Category Archives: Book review

The White Tee, Review of Terry Fallis’ The High Road and The Power of Social Media

Today’s post will include a little of this and a little of that. So let’s start with what I am wearing today: boyfriend jeans, Tippi sweater, bow flats and a blazer. The weather really can’t make up it’s mind. I’m hoping for a nicer, sunnier June.

Boyfriend Jeans

Jacket (R W & Co.). Jeans (Gap). Sweater (J Crew). Flats (Aldo). Purse (J Crew). Necklace (Stella & Dot). Watch (Michael Kors). Bracelets (The Bay & Stella & Dot).

Boyfriend Jeans

Outfit Recap

Today I’m linking up with Real Girl Glam for her Real Girl Style Challenge: The White Tee. I decided to pick 3 different ways I like to style a white tee. My favorite ways of styling a simple white tee is to add a statement necklace, cardigan or a vest. By adding any one of these you transform a simple white tee into something fabulous. Check out my favorite ways below…

Tweed Blazer

Black Vest

J Crew Statement Necklace

The Power of Social Media

Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown

I recently fell in love with a new show on CNN called Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown. I was not familiar with Anthony, but the commercial caught my eye. The idea of the show is that he travels all around the world, experiencing different food and cultures. It’s not your typical travel show. There are no false pretenses, no sugar coating the lives people live. It’s an honest, candid view of what life is like in certain parts of the world. So far Anthony has travelled to Koreatown in LA, Quebec, Libya, Morocco, Columbia and Myanmar.

What really made an impact for me was when I watched the episode where Anthony was in Libya. I remember the revolution that happened 2 years ago. I watched the news which showed how people fought for their freedom. Anthony asked a man about the revolution and how it came to be and the man answered “it came to be through social media like Facebook and Twitter”. To oversimplify it people communicated and organized the revolution through Facebook and Twitter. It’s absolutely amazing to think how 2 forms of social media that barely existed a decade ago, helped give people their freedom. It’s mind blowing. If you get a chance you can watch Parts Unknown on CNN Sunday nights at 9pm. It’s definitely worth watching.

Terry Fallis' The High Road

I recently finished Terry Fallis’ second novel called The High Road, which is the sequel to The Best Laid Plans. We read his first book in book club about a year ago and it pleasantly surprised me. I don’t care much for politics, especially Canadian as it’s as boring as watching paint dry, but Terry Fallis manages to captivate the reader through his main character Angus McLintock. Angus is a Scottish Engineer who accidentally gets involved in Canadian politics. I won’t go into any more detail as I don’t want to ruin the story. What I will say is from the first page, the humour engages you and compels you to keep reading.

The sequel is very much like the first one. From the first page I was laughing out loud. I only wish Canadian politics was this interesting. But on a more serious note, we recently held a Provincial Election here in BC and many people were disappointed with the outcome. For me personally, I didn’t want to vote (but I did!!!), as I felt like none of the candidates represented me, my family or my concerns. I felt like the campaigns were full of empty promises and grandiose propaganda. Once elected those officials, do whatever they want anyways. There is really no accountability. They say they are working for the people but they aren’t. They could take heed from Angus McLintock in Terry Fallis’ novels. Now this is a man who is true to his word, who doesn’t play the games, and doesn’t put up with bullshit. He says it like it is and in the end it benefits him. For once I would like to go to the polls feeling like one of the candidates represents me and my interests, instead of voting for the lesser of the evils. So if any Canadian politician reads this (highly doubtful, but one can hope), then please stop dicking around and start listening to us, the people. Stop playing games and start working for us the people. That’s what we are paying you for!!!!!

So back to the book, if you want a funny, quick, entertaining read then The High Road is perfect for you. It’s not just a book for Canadians, anyone can relate to the shenanigans of politicians. Start with the first, The Best Laid Plans and then read this one. You won’t be disappointed.

This is a picture of a flower bush in our backyard. It started to bloom this week. It’s so pretty. I love Spring.

Flower Bush

Don’t forget you can still link up to my Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday Link

Up, until Sunday midnight. Click here for details and to link up.

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a fabulous pair of Stella & Dot earrings. Click here for details and to enter. Contest ends this Sunday at midnight.

I would love it if you followed me on Facebook, Bloglovin or Pinterest.

May this blog inspire you to come up with different fashionable ways to dress up your simple white tee.

Happy Friday and Weekend Everyone!!!

Burgundy, Chambray, Boyfriend Jeans and Book Review of Freakonomics

I have a busy week ahead of me. We just did a family birthday party for my son yesterday. I’m attending my first blogger conference tomorrow and our son’s birthday party with his friends and his actually birthday is on Saturday. So in light of all that, this post was written last week. I knew I would be too busy after the weekend to get anything written.

