Audible - Need Suggestions

Woohoo, I made it to spring break (barely)! I almost didn't pass my math class, but my final saved me, surprisingly. Theatre class was easy, though. If you've been wondering where I've been, which I'm sure you haven't, I've been trying to not fail out of school.

But now that I'm on break I have a little bit of time to post before the shit storm starts again!

We had to read a few plays for my theatre class, and being the cheapo that I am, I did not buy the textbook. I either found the plays in the library, found them online, or listened to the audiobook. That's how I finally downloaded Audible. I've heard so many rave reviews about Audible and I finally had to break down and download it. I got to download the play I needed for free with the free trial, so yay!

We had to read Buried Child by Sam Shepard, and in my case I listened instead of read.

I'm not sure how I feel about Audible yet because I just used it for this one play. And I'm also not sure if it was the play's fault or if I just don't like audiobooks. If you've never read it before, just know it's an absolutely absurd play. I found myself zoning out and kind of losing what was going on, but that may be the fault of the play.

So, I have 1 more credit to use and I don't want to give up on Audible yet. I'd like your audiobook suggestions. What are some of your Audible recommendations? 

#medicated

Hello all! I hope everyone had a good week and a fun weekend so far. I survived the compressed school schedule (which means I already finished my first semester) and I start all new classes this coming Wednesday, yay! I'm only taking 2 this semester so hopefully I'll have more free time.

I've posted about my epilepsy before and I mentioned my medication, and I just started a new one. I did some research online and I've heard some horror stories about the side effects. I'm on a low dose right now so I haven't noticed any severe side effects. People say horrible things about weight loss and memory loss. Some call the model drug because it makes you space out and skinny. Carbonated beverages taste flat now is the only side effect I've noticed, which is weird and kind of a bummer. But I can live with that!

I'll probably do an update post on the medicine once I've been on it for a bit longer and my dose increases. People always share the horror stories but usually not the neutral ones. Topamax is the drug by the way, do tell me if you've had any experience with it. I've heard the nickname "Dopamax" because of how "doped up" you feel on it because the side effects can be so bad. We will see!

I've been daydreaming about ways to de-stress and what I would be doing (self-medicating, if you will) if I had the time or money.

Shop, of course. 

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There are some things at Tiffany's that I've been eyeing and I'm still in the market for boots, liquid liner, and a laptop case. Just being able to go out and have a little shopping day is so relaxing. Even if it's just window shopping or trying on clothes (but of course I wouldn't mind getting those Tiffany's items!). 

Spa day

I desperately need my hair cut and colored, eyebrows waxed, and I wouldn't say no to a facial or a massage of some sort! It would be even better if I could do a mother/daughter spa day with my madre but that would be quite expensive. We could do a DIY spa day with facials and manicures though. I don't think we would trust each other to cut or color our hair, haha. 

Reading for fun

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In between school and interning I haven't had time to do any "fun" reading. I could be doing that now to be honest, but I'm trying to catch up on life before the new semester starts. I freaking love this mug by the way. John makes me feel insane sometimes because I smell my books. I'm glad I'm not the only one! I think that is actually one of the reasons I prefer reading physical books rather than books on my iPad. I do have plenty of books on my iPad and and I do occasionally read on it, I'd just rather read a book with pages that I can touch (and smell). 

Date night

Quality time with the boyfriend is always fun, and much needed since we have both been so busy and stressed. He got a gift card for his birthday that is good for any restaurant owned by The Indigo Road (I think) so I suggested we go to the Cocktail Club. Neither of us have been but they are described as "an upscale lounge dedicated to the art of the craft cocktail. An extensive selection of house-made infusions, rare liquors, and farm-to-shaker beverages features fresh-squeezed juices and modern ingredients alongside a menu of light fare. The interior in the historic 1881 building has been cleverly crafted from reclaimed wood structures, fireplaces, original beams, and salvaged doors. The club’s rooftop terrace offers a more modern escape, with a custom garden that provides fresh garnishes for Charleston’s most creative couture cocktails". Sounds right up our alley! 

Chocolate covered strawberries

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If chocolate covered strawberries can't can't relieve medicate me and relax my stress, I'm just doomed. Specifically dark chocolate covered strawberries. Oh lordy my mouth is watering just thinking about them. Sigh. Soon, hopefully! 

Anyway, that's how I would self-medicate (for stress and life in general, not for seizures) if I had the time/money. Date night is going to happen though when we both have time, so I am excited for that. 

How do ya'll self medicate your stress? 

Breakfast at Gracey's Book Club

So this is a really impromptu post, so it'll be short. I'm going to be hosting a book club of sorts.

Every month (or whatever time period) I will choose a book to read, and post how many pages the book is. Now all of you can pick a book around the same length, read it within the set time period, and then leave your thoughts, reviews, and recommendations.

