The Smart One

This week I'm reviewing:



Goodreads says:
Weezy Coffey’s parents had always told her she was the smart one, while her sister was the pretty one. “Maureen will marry well,” their mother said, but instead it was Weezy who married well, to a kind man and good father. Weezy often wonders if she did this on purpose—thwarting expectations just to prove her parents wrong.

But now that Weezy’s own children are adults, they haven’t exactly been meeting her expectations either. Her oldest child, Martha, is thirty and living in her childhood bedroom after a spectacular career flameout. Martha now works at J.Crew, folding pants with whales embroidered on them and complaining bitterly about it. Weezy’s middle child, Claire, has broken up with her fiancé, canceled her wedding, and locked herself in her New York apartment—leaving Weezy to deal with the caterer and florist. And her youngest, Max, is dating a college classmate named Cleo, a girl so beautiful and confident she wears her swimsuit to family dinner, leaving other members of the Coffey household blushing and stammering into their plates. 

As the Coffey children’s various missteps drive them back to their childhood home, Weezy suddenly finds her empty nest crowded and her children in full-scale regression. Martha is moping like a teenager, Claire is stumbling home drunk in the wee hours, and Max and Cleo are skulking around the basement, guarding a secret of their own. With radiant style and a generous spirit, The Smart One is a story about the ways in which we never really grow up, and the place where we return when things go drastically awry: home

I say:
This books somewhat mirrors my family life, especially since it appears that all the siblings are moving back into my parents house.  It truly shows how you can always go home but there will always be that something that bothers you no matter what and that you won't always make people happy.  Each chapter is set in one of the character's point of views which really brings the story to perspective.  I cannot tell you how I found this book but I'm glad I did because it was a good read.

I gave it 3 stars on my Goodreads list.

What are you reading this week?

Real vs. fake

For the last month, I've been doing something I never thought I'd do in my life:



All in preparation to head to Now Jade Riviera Cancun a week from today:



I had been forewarned that with my skin tone, I was sure to burn in Mexico.

So it was suggested to level 1 tan for a month before we go, to get my body ready.

Well, to put it bluntly, I'm not a tanner.  A fake tanner that is.

I get real sun when I'm out and active during the summer.  I am usually not one who enjoys fake baking.  However we have a friend who owns a few tanning salons in the STL area so they hooked us up.  I only did between 5-7 min each time and honestly while I was getting it done, my thoughts always shifted to how can people do this on a daily basis for a long time each time?

Either way, I am done with my month and I honestly don't have plans to go back.  It did do its job and honestly to each their own but I prefer real sun over fake.

Case in point - we went to the Lake over the weekend and just by sitting on the dock of the lake, I got a lot of sun, more than the bed gave me.

But I can say I've done it both ways now.

1 week til my toes are in the water!

5 songs that bring back memories

This week's Tuesday Topics is going to be a hard one.

I.love.music!

I've recently been picking cds from my collection of a billion and listening to them to see what songs I use to like.  Its kinda of interesting to see what I burned back then.

1)  Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams - this was the 2nd cd ever I bought and I crank up the volume every time I hear it.

2)  Life's A Dance - John Michael Montgomery - JMM was my first concert ever and first cd I bought ever in my life.  The song is so true!

3)  In My Arms Again - Michael W. Smith - I was introduced to this song, and singer by a good friend of mine on a Venture Crew trip.  This was the runner up song for the Titanic movie love song.

4)  Moves like Jagger - Maroon 5 - this song debuted the weekend of my bachelorette party in July 2011.  Perfect time and I dubbed it the theme song for the weekend and had the DJ play it for the ladies at the reception.

5)  Cruise - Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly - so I fell in love with this song before they made a remix with Nelly and its my sister's ring tone.  But it reminds me of roadtrips and I am itching to travel!

I can't wait to see what you picked as your favorite songs :)

Dining with Joy

Hey friends!

This week I'm reviewing:

Goodreads says:

"Chef" Joy Ballard longs for a simpler life. But when a good-looking outsider arrives and spices things up, life becomes deliciously complicated.

Host of a regionally syndicated cooking show, Joy Ballard has a little secret: she can't cook. But when her show is picked up by a major network and given a prime time slot, her world heats up faster than a lowcountry boil.

Enter Luke Redmond: handsome, creative, and jobless after having to declare bankruptcy of his Manhatten restaurant. When her producers ask him to co-host the show, Joy sees Luke as her way out. But Luke sees much more than just a co-host in Joy.

