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Support me by becoming a Patron on Patreon
I’m happy to announce I’ve joined Patreon! For those who’ve supported my work and read my essays over the years, Patreon will be the space going forward to get the most up-to-date content from me. Weekly, you’ll have access to essays, you’ll get article round-ups with the week’s less talked about news and really interesting … Continue reading Support me by becoming a Patron on Patreon
Performative Activism and why it’s not enough
I’ve seen this buzzword come up a few times in feeds and on social (just glue my hand to my phone at this point). I think it’s important to address, especially with my friends and family who hold positions of power and are capable of acting out institutional change. What does “performative activism” mean? It … Continue reading Performative Activism and why it’s not enough
For my white friends who feel attacked:
To all my white friends and family who feel attacked right now, I want you to know I see you and I hear you. I don’t think it’s funny that you feel uncomfortable and I don’t think the people taunting you are always justified. I don’t expect your blind acceptance and I don’t want your … Continue reading For my white friends who feel attacked:
A Very Very Small Start for Us
Hi! Just wanted to say it is super okay if talking about race makes you uncomfortable. We are socialized against it using all sorts of nice sounding things like “kids should be colorblind” and “I don’t see race.” The next step for all of us is acknowledging that those remarks would only be helpful in … Continue reading A Very Very Small Start for Us
Netflix’s Spinning Out is the right kind of cringe
In Samantha Stratton’s Spinning Out, compassionate storytelling weave the figure skating lives of the Baker women into their reality of living with bipolar disorder. Here’s what I think the show did well, and why you should watch.
Invalid Productions x Glitter and Lazers for American Eagle
Anna of Glitter and Lazers hired Invalid Productions to help her create sponsored content for American Eagle. We share some of the behind the scenes tea and what we took from the experience.
St. Martha’s
St. Martha’s is here and now available to rent or purchase on Vimeo OnDemand! Our first direct-to-consumer TV pilot, St. Martha’s is a story about St. Martha’s is a story about strong women trying to leave their troubled pasts behind them. Dora (Kimberley Pember) owns a halfway house for women just out of prison – … Continue reading St. Martha’s
Watch our trailer for St. Martha’s!
Written, directed and produced by Austin female filmmaker, Madie Riley, St. Martha’s is the debut pilot for the direct to consumer model at Invalid Productions. We hope to become a shop where Austin filmmakers can enter the game at a lower price and get their work seen by large audiences at a fair price point.
You’re not broken; you’re just unhappy.
You’re not broken, you’re just unhappy. Let’s unpack that.
Outdoor Shoot Locations for Free or Cheap in Austin
Working on a video with low or no budget? Check out these Austin outdoor venues for backgrounds with a great vibe.
The Launch of Invalid Productions
After journeying through the last two years of breaking into film here in Austin, I’m launching Invalid Productions. We exist for two reasons: to tell stories that matter and to put Austin talent to work.
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.
The last year of my life changed everything about me. For the better.
Why not me, why not now?
How can you go from a world full of self doubt and reasons you can’t succeed to a place of confidence? Maybe it’s time to start asking: Why not me? Why not now?
I’ll put the psycho in your psychosomatic
Living with symptoms is only half the battle when you suffer from a long-term debilitating illness. The other half is psychological, social and a battle for your own beliefs.
Create a work life that acknowledges reality.
When we create a life that denies our very real needs, we end up breaking ourselves to fit someone else’s mode. I talk about creating a work life that is both realistic to you and lifegiving.
Hi guys, I’m alive.
Look, for an admittedly anxious person dealing with major depressive and a neurological disorder, I acknowledge that the whole getting out of bed thing every day is a big deal. But I want more for myself than just functioning. I want a whole hell of alot for myself. And I think that’s the thing that … Continue reading Hi guys, I’m alive.
Castle Rock is everything you hate about Stephen King novels.
Look, I love Bill Skaarsgard so much. He is hella spooky looking and does not match his name at all, but he is incredibly talented. So when I saw he was in another horror show (he formerly starred in the Netflix gore fest that was Hemlock Grove), I thought – sure – I’ll give him … Continue reading Castle Rock is everything you hate about Stephen King novels.
