Noteworthy // 1.10.14

I'm still trying to shoo away the last remnants of holiday decor. Christmas tree... I'm talking to you. However, although it may not seem like it, I'm mentally prepared to take on the new year. While the holidays are fun and hectic, January is like a sigh of relief for me. Aside from a couple of events that I'm responsible for towards the end of the month and keeping up with the kids' sports schedule, the rest of January is time for me to restart again on my own terms. Restarting includes setting some realistic goals for 2014. I want to think these through, so that there's actually a chance that I may fulfill some of them by the end of the year.

How about you? Are you ready for a new year? And are you setting any goals?

Here are some smart ways to kick off 2014.

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Good Reads // "Divergent" Book Series

I really should be working on some new projects or at least straightening up the house, but instead I've found myself being sucked in and completely engulfed by a book. Or actually, a few books. Have you heard of the "Divergent" book series by Veronica Roth? It's touted as the new "Hunger Games"-- young adult lit, dystopian society, lots of action, violence, good vs. evil, a little romance. Similar to HG and yet, the characters and plot are different enough that you don't compare the two series. At least I didn't. 

       

if the chocolate cake and black & grey clothing don't make sense...  you'll have to read the books to find out their significance!

So I've read Divergent, Insurgent and even Free Four, a 16 page excerpt from the male protagonist's point of view. And, like a bunch of folks, I'm eagerly awaiting Allegiant, the final book which is scheduled to be released in October. I found Insurgent, the second book, to be better than the first, so I can't wait to see what enfolds in the third and final book. 

For those who prefer to watch rather than read, you won't be left out... A movie is already in the works and is scheduled to be released in 2014.



sources: chocolate cake via tastespotting; divergent, insurgent and allegiant book covers via amazon; "abnegation" grey dress via farfetch ; "dauntless" black top via farfetch; leggings via stylebop; black boots via nordstrom. And a couple more cool boot options via steve madden & frye.

[Good Reads] A Thief & Faulty Stars

Are you a book reader? I usually find that people either love to read (beyond exhausted but deeply engrossed in a book at 3 am), or read because they have to (for work, school, street signs, all those emails... flip, flip, flip magazines).

I'm the former. I love a good book that I can dive into head first. A book that offers a perspective or reality that I know little or nothing about; offering me insight into a world that I would otherwise have no way of experiencing. I read all genres, but my favorites are those where I come to know and love the main characters.

Here are my latest favorite reads.

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[Tried // True] Winter 2013

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[Read This / Drink That] Born to Run & Chia Seed Cranberry Spritzer

chi-chi-chi-chia!

If you know that little diddy, then HIGH FIVE!

If you don't...you missed out. And dang you're young! :)  See here on YouTube

As a kid, I remember wanting a Chia Pet.  I mean, how cool are those little clay figures with fast-growing plant hair?  Actually I think it was the catchy jingle that got me.  Ah, the 70's...  ;)

Back then, I had no idea that I would one day be ingesting the little seeds that put the chia in Chia Pet.  Apparently those little seeds with their magical growing powers are also good for you!  Each little chia seed is packed with protein, fiber, essential fatty acids, complex carbohydrates, antioxidants, calcium and more.

And the benefits?  For me it jump-started my metabolism and, without really trying, I lost a few pounds. After 9 years of marriage and 2 kids, I thought those little buggers were here to stay. And I lost the weight without altering my diet and exercise pattern too much.

[Read This / Eat That] Bringing Up Bebe & Yogurt Cake

Have you read or heard about this book? Just in case you haven't, here's the scoop...  Bringing up Bebe is about an American woman's experience bringing up children in Paris, France. While raising her first child, she begins to notice significant behavioral differences between her own daughter and the children of her French peers.  Most noticeably, the French children are better behaved, eat well-rounded meals (no snacking!), and are more independent and in command of themselves.

I won't go into a full book review (there are plenty of opinions), but here are some of the points that make a lot of sense to me.

Misty May

Southern California is known for sun and surf, but in May and June, the coast is usually hit with overcast and gray.  I actually don't mind the change, but after two weeks of mist, I'm starting to feel a little sun deprivation-- yawn!  So you'll have to excuse me for my lack of posts lately.  I'm just sleepy... blame it on the May Gray!  Here's what's been keeping me going...

Currently Reading...