Click here to see the winner of the Stella & Dot giveaway. Congrats!!!!

This is what I am wearing today: a chambray top layered under a burgundy sweater, boyfriend jeans and my favorite flats. Perfect outfit to take my son to gymnastics in.

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Jacket (R W & Co.). Jeans (Gap). Sweater (J Crew). Top (American Eagle). Shoes (Aldo). Purse (Fossil c/o The Bay). Watch (Michael Kors). Bracelet (The Bay). Necklace (Stella & Dot).

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Book Review of Freakonomics

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We recently read the book Freakonomics for my bookclub. I have to say I would have never picked up this book, had I not been in this bookclub, but I’m glad that I did. The book is written by a journalist and an economist. Rather than it being a dry book, which is what I had envisioned, it was enlightening and funny at times. It definitely makes you rethink the way you think about things, especially the way you absorb what the media says.

I found it to be a quick read and was well laid out. I especially liked the title of the chapters: Chaper 1: What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? Chapter 2: How is the Ku Klux klan like a group of real-estate agents? Chapter 3: Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? Chapter 4: Where have all the criminals gone? Chapter 5: What makes a perfect parent? and Chapter 6: Perfect Parenting, Part 11; or: Would a Roshanda by any other name smell as sweet? You must be thinking what do Sumo wrestlers and teachers have in common? Well according to the authors, cheating is what they have in common. More specifically, cheating to help the greater good. My other favorite chapter is the one about why drug dealers still live at home? I never thought about how they run their businesses and according to this book, they run the drug dealing business like one would run a McDonalds. I won’t go into further details. I’ll let you guys read it for yourselves!!!

The idea of this book isn’t to convince you that the author is right. The point is to get you to change the way you take in information; to question what people say and to not take things at face value. He discusses how when people give you stats, they are exaggerated on purpose to get people’s attention and how stats are always influenced by the person giving it. The message is question what people are saying and make up your own ideas of things.

They bring up some very interesting points such as the real reason the crime rate went down. They attribute it to Roe v. Wade and the fact that abortions became legal in 1973. They suggest that because those children, who otherwise would have been born to poor parents, would most likely become criminals, were now aborted, the number of potential criminals went down. It definitely is a very controversial statement and conclusion. I’m not here to argue whether I agree or not, I’m simply stating what they say. It certainly is something to think about.

I would recommend this book to read as it gives you new insights into what you believed and makes you rethink the way you take in information. Have you read this book? What are your thoughts?

Please follow me on Facebook, Bloglovin or Pinterest.

May this blog inspire you to try and see things in a different and perhaps more open way.

Happy Monday Everyone!!!!

Grey, Gingham, Boyfriend Jeans & Book Review: The Secret Keeper By Kate Morton

This is what I wore yesterday: my pink gingham shirt, layered under a grey sweater and my boyfriend jeans. It was raining a bit, but I thought what the heck, I’ll put on my pink trench and scarf and that will keep me warm. Yesterday while my son was a preschool I ran a marathon. I swear once I drop him off, the stop watch starts and I have almost 2.5 hrs to try as get as much done as possible. I was quite efficient yesterday, got everything done on my list. Do you find yourselves in the same shoes???

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Shirt (H & M). Jeans (Gap). Sweater (Jacob). Flats (Aldo).

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Last night, I headed out to a Stella & Dot event, showcasing their Summer collection. A night out is rare for me during the weekdays and since my bootcamp was cancelled this week, I thought I would be all gussied up and head downtown for some food, drinks and some jewelry!!!! I’ll post pictures on Friday.

Book Review: Kate Morton’s The Secret Keeper

The Secret Keeper

I recently finished reading Kate Morton’s newest book called The Secret Keeper. I became spellbound with her books a few years ago, when I discovered her at the bookstore in the mall. Her first book, The House At Riverton, engaged me from the first few pages and I have been a fan ever since.

Why I like her books so much is that it engages you within the first few pages. There are similar themes in all of her four novels. There is always a mystery that shrouds a family, a twist that you don’t see coming and the story moves back and fourth from the past into the present. I am huge fan of mystery, loved Nancy Drew as a child, and that’s what drew me to pick up her first book.

I like that she develops her main characters and she tells the story from not just the point of view of one character. She likes to tell the story from different points of views and uses different characters to narrate the story. Although she does jump back and fourth between past and present, you don’t get confused. By going back and fourth you get an accurate understanding of what is going on, why the characters did what they did.

This story takes place in two different era’s: the present 2011 and the past, before and during WWII. As a child, the main character, Laurel, witnesses her mother kill a man. She never really discusses the incident with her parents nor gets closure and now that her mother is dying she determined to figure out why? She begins a journey to discover who her mother really is and why she committed such a heinous act. Laurel discovers a sad and troubling story of three young people just trying to survive and make a better life for themselves.