For the month of July, I will be reading The Giver by Lois Lowry, which is ~180 pages.

So, choose a book between 150-200 pages, and have it read by the end of July (sooner if possible). Or you can choose to read The Giver with me if you don't know what else to read.

After the month is over/I finish the book, I'll do a post about what I thought about the book, if I would recommend it, etc. In the comments (or you can even email me!) I'd like you all to discuss the book that you chose and read this month. Even if you didn't finish it. My next book club reading might just be one of your suggestions if it catches my interest!

So, I'm posting this a few days before July even starts, so you have time to choose a book! 1.) Choose book around 150-200 pages. 2.) Have it finished (or at least tried to finish) by the end of July. 3.) Comment and discuss your book when the next book club post goes up.

I'm hoping this will motivate people to read more this summer, maybe we could even set up some sort of book exchange/trade if this goes well? We shall see! Feel free to tweet me your book choices and recommendations before you start, as well! I can make a list if people really need help choosing a book to read. Let me know what you think in the comments or email me! :)

Summer Resolutions Part 2

I know this wasn't for this summer, but I did a post a while back talking about my summer resolutions at the that time. I figured I'd take the time to boast about the ones I completed, and list the ones I still need to do and add new ones. Unfinished resolutions in red, completed resolutions in green, and new resolutions in blue. There is only one, but there is one "iffy" resolution.

1. Drink coconut water-- I tried, I really did. I tried everything from Zico to Vita Coco to some other brands that I can't think of. I just don't like the taste, for some reason they taste kind of like tomato V8 but only slightly sweeter. I'll stick to water.

2. Do more blog posts-- I say this ALL the time, but I never stick to it. I have some reviews stacked up, but my lighting sucks everywhere in my house and I can't get good pictures. I'm vowing to actually post regularly now. Promise!

3. Read more books-- Not as many books as I'd like, but I have been reading more. Everything from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Giver, to the Phenomenology of Perception and The Conscious of the Atom. My problem is that I read whatever I'm in the mood for at the moment. I think I'm reading 3 books at once now, and it's taking me forever.

4. Yoga-- Just like the reading, I have started doing yoga. Only not as often as I'd like to. But I have seen improvement, in body strength and flexibility and even in everyday life things. I used to have extremely poor digestion very frequently to only feeling nauseous/uncomfortable a very rare occasion. It might be a coincidence, but who knows. It might be a mental thing, but I feel better overall.

5. Learn calligraphy-- For some reason, I became fascinated and in love with fountain pens. They are so smooth to write with, and they make my cursive look amazing. They can be waaaay more expensive than a whole pack of BIC Pens, but I'd say they're worth it once you get used to writing with them. You can also pick from so many ink colors it's not even funny. As a step up from just writing in cursive, calligraphy is beautiful and so damn hard! I'm impressed by all of you who can write lovely calligraphy words and phrases.

6. Don't wait until the last minute to do my summer reading-- I don't have any summer reading anymore since I'm not in school. I'm just going to leave this with the above post about reading more books.

7. Save my money and not blow my paychecks on beauty products-- I FINALLY (and by finally I mean a few days ago) was able to re-open my savings account. I wouldn't really say I saved money, but I didn't really gain much either. I also blew my paychecks, just on a few different things than beauty products. Like Dominos Pizza, mainly so I can get their lava cakes. Mmmmm…

8. World of Warcraft-- I know, I know. My boyfriend payed for it the first time and unfortunately I got hooked. I'm stuck on level 88 and I'm trying to get to 90. It just seems like no matter hard I try I can't get past 88. It's frustrating, dammit! Don't get talked in to playing, it's money you don't want to be wasting. But it is fun and addicting. Don't buy it!

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Did you make any summer resolutions last year, and did you follow through with them? Are you going to make any resolutions for this summer? What will they be?

What Book Should I Read?

You may have noticed in my side bar I have In Cold Blood by Truman Capote for what seems like an eternity now. I intend on finishing in soon, I hope. I have a little pile of books sitting on my desk that are unread. That's where you all come in! Choose one, or recommend another that you think stomps all of these books out of the water.

1. A Dog's Purpose by B. Bruce Cameron
Description: Those is the remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog's Purpose touches on the universal quest for an aster to life's most basic question: Why are we here?"
     Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey's search for his new life's meaning leads him into the loving arms of eight-year old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog. 
     But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey's journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again. Bailey wonders--will he ever find his purpose? 
     Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautiful crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose


2. The Giver by Lois Lowry
Description: Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. 
     When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive a special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now it's time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back. 

