Alysa Good Stuff Favorites: Alice In Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean, Ship Breaker Movie and Book Review

Tonight's random thoughts.... and Alysa Good Stuff Favorite Stuff

Sometimes I think I am in a bit of a wonderland with Alice in Wonderland Syndrome... yes there is such a thing. Many times I feel I am in a bit of a daydream or constant wondering and I know I need to draw or write, to redirect my focus. When I write my novels and children's books... you will know more what I mean when you see my strange creative thinking in stories. At times  my wondering is imagining being what I am not that I almost feel or sense, like the Coyote I saw recently or the owl, what is it like, them seeing me? Many times I have felt during twilight hours an out of body out of reality sort of feeling... could this be this syndrome, as I also have suffered migrains, more rarely now. I am glad to know there is this name out there, to describe the uniqueness in people and how we think. As long as there are not other health problems, then I think it's fine for me.

The newer Alice in Wonderland by Tim Burton, my favorite over the Cartoon Disney Classic, is my Alysa Good Stuff top movie picks and 2 years in a row now I like to watch around Halloween, which I prefer to call Harvest day to avoid association with pagan rituals. If you haven't seen it yet? Watch it, it is a very good story and amazing graphics. You can buy it here to watch instantly

It was the first 3D movie I have seen in a theater. My man and I had a break from the kids and watched it when it first came out. My eyes hurt initially from the 3D visuals, but eventually I got used to it. I am a bit sensitive to 3D (some people are, be careful about this, especially with all the 3D stuff out there and video games as well, if you are pron to seizures). It was the best movie to watch in 3D I think and the graphics are very good. The actors are very good. Anyway, so when I got out of the 3D Alice in Wonderland movie, just like when I was a kid, everything looked small, and I felt tall. It was worse after watching 3D on the big screen, it took about an hour to adjust back to normal sight perception. Interesting I think, truly. Some good stuff I really want: a Mad Hatter collector doll still <--- good stuff, and a "Barbie" Collector Mad Hatter doll. Alice in Wonderland stuff for sale through Disney.


Random cheap fun tips: Watch the movie! Eat some popcorn and invite some good friends... it doesn't cost much to enjoy the company of friends. You could even theme a party around Alice and Wonderland and play the movie. I just might do it one of these days. If I do, I will post party ideas and tips on a budget of course.

Red Queen 10-31-11

Speaking of Alice in Wonderland, this is me on Harvest day 2011... my outfit done very budget friendly: heart dress was $2 from a thrift store, layered over a couple skirts from my wardrobe, $2 for hair extensions, and about $2 for a red glitter card stock paper (the crown I made). I also purchased, for only $6, flashing light heals new from a thrift store. The rest of the outfit from things I already had. My family "treated" (we don't like tricks) on a popular street in San Clemente, there were some spooky but highly decorated houses, and one even had a young girl and band called "Soph and the Ophs" not sure of the spelling, singing cover songs like "I love Rock in Roll". My favorite decorated house that decorates year after year like a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean (the movie and Disneyland ride). The house itself looks like an oversized doll house. Pirates of the Caribbean is also an Alysa Good Stuff favorite movie and Disneyland favorite ride, that I went on as a child with my grandparents- I was scared. :) I love TV and movie themed parties... this would be another great themed party and watch all the Pirate Caribbean movies. Rent and watch instantly... or buy.

Recently, for a book club my daughter and I read a great book called, "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi, 2010. At first with all the details about ship breaking, I was not sure I would get into the book. By chapter 2 and 3 I couldn't wait to know what was going to happen. This book is based in the US in the future, when oil is scarce and people are either in poverty or living in riches. There is also a sci-fi fantasy element to this story too with genetically engineered creatures that are made from human and animal DNA, Half-man, created to help and protect the wealthy as guards. About loyalty, friends, family and betrayal. Pick up this book and read it... hoping a movie will be made! What do you think movie makers out there? Ship Breaker in theaters... I love a good stuff movie! (PG 13- Parent's warning: Ship Breaker does contain some violence, drug references and curse words.) Buy the Ship Breaker novel used or new online.