Kate Morton does a fantastic job of developing the characters and enveloppes you right into the story. The story is engaging and will leave you satisfied once you are finished. I would definitely recommend this book.

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a $300 gift card to Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic. Click here to enter.

Don’t forget about my link up tomorrow, Thursday April 11. Show me your favorite Spring trend. Click here for details.

May this blog inspire you to purchase a fabulous gingham top and to read one of Kate Morton’s books. I promise you won’t regret it.

Happy Hump Day Everyone!!!

Spilled Coffee and Stephen King’s 11/22/63

I want to thank everyone for their great comments about Wednesday’s post: Would you put your marriage before your children? Honestly I was a bit worried that I might get some nasty comments, but I didn’t. I also want to thank you all for your great comments regarding my son. Yes, it’s fabulous news. I still don’t quite believe it. I get emotional just thinking about it. I also wanted to thank those of you who participated in my very first link up!!! Thank you so much for your support. I’m hoping to start another monthly link up where you link up about whatever you want. I’ll post details about this link up next Thursday March 14.

Yesterday before I went to pick my son up from school, I went and got myself a coffee from Tim Hortons. I get into my car and accidentally knock my coffee out of my hand with my knee. It’s a full, brand new coffee!!! I thought I would roll up the rim and see if I had won a free coffee. I did!!! I went back and told them what had happened. Thankfully the guy that served me remembered me, and they gave me a new one for free. So I got 2 free coffees for the price of one!!!! My lucky day. I must be something about this week, because on Monday I forgot my half drunk coffee on top of my car and started driving away. Thankfully I noticed, but it was much too late, it had already spilled down the side of the car. My son was more upset than I was. I reassured him that Mama could make another one when we got home. Have you ever driven away with the coffee still on the roof of your car? I’m sure I’m not the only one, right?!!! :)

I am thankful that today my son and I don’t have any preset plans. We have to go to Walmart to pick up a few things and I have some cupcakes to make for a birthday party we are going to on Saturday, but otherwise it’s one of those days. And I’m quite happy about it. I make a strong effort to keep my son busy with activities but sometimes we all need a little break. So here’s to a somewhat lazy day.

This is what I am wearing today: my red crop pants, white t-shirt, cardigan and boots. I’m just dying for Spring to arrive. It’s not warm enough yet to wear my crop pants with flats. Some would disagree, but for me it’s still much too cold.

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Pants & T-Shirt (Gap). Cardigan (Jacob). Boots (Browns). Necklace (Banana Republic). Bracelets (The Bay, Stella & Dot, Poshlocket).

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11/22/63 by Stephen King

11/22/63 by Stephen King

Tuesday night, 10 of us moms met up to discuss Stephen King’s newest novel: 11/22/63. We all agreed that we liked it but that it was a bit long, 849 pages to be exact. The theme of the book was time travel and of course we discussed what would we do? Would we go back to the past and change something? Would we go to the future to try and prevent something?

The narrator, Jake, is shown in the beginning of the book that time travel is possible and is asked by a friend (who is dying) to go back in time and prevent J. F. K’s assassination. Jake deliberates about what to do. Neither he nor his friend are 100% sure that Oswald really killed J. F. K. In the end Jake concedes and goes back. He is taken back to 1958 where he has to acclamate to his new world. There, set up with money, notes from his friend, and a plan, Jake sets up to try and prevent the assassination.

Before Oswald even comes into the picture, Jake is faced with a couple of challenges: preventing the deaths of a girl and of an entire family. He successfully prevents the death of the girl and he kills the person who in the future will kill his entire estranged family. The story goes from murder to one of a love story. Jake meets Sadie in a small town called Jolie. There he makes friends and becomes part of the community. Jake’s and Sadie’s friendship quickly blossoms into a beautiful, innocent romance. I won’t spoil the book, so I’ll just leave it at that.

Through out the novel, a few reoccurring themes come up: 1. the idea of the butterfly effect and 2. the sixth sense. Jake and his friend discuss the butterfly effect early on in the book. The butterfly effect is essentially the idea that if you sneeze someplace and it could cause a Tsunami someplace else later on in time. The butterfly effect is a prevalent theme through out the novel and becomes center stage after Jake successfully prevents J. F. K’s assassination. Little does Jake know that by preventing J. F. K’s death, he causes a downward spiral of horrific and devastating earthquakes. Although Jake’s intention was pure, to prevent an innocent man from dying, in that process he causes a greater catastrophe. Preventing one thing had devastating effects. I know that many people wonder what would have happened had J. F. K. lived. Who knows? But I truly believe that everything happens for a reason.