David Nicholls

So I've read One Day (can't remember the last time when a book made me cry) and I'm currently reading Starter for Ten (aka A Question of Attraction in the US).  All I know is that David Nicholls can tell a great story, with complex characters, witty dialogue and crazy all-too-real situations that we can all identify with, but may not want to admit.... ever.  If you enjoy British humor, clever writing and a revisit to the mid-80's, give these books a try.

One Day

The book begins on July 15, 1988 as Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew "hang out" after graduation ceremonies from the University of Edinburgh, then part ways as they begin the next chapter of their lives. The storyline then follows the peaks and valleys of their lives and checks-in with them on that same day, July 15th, for the next 20 years thereafter.  Do they become friends?  Lovers?  Will they ever be happy?  Sound a little like When Harry Met Sally?  Well, it's nothing like that (although there is a line that Emma says about "not being the consolation prize" which is very Sally-ish), but this uniquely told story with its witty dialogue and compelling insight had me from year one.  If you like love stories that are real and unedited, then you'll love One Day.  Oh, and the movie version comes out next month!  In most book-begets-movie scenarios, I usually prefer the book version.  However, if done well, this will be a good movie.  And Anne Hathaway as Emma?--  I'm already lining up the babysitter.  :)

Good Reads - The Paris Wife: A Novel

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. The Good-- We're spring breaking and enjoying some good ol' family togetherness. We made a trip to Disneyland and have been visiting various parks around town every day this week. The Bad-- Technology is not our friend (again). An Internet Explorer malfunction has me blogging from our IPad (which is a slow process for my un-savvy IPad/IPhone self). With all the PC problems we've been experiencing as of late, we may need to become Apple converts. The Mister's working on it, so hopefully we'll be up and running soon!

Without the Internet to distract, I had a chance to catch up on my reading. I'm pretty much mesmerized with this book-- The Paris Wife: A Novel. It's the fictional account of Hadley Richardson, Ernest Hemingway's first wife, and her experiences as part of the "Lost Generation" in Paris of the 1920's. A vivid and emotional read with an interesting, celebrated and self-centered cast of characters. Highly recommend!

Good Reads - Biographies of Women

After last year's "teen lit" kick, I got tired of the all that youthful exuberance and wanted to start off the year with some strong, female inspiration.  I found myself drawn to biographies of several iconic, trailblazing women whom, aside from the iconic part,  I knew very little about.  Here's what I've read so far:

Jane Fonda

Quite honestly, I knew little about her life besides her 70's activism and 80's "feel the burn" workout tapes. She's very open about her personal life, including her tragic childhood, and explains how her early experiences shaped the many "acts" of her life.  She expresses herself well, and is very introspective about why she made some of the decisions that greatly affected, and continue to affect, her life.  An interesting read.

Barbara Walters

I knew she was a trailblazer in the early years of television journalism and I love her Specials, but I had no idea about her interesting family life and how she "fell" into her lifelong profession.  She writes exactly how she speaks and is forthcoming about her romantic life (you'll be surprised), the guilt that she has carried since childhood, how she lands those amazing interviews, and the love that she has for her family.  I feel like I know her now!  :)

Audrey Hepburn & Grace Kelly

Both are well-researched biographies that shed a realistic light on these womens' seemingly "perfect" lives.  If you're interested in the real person behind the icon, these are both good reads.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

I was a little "celebrit-teed" out at this point, so this book provided a refreshing change.  It's a fascinating look into research science, ethics, race & class differences and how they've impacted the lives of Henrietta Lacks and her descendents.  It's amazing to think that one woman's cells are responsible for many important medical advances-- the polio vaccine, in vitro fertilization, gene mapping, to name just a few. On the other hand, it's amazing to think that Henrietta and her family never consented to, nor were informed about the use of her cells, let alone the medical advances & monetary gains that were made with them.  A great read.

The Six Wives of Henry III

I'm currently reading this book and all I can say is that these women make our current "of the moment" celebrities seem downright dull.  There's a lot of historical detail, but it's proving to be an interesting read.

As you can probably tell, my reading interests are all over the board. What are you reading these days?  Any recommendations? 

Good Reads - Fall

For the last few months, I've been reading the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon.  Now if  I saw this series in the bookstore, I would have never picked it up.  Why?  Because each book ranges from 650 - 1,500 pages!!!  I would probably strain some really important muscles holding up those books for hours on end.  Okay, they're in paperback... but still!  But since my Kindle is pretty light and there aren't any page numbers to psyche me out, I managed to read 6 books in the series (5,728 pages!!!) in less than 3 months.   Two more books to go... woo hoo!  Although I doubt she's done with the series... it's been going on for 19+ years, why stop now?

