Want to know what I've been reading??!



Y'all. Life has been so busy. With work being so stressful and demanding, I've really been making a point to find things that make me happy. Reading a good book is always at the top of my list! I love the quiet time to just literally pull away from life! It's also been raining here often, so I've even had perfect reading weather. 

I know I told you guys in my last post that I was going to read The Rosie Effect...and I really did start reading it right away!!!


BUT, here's the deal...I really wasn't too thrilled with it a couple chapters in, so I gave it a break. Gasp! "The Rosie Project" was literally one of my favorite books, but this sequel hasn't caught my attention quite yet. I am going to eventually finish it, so I will let you know how it ends. 

An author I am enjoying right now is Liane Moriarty. I love her writing style. She definitely writes page turners. I started reading her story "The Husband's Secret" after hearing a lot of good things about the book on other blogs. I've been keeping an eye out for it at Half Price Books, but never found one. When I saw it for the first time in paperback at Target, I knew I had to have it. Listen-I LOVED this book. I think it would be really great for book clubs too. There are many areas for debate and opportunities for good discussion. I also think this book is the perfect vacation read.

"The Husband's Secret" is set up with three main stories that all eventually intertwine into one. Basically, a wife finds a letter from her husband that he did not expect her to read until he died, if at all. The letter contains a big secret and changes a lot of lives...go buy it now!!!

In addition to "The Husband's Secret" Liane Moriarty has several others. "What Alice Forgot", I read a couple years ago and loved it as well. I can't wait to read the other two.







When I was finished with "The Husband's Secret", I started reading "The Antelope in the Living Room". The author, Melanie Shankle is a christian woman, who has a very popular blog called "Big Mama". She has written three little memoirs and they are so great! She easily relates to readers and has quite a delightful writing voice. Her books will make you both laugh and cry. I also love that she never fails to remind us about the grace of our Savior. She has a book for motherhood, marriage and friendship. I highly recommend all three!





All of these books are available on Amazon! If you have read any of these books, let me know what you thought of them by commenting below!!! Also, if you have any book suggestions for me, I'd love to hear those too!

Enjoy the rest of your week!



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E & P

Y'all. I read this book during ONE snow day! Seriously- it was so so good. I am a huge fan of romantic novels and some young adult fiction. If this is not your genre preference then you may not care for this one. Otherwise, it's a true gem.


I adore any kind of love story that tugs at the heartstrings. Eleanor and Park was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. This love story in particular, was focused on the first love. You know... the love that completely changes you and never leaves you. Whether you are torn apart or stay together forever-  this love effects you like no one can understand. I loved Eleanor. I loved Park. I loved them together. 

I will mention that the ending might be frustrating for you because it was left to the interpretation of the reader. It didn't bother me as much in this book as it does in some others because I made up a pretty stellar ending for myself :) I definitely wouldn't mind a sequel. I hope the author isn't quite done with these characters and that she writes about them someday soon! This was an easy read for me personally, but I want to warn you that the first couple of pages had some bad language. I was worried at first, but it got much better!


In other news, one of my absolute favorite books...



Hasssss a SEQUEL. Yes, I might be screaming and doing a happy dance. I saw it at Target and knew I needed it right away...even though it was a hardcover. I typically save my money on those, but I just couldn't pass it up. I am starting it tonight.




Incase you would like to know what else Target is telling us to read, I took some pictures!

The New York Times Best Sellers



andddddd The Target Book Club Picks


My favorites from all of these are:
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

You're. Welcome.

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A Book Review and What's Next


When I read...I'm normally like this...



and this...


and maybe even this...


Sadly, with this book, I didn't experience any of these feelings for the story or it's characters. I really wanted to love it. After all, it did receive like all these amazing awards and was a book club pick for many readers. It was at the top of the charts in 2012, "Best book of the yearrrr"?!. Everyone was raving about it. I realize I might be in the minority here, but I didn't love it. 


Here is the synopsis from the back of the book (I will add my own comments in green):

1987. There’s only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that’s her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss (whom she has a romantic connection too- nothing scandalous...just mutual feelings they have for each other. She literally has a crush on him and admits that he was her first love...WHAT?!) . Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn’s company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend (again, whom she also is weirdly connected to). So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness (AIDS) her mother can barely speak about, June’s world is turned upside down. But Finn’s death brings a surprise acquaintance into June’s life—someone who will help her to heal, and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family , and even her own heart (June and her sister have a very annoying relationship. I didn't really like her sister or her parents).
 
