Join me in this conversation on my top picks for must-see breakup movies!

I made this video to give fun movie recommendations that are entertaining and interesting of films that resonate with us no matter who or what we may be breaking up with or letting go of.

So many interesting and important life lessons are reflected in these films.

Regardless of one's relationship status, these films show how important the process is of breaking up with someone or something that is causing you harm and knowing when to let go of whatever or whomever is not serving you.

If you want the in depth explanation of how these films are related, why they are this list, how they embody the classic classifications of a breakup film, and how they can relate to us on a deeper level, check out the video below!

 

Let me know your thoughts and feedback in the comments! 

What are your favorite breakup movies and what do you think of this list?

From one film enthusiast to you! 

Barney Miller. Getty Images, ABC Photo Archives.

Characters/Diversity

Barney Miller (1974-1982) is definitely one of my very absolute favorite television shows among several other great shows from the 1970s. Barney Miller had a very diverse cast for a show that began in the 1970s, and strongly contrasts the lack of diversity in mainstream media today as the 12th Precinct police detectives and the reappearing characters identified among different genders, races, ethnicities, sexualities, and abilities.  The characters portrayed and established transcend the often dehumanizing social categorizations as they are portrayed as fully developed characters rather than typical stereotypes. None of these characters were ever constructed stereotypically nor were any of them confined to typical stereotypes. Instead, these characters countered common stereotypes which were addressed and subsequently opposed. No character was ever dehumanized as a sense of humanity was always maintained in each episode that humanized each character by providing a reminder that people are people regardless of their identities--- identities which are often used to excuse and justify violence, injustice, inequality, and oppression.

Barney Miller. "Vanished." January, 1980. Getty Images. ABC Photo Archives.

We are still dealing with the same issues regarding discrimination, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, the mistreatment of youth (all basically a result of ignorance and the refusal of some to see humans only as their label/identity rather than acknowledge them as actual humans), environmental concerns, political/judicial/social corruption, and several other systemic issues that continue to persist.

Barney Miller. "The Layoff." Season 2. September 1975. Getty Images. ABC Photo Archives.

Television

The only problem with these fantastic shows is how difficult they can be to find and the fact that they rarely air on television. Sometimes these shows can also be found on the internet but it takes a lot to find full episodes. Luckily, there are channels like Antenna TV and Me TV that show Barney Miller episodes and rewinds back to other classic and hilarious shows.

Overall, the show is brilliant and amazing as it addresses several important issues at the time, which are still issues of our time. It is a sitcom that appropriately and maturely deals with some really serious issues comically and is full of substance, something that seems to be lacking more and more throughout many popular, usually substance-less, diversity-lacking television shows.


Photos: Getty Images, ABC Photo Archives, Sony Pictures.

The deliciousness...




It's summertime which is the perfect time to cool off, stay hydrated, and keep the vitals lifted especially with climate change, heatwaves and trying to keep the electricity bill low. So, here's a smoothie that is perfect for the summer and wellness.



Ingredients used in this smoothie:

• 1/4 - 1/2 cup baby kale
• 1.5 cups frozen mango
• 1/2 cup organic frozen cherries
• 3/4 cup org. frozen berries
• 1-2 frozen bananas

On a television-related talk-show note, my favorite comedian Wanda Skyes was recently on the Ellen Show as she is promoting her stand-up tour, which I hope to see when she comes to Atlanta. Anyway, I came across this video of the two in what I could only wish would become a new show called "White & Black." Basically, if this were an actual show, I would definitely watch it.

This colorful mixture of pineapples, strawberries, bananas, and blackberries creates a look that resembles "cotton candy", while tasting even better and sweeter. Healthy, filling, and deliciously sweet, like candy in a cup! Instead of succumbing to over-processed candy, you can easily make your own healthier and sweeter versions.






Ingredients
Frozen

• Pineapple chunks
• Strawberry
• Blackberries
• Bananas

*Not all of the fruits have to be frozen, but I find the bananas are best in smoothies when frozen.





This smoothie is high in Vitamin C, Vitamin B-6, Manganese, Magnesium, fiber, and Potassium.
And a pretty good source of Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Vitamin E, and Zinc-- among many other amino acids and naturally-occurring essential Omegas. No need for supplements when you can just blend fruits, and sometimes vegetables, into a nutrient-dense smoothie!

 Looking back on the first year:

From film reviews to (vegan) product reviews, the discussion of past and present television series as well as music-related posts, and a few vegan recipes, Films and Veganism presents a compiled overview of a few of those favorites.

• Thoughts on LANA DEL REY and her influence on modern culture.

"Del Rey, with her unique music style, and overall vintage style, infused with her jazzy-reminiscent voice, is one that sonically carries through airways loud, almost erotically intoxicating, and evocative."

• BRINDO - a sweet song embedded within a sunglasses advertizement that appears as an intimate music video

film/television photos: Google Images

Since it's Halloween, I'm going to take part in this no-days-off holiday Films and Veganism style.

When I was watching the 30 Rock series last year, I saw a funny little Halloween-dity from the episode "Jack Gets in the Game" and knew I'd have to say something about it next Halloween. Not to forget the hilarious Modern Family Halloween-themed episodes.




