Sometimes the world in which we live can seem like such a crazy messed up place. Its very important to find solace and keep your own peace to not be sucked into all the negativity and bad things that we see each day. My peace is a good, well written book. If I choose something in the fiction genre, I tend to go for the latest James Patterson novel. It keeps me engaged and wanting to carry the book everywhere I go. I find it harder to focus on my reading because of the many distractions in my daily life. But I have to remind myself to carve out a little "me" time to relax and de-socialize for just a little bit.
I think back to what I did with my time before the social media craze. No FaceBook, no Instagram, no Twitter and not too much email. I read. I read all day long and sometimes would not dart my door. Especially in the winter months. This was my stress reliever. My detox from a rough day at work or stressful relationships (family, friends etc). I could easily pick up several books from the library and just cut the world off. I kinda miss those days. And I find myself needing to retreat back to some of those old habits to maintain. Its very easy to get caught up and lose your sense of solace.
More recently I am interested in self-help and inspirational books. I love affirmations and positive reinforcements to motivate me and help keep me focused on what I should be doing. I'm also reading the Bible more and following up on subjects from the sermon at church. Reading balances me out. When I need some action or suspense Mr. Patterson is my man..but when I need to mellow out and focus The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and Wishes Fulfilled by Dr. Wayne Dyer help to keep me centered.
What are you reading?
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes Blog Review
You ever wonder what it would have been like to date a famous figure from way back when?
Well, wonder no more!!
In this new book, Kelly Murphy & Hallie Fryd gives you a glimpse of many figures who made our hearts skip a beat and peaked our curiousity to say the least. Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes spares you from the lack of technology and modern fashion by giving you a taste of the love lives of Cleopatra, Frederick Douglass and Josephine Baker to name a few.
I found Kelly's take on the achievements of these artists, actors, actresses, literary and political geniuses quite refreshing. If I had ever decided that history was boring, I've changed my mind. I found delight in their mishaps as well as their accomplishments. These figures seem to most of us present day folks as otherworldly and sometimes larger than life. The author's take on these individuals gives us a viewpoint that they were human nonetheless, but they marched to the beat of their own drums.
I fell in love with the courage and bravery of Josephine Baker back when the movie depicting her life was released.
She was beautiful, talented and worldly. Until reading, who knew of her colorful love life?..and no, I'm not talking about her adopted children the Rainbow Tribe. I knew that she loved France and France treated her with love in return, but did they approve of her fancy cheetah in tow? She was a trendsetter alright! Chiquita donned a diamond collar back when other pets weren't.
My love for iconic gangsters definitely drew me into Bugsy Siegel. I've seen many a movies about this notorious guy. He had smarts and swagger, but he used it for evil. Talk about criminal minds. But you can't deny his mark on the film industry and the stories it inspired. This mafia boss had friends in high and low places and wreaked havoc all across the U.S., but even more so in Vegas.
A woman after my own heart, Dorothy Parker. She is what I aspire to be for the most part, minus being a regular at a brothel and the death part. She was smart, witty and made a name for herself in the Big City. Who wouldn't love to write for The New Yorker, Vogue and Vanity Fair? Parker was fashionable and quite a looker, but very unlucky in love. I guess all the socializing and power didn't bid her too well in the end. But hey, this woman had charm and fame. A sense of humor like hers made you wonder if you loved her or hated her!
Overall I enjoyed the 50 Timeless Crushes. It was an entertaining yet informative read. Its a must read to find some things you never knew about people you have definitely heard of!
To check out a list of blogger reviews, click: http://zestbooks.net/historical-heartthrobs-blog-tour
Well, wonder no more!!
In this new book, Kelly Murphy & Hallie Fryd gives you a glimpse of many figures who made our hearts skip a beat and peaked our curiousity to say the least. Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes spares you from the lack of technology and modern fashion by giving you a taste of the love lives of Cleopatra, Frederick Douglass and Josephine Baker to name a few.
I found Kelly's take on the achievements of these artists, actors, actresses, literary and political geniuses quite refreshing. If I had ever decided that history was boring, I've changed my mind. I found delight in their mishaps as well as their accomplishments. These figures seem to most of us present day folks as otherworldly and sometimes larger than life. The author's take on these individuals gives us a viewpoint that they were human nonetheless, but they marched to the beat of their own drums.
I fell in love with the courage and bravery of Josephine Baker back when the movie depicting her life was released.
She was beautiful, talented and worldly. Until reading, who knew of her colorful love life?..and no, I'm not talking about her adopted children the Rainbow Tribe. I knew that she loved France and France treated her with love in return, but did they approve of her fancy cheetah in tow? She was a trendsetter alright! Chiquita donned a diamond collar back when other pets weren't.