At Finn’s funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn’s apartment, and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet (Toby, is Finn's gay partner, who June just finds out about). As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she’s not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most ("Spending time together" is June sneaking out to see Toby. Her parents don't know about it because her mom has something against Toby. June realizes that half the reason she can trust Toby is because he has so many of Finn's qualities or maybe it's that Finn had Toby's qualities? Anyways- June is 14...14 and is running around New York City secretly to spend time with Toby because he is dying of AIDS as well. Together June and her uncle's boyfriend, Toby,  share stories of Finn and grieve together).

The summary in black make it sound awesome right?!! Yah, I thought so too!

Things I was thinking as I read the story...

1. I don't understand Finn's painting or the wolf in the painting that gave the book it's title.

2. Why does the girl have a crush on her gay uncle?

3. Did I seriously read the same version everyone else did?

4.  Countless reviews say readers were crying in every chapter...I must be heartless. I cry in plenty of books but not this one.

5. Page 150 and I am still forcing myself to read just waiting for something good to happen. (It. never. did.)

6. This is quite a depressing story- but not on the verge of tears kind of depressing.

7. Definitely not a light read. Am I really spending from 3pm to 8pm trying to just make it through these next 100 pages?

8. When is this going to end?? (Y'all I couldn't even finish it. LOL. I read the ending on the internet.)

Overall, I am glad I read it after hearing so much about it. I did not want to look back and regret never reading it and missing out on all the hype. Maybe that was my problem? Maybe my expectations were too high? I do think it had some redeeming qualities. I think there were to many themes in the story. If it had just been about Toby, his story and his life with AIDS, I think the book would have been much better! Anyways...I could go on and on about this. Bottom line- I didn't connect with this story and it wasn't what I thought it would be reading. 

I encourage you to go to goodreads and use some other reviews to determine if you would like to read the story for yourself. You are more than welcome to borrow/keep my copy :)


More than looking forward to my next book...


Praying this is more of a "light" read!! I'll let y'all know what I think.



Let me know if you ever read "Tell the Wolves I'm Home" and what you thought of the story. I want to hear other perspectives. 

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Favorite Things: Target Style


A snow day!! I absolutely can not believe it. 
Late February. 
District ACTUALLY made the call the night before.
I had no meetings planned.
There was absolutely nothing I really needed to get done,
except teach of course!

Could this be perfection??!!

I. Think. Yes.

So here I am doing the taxes, calling AT&T for the billionth time this month, calling the city to pick up bulk trash, paying bills, deleting unnecessary items off up my phone to allow for more storage, updating the software on my phone, doing laundry, folding laundry, and preparing for this blog post! All of these are nothing I really really want to do- BUT I am feeling so blessed to have the extra time today to get it all done!

And if you know me at all, you know the best part of my day is getting to wear my pajamas!!!

Today I am linking up with Erika and Andrea for a Favorite Things at Target post! These ladies always have the best linky parties and the best part about following them is you not only get to see what my favorites are, but you also get to check out other blogs that have joined as well!


Here is their schedule if you want to join the fun and link up too!


{lamps}

I absolutely love Target's mix and match lamp section. You can pick any shade and any base. I love that the bases and shades come in all different sizes and patterns. Here are two I have in my house. To shop Targets lamps click HERE. 



{florals}

I have found some of the prettiest faux florals at Target. To shop Target florals click HERE. 


{long, layering tanks}

I have 15 of these Woman's Favorite Tank by Merona. They come in just about every color. They are regularly $10 but I always wait till their on sale for $7. I love love LOVE to layer and these tanks are the perfect addition. The length on these are perfect. They wash nicely- I don't worry about putting them in the dryer and they are SO soft. Some of the colors happen to be on sale today! Find them HERE. For a size reference, I normally wear a small. If I wanted some extra length, I would have no problem wearing a medium. They are a stretchy fabric. I also read somewhere that people get the maternity sizes for even more length and I thought that was an excellent idea. 



{boots and flats}

I practically live in the Target shoe section. Most of my flats I scored on clearance at Target. I also always buy my boots from Target simply because I do not wear shoes long enough to spend the $200 of real leather at the department store. The boots below are the ones I have worn at least twice a week for all of fall and winter. For boots click HERE and for flats click HERE. 


{books}

Every single time I go to Target, I have to walk down the aisle of books. I rationalize Targets book section like this: Target is not a bookstore...but they do have at least two full aisles of books. So they must pick the very best books to take up their shelving space...only the ones they know people will love and ones that have gotten a lot of attention! When I think this way, I have to look every time. I also love that they have a section of books that have been picked for their Target book club. These must be food right??! Target makes it so easy to find a great book. To view Target Book Club Picks click HERE.