Jake also explores the idea of the sixth sense. He mentions it many times in the story. It even kept him from being killed at one point. What bothered me was that although he listened to it the first time, he didn’t the second time.

11/22/63 was very well written, with a lot of attention to detail and historical information. What I didn’t like was the explanation of JIMLA’s significance. It was prevalent through out the story, making it seem important and significant yet it wasn’t. We all found the explanation to be unsatisfactory. I was waiting for something supernatural, some great big important, life altering explanation and there wasn’t one.

The idea of time travel is interesting and it really does beg the question: “Would you go back in time?” or “Would you go into the future?” We all pretty much agreed that the idea of time travel is romantic and sounds amazing, but the reality is not so great, as evidenced by Stephen King’s book. Preventing/changing something in the past will always impact the future. We won’t always know what/how, but it will. We also discussed going into the future and I don’t want to know what’s coming, because again I might not be able to prevent it, and even if I do, who’s to say that it won’t cause something even more devastating.

I’m a strong believer in everything happens for a reason. It’s sad that J. F. J’s life was cut short by a mad men, and that his children grew up without a father, but who knows what would have happened had he lived. We don’t always know the rhyme or reason for why things happen. They just do.

What would you do? Would you go back in time and change something? If so what would you change? If you could travel into the future, would you? And what would you change?

I enjoyed all 849 pages of Stephen’s novel. I am glad that he went with an alternate ending. The ending chosen was written by his son. I like the full circle the story takes and its resolution. It’s not the ideal/fairy tale ending, but it can’t always be, can it?

Please don’t forget to enter my stella and dot giveaway here.

May this blog inspire you to read Stephen King’s newest novel.

Happy Friday and Weekend Everyone!!!

 

What I Wore To Work And Book Review Of Secret Daughter

I wanted to thank all of you for voting for my blog the past few weeks. You guys are fabulous. I know that I begged and pleaded but I really appreciate it. I finished in 10th place!!!! Thank you guys so much!!!!! :)

Also a complete aside I’M GOING TO OPRAH TODAY!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait!!!! :) I’ve had my outfit picked out for 4 days now and I’m so excited. I’ll do a post on it next week. I had a chance to see one of her last shows taped in Chicago and here is the post.

For today’s post I’ll be linking up with Tara from Mix and Match Fashion for What I Wore To Work. Since I am a nurse and wear scrubs all day, I figured I would spare you all a picture of me in over sized scrubs (wish we looked as good as they do on Grey’s Anatomy!!! :)) and show you a picture of what I typically wear to work. I usually wear a t-shirt with a cardigan, jeans and boots, or a sweater and a blazer, something that I can wear underneath my scrubs and keep me warm. So today’s look is part of my 30 in 30 challenge. I have worn this sweater before to work and it’s perfect because it’s 3/4 length sleeve works well under scrubs. Long enough to keep my arms warm yet short enough to stay out of goobly goop (hazards of working in Labor & Delivery, believe me there is a lot of goobly goop!!!).

Outfit #18

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Sweater, T-Shirt & Jeans (Gap). Boots (Fergalicious). Watch (Coach). Bracelets (Stella & Dot, Poshlocket). Necklace (My Name Necklace).

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Secret Daughter by Shilpi Gowda

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Tuesday night I met up with my moms bookclub meetup. This month’s selection was Secret Daughter by Shilpi Gowda. We all agreed that this book was amazing. It was well written, descriptive (made us all want to travel to India), emotional, funny, enlightening and empowering.

This is a book that any mother can relate to. There are two mothers in this story, Somer who adopts a baby (Asha) and Kavita that gives up Asha for adoption. I found that I could relate and empathize with both mothers. Being a mother myself and reading the part where she gives her child up for adoption broke my heart. Thankfully I was in a public place when I read that part, otherwise I would have gone into the ugly cry. My heart ached for Kavita, who selflessly gave up her daughter in order for her to have a chance at a better life, at better opportunities. My heart also ached for Somer who couldn’t conceive and made the decision to adopt a baby. Motherhood is one of the most fulfilling, yet emotionally exhausting journey you will ever take.

The American mother, Somer, stopped doing things for herself once she adopted Asha. She gave up her career, her interests, she let herself go all in the name of her daughter. Does that sound familiar? We discussed Tuesday night how common that is for mothers to give up who they are for their children. In Somer’s case she became resentful and took that out on her daughter. It wasn’t until later in the story that Somer regained who she is. By taking care of herself, Somer not only regained her “old self”but taught her daughter that you can’t give up on who you are. You need to do things for yourself.