Remember fun is not impossible even in hard times, it doesn't have to cost money. 

Be creative, enjoy life, use what talents you have and live life to the fullest!

We're Not All Rich in O.C. Despite the Rumors

Ferrari California image by anthonyho1990 photobucket.com

Not too many years ago, I did not see Ferraris and Lamborginies in person until recent years when the multi-million dollar homes bombarded the hills. We all don't have money like that. There used to be homes and apartments near the beach even with rents that started at $500.00 and up just a little more than 10 years ago. Currently, those same apartments and other homes are around $1,000.00-$1,800.00 and many much more than that. Recently I heard, that rent is possibly going up, more and more I hear, even from neighbors, that they are out of work and can't find a job similar to what they had.

Life is tough. Someone I know, just told me they did not have rent. Trying to afford the high rent is all to common right now. Orange County, California has very high rents compared to many areas in California or the nation for that matter. You'd think with the high number of those unemployed, small businesses closing, even larger businesses closing, the housing market including rental properties would consider this; instead I believe many believe in the areas value and greed causes them to pocket all the money they can from their properties. Here in Orange County, lowering rent does not seem to be readily considered, especially if you live close to the coastline.

Home in Talega, San Clemente, CA - (Orange County). Many million dollar home sales ended up in foreclosure.

"Foreclosure properties in talega san clemente ca 1" by mikerebroker: photobucket.com

I feel privileged to live here, I am thankful to be in such a gorgeous city that overall is a relatively safe low-crime area. I can't help to think, for how long am I going to be able to afford this lifestyle? Upper-class seems to be doing alright. Though, middle-class seems to be struggling almost as much as the so called lower-class. Honestly, I can't stand the labels. Let's say what it is: the poor, the rich and those in between. Those in between are finding themselves in similar positions as the poor. Some in need that have to apply for government assistance or go to food banks. (If you are one of those in need of any food assistance, search my blog, key word: free food, for information on food banks in Orange County, CA and tips on making food stretch).

Not too long ago, a local bank in my home city now has bullet-proof glass windows inside to talk through when you need to deposit or withdraw money. Growing up here, you never would have thought it. After being robbed repeatedly, it was a precaution they had to take. I'm sure this is the case in many parts of the world. The London Riots is one example. LA has had it's own riots in the past too. Theft is still going on today actually and right here in Orange County. Just this morning, a man robbed 3 banks LA Times: Man Robs 3 OC Banks in 2 Hours

You have to trust in times like these instead of thinking about what you don't have. Worry is worth nothing. Matthew 6:31-33 says: Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.


For anyone new to my alysagoodstuff blog I like to blog about fun on literally any budget, and also family activities that build great memories. It doesn't cost to be happy. Actually, you may already know this, as its been said before, "Money doesn't buy happiness.". Notice the little things that do go your way! If your a mom, be happy for the that bit of break you may have gotten from your kids. On a hot day, cheap "Slurpees" or ice cream from 7-11 or your local convenient store can make your kids happy and make you smile for at least 30 minutes. Bike riding is another great free activity, just be safe and wear helmets. Community pools are another good free or cheap activity for giving yourself a break if you have someone to watch your little ones, and also having fun with the kids. Keep an eye out and when no one's at the pool it's like a luxury pool all to yourself. Enjoy your friends, the sunshine and remember to trust, God really does help during tough times. God bless you!

What to Do When Your Stuck Inside on a Sunny or Rainy Day

Laguna Beach, CA - photobucket.com: JordanRenee13

 I was stuck inside on a nice warm day today and no outside time to play! Summer is running out and I still need more beach days! And swim club days! Sniffles and a cough keeping me inside on a gorgeous day. So I've spent the day writing... and if my laptop had a battery that worked I would bring it out with me. But today, no sunshine :(. On a sunny day when I am stuck inside, I almost feel better if it were gloomy outside. And for those of you that have gloom outside, do your best to turn that gloom into something positive. What? Yeah, really you can. Start by making a list if you can't think of something off the top of your head.