{bookends}

Targets bookends are adorable and because I love books, I am always in need for some stylish decor in my bookshelves. I have my eye on the dachshunds and elephants! Check them out HERE. 



{organizational baskets}

Target comes out with some of the best baskets. All the baskets I have bought, are of good quality. I do have to wait till they are on sale or clearance to purchase them thought to feel like I'm getting a good deal. See all of the baskets Target has HERE. 




And of course I always check out the pillows, note cards/school supplies, cd's, and makeup aisles too!! I stay out of the women's clothing section or I will always spend more money than I have. 

Hope you enjoyed reading today!

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Friday Favorites: Makeup Edition

Happy Friday! I don't know about y'all but this cloudy day has me sitting on the couch, typing this blog, watching Gossip Girl, eating pizza, and drinking some Pepsi. 

I promised last Friday Favorites that I would write a post on the makeup I found and tried after watching numerous youtube channels. Watching videos on youtube all began when my dermatologist wanted me to start using a daily suncreen. Straight suncreen breaks me out, so I decided to try a cc cream (color corrector) with SPF to combat my redness and provide protection from sun damage. 

I will never claim to be a beauty professional. I happen to be very lazy when it comes to applying makeup. I prefer to stay very natural with or without makeup and will spend 10 minutes tops to apply anything. I do not allow myself to get carried away with this step in the mornings. It is just not who I am to get all fancied up. In fact, mascara, sweats and a t-shirt would be my staple outfit if it was possible to wear this to work haha.

Here are some favorites I've discovered. All products are from the drugstore. I purchased them from CVS or Walgreens.

{cc cream}



Lumene CC Cream in Medium
I have started to prefer the medium shade over the light. The light tends to make me look a little ghostly even though it matches my skin tone. The medium is not much darker, it just adds a little color in a natural way! To apply this cc cream, I put the smallest amount on my fingers and spread it into my face to cover some redness and then I put more on the top of my hand and dip my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush into the cream and apply it all over, brushing it in a circular motion. This helps to give it a flawless look. The brush really makes all the difference. Even though I split the application into two parts with my fingers and brush, I still use less than the size of a dime. It doesn't take much and has a light to medium coverage that is completely weightless.


{setting powder}


Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent
This powder is around $3 and keeps me matte all day long. I tend to have oily skin so this is a must. I use my Real Techniques Powder Brush to apply this powder all over my face over the cc cream.

{bronzer}



NYC Bronzer in Sunny
This bronzer is around $3 and just awesome. You can't go wrong with this product. I use my Real Techniques Blush Brush to apply this to the top of my forehead, lower half of my cheekbone and on the jawbone. It almost forms the shape of a 3 on your face. Hairline of your forehead, cheekbone, jawbone. Repeat on other side. 

{blush}


Wet n Wild Blushes in all three colors
After trying several blushes from the drugstore and watching tons of reviews, these $3 beauties are the BEST. They are super pigmented and last all day. I L-O-V-E them. I use my Real Techniques Blush Brush to apply this blush on the top half of my cheekbone and over the bronzer a little.


{eyeliner}


L'oreal Infallible Eyeliner in Black Brown
I've been using this forever. I haven't really tried anything else to compare. This eyeliner has just always worked. I'm an eyeliner slob and have never had the patience to perfect the art haha, so this pen makes it so easy for me to throw on.

{mascara}


L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Black Brown
I haven't tried another mascara in years. There are a few others from L'Oreal and Maybelline I'd loved to try but haven't had problems with this one- so why change something that's not broken! I have long eyelashes already. I don't have to curl them or anything. This mascara alone just adds volume and does the trick for me.

{lip product}


Revlon Lip Butters
Peach Parfait, Berry Smoothie and Pink Truffle are probably my favorite shades so far because they are the most natural looking on my lips. They are the perfect mix between, lip stick, lip balm and lip gloss. All-in-One. I will say, even if I'm not wearing makeup, I am always wearing a lip product. It might not always be these lip butters, but it is always something!

Find the Real Techniques Brushes at Ulta, Walmart, Walgreens, or Amazon. These are the best brushes for such a good price. I did not pay over $9 for any of the 4 I own.



What are your favorite makeup products? Do you have a daily makeup routine or something you like to use on lazy days? Comment below!

Today, I'm linking up with Momfessionals...



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Friday Favorites

I am literally thanking God it is Friday today. We had our Valentine's Party at school and party days make for an entire party week because all the kids think about is party, party, party! All. Week. Long. Needless to say, being absent from the blog for two weeks has me excited for a good Friday Favorites! Enjoy.