Now trying to describe the books gets interesting.  It's part historical  (Scottish Highlands & Colonial America, with some French and Caribbean thrown in), part sci-fi time traveling, and part bodice-ripping romance.  Sounds... weird, right?  But I guess the reason why the series has such a huge devoted fan base is because the main characters are amazing and their love story is the stuff that dreams are built on.

So if you're looking for an escape, and a love story with a twist (and you don't mind some bodice-ripping... heh, heh), then I highly recommend this series.  Makes me want to visit the Scottish Highlands.  And I have a new appreciation for kilts, that's for sure!

Good Reads - Summer

I got a jump start on my summer reading when we went on our Alaskan cruise in May.  Before leaving I downloaded a bunch of books onto my Kindle.  I wanted to mix it up, not too serious, but not mind junk either.  Some of the themes-- postapocalyptic heroine, leprosy in Hawaii, modern Greek mythology, mentally challenged lottery winner...  Okay, it doesn't sound very exciting, but they are all VERY good reads and I highly recommend all of them.

In fact, I'm now hooked on two Teen Lit series-- Hunger Games Trilogy and Percy Jackson and the Olympians.  Finally, something to fill the void left by Harry Potter and Twilight.  I can't decide what book in which series to read next!

Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
The book's summary sounds so depressing and violent that I put off reading it for a while.  But then I figured there was probably good reason why it was highly rated.  I picked up the book and quickly got sucked-in after the first few pages.  Intense, brutal storyline but it's also a compelling story about humanity and "what could be" if we're not careful.  The plot is something we've seen before, but Suzanne Collins is an amazing storyteller and knows how to catch the reader hook, line and sinker.  I'm sure this will be made into a movie.

Molokai by Alan Brennert
I read Honolulu by Alan Brennert earlier this year, but this book far surpasses it.  It's another book with a rather sad and depressing storyline-- leprosy in the late 19th Century Hawaii.  The way the afflicted are treated is despicable-- separated from family into forced exile, labeled as "dirty", humiliated by medical staff that treat them like human guinea pigs... to name just a few of the indignities.  As depressing as the subject matter may be, it's an inspiring and uplifting book filled with vividly real and colorful characters that you won't soon forget.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
This series melds Greek mythology with modern teenage times.  It's a fun read filled with action, humor and a little teenage angst thrown in.  I loved Greek mythology when I was a kid, so it's a nice brush-up on all those gods, goddesses and monsters that I remembered reading about (and many, many more that I don't recall at all!).  I may have to break out The Iliad and The Odyssey after I'm done with this series. Remember those?

Lottery by Patricia Wood
This is another uplifting book that makes you realize that although the main character is slow (He's quick to tell you that he's slow, not retarded.  An IQ of 75 is retarded and his is 76) he knows what is important in life.  Sure he just won $12 million dollars and his deceitful, money grubbing relatives will stop at nothing to get their hands on it, but with the help of his true friends, his Gran's voice who steers him in the right direction, and his own gumption, he always does the right thing and comes out gold. A great read.

~♥♥♥~

Book Talk - April Reads

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

This book really hit home for me.  Without really putting a finger on it, the last few months I've been striving for something...trying to better myself and find my "happy place".  My life has been kidcentric the last four years, and before that workcentric, so I haven't had much time to self-reflect and  "just be me".  Starting this blog, reading more, writing a list of Resolutions (my first ever), were all part of  my desire to get a grasp on life and hopefully make it more fulfilling, and ultimately, happier.

This book pretty much lays out one woman's journey to make happiness a priority-- happiness that starts with the basics and soon extends to her family, friends and even strangers.  Happiness in a "pay it forward" kind of way.  I can really identify with the author-- Nothing horrible has happened to me or my loved ones (at least not at the time being), no depression or illness, no REAL sadness... but yet, there's a little voice that keeps saying "you could always be happier". Have you heard the saying "you don't appreciate what you have, until it's gone"?  Well, I want to appreciate what I have... while I still have it!! Furthermore everyone knows that happy people do more for others, are more even keeled, are more productive... the list goes on. And for all those naysayers who scoff at such "shallow" pursuits... It's much EASIER to be a critical and morose person than a happy one-- Happiness is not fluff, it takes work!