3. Tinkers by Paul Harding
Description: An old man lies dying. As time collapses into memory, he travels deep into his past where his is reunited with his father and relives the wonder and pain of his impoverished New England youth. At once heartbreaking and life affirming Tinkers is an elegiac meditation on love, loss, and the fierce beauty of nature. 
**Disclaimer-I really did try to read this book, but the structures of the sentences and paragraphs drove me insane. I did find it quite boring, but if it's recommended by a lot of you, I'll give it a shot again. 

4. The Wild Things by Dave Eggers
Description: Max is a rambunctious eight-year-old whose world is changing around him: His father is absent, his mother is increasingly distracted, and his teenage sister has outgrown him. Sad and angry, Max dons his wolf suit and makes terrible, ruinous mischief, flooding his sister's room and driving his mother half-crazy. Convinced his family doesn't want him anymore, Max flees home, finds a boat and sails away. Arriving on and island, he meets strange and giant creatures who rage and break things, who trample and scream. These beasts do everything Max feels inside, and so, Max appoints himself their king. Here, on a magnificent adventure with these funny and complex monsters, Max can be the wilds thing of all. 

5. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Description: In understanding successful people, we have come to focus far too much on their intelligence and ambition and personality traits. Instead Malcolm Gladwell argues in Outliers, we should look at the world that surrounds the successful -- their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing. Along the way, Gladwell reveals what the Beatles and Bill Gates have in common, the reason you've never heard of the smartest man in the world, why almost no star hockey players are born in the fall, and why, when it comes to plane crashes, where the pilots are born matters as much as how well they are trained. 
     The lives of outliers -- people whose achievements fall outside normal experience -- follow a peculiar and unexpected logic, and in uncovering that logic, Gladwell presents a fascinating and provocative blueprint for making the most of human potential. 

6. Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuNdunn
Description: From the first married couple to win a Pulitzer Prize for journalism, here is a passionate call to arms against the oppression of women around the globe -- "the central moral challenge" of our time. Through inspiring stories of extraordinary women, Kristof and WuDunn show that the most effective way to fight global poverty is to unless the potential of women. They also offer an uplifting do-it-yourself tool kit for those who want to help. 

7. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Description: Ponyboy can count on his brothers. And on his friends. But not on much else besides the trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up "greasers" like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect -- until the night someone takes things too far. 

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P.S. I need new blogs to follow, some on my sidebar don't exist anymore :( 

If you have any recommendations or want me to check out your blog let me know! 

Love you all, sorry again I'm probably the slackest blogger ever. 

Who is your favorite author?

I have to read 1,000 pages a quarter this year (so 4,000 pages by the end of the year), and I'm looking for some really good, interesting authors and books. So I was wondering: Who is your favorite author? What are some of your favorite books from this author? What are some of your favorite books in general?

I've bought a few that I'm excited to read. I'm STILL reading Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote, and I just bought another Capote book, In Cold Blood. I'm really excited to read both of them. I also have The Outliers by Malcom Gladwell and A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron on the list. On the next trip to the book store I'm thinking of picking up Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman.

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I've gotten so bored with the typical (and I quote the Barnes and Noble headers) "teen paranormal romace" books, and I need recommendations for good, easy to read books. I refuse to read Hemingway. I know he is a great author and all but I just don't find his books interesting while I'm reading them. Sorry to offend anyone! Truman Capote on the other hand, is probably one of my favorite authors (and not just because he wrote Breakfast at Tiffany's).

So, please leave your book/author recommendations below. Have a great weekend everyone :)

Lust List

I've worked a few extra days, so I figured I would make myself a lust list and pick a few things to buy with my extra cash. (Sorry if this is a so-so post, I have to get it up before my internet dies again. Eeeek!)

1. NARS the multiple in orgasm

I've heard such great things about this product. I need a good cheek color, and this seems perfect. It can also be used for lips or anything else, really.

2. Good books

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Thanks to Couture Carrie, another book has been added to my must read list! She did a great review on Summer at Tiffany, and if you haven't heard of it you should definitely go read her review. As for Shoe Addicts Anonymous and Confessions of a Beauty Addict, I stumbled upon them while browsing the book store today, and now are also on my must read list. Anybody read any of these?

3. E.L.F cosmetics

Images via polyvore
I love elf makeup. It's super super cheap but they are actually great products. Need I say more?

4. Longchamp Le Pliage bag

Image via polyvore
Color and size undecided. But I love these bags-they hold everything and serve as a cute, everyday bag.

5. TOMS!!

Images via Toms.com
I tried on a pair of Toms a few days ago; everybody was right--they are SO comfortable! I really like the black cordones for work and school, and the wedges just for fun :) The best part? Buy a pair of Toms and a new pair of shoes is given to somebody in need!

Soo that's my lust list for the moment. Let me know if you've read any of those books, and what you think of them. What's on your lust list right now?