can really say. I love that Jane is into writing and English. I love her soap opera dad Rogellio. Most of all, I love the narration that makes this drama-filled, ridiculous show amazing to watch.

3. Zumba

My mom and I tried Zumba for the first time a few weeks ago and were surprised that we LOVED it.

Let me give you some backstory. Three years ago, I begged my mom to try a Zumba class with me. We went to a small Zumba class in a small building, nervous but ready to shake our Latin hips.

The instructor was...well...a little crazy. My mom and I found ourselves stumbling all over our own feet while the instructor consistently came and danced in front of us in some questionably scandalous moves. Yeah, it was awkward, and we were left wanting to crawl to the doorway and leave Zumba in our past forever.

This week, though, we decided to brave up and give Zumba another try. We went to a new location with a new teacher...and guess what? We LOVED it. It's such a good workout and so much fun. Thankfully, we love our new instructor, and there haven't been any scandalous moves happening. It is an amazing workout that doesn't feel like a workout. It just feels like pure fun. And this is coming from a self-proclaimed workout hater.


4. LuLaroe Leggings 

I just got my first pair this week...and yes, they are worth the money!! They are so soft and comfortable. Do yourself a favor and buy one...or ten!

Check out the pattern...so fun! And Stanley also thought they were super soft!

How about you? Have any new obsessions lately? Please share!

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Lindsay Detwiler
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