My love for iconic gangsters definitely drew me into Bugsy Siegel. I've seen many a movies about this notorious guy. He had smarts and swagger, but he used it for evil. Talk about criminal minds. But you can't deny his mark on the film industry and the stories it inspired. This mafia boss had friends in high and low places and wreaked havoc all across the U.S., but even more so in Vegas.
A woman after my own heart, Dorothy Parker. She is what I aspire to be for the most part, minus being a regular at a brothel and the death part. She was smart, witty and made a name for herself in the Big City. Who wouldn't love to write for The New Yorker, Vogue and Vanity Fair? Parker was fashionable and quite a looker, but very unlucky in love. I guess all the socializing and power didn't bid her too well in the end. But hey, this woman had charm and fame. A sense of humor like hers made you wonder if you loved her or hated her!
Overall I enjoyed the 50 Timeless Crushes. It was an entertaining yet informative read. Its a must read to find some things you never knew about people you have definitely heard of!
To check out a list of blogger reviews, click: http://zestbooks.net/historical-heartthrobs-blog-tour
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Born and raised among the sprawling cornfields of rural Pennsylvania, Kelly Murphy now writes from her child-sized apartment in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Her articles have appeared in Brokelyn, Brooklyn Based, Chic Today, NCTE’s The Council Chronicle, and various other publications. A Penn State graduate, Kelly currently works in publishing. Hallie Fryd is the author of Scandalous!: 50 Shocking Events You Should Know About (So You Can Impress Your Friends), which was a Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Winner in 2012.
ABOUT ZEST BOOKS
Zest Books is an award-winning publisher of smart and edgy titles for young and new adults that cover timely topics in creative ways by incorporating solid life advice, practical how-to instruction, and humorous commentary. We also publish a line of True Stories memoirs and first person accounts. Distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, you can learn more about Zest Books at http://www.zestbooks.net
Monday, December 30, 2013
New Year's Mani
On a trip to CVS Pharmacy the other night I caught wind of sale of 50 percent and 70 percent off some cosmetics. Didn't get into any of the lip sticks or lip glosses. I really shouldn't have been in that section at all..but this is me we're talking about. Anyways, I strolled down towards all the gel polishes etc and picked up a few colors. I have been trying to diversify my collection of gel polishes. I think I am getting bored with the colors and I want to try some new shades and brands. My normal is to buy the Gelish brand, but I have recently bought a FingerPaints gel polish in purple and even tried the ASP brand of base coat when I ran out of the Gelish foundation. So far so good.
My CVS haul consisted of some lashes that were half off, two SensatioNail colors in Bubbly Champagne and Pink Daisy and Sally Hansen Gel Polish in Greige. I decided to try the Sally Hansen first.
I forgot to put PH bond on my left hand..but it turned out okay. So I used ASP for my base with two coats, two coats of the Greige Gel Polish and one coat of Gelish Top It Off. I did remember the PH bond by the time I got to my right hand.
My nails turned out great! I usually don't do nudes. I usually like a color that pops against my skin tone..but I can rock with this one. I am thinking of doing a glitter gradient on one accent nail and maybe cheetah print on another accent nail.
My gel mani's dont usually last me a whole two weeks. Lets see how this one does.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Dear Teen Me Book Review
I have never written an official book review, but my love of books and my teenage years compelled me to take a dive. I'm not quite sure what my expectations were when I signed up to join the blog tour. It was something new and exciting for sure. I tend to like reading about people reflecting upon their pasts and knowing that whatever their journey that it was all worthwhile. They say hindsight is 20/20.
Dear Teen Me reminded me that we all have interesting stories to tell. We have all experienced ups and downs and many uncertainties. We have all lost and loved at early stages in life. Reading these stories took me back to my own teen years and allowed me to realize that all the thoughts I had and trials I went through were normal. As teens we tend to hide in a shell and imagine that we are the only ones going through puberty, fights with friends, difficult parents and tough decisions about the future.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Robin Benway's letter. And true to her word, high school does stop mattering as soon as its over. Sounds so simple right? All those people you tried to impress, you won't see them until you sign up for Facebook or about 12 years later. Similarly my ideal life is to live somewhere sunny and be able to write whenever I feel. Yep, just waiting to hit the lotto :) I too chose some amazing friends that I have had for a lifetime, that make me laugh until my stomach hurts.