As a mother of an almost 4 yr old boy (God I can’t believe I’m saying “an almost 4 yr old”!!! :)), I can relate and understand how Somer could do that. It took me almost 1.5 years before I gave myself permission to take care of myself and not feel guilty. Now when I take time for myself, everyone benefits; myself, my husband and my son. I am a better mother, wife, woman, and person. I realized that there is nothing wrong with taking time out for me. I don’t have to feel guilty. And for those moms out there, you too shouldn’t feel guilty. If taking time for yourself makes you feel better, then that’s what you need to do. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. How can you be expected to take care of someone else when you don’t even take care of yourself?

Somer and her husband had a strained relationship after they adopted and brought Asha back to the US. They should have shared with each other their fears, thoughts, hopes, dreams, instead they just went on with their lives as if everything was normal. There was a complete lack of communication and they stopped working at their relationship. Relationships are hard and in order to stay together you have to foster it and nourish it.

This book is a very quick and easy read. As you can see by my summary and thoughts it’s also very relatable. There is only one character that I couldn’t relate to or sympathize with. Shilpi Gowda wrote a beautiful tale of finding yourself and discovering who you are. That is something that we are all working towards. Our journey on Earth is to find ourselves and discover who we are.

Do you know who you are? Next time you’re at the book store definitely pick up this book.

If you live in the Vancouver Area please don’t forget to enter my remix your wardrobe contest here .

May this blog inspire you to take sometime out for yourself.

Happy Thursday Everyone!!! :)

What I Wore To Work And Book Review Of Secret Daughter

I wanted to thank all of you for voting for my blog the past few weeks. You guys are fabulous. I know that I begged and pleaded but I really appreciate it. I finished in 10th place!!!! Thank you guys so much!!!!! :)

Also a complete aside I’M GOING TO OPRAH TODAY!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait!!!! :) I’ve had my outfit picked out for 4 days now and I’m so excited. I’ll do a post on it next week. I had a chance to see one of her last shows taped in Chicago and here is the post.

For today’s post I’ll be linking up with Tara from Mix and Match Fashion for What I Wore To Work. Since I am a nurse and wear scrubs all day, I figured I would spare you all a picture of me in over sized scrubs (wish we looked as good as they do on Grey’s Anatomy!!! :)) and show you a picture of what I typically wear to work. I usually wear a t-shirt with a cardigan, jeans and boots, or a sweater and a blazer, something that I can wear underneath my scrubs and keep me warm. So today’s look is part of my 30 in 30 challenge. I have worn this sweater before to work and it’s perfect because it’s 3/4 length sleeve works well under scrubs. Long enough to keep my arms warm yet short enough to stay out of goobly goop (hazards of working in Labor & Delivery, believe me there is a lot of goobly goop!!!).

Outfit #18

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Sweater, T-Shirt & Jeans (Gap). Boots (Fergalicious). Watch (Coach). Bracelets (Stella & Dot, Poshlocket). Necklace (My Name Necklace).

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Secret Daughter by Shilpi Gowda

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Tuesday night I met up with my moms bookclub meetup. This month’s selection was Secret Daughter by Shilpi Gowda. We all agreed that this book was amazing. It was well written, descriptive (made us all want to travel to India), emotional, funny, enlightening and empowering.

This is a book that any mother can relate to. There are two mothers in this story, Somer who adopts a baby (Asha) and Kavita that gives up Asha for adoption. I found that I could relate and empathize with both mothers. Being a mother myself and reading the part where she gives her child up for adoption broke my heart. Thankfully I was in a public place when I read that part, otherwise I would have gone into the ugly cry. My heart ached for Kavita, who selflessly gave up her daughter in order for her to have a chance at a better life, at better opportunities. My heart also ached for Somer who couldn’t conceive and made the decision to adopt a baby. Motherhood is one of the most fulfilling, yet emotionally exhausting journey you will ever take.

The American mother, Somer, stopped doing things for herself once she adopted Asha. She gave up her career, her interests, she let herself go all in the name of her daughter. Does that sound familiar? We discussed Tuesday night how common that is for mothers to give up who they are for their children. In Somer’s case she became resentful and took that out on her daughter. It wasn’t until later in the story that Somer regained who she is. By taking care of herself, Somer not only regained her “old self”but taught her daughter that you can’t give up on who you are. You need to do things for yourself.

As a mother of an almost 4 yr old boy (God I can’t believe I’m saying “an almost 4 yr old”!!! :)), I can relate and understand how Somer could do that. It took me almost 1.5 years before I gave myself permission to take care of myself and not feel guilty. Now when I take time for myself, everyone benefits; myself, my husband and my son. I am a better mother, wife, woman, and person. I realized that there is nothing wrong with taking time out for me. I don’t have to feel guilty. And for those moms out there, you too shouldn’t feel guilty. If taking time for yourself makes you feel better, then that’s what you need to do. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. How can you be expected to take care of someone else when you don’t even take care of yourself?