Their relationship begins to simmer on and off set. Until Joy's secret is revealed and her reputation is ruined on national television by her rival, Wenda Devine.

But could Devine's cruelty be a divine gift? Losing Luke--and her sister--forces Joy to consider where her worth really comes from. Could God be cooking up an even bigger adventure from the mess? And will Joy hang on long enough to find out?

I say:

I really enjoyed Rachel Hauck's Sweet Caroline and was eager to read the rest of her books.  This book had its ups and downs.  The main character, Joy, has a cooking show - the catch, she can't cook.  She's somehow pulled this off for years and the truth is starting to come out.  A male chef, Luke, starts coming around and is the answer to the Joy's problems.  Their friendship becomes more and Joy realizes that things really do matter in life...life in the South, that is.

I gave it 3 stars on my Goodreads list.

What are you reading this week?

The Something Blue VoxBox

I love being involved with social media.

When Influenster sent me an email about being selected for their Something Blue VoxBox, I was excited because I may not be getting married myself but I am attending a destination wedding so it was perfect.

My Trio Rings ~ there were coupons to purchase rings from their website.  While browsing I found some cute ideas but need for new rings at the current moment.  Anyone planning on proposing? ;)

Luster Now Toothpaste ~ in a different VoxBox, I had been given the Crest Whitening toothpaste/toothbrush system and it worked great.  I'm excited to see how Luster Now works compared to that.  I plan on switching to it tonight to see how it works for a glistening smile on my trip.

Kiss Ever Pro Lashes ~ I can honestly say I will not be using these.  I have enough allergy issues with my eyes however a close friend uses them for competitions for her singing chorus so I will pass them along.  They swear on this brand!

Q-Tips ~ perfect sized packs for a destination wedding - these will definitely be in my luggage!

Dr. Scholl's Her Ball of Foot ~ I am very excited to use these.  Every time I wear heels my feet are killing me because they slide all over the place.

Urgent RX Headache Relief ~ I am super excited for this in Mexico.  I have a feeling with the climate change and whatnot, headaches are going to be high and its very convenient for packing.



I got all items free from Influenster.  All thoughts are my own.

31 while 31 update

Happy Hump Day!

My mind is on other things but I wanted to post this as I may be meeting a lot of goals soon!  I'm already thinking about my 32 while 32 list but I still have a few months to complete this though!

31 things while 31

1)  Go to the Lake of the Ozarks - completed Oct 2012

2)  Apply for my first passport - completed Jan 2013

3)  Travel out of the country - will be completed July 2013

4)  Read half of the books on my goodreads list - so far I've read 25 books on my goal of 52 for the year so I'm working on it!

5)  Scrapbook our Memphis and Disney trips - half done 2013

6)  Go camping - will be completed Aug 2013

7)  Try something new or do something I haven't done in a long time - completed April 2013

8)  Take hubby skiing for the first time - completed Jan 2013

9)  Buy a new car - don't think it will be happening this year, and I'm ok with that!

10)  Lose some pounds and maintain - still working on day by day

11)  See a show at the Fox - completed Jan 2013

12)  Run/walk in some run that will be in St. Louis this year - thinking about Color Run in the fall

13)  Go to a Rams game - may alter this a bit but it might just happen!

14)  Clean the house once a month - still working on this month by month

15)  Get my own classroom again - praying hard for the fall!

16)  Clean out my friends list on facebook - completed summer 2013

17)  Visit Hermann, MO - perfect wine weather season, this will be completed soon!

18)  Go to an adults only Halloween party - completed Oct 2012

19)  Ring in 2013 in style! - completed Dec/Jan 12/13

20)  Buy something just because - completed Jan 2013

21)  Own a designer purse - completed Oct 2012

22)  Repaint a room in my condo - probably not going to happen

23)  Visit a new home community just to see the show house - we have been looking, this is a good possibility of happening

24)  Buy a pair of heels - going to do it soon!

25)  Combine all accounts - still working on it

26)  Attend a cooking class - gotta find the time!

27)  Have a spa day - this may be happening in Mexico, stay tuned!

28)  Make homemade bread...from scratch - completed throughout the year

29)  Attend my workout classes but in the morning - completed throughout the year

30)  Eat a cupcake from Jilly's Cupcake bar or The Cup - ELLEN WE SHOULD DO THIS FOR YOUR BDAY ON THE 29TH ;)

31)  Make myself happy before everyone else - slowly happening throughout the year

15.5 / 31 = 50% so I'm failing according to statistics.