{one}

My students amaze me everyday. When they were asked to write to someone they love today, I assumed they would just write sweet letters to their mommys and daddys. 75% of my class, actually wrote to others.

like friend in our class...


...Dear Ahmed, I love you because we come from the same city and our moms and dads were born in Pakistan and our birthday is on the same day and your mom speaks Urdu and mine too. Love, Aamna

and girlfriends...


...Dear Sophie, I love you because you are my love and you are my girlfriend. You give me hugs and you play with me at recess. Love, Parker

HELLOOOO this is Kindergarten for cryin' out loud. Where do they learn to write stuff like this. "You are my love". WOW. 

and even dogs...


...Dear Roxie, I love you because you give me kisses and you always wake me up. And you always make me smile. And you are always there for me. Love, Morgan. 


...Dear My Dog Charlie, I love you Charlie because you give me kisses all the time and sleep with me all the time. Love, Max. 


Are those not the sweetest? Ahhh! These kids are such a blessing. There were more letters. 20 of them. All so genuine and full of love. Praying these babes can stay innocent forever and always see the goodness in the world. 

{two}

I recently heard about a blog that does "Encouraging Wednesdays" where you can download a free 4x6 print and a free wallpaper screen for your phone. Here was this weeks download for the phone...


I've been able to start memorizing one scripture a week with it too because I literally see the verse every time I look at my phone! This is my third week to be blessed by this sweet lady sharing Jesus. Find French Press Mornings HERE!

{three}

This denim jacket. 




I've been on the lookout for a good denim jacket for a couple of weeks. I asked co-workers and friends for places that they have bought their jackets. I wanted one that was fitted but also relaxed where I could move my arms around and roll up the sleeves. I ended up at Old Navy because their prices can not be beat. Old Navy has some AH-mazing clothes out for the spring. I'm obsessed and have probably gone once a week for the past three weeks. 

My denim jacket hunt started when Pinterest Told Me To raved about this denim jacket (KUT from the Kloth at Nordstrom):


And yes it is perfect. The reviews are amazing. The buttons are more goldish than silver and it has the perfect fit. BUT the $79 price tag scared me. Eeeek. 

I got mine at Old Navy for $20 with a sale and a coupon. How's that for a save versus a splurge? I bought a small for the winter to wear over sweaters and long sleeves and an x-small for the spring and summer. On oldnavy.com reviews gave it a 4.8 out of 5 stars. The people mention the durable denim, the color, the perfect length, how it is fitted throughout and the spandex. I couldn't agree more. Go getcha self one HERE! You won't be sorry. It's a must have item.

{four}


Y'all. I have been searching high and low for a miracle cc cream. I am not a big make-up person. I also need my make-up to be very lightweight. I can not stand to feel anything on my face. Sensory. Issues. I get very over stimulated and freaked out when I can feel the cakey-ness of make-up on me. I'm weird, I realize that. 

However, I do have a lot of redness in my skin and rosacea on my cheek bones. My dermatologist wants me to be using a sun screen on my face to protect my skin from further redness, but those break me out. Acne all over the place...no thank you!! CC stands for color correcting which is exactly what my skin needs and most cc creams also have SPF in it. I initially searched the internet for a cc cream to find reviews but ultimately ended up watching Youtube beauty channels and found THE ONE!! I purchased Lumene CC Cream at my local Walgreens in the light color but will probably get medium for the summer. This product has the perfect texture, it's very lightweight but also acts as a foundation for me, has so many great benefits, blends so easily, covers up my redness and doesn't break me out. And for only $14.99 or less, you should try it out too. The reviews I've read have all been good. I believe I heard on a video that the product is made in Finland. It has some wild arctic berry ingredient for anti-aging or something. Ha!

You can definitely use your fingers to apply the cream but I use the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (after reading many reviews) and I think it helps the cream to look flawless on your skin. I also purchased this at Walgreens. 



I plan to do a post on make-up later in the week, because those YouTube beauty channels made me do a little shoppin'. Even though I will never be a big make-up wearer (is that even a word), I found several new, fun favorites!

{five}

Matt and I have been binge watching Netflix. I am still watching Gossip Girl- at the end of season 5. I typically watch this show alone and then Matt and I have a show we always watch together. We started The Walking Dead a few months ago but were kind of bored with season 1. We kept hearing so many great things about it, so we decided to give it another try and LOVE it. The blood and guts are not my favorite but the series is so suspenseful and that makes it all worth it. I find myself gasping or screaming through every episode. SO fun! 



As always, I'm linking up with Andrea at Momfessionals.



Enjoy your weekend blogging friends! Happy Valentine's Day!


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