Somer and her husband had a strained relationship after they adopted and brought Asha back to the US. They should have shared with each other their fears, thoughts, hopes, dreams, instead they just went on with their lives as if everything was normal. There was a complete lack of communication and they stopped working at their relationship. Relationships are hard and in order to stay together you have to foster it and nourish it.

This book is a very quick and easy read. As you can see by my summary and thoughts it’s also very relatable. There is only one character that I couldn’t relate to or sympathize with. Shilpi Gowda wrote a beautiful tale of finding yourself and discovering who you are. That is something that we are all working towards. Our journey on Earth is to find ourselves and discover who we are.

Do you know who you are? Next time you’re at the book store definitely pick up this book.

If you live in the Vancouver Area please don’t forget to enter my remix your wardrobe contest here .

May this blog inspire you to take sometime out for yourself.

Happy Thursday Everyone!!! :)

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Mulled Wine and Artichoke and Spinach Dip

We had our book club meeting Tuesday night and this is what I wore. This cardigan will be perfect to wear during the holidays. Love the bows and sparkles!!

IMG_1171Cardigan & Necklace ( J Crew). Jeans (R W & Co.). Boots (Browns). Bracelets (Jacob). Watch (Michael Kors).

A Christmas Carol

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We decide to read Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol as our December selection. We wanted something short and light and this worked. Most people are familiar with this classic in either the movie or book format. As I was reading it, I kept imagining Mickey as Crachett. My all time favorite version of A Christmas Carol, is Mickey’s Christmas Carol, the 1983 version.

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I, like many, believed that Dickens was paid by word, but that is incorrect. Rather, he got paid by installments, according to “The Dickens Report” from the University of Santa Cruz. Hence, why some of his books are so long. I could have sworn he was paid by the word, the way he went on describing the beginning scene. When I started reading the book, my mind immediately went to the opening scene of the Disney version, making it harder for me to read the book patiently. Dickens does a wonderful job of describing the first and third ghosts. The imagery of the first ghost, left me with a peaceful feeling, whereas the third ghost left me feeling rather ominous. The Ghost of Christmas Future left you innerved, not only because he didn’t speak but also for what he represented.

We discussed whether this book was mean’t to be a ghost story. Upon further research, I found that this book is referred to as “A Ghost Story of Christmas”. I don’t feel as though it’s a ghost story but more a story of retribution; of learning from one’s past mistakes and trying to live a better life. Sure the third ghost appears to be quite ominous, but the idea of Scrooge’s future is more frightening, than the ghost himself. Maybe we are just desensitized now to the idea of ghosts??

Another theme discussed briefly was the idea that one can’t be happy and rich at the same time. I don’t think that that’s what Dickens was implying. I think he wanted people to be the best they can be, regardless of wealth and social status. I think that one can be happy and be rich and Scrooge ended up being both. What do you think? Can you be rich and happy?

I really liked this classic book and what it represents. We should all try to be more like the “new” Scrooge and give to others.

So what do you think of Dickens’ classic novel?

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

I made a quick and easy Spinach and Artichoke dip for our meetup. Below is the recipe.

  • 1 can of Artichokes
  • 1/2 cup of Mayonaise
  • 1 package of Kraft Italiano cheese
  • 1 brick of Cream cheese, softened
  • 1 package of Spinach
  • 3 cloves of Garlic

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1. Place spinach, garlic, artichokes and softened cream cheese in the food processor and blend.

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2. Add mayonaise and continue to blend until it’s mixed well.

IMG_1174 IMG_1175 3. Place the spinach and artichoke mixture in a corningware dish, add the cheese and mix well.

IMG_1176 4. Bake covered at 400 degrees for 20 mins. Enjoy!!! Serve with vegetables, crackers or nacho chips.

It’s a fantastic quick appetizer to throw together quickly and your friends and family will love it. It’s one of my signature dishes I bring to parties.

Mulled Wine

I also made mulled wine last night, but forgot to take pictures. It’s a great warm alternative to hot chocolate around the holidays.

  • 1-2 bottles of cheap red wine (whatever you have at home will work)
  • 1/2 cup of sugar or less
  • slice 2 oranges
  • add 3-4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 liter of apple juice
  • handful of cloves (I put mine in a tea strainer, makes it easier to serve)

Add all the ingredients in a pot, warm slowly on the stove until nice and warm. Serve in mugs and enjoy!!!!

May this blog inspire you to explore Dickens’ classic ” A Christmas Carol” and to try the dip and mulled wine recipe.

Happy Thursday Everyone!!!

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Mulled Wine and Artichoke and Spinach Dip

We had our book club meeting Tuesday night and this is what I wore. This cardigan will be perfect to wear during the holidays. Love the bows and sparkles!!