BUT I still have 4 months and just by looking at the list, I think at least 4-5 more can be completed.

Let's do it!

A few of my favorite things

I am a no frills kind of a girl.

While I do like my products, it doesn't take me forever and a day to get ready to go.  Unless my hair is wet or already curly, then we may have issues.

But to tame all that, these are a few of my favorite things:

1)  Tresemme heat protector - because if you're a daily user of a flat iron, this will be your best friend!


2)  Revlon Wine eye shadow - so when I had my makeup trial for the wedding, Amy paired me with this and its been my go-to ever since.  I just love the wine factor anyway!


3)  Cover Girl Tru Blend 420 - this was another product that was fit to my tones during my make up trial.


4)  Cover Girl Tur Blend powder - pair it with the top, its perfect!


5)  Victoria's Secret Angel perfume - when in Chicago, we stopped by the Michigan Avenue store and Keith actually picked this out for me.  Its my favorite!


6) Vaseline lotion - I have some of the driest skin around.  I put this on after every shower and random times during the day.  It soothes my skin.

What are a few of your favorite things?

Sweet Caroline

Hey hey its Friday!

This week I'm reviewing:

 

Goodreads says:
Caroline serves others with little time to enjoy the sweeter parts of life. Until her old boyfriend returns to town--and she's given a second chance at first love.

Life hasn't always been so sweet for Caroline Sweeny.

She's sacrifice her desires for others--unlike her mother who abandoned their family years ago. But when a friend challenges her to accept an exciting job adventure in Spain, Caroline says "yes" to a new destiny.

But before she can pack her bags, Caroline suddenly finds herself the new owner of the run-down Frogmore Cafe--and forced to choose between her friends and her future.

Then her first love, Mitch O'Neal, returns home and encourages her to seek God's desires for her future. With his help, she may just discover the true sweet life

I say:
This book shows what "true to your roots" really means.  People depend on this cafe and when its suddenly in the hands of Caroline, she realizes just how much its worth to everyone in the town that she puts everyone before her.  It will show you how much family is important and how friends can come and go.  It'll also make you want to go to the South...this much I promise.

I gave this book 4 stars on my Goodreads list.

What are you reading this week?

Chelsea vs. Manchester City

I married a sports fanatic.

More aptly, I married a soccer player.

So when two of the most storied English Premier Clubs traveled to St. Louis for an exhibition match at Busch Stadium, hubby of course got tickets.

It.was.awesome!

These tickets went super fast.  Keith got his hands on 4, and planned on selling them to who wanted them so we got 2, my friend Jamie bought one and my father in law bought one.

We started the night off with dinner at Hodak's:

It was Jamie's first time at this St. Louis landmark and I think she quite enjoyed it.

It was then game time!

The crowds were great, they even stomped the stands when a goal was scored and did the chants of the two teams.

I have seen soccer events before, STL use to have many soccer teams but they have since left.  KC does have a team, the Sporting, and we saw them last year so this was a real treat.

Manchester beat Chelsea - honestly, I cheered for the team that scored.  I didn't care who won, it was fun!

Things about my job

Since its summer and that means no teaching until August, this will be devoted to my PT job.

I am a member of Guest Services at one of the hotels in St. Louis.



A few things about my job:

1)  If you're VIP, you'll probably see me ~ I am in charge of the Club, which means if you are a part of the VIP program at the hotel, you will have access.

2)  I am not a waitress ~ yes you will see food and alcohol when you visit, no I will not serve you, its all self serve.  I'm there to make sure many don't abuse this privilege.

3)  What you see is what you get ~ if you want a different type of beer, wine or food, that's what the bar/restaurant is for.

4)  I work 5-6 hours a night ~ and am exhausted by the time I get home because being a room with just the same atmosphere is tiring...oh and the schedule sucks!

5)  I will cut you off ~ if you are drinking too much, or abusing the system, I have ever right to ask you to leave and to not give you more.

6)  Tipping is nice ~ while my position doesn't require one to tip, it is nice to receive them.  If you bring a big party in, trash your table, then yes I would like something when I have to clean up after you.

7)  This is not my career ~ my regulars know I'm a teacher by day, trying to get my real classroom back and the ones who aren't and hear that is my goal, are surprised that I can do back to back jobs.  Its life, I make it work and well I won't be here forever.

What are 7 things about your job?

Share in the link up today!

April showers bring May flowers GNI

May GNI, hosted by yours truly, had a lot of color to it.

I love planning theme parties, and I love flowers.

So I incorporated both.