Modern Family Halloweens

Photo: spoilersguide/ABC

I don't think any show on television does Halloween better than Modern Family (or Addams Family).  One of my very favorite episodes from the show is actually the first Halloween episode, and I'm not even big on the idea of Halloween nor do I participate but I do like comedic episodes that become a product during the Halloween season.  Even after seeing the episode multiple times, it never fails to make me laugh every time I see the skeleton scare Phil.

Adorable - Photo: buddytv/ABC

Last week, the latest Modern Family Halloween-themed episode aired and was of course, absolutely hilarious, while bordering adorable. Without spoiling anything, Claire attempts to prove that she can be scary, Lily wants to be a princess, and Gloria has a right to express her anger.

	Hilarious - Photo:Figment/ABC

Werewolf Bar Mitzvah: spooky-scary

So here's the catchy tune "Werewolf Bar Mitzvah", written by Donald Glover of Community, from the 30 Rock episode mentioned earlier, "Jack Gets in the Game" Season 2, episode 2.


Video: 30 Rock, NBC (2007)

This is very much a college student post from the days when I lived in a dorm somewhat far from home, and relied on pre-packaged vegan foods, hence the term 'college vegan'.



Ingredients

• - vegan taco mix
• - taco shell, chips or lettuce to substitute shell/chips
• - lettuce 
• - tomato
• - salsa
• - other fresh veggies

Step mix: Make the mix, whether it comes out of box like mine or with creativity from scratch.
Step outside: Taco shell or chips? Or lettuce shell/chips. Either way, still a taco creation.
Step toppings: Add as many fresh and raw vegetable toppings as you favor. I like massive amounts of veggie-related toppings, as seen in the photos.
Step salsa: Apply the salsa and dice some tomatoes





Whenever I look for salsa I get the urge to say, "where's the salsa?" like in that episode of Seinfeld...

Video: Seinfeld, NBC Universal. Season 4, Episode 3. Sept 1992.

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. CBS. 2012.

As much as I agree with Craig on the topic of reality shows, which you can see in the video above, I have to say there is one reality show that doesn't make me hate the 'E' channel with disgust, and that show is Mrs. Eastwood and Company.

I think it's pretty obvious that I am not the average young person and I actually do have a moderate dislike toward the kudzu-growth of reality shows. It's clear that these types of shows are on the high-end of the popularity scale on the television radar, despite the fact that they're more often than not, not really that great. Before Eastwood and Company, the only reality show I ever enjoyed watching was Growing Up Gotti. It was a nice, hilarious, realistic, overall great show on A&E. There might still be episodes of the show that you can see on the A&E website, but I have yet to find the DVDs (yes, the show was that entertaining).


Back to the Eastwoods:

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

Not only is Eastwood & Co. super hilarious, but it's a real family (almost like a Modern Family-esic type of extended family). But it's realistic in the event that no one on the show is consumed by the superfluously materialistic mindset that is corrupting our television screens as well as our own minds. This is something I've been proud about this show since the first episode. It's portrayed in a way in which the focus is not always on the material, much like with other shows, but instead goes against that superficial depiction and unfair mindset. Not to forget, they're caring, open and accepting Liberals, which being a Strong Liberal myself, just makes me love the show even more.

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

One of the main reasons why I like Eastwood and Company so much is because it is so hilarious and shows the dynamic between the silly and serious sides of being in or apart of a family atmosphere.
I've realized that many people are critiquing the show in the most negative ways, but I think you would just have to see it for yourself. If you're someone who does watch reality shows, I think it's important to know that when these shows are edited, a lot of content ends up being left out- just as much as many scenes are clipped together. That's why these shows usually seem a bit awkward between scenes.

As easy as it is to succumb to either the love or hate side of how one perceives reality shows, I think with some of these shows a major contributor to why people love watching these shows, setting aside the chaos and whatever else, is that viewers often feel they can relate to the people they see on T.V.  I feel this way with Eastwood and Company, despite the fact that their life and situations are completely different from mine, the simple notion that I can is pretty interesting. And I think one of the amazing things about this family is the fact that they can work out their differences and get on the same page of understanding one another instead of just setting it aside or ignoring it - this, I find to be a good example of how we could learn how to communicate better with each other in life, no matter what relationship dynamic.

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

It may not be healthy, but it tastes pretty great.


So you got your vegan ice cream with several varieties in both brand and flavor. My favorite brand of vegan ice cream has always been by So Delicious. They have so many options, it's incredible; with various flavors and ingredients, including your choice between coconut, almond, or soy milks. So Delicious is not the only vegan ice cream brand, several others are on the rise in the market and they are incredible as well.

Moving on to simple vegan ice cream sandwiches! All I did here was take the vegan-friendly Back to Nature chocolate chuck cookies, and put some coconut mint chip vegan ice cream in between two of the mini cookies. Then added some carob chips in between.




Just for laughs, SNl/Lonely Island "Dear Sister"


Back To Nature 27168 D...$34.29 Boncui.com