IMG_1171Cardigan & Necklace ( J Crew). Jeans (R W & Co.). Boots (Browns). Bracelets (Jacob). Watch (Michael Kors).

A Christmas Carol

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We decide to read Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol as our December selection. We wanted something short and light and this worked. Most people are familiar with this classic in either the movie or book format. As I was reading it, I kept imagining Mickey as Crachett. My all time favorite version of A Christmas Carol, is Mickey’s Christmas Carol, the 1983 version.

MickeysChristmasCarol

I, like many, believed that Dickens was paid by word, but that is incorrect. Rather, he got paid by installments, according to “The Dickens Report” from the University of Santa Cruz. Hence, why some of his books are so long. I could have sworn he was paid by the word, the way he went on describing the beginning scene. When I started reading the book, my mind immediately went to the opening scene of the Disney version, making it harder for me to read the book patiently. Dickens does a wonderful job of describing the first and third ghosts. The imagery of the first ghost, left me with a peaceful feeling, whereas the third ghost left me feeling rather ominous. The Ghost of Christmas Future left you innerved, not only because he didn’t speak but also for what he represented.

We discussed whether this book was mean’t to be a ghost story. Upon further research, I found that this book is referred to as “A Ghost Story of Christmas”. I don’t feel as though it’s a ghost story but more a story of retribution; of learning from one’s past mistakes and trying to live a better life. Sure the third ghost appears to be quite ominous, but the idea of Scrooge’s future is more frightening, than the ghost himself. Maybe we are just desensitized now to the idea of ghosts??

Another theme discussed briefly was the idea that one can’t be happy and rich at the same time. I don’t think that that’s what Dickens was implying. I think he wanted people to be the best they can be, regardless of wealth and social status. I think that one can be happy and be rich and Scrooge ended up being both. What do you think? Can you be rich and happy?

I really liked this classic book and what it represents. We should all try to be more like the “new” Scrooge and give to others.

So what do you think of Dickens’ classic novel?

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

I made a quick and easy Spinach and Artichoke dip for our meetup. Below is the recipe.

  • 1 can of Artichokes
  • 1/2 cup of Mayonaise
  • 1 package of Kraft Italiano cheese
  • 1 brick of Cream cheese, softened
  • 1 package of Spinach
  • 3 cloves of Garlic

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1. Place spinach, garlic, artichokes and softened cream cheese in the food processor and blend.

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2. Add mayonaise and continue to blend until it’s mixed well.

IMG_1174 IMG_1175 3. Place the spinach and artichoke mixture in a corningware dish, add the cheese and mix well.

IMG_1176 4. Bake covered at 400 degrees for 20 mins. Enjoy!!! Serve with vegetables, crackers or nacho chips.

It’s a fantastic quick appetizer to throw together quickly and your friends and family will love it. It’s one of my signature dishes I bring to parties.

Mulled Wine

I also made mulled wine last night, but forgot to take pictures. It’s a great warm alternative to hot chocolate around the holidays.

  • 1-2 bottles of cheap red wine (whatever you have at home will work)
  • 1/2 cup of sugar or less
  • slice 2 oranges
  • add 3-4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 liter of apple juice
  • handful of cloves (I put mine in a tea strainer, makes it easier to serve)

Add all the ingredients in a pot, warm slowly on the stove until nice and warm. Serve in mugs and enjoy!!!!

May this blog inspire you to explore Dickens’ classic ” A Christmas Carol” and to try the dip and mulled wine recipe.

Happy Thursday Everyone!!!

Oprah!!!! & Book Review: “Before I Go To Sleep” by S. J. Watson

This is what I am wearing today: a white tunic, with a pink cardigan, skinny jeans and my boots. As you can see I’m wearing a hat again, I’m finally going to get my hair done tonight. I can’t wait. My favorite part is the scalp massage. I could sit in the chair for hours :).

Cardigan & Jeans (Gap). Top ( H & M). Boots (Browns). Necklace (Stella & Dot). Hat (R W & Co.).

Guess what????? I’M GOING TO SEE OPRAH, AGAIN!!!! I’m so excited :). I saw one of her last shows 1.5 yrs ago, here is my post from my visit. I didn’t even know she was coming to town. Thank God for Facebook. Merry Christmas to me :). Is it wrong of me to already be planning my outfit??!!! :) I think my sequin polka dot top will be very appropriate for this special occasion.

Book Review: “Before I Go To Sleep” by S. J. Watson

I just finished reading the book “Before I Go To Sleep” by S. J. Watson. It’s a phenomenal read. I finished it in two extremely busy days. I basically read like a fiend.

