Day Two: Universal Studios Orlando
So, from 9-5, the park is normal. Families pour in the gates to see Shrek and Donkey, the Blues Brothers perform, and you're surrounded by good old-fashioned, wholesome family fun. From 9-5. At 5pm, the pumpkin changes, folks, and the Halloween Horror Nights begin! MUWAHAHAHAHA!!!!
We skipped out on that. Sorry if that disappoints anyone, but much as I heart zombies, I prefer to keep mine cute and cuddly. Having lived in two (count 'em, two) haunted houses (not kidding), I've seen my fair share of scary stuff. I don't want to have to pay $75 to have ghouls chase me around while I'm trying to get in line for the Men in Black ride. No, thank you.
Honestly, we discussed it. Thomas and I both researched the event pretty thoroughly and came up with...well, nothing. No reviewers want to give out spoilers, so they keep their accounts pretty darn vague. If anyone out there has been to HHN in Orlando (very different from the one in California), please let me know what to expect. Spoilers are just fine with me. I live for them. I really want to know if this is something I think I can handle, because, man, the decorations they started putting out while we were there were freaking awesome, and the live shows sounded really cool, too.
Okay, so enough about what we didn't do. When we first walked through the gates, we were immediately greeted by a friendly park employee with a clipboard. Would we be interested in screening a potential television pilot? Would we?!!!! Heck, yeah!!
See, this is something I've always dreamed of doing. Seriously! (Yes, I have a sad and pathetic existence) I've always wanted to be a Nielsen family, or do a panel, or anything that had to do with picking tv shows. Plus, they were going to pay us fifteen whole dollars to participate! Yay!
So, we get in there, and, while I don't want to give too much away, it was the most excruciating half-hour of "comedy" I've ever experienced. Unlikable characters, stupid plot, and some of the worst acting known to man. I advised them to burn it and forget it ever happened. Halfway through, I considered telling them to either keep the money and let me leave, or up it to twenty bucks. This was a really, really, really bad show. Unfortunately, it was a bad show with a really, really, really specific demographic: young marrieds. We spent the rest of the day walking around the park with targets on our backs. At least we had thirty bucks in our pockets.
And now, a product review! Yay!! Philosophy Amazing Grace Fiming Body Emulsifier. $34, Sephora. According to Sephora:
Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion is a toning body moisturizer that helps to purify, moisturize, and revitalize dry, aged, or wrinkled skin with a unique blend of antioxidants and vitamins E and C. Chock full of luscious moisturizing properties including shea butter, macadamia nut, and olive oils.
I didn't notice much firming, but I can say that it moisturized like a champ. My skin was so dry from driving and hotel air-conditioning that shaving was almost like a blood-letting. My legs were on fire. I had this in a travel-size in my makeup bag, and it instantly made my skin feel better. Plus, the scent is very light and pleasant, and didn't compete with my perfume. I think the best way to describe the fragrance is this: when I was a kid, we used to spend a lot of time during the Summers at my Aunt Sis' beach house. The house had an outdoor shower that she kept stocked with Pert shampoo and conditioner. As soon as I opened this container, I immediately flashed back to that outdoor shower, and the smell of sunscreen and Pert. It's an odd way to describe it, I know, but the best way I know how. It's very clean and fresh. If you're interested in trying out Philosophy, might I suggest the Travel Agent set. It's travel-sized versions of Purity facial cleanser, Hope in a Jar facial moisturizer, Amazing Grace Shampoo/Body Wash, Conditioner, and the Emulsifier. $35, Sephora.
i have desperately been in the market for a new moisturizer; this sounds like the ticket. good tip.
ReplyDeleteand as for the focus group - ugh, those things can be the worst. i was in a political one during the 2004 primary season. we aired on MSNBC... but only for the section where they asked us questions about michael jackson. sigh.