So what could you do at home on a gorgeous day? Open your windows and let the breeze in- and blow the germs out! I did some cleaning, wait, that's not fun. I made yummy gluten-free pancakes, a new recipe I will share soon on my gluten-free blog (http://alysagoodstuffglutenfree.blogspot.com). My kids thought that was great. I popped popcorn for the kids and myself. They watched Speed Racer while I worked on an article I needed to write.

Speaking of which, I have to add my latest "good stuff"news... I am a writer for articles, if you need articles written for low prices, join and you can also check for my profile- "Alysa" to request a direct order. It's a great low cost site to help people with article writing needs. They are based in Las Vegas, NV. but I am pretty sure this is available for people worldwide. I'll blog more about this one in another post http://www.textbroker.com

So anyway, if your feeling sick and stuck inside on a sunny or gloomy day- take a time out to do an indoor hobby. Drawing, writing, cooking even playing solitare is a good way to cheer you up... even clip coupons and think ahead to when it will be sunny and you can save next time you can go out! Make the most of it, but if you truly need to rest, rest! Relax with a book you haven't picked up that you wanted to or pop in a movie. Chins up!

Christian Rap Rock KJ52 (KJ Five Two) Stuff- Buy One + Get a Tshirt Sale!

Christian Rap Rock KJ52 (KJ Five Two) Stuff- Buy One + Get a Tshirt Sale!

http://www.merchline.com/kj52/
Buy something and get a shirt free!
I like this one!
This shirt priced $15.00
 

Glass Half Full Not Empty Living (Inspirational Devotion) + Music Video Before Morning

I may not feel like a winner sometimes, but I don't want to think I am a loser, or that I am really letting life's loops throw me for a spin, maybe a bit of a twirl though. I try to be an overall caring person. I try to put myself last. I just don't feel like I'm on the winners list sometimes. In my life I have a lot of effort in things that I have sought for, whether it is a relationship, friendship, motherhood, writing and art, work... but I don't understand why it seems I don't seem to "make it"... all the way. That in many areas I feel the taunting of my failures. I guess I am wanting my own goodstuff. I am the kind of person that most of the time is half full glass but everything conflicting around me says, no it's half empty! "Believe me you are half empty", the glass tells me... this same glass not fulfilling my thirst. Oh if I fall into that pit of despair and hopelessness, suddenly it's... why is "this"- which can be anything from a flat tire to a car crash or a bad hair day to an illness- why is this happening? I tried. If I don't give up, someone else may anyway and where does it leave me. "Give up", the empty glass calls, "give in to despair."
Despair, in definition stated:

• a state in which all hope is lost or absent;
  
• abandon hope; give up hope; lose heart;
  
• the feeling that everything is wrong and nothing will turn out well; "they moaned in despair and dismay"; "one harsh word would send her into the depths of despair"

Still, I've got to try if I am falling into that pit- will I not claw the walls to get out? We all have to fight that fight when it comes, one fight that is a good fight. What control do we really have? Only ourselves, our choices. If only we made good choices all the time, but we wouldn't be human then. Try your best to be your best. There's no need to sink into despair, when around the corner things can turn around. We don't know what's around the corner. Something to remember in those half empty moments:

1. Romans 7:21 (King James Version) I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
   
2. Romans 8:28 (New Living Translation)
   And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

If evil is with us when we do good, all we can do is be prepared and try to do good to our best ability, sometimes we need to try even harder to. God is all knowing and much more powerful then I, so who am I to know his plans? Everything can be caused for good to those that love him. I need to be reminded myself at times. So instead, cheers to half full, cause it's much better than empty. Chins up! Alysa