Pops of Poppy
To bring out the green eyed monster in me (or just to brighten up my face) – I liked to use a purple look. Check out my tutorial featuring some nontraditional hues from Sephora Collection, Pure Cosmetics and more.
Let’s Talk Accountability
You’re responsible for the life you are (or aren’t) building. Today I’m talking choices that make up who we are and how we owe good decisions to ourselves and the people who support us.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
May is Mental Health Awareness month, and my message to you is to surround yourself with people who understand that depression and anxiety are NOT your fault or your failure.
Pretty in Purple
To bring out the green eyed monster in me (or just to brighten up my face) – I liked to use a purple look. Check out my tutorial featuring some nontraditional hues from Sephora Collection, Pure Cosmetics and more.
Dear Austin: Where are the women who look like me?
In America’s fittest city, living life as a healthy and happy curvy girl feels like sacrilege or failure of some kind. As a #realaustinwoman, I want to change that.
The Goddess Glow
Sometimes we want makeup that makes us feel like the goddess we are. Here’s my less than twenty goddess look for you to repeat!
Your People Exist. Go Find Them.
My journey back into the community was a slow, measured route taken a few steps at a time. Read why I think your people are out there, too.
My Everyday Casual Makeup
On a day when my skin isn’t so hot but I don’t necessarily want to go for glam, this casual look is my favorite easy apply look. I use dewy, natural colored products from Lorac, Tarte, Clinique, Butter London and more.
Barry is back and even better for season two
Bill Hader and Alec Berg managed to create a comedy that is both heartbreakingly sincere and filled with gut shaking dark humor in Barry season one. In season two, they’ve brought more of that to the table. Read why Barry is the show you should be watching.
Decide for Yourself Who You Will Be
Using your power to choose your fate can change your life. Are you making conscious decisions to direct your course? Read here.
Mindfulness for Beginners
Mindfulness as a practice can seem overwhelming. Here are some easy steps to start your journey toward full presence.
Sexuality is Fluid; Love Your Unicorn
As a married bisexual woman, sexuality was a complicated, messy question for me. Read why I think you don’t need definitions.
The Depressed Girl’s Guide to Contentment
When we’ve dealt with negative emotions for so long, sometimes we can convince ourselves that those are all we deserve. This is your guide to fighting for your happiness and accepting peace.
Places: Cute Nail Studio
In my Places section of the site I recommend my favorites – favorite nail salons, gyms, restaurants, dry cleaners, etc. in Austin. Need to get a cool manicure? Check out Cute Nail Studio
Getting Past the Woo: How to Check In with your Body, Mind and Soul
Checking in with our body, mind and soul may sound daunting and a little too “new age.” This post focuses on practical questions to ask ourselves to find the answer that lead us toward healing.
My Anti-Resolutions Resolutions
I think goal-oriented resolutions are often steeped in some form of self-hate or a societal ideal of what an adventurous, fit or healthy person does. Instead, this year I’ve decided to reflect and evaluate some of my relationships with the world around me that started changing in 2018 and I’d like to think about more in 2019.
My Skincare Routines for Camera-Ready Skin
I describe my morning and night-time skincare routines as well as my more intensive routine I use for upcoming shoots or events. Click for products and advice.
What’s it like to live with major depressive disorder
What it’s like to live with major depressive disorder. My experience handling major depressions and the life I get to live in between.
Thoughts: Wait for you.
“I’m waiting for me. And I may take awhile.” – Women of Manhattan. Read why I think waiting for your truest self to emerge is worth your patience.
Five Mental Health Tips for World Mental Health Day
These five tips are part of an arsenal I use to combat my worst depressions. Celebrate World Mental Health Day by using some for yourself.
Thoughts: Don’t apologize for being loved.
I think as a culture we have a tendency to apologize for our success or our hapiness. Here’s why I’m done apologizing for it.
Thoughts: Who you are is enough.
I’ve been fighting some post birthday blues and feeling unsettled. Here’s the mantra I’ve been working through.
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