Just so you know, I don't read self-help books-- they just don't draw me in. I wouldn't call this a self-help book... maybe memoir and self-help inspiration? or self-help lite?  Anyhow, she does all the "self-help" reading for you so you can just take away the important parts... I like that! I can't even get through most parenting books and only turn to them when I have a specific issue that I need to tackle.  This book is real, insightful and not preachy, but backed-up with solid research and good humor.  However, it did take me longer to read since I was highlighting, taking notes and bookmarking my Kindle like a mad woman.  Hopefully I'll be able to apply some of her strategies and start my own mini Happiness Project!

~♥♥♥~

Book Talk - March Reads

Read any good books lately?  I haven't been reading as much as I'd like, but I thought I'd share a couple of good reads that I came across this month. 

 Honolulu by Alan Brennert

I found this to be an easy and interesting read-- especially so because my parents & grandparents were  born and raised in Hawaii, most of my family still lives there, and even though I'm a native Californian, I consider Hawaii "home". The sugar plantations, pineapple canneries, "camps" are all part of my family's history and the characters and their experiences just seem so real to me.  Oh, and the mention of all the yummy "mixed plate" food just makes me salivate... which is bad since I tend to read late at night. So anyhow, back to "Honolulu"... This book is about a Korean girl whose desire to escape the binds of Confucian-era Korea lands her in colorful and often lawless Honolulu at the turn of the 20th Century.  Her story is woven around many of the historic events and personalities that shaped Hawaiian culture-- Ever wonder where the term "local" came from?; Why Hawaii traditionally votes Democrat?;  Hawaiian shirts, anyone?  Whether you've a "local", seasoned visitor or are planning to visit someday, you'll find this to be a historically accurate, well-researched and compelling story. 

~♥♥♥~

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer

If you ever find yourself having a "my life sucks... why me?" kind of day, I highly recommend this book for some real life inspiration.  This is the true story of William Kamkwamba, a 14 year old boy from Malawi whose perserverance and drive overcomes the obstacles that he faces daily-- poverty, famine, lack of education, no resources, corrupt government... to name just a few. His dream is not all that unusual-- To get an education and to find a way to better the lives of his family and village.  But how he does it-- without the benefit of education, simple resources, and especially in a time of famine, is truly inspiring.  It's easy to forget that he lives in "modern" times.  There is a shocking juxtaposition between what little resources he has in third world Africa and the abundance and waste that most citizens of first world countries experience daily.  It was so refreshing to see the world through his eyes and be inspired by the tenacity and beauty of the human spirit.

~♥♥♥~

Book Talk - January & February Reads

Since I've been experiencing a renewed reading frenzy (thanks to Kindle), I thought I'd share some of my latest favorite reads.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The best book I've read in a Loooong time!  It had me from page one and I was sad to see it end-- can't say that about a lot of books.  Although racial issues usually put a knot in my stomach, I was very connected with the main characters, their experiences (although some painful), and it opens the reader's eyes to the "forgotten" people who make such a difference in the lives that they serve.  A MUST READ!

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The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyers

Yes, I know... I'm a few years behind.  I was trying to be a literary snob, but got sucked in (pun intended), like the rest of the teeny boppin' world. But I must say, it's nice to have been able to read the entire series in one week.  I think I would've gone crazy waiting for each book to come out-- I'm impatient like that.  I enjoyed all 4 books... there's something catchy about love that defies all odds.  Plus the action scenes are pretty riveting too. I wasn't bothered by some of the subject matter in the last book that apparently offended a few people... but then again, I'm not a teenager, nor do I have a teenager who may be reading these books (at least, not yet). 

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Nurture Shock: New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman

I'll be honest, I have many Parenting books, but most of them are half-read and tossed in a box-- pretty mundane stuff. Despite the topic, I found this book to be both fascinating and eye-opening-- nothing like dispelling all those beliefs that a generation (or two) of Americans were raised upon.  Some of the topics covered-- The inverse power of meaningless praise (or as I like to call it the "good job" syndrome);  Proof that a complacent approach to race relations doesn't work (i.e. placing child in a diverse environment but never discussing race); The problem with testing for giftedness; Sibling rivalry; The sleep factor (or sleepless factor in most cases) and how it effects behaviour, physical wellbeing and performance; Teen rebellion; How to jumpstart infant language skills; Why kids lie...and my favorite-- With modern involved parenting, why haven't we produced a generation of angels?   Interesting, thought provoking stuff backed-up with solid research.  A must read if you have kids.

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