The premise of this book is similar to that of the book “The Pilot’s Wife” by Anita Shreve and the movie “50 First Dates” with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. The story is about a woman, named Christine, who has both short term and long term amnesia. She loses her memory after a “horrific car accident” and every time she wakes up, she doesn’t remember where she is, how old she is or what happened to her. The story parallels Anita Shreve’s book “The Pilot’s Wife”, in that all is not what it seems. It makes you question your life and whether you can truly trust the people in your life.

S. J. Watson captures your attention from the first paragraph: “The bedroom is strange. Unfamiliar. I don’t know where I am, how I came to be here. I don’t know how I’m going to get home.” (p.3) The reader is immersed in the story from the beginning. There is no unnecessary introduction, it catapults you right into the action. As a busy, working mom, this is the perfect book. It’s a page turner and a very quick read. Like I said, I finished it in two days.

I like how descriptive the author is. I love how he describes Christine, the main character, seeing herself aged for the first time; examining herself in the mirror and seeing all the scars, bumps, and wrinkles. “The face I see looking back at me is not my own. The hair has no volume…; the skin on the cheeks and under the chin sags; the lips are thin, the mouth turned down.” (p. 4-5) You can visualize Christine seeing herself for the first time. He uses adjectives effectively to immerse the reader into the story. You feel as though you are voyeur into Christine’s life.

The story though is not without its faults. Her cell phones are always charged, her husband never catches her with Dr. Nash, she doesn’t have any friends in her life, and she doesn’t inquire what the pills are that she finds (don’t worry I’m not ruining any storyline here!!!) There are other issues that I found with the story, but then I really would be revealing key parts of the story.

Bottom line is that I would totally recommend this book to read. Keep it in mind for a stocking stuffer for a friend or loved one. Great book. Definitely a must read. S. J. Watson does an amazing job for his first novel.

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a $50 Gift Card to Stuck On You Labels.

Happy Hump Day Everyone!!!!

Oprah!!!! & Book Review: “Before I Go To Sleep” by S. J. Watson

This is what I am wearing today: a white tunic, with a pink cardigan, skinny jeans and my boots. As you can see I’m wearing a hat again, I’m finally going to get my hair done tonight. I can’t wait. My favorite part is the scalp massage. I could sit in the chair for hours :).

Cardigan & Jeans (Gap). Top ( H & M). Boots (Browns). Necklace (Stella & Dot). Hat (R W & Co.).

Guess what????? I’M GOING TO SEE OPRAH, AGAIN!!!! I’m so excited :). I saw one of her last shows 1.5 yrs ago, here is my post from my visit. I didn’t even know she was coming to town. Thank God for Facebook. Merry Christmas to me :). Is it wrong of me to already be planning my outfit??!!! :) I think my sequin polka dot top will be very appropriate for this special occasion.

Book Review: “Before I Go To Sleep” by S. J. Watson

I just finished reading the book “Before I Go To Sleep” by S. J. Watson. It’s a phenomenal read. I finished it in two extremely busy days. I basically read like a fiend.

The premise of this book is similar to that of the book “The Pilot’s Wife” by Anita Shreve and the movie “50 First Dates” with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. The story is about a woman, named Christine, who has both short term and long term amnesia. She loses her memory after a “horrific car accident” and every time she wakes up, she doesn’t remember where she is, how old she is or what happened to her. The story parallels Anita Shreve’s book “The Pilot’s Wife”, in that all is not what it seems. It makes you question your life and whether you can truly trust the people in your life.

S. J. Watson captures your attention from the first paragraph: “The bedroom is strange. Unfamiliar. I don’t know where I am, how I came to be here. I don’t know how I’m going to get home.” (p.3) The reader is immersed in the story from the beginning. There is no unnecessary introduction, it catapults you right into the action. As a busy, working mom, this is the perfect book. It’s a page turner and a very quick read. Like I said, I finished it in two days.

I like how descriptive the author is. I love how he describes Christine, the main character, seeing herself aged for the first time; examining herself in the mirror and seeing all the scars, bumps, and wrinkles. “The face I see looking back at me is not my own. The hair has no volume…; the skin on the cheeks and under the chin sags; the lips are thin, the mouth turned down.” (p. 4-5) You can visualize Christine seeing herself for the first time. He uses adjectives effectively to immerse the reader into the story. You feel as though you are voyeur into Christine’s life.

The story though is not without its faults. Her cell phones are always charged, her husband never catches her with Dr. Nash, she doesn’t have any friends in her life, and she doesn’t inquire what the pills are that she finds (don’t worry I’m not ruining any storyline here!!!) There are other issues that I found with the story, but then I really would be revealing key parts of the story.

Bottom line is that I would totally recommend this book to read. Keep it in mind for a stocking stuffer for a friend or loved one. Great book. Definitely a must read. S. J. Watson does an amazing job for his first novel.

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a $50 Gift Card to Stuck On You Labels.

Happy Hump Day Everyone!!!!

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