I had each lady bring a flower of their choice.  I purchased vases, decorated them with a green ribbon and attached the following poem about flowers:

April Showers bring May Flowers

That is what they say

But if all the showers turned to flowers,

We'd have quite a colorful day!

I hope that each lady enjoyed the bit of color brought into their lives and continue to bring it daily.

Can't wait to see what future GNI's bring :)

Yelp Grand Speakeasy - 1920s soiree

A few weeks ago Keith and I traveled back in time to a party set in the 1920s, aptly named Yelp's Grand Speakeasy.

Back when, to get into the action you had to have the password to be let in for a party.  "The Cat's Meow" opened up a world of drinks, flappers and eats galore.

The event space, Moulin, was nestled between Vin de Set and PW Pizza.  Its a space you can rent out for various parties and events, all topped with a roof top bar.  I discovered that many of the drinks back in the 20s loved whiskey...me, not so much so I stuck with wine and fell in love with the Little Black Dress line of wines.

Of course, no event is complete without some kind of photos.  Escape the Booth was there with various props to help us snap a memorable pic.

Its great to be Yelp.

Its great to be a Yelp Elite!

You should find me on Yelp, be my friend, and write reviews and get in on all the fun you can have in your city.  If you need help or suggestions on how, just ask!

Nawlins'

Keith recently went away with a group of his buddies for a friends bachelor party.  No clue when the wedding will be but they decided to go ahead and throw the party.  They headed back to New Orleans where they had originally went 2 years ago for his bachelor party and claimed themselves the wolf pack this time around:

Upon returning home, he surprised me with quite a few goodies:

There's a common theme if you can't tell - cooking!  He brought beignet mix from Cafe Du Monde, Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Mix and authentic jambalaya mix.  Haven't made any of them yet but I plan on hosting a party perhaps in a theme to have people share it with me.

The thing that cracked me up most when I kept hearing about his trip?  You see those beads...yeah the boys had to buy them this time around.  They did not earn them like they did the last time.  Tsk tsk, boys just don't learn do they ;)

June goals

I cannot believe that its June already.  Where is this year going?

First and foremost, happy anniversary to my Dad & Mom.  Even though she is in heaven, today is their 37th wedding anniversary and I know she's going to love the flowers she is receiving :)

This also marks exactly 29 days before my toes are in the sand at the Now Jade Riviera Cancun so I have  a lot of goals that I hope to accomplish before I'm there.

1)  Continue my awesome workout plan ~ now that summer break has fully commenced upon us teachers, I am able to get to the gym more, and more importantly the 2 classes on Mon & Fri mornings which I just love.

2)  Eat a salad daily - this goes along with my workout plan, and besides, we always get awesome looking lettuce, we need to eat it more!

3)  Finish scrapbooking our Memphis mini-moon ~ yes yes I am saying this all the time but honestly I don't have time to just sit there and do it but I must before I go on vacay!

4)  Start tanning ~ I am very very white, which means if I don't do something before I leave, I will be lobster red down in Mexico.  Keith has been friends with a guy who owns tanning salons in St. Louis for quite some time and he's letting us tan there unlimited until we leave.  Now I'm a virgin to tanning so any suggestions please shoot them my way!

5)  Go to a dinner theater ~ Keith and I are escorting his sister to a place that is famous for their dinner theater here in St. Louis and I have never been before.  It shall be interesting - I hear they are famous for being rude!

6)  Have a blast at a charity trivia event ~ one of my besties Jen is very active with an organization here in St. Louis that gives experiences to youth in underserved communities.  She is always talking about YLC and I can't wait to go and see what its all about.

7)  Weekly date nights ~ yes we already do this but the wonderful Muny season is going to start so we'll have set date nights each week and we already got restaurants picked out!

8)  Keep up to date with blog posts ~ I have so much to post, just gotta find time to write it all!  Oh and I need to figure out how to watermark my images and make a button.  Lots of work!

What are your goals for June?  Share them at the link up:

Amy's bridal shower

We recently had a family bridal shower for my stepsister Amy, who is marrying Brian in the Riviera Maya in July.

It was held at the Hearth Room Tea Room and it was the perfect setting for a family shower on a rainy Missouri Sunday.

We got a 3 course lunch, started with a salad and ended with delicious McArthur's cake.  She got a lot of gifts and it appears that she will be getting a lot of name things like we did when we got married:

The next party for her wedding is her bachelorette party.. Rumor has it, it will be a winery tour so I'm excited to see what's being planned.

Can't wait until July!