Even the Q & A was fun to read. I think everyone has either accidentally lost a piece of clothing or fallen. My most embarrassing moment was in 6th grade. My very playful former classmate from elementary hit me and I chose to chase her in the rain. Our classes were outside and I ran across the grass without a second thought and slid in the mud. Oh my God, my face was warm with embarrassment. And to make matters worse I had to walk to the nurses' office through the school and call my mom to pick me up. In my mind I was leaving for the day, but my mom instead bought me a change of jeans and I had to stay at school. Low and behold I go change bottoms and the jeans are "highwaters" (too short). I literally cried. I seriously won't ever forget that day. Even though I laugh about it now, I still cringe when I think about it.
I read several letters about abusive parents and how these teens were left to fend for themselves at an already confusing time. The stories are a true testimony that tough times don't last forever. Most teens don't realize this at the time. It's important to hold on and have a strong support system of friends or teachers when there are issues at home.
Teens deal with so many issues, it sometimes amazes me that productive adults are the end result in most cases. Peer pressure, pressure to use drugs, pressure to have sex, pressure to be popular, pressure to be smart..and the list goes on.
I am so proud of Jessica Burkhart for leaving. It was a blessing that Kate came into her life when she did. It took a strong person to leave and start a life without their family and it also takes a strong person to be a friend and give someone the strength they need to leave at such a young age. I hope her younger brother is doing okay. Wishing her much success on her new life!
This collection of letters is a great read. It's witty, heart-wrenching, honest and refreshing. It isn't all bubblegum and popcorn, it reflects stories of real teens with real issues. I would recommend that parents read this book to remind them of how difficult the adolescent years can be. And I would definitely recommend the book to teenagers to help them realize that whatever they are going through will not last. And that everything they are going to go through someone else already has. I will also be sharing this book with my own teen son.
Stay tuned for my own Dear Teen Me letter (which I hadn't planned on writing)!! My teen years are such a big part of the woman I am today.
To order a copy of this book: http://zestbooks.net/dear-teen-me/
For more info about the Blog Tour: http://zestbooks.net/dear-teen-me-blog-tour/
For Dear Teen Me events: http://zestbooks.net/events/
A special thanks to Zestbooks for allowing me to take part in this blog tour.
For more info: www.zestbooks.net
And to the editors E. Kristin Anderson and Miranda Kenneally thanks for coming up with such a great idea!
You rock!!
Dear Teen Me reminded me that we all have interesting stories to tell. We have all experienced ups and downs and many uncertainties. We have all lost and loved at early stages in life. Reading these stories took me back to my own teen years and allowed me to realize that all the thoughts I had and trials I went through were normal. As teens we tend to hide in a shell and imagine that we are the only ones going through puberty, fights with friends, difficult parents and tough decisions about the future.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Robin Benway's letter. And true to her word, high school does stop mattering as soon as its over. Sounds so simple right? All those people you tried to impress, you won't see them until you sign up for Facebook or about 12 years later. Similarly my ideal life is to live somewhere sunny and be able to write whenever I feel. Yep, just waiting to hit the lotto :) I too chose some amazing friends that I have had for a lifetime, that make me laugh until my stomach hurts.
Even the Q & A was fun to read. I think everyone has either accidentally lost a piece of clothing or fallen. My most embarrassing moment was in 6th grade. My very playful former classmate from elementary hit me and I chose to chase her in the rain. Our classes were outside and I ran across the grass without a second thought and slid in the mud. Oh my God, my face was warm with embarrassment. And to make matters worse I had to walk to the nurses' office through the school and call my mom to pick me up. In my mind I was leaving for the day, but my mom instead bought me a change of jeans and I had to stay at school. Low and behold I go change bottoms and the jeans are "highwaters" (too short). I literally cried. I seriously won't ever forget that day. Even though I laugh about it now, I still cringe when I think about it.
I read several letters about abusive parents and how these teens were left to fend for themselves at an already confusing time. The stories are a true testimony that tough times don't last forever. Most teens don't realize this at the time. It's important to hold on and have a strong support system of friends or teachers when there are issues at home.
Teens deal with so many issues, it sometimes amazes me that productive adults are the end result in most cases. Peer pressure, pressure to use drugs, pressure to have sex, pressure to be popular, pressure to be smart..and the list goes on.
I am so proud of Jessica Burkhart for leaving. It was a blessing that Kate came into her life when she did. It took a strong person to leave and start a life without their family and it also takes a strong person to be a friend and give someone the strength they need to leave at such a young age. I hope her younger brother is doing okay. Wishing her much success on her new life!
This collection of letters is a great read. It's witty, heart-wrenching, honest and refreshing. It isn't all bubblegum and popcorn, it reflects stories of real teens with real issues. I would recommend that parents read this book to remind them of how difficult the adolescent years can be. And I would definitely recommend the book to teenagers to help them realize that whatever they are going through will not last. And that everything they are going to go through someone else already has. I will also be sharing this book with my own teen son.
To order a copy of this book: http://zestbooks.net/dear-teen-me/
For more info about the Blog Tour: http://zestbooks.net/dear-teen-me-blog-tour/
For Dear Teen Me events: http://zestbooks.net/events/
A special thanks to Zestbooks for allowing me to take part in this blog tour.
For more info: www.zestbooks.net
And to the editors E. Kristin Anderson and Miranda Kenneally thanks for coming up with such a great idea!
You rock!!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Tickle my Fancy
As of late the internet is all a buzz with the latest fashion trends for nails.
I wouldn't say that I am the most girliest of them all..but I love all things cute, glittery, pink, sexy, yada yada yada..you know what I mean.
The stiletto nail trend: Cute, but not for me. However, the details are awesome. The colors are invigorating and the shine is perfection!
I'm kinda classy when it comes to nails. I just want a feminine, fun punch of color with square nails that are rounded at the corners. And maybe something sparkly every once in a while. And nothing pleases me more than a nice shine!
Gelish/Shellac/Vegan polish trend: I love them all.
I like the Gelish polish line, because it allows us do-it-yourselfers to play at our own convenience. And if done right..it looks just as good as a nail tech would do. Check out Sally Beauty Supply for the Gelish line
I haven't tried the Shellac line, but I definitely will.
They do have a great variety of colors..so I won't hold out for too long
I have purchased a few polishes by Zoya. I liked them okay. Love the colors I see on their website, but never can seem to choose a color that complements my skin color when it arrives at the door. I am hoping to find a local salon that has a vast collection to choose from.
Nail Strips:
I've tried the line by Sally Hansen. Very creative designs. They are fairly easy to put on, but they don't last very long.
Tips/Natural nails/Manicure:
I haven't done tips since the early 2000's. The process of getting tips makes my nail beds very sensitive, my nails are extra thin and I don't like the electric filing tools used to file and buff your nails.
I love my natural nails. They don't get quite as long as they used to but, I can work on that.
Natural nails should be kept clean and trimmed evenly.
Still haven't found the perfect top coat nor a clear nail hardener for my no polish days.
I do love all the nail creativity out in the world. I currently check Instagram and Pinterest for nail inspiration.
SH
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Over-Drive
I feel like my life is in overdrive right about now..there's work..Full-time and sometimes over-time. Then there's school and last but definitely not least there's being a mother. There is always something to do, clean, buy, organize, bake, fix and whatever else you can think of to add to my list. Sometimes I just wanna sit down and do absolutely nothing. But then, where would that lead me?
I placed my baking on the back burner to focus on school for the summer while I had a little more me time than usual. And I shortly realized after starting classes again that I really should have finished in my 20's. My memory and studying skills aren't quite what they used to be. But then I have to think that maybe it isn't that. Maybe I am just preoccupied with all of my other responsibilities.
I look at other mom's and dad's who go to their jobs, and maintain their household with more than one child and remind myself that I CAN DO THIS.
It is difficult and very stressful at times. But my vision keeps me going. As long as I have breath in my body, I will keep going.
I'm in a head space, where I want to build my dream instead of helping someone else build theirs! And of course I will stop to enjoy life's little treasures along the way.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Living life with no limits
I have started and ended a few ventures in my short life and I will continue to do so until I find exactly what it is that fulfills me. There's absolutely nothing wrong with wearing multiple hats. Really, who wants to live a life with limits?
Here in the land of opportunities giving up should not be an option. We all want instant gratification..but that's unrealistic to say the least. If you fail..get back up..dust yourself off and try again. Its just that simple. If you have to, give yourself pep talks. Create vision boards. Read inspiration articles. Do some research for that dream career. Make friends in places where you want to be.
Moral of the story is: Don't Give Up!
I feel each day brings me closer to clarity and peace with my life decisions and career choices. I will continue to set goals and aspirations for myself and my son. And one day, I will see all my hard work and sacrifice paid off.
Here in the land of opportunities giving up should not be an option. We all want instant gratification..but that's unrealistic to say the least. If you fail..get back up..dust yourself off and try again. Its just that simple. If you have to, give yourself pep talks. Create vision boards. Read inspiration articles. Do some research for that dream career. Make friends in places where you want to be.
Moral of the story is: Don't Give Up!
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