Book Review: The Deceivers by Kristen Simmons

When I first saw this on NetGalley -- I was instanly intrigued. A combination of a heist and a mystery -- SIGN ME UP. I was pumping my fists in the air and bouncing in my seat as soon as I saw the title with a mad smile on my face. It’s that kind of book.

The Deceivers is Pretty Little Liars meets Ocean's 11 in this highly commercial, intrigue-filled contemporary drama from acclaimed author Kristen Simmons; the author of the Article 5 series and Metaltown, who brings her remarkable imagination to her latest novel where good kids are needed to do some very bad things. I mean, how can you not get excited about that? This book is slated to be released on February 5, 2019 and is available for pre-order at all major booksellers, including my favorite AMAZON.

Here is the book description: Welcome to Vale Hall, the school for aspiring con artists. When Brynn Hilder is recruited to Vale, it seems like the elite academy is her chance to start over, away from her mom’s loser boyfriend and her rundown neighborhood. But she soon learns that Vale chooses students not so much for their scholastic talent as for their extracurricular activities, such as her time spent conning rich North Shore kids out of their extravagant allowances. At first, Brynn jumps at the chance to help the school in its mission to rid the city of corrupt officials―because what could be better than giving entitled jerks what they deserve? But that’s before she meets her mark―a senator’s son―and before she discovers the school’s headmaster has secrets he’ll stop at nothing to protect. As the lines between right and wrong blur, Brynn begins to realize she’s in way over head.

Book Review: Immoral Code by Lillian Clark

I have started to receive intel on what books are coming out in 2019 and this book, Immoral Code by Lillian Clark, is definitely on my radar! Thanks to wonderful people at NetGalley -- I was able to get my hands on this beauty before everyone else and I must tell you -- if you enjoy mystery, espionage, computer coding, empowerment, and modern retellings of classic fairy tales; well this book is for you! The book is available for pre-order on Amazon.com and it is slated to be released on February 19, 2019.

Here is the book description: Ocean's 8 meets The Breakfast Club in this fast-paced, multi-perspective story about five teens determined to hack into one billionaire absentee father's company to steal tuition money.

For Nari, aka Narioka Diane, aka hacker digital alter ego "d0l0s," it's college and then a career at "one of the big ones," like Google or Apple. Keagan, her sweet, sensitive boyfriend, is happy to follow her wherever she may lead. Reese is an ace/aro visual artist with plans to travel the world. Santiago is off to Stanford on a diving scholarship, with very real Olympic hopes. And Bellamy? Physics genius Bellamy is admitted to MIT--but the student loan she'd been counting on is denied when it turns out her estranged father--one Robert Foster--is loaded.
Nari isn't about to let her friend's dreams be squashed by a deadbeat billionaire, so she hatches a plan to steal just enough from Foster to allow Bellamy to achieve her goals. Fast-paced and banter-filled, Lillian Clark's debut is a hilarious and thought-provoking Robin Hood story for the 21st century.

Book Review: Watersnakes by Tony Sandoval

I am coming up on the end of the year and I will admit I have been in a reading slump. I have plenty to read on my To Be Read pile, do not get me wrong, but I have not felt the urge to read. With going back to work and getting things back in order in my life and navigating being single as well as taking care of my parents -- life has been one hectic chaotic ride. Then I check my email and as per usual -- Net Galley has a book that just jumps out to me and had to be read in one sitting. Say hello to Watersnakes by Tony Sandoval.

This book was released on November 20, 2018. Here is the book description: Mila is a solitary teenager ready to put another boring summer vacation behind her until she meets Agnes, an adventurous girl who turns out to be a ghost. And not just a regular ghost, but one carrying the essence of an ancient fallen king and a mouth full of teeth that used to be his guardian warriors. Three-time Eisner Award-nominated writer/artist Tony Sandoval presents a wondrous world of secret places and dreamlike magic hidden in the everyday corners of our sleeping imagination.

Now I will say this -- I have not read anything by Tony Sandoval so I was excited to learn about a new author. I am also kind of disappointed that this book did not come out during Halloween as it is a stunningly illustrated ,beautifully creepy story but I think creepiness and all things Halloween is a all year thing so for that, I will let it slide. The artwork is simply beautiful; definitely dark which is an aesthetic I do enjoy and speaks to my big gothic heart. The story can be confusing at times and you need to re-read some points but that is all the fun of this story. Super weird, super gorgeous. This book will become part of my bookshelf. If you are a fan of Coraline by Neil Gaiman, you will love this book!

Countdown to Christmas 2018

Besides Halloween, I will admit I still get excited for Christmas time. Things just seem to be more magical in the month of December.Now for the third year in a row life has been hard -- this year from having my own health crisis to having heartbreak yet again but it was a lesson learned the hard way and quite easily which put me back on my path of growth. I am big on traditions and routines so here is an outline. Most of the things will be done either by myself or with my friends and family. Also, just because there is a date attached does not mean it will happen on that date unless it is specific events with tickets attached -- it is more of a checklist.

November 23rd: Visit the Union Square Holiday Market (Done!)
November 24th: Attend Halestorm and In This Moment concert at Hammerstein Ballroom (Done! Had a fantastic time!)
November 25th: Start reading the book The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand. Finish it by Christmas.
November 26th: Make Christmas playlist on Spotify (Done!)
November 27th: Get holiday cards. (Done!)
November 28th: Wear mistletoe headband. (Done!)
November 29th: Watch the movie Die Hard (Done!)
November 30th: Start writing out holiday cards (Done!)
December 1st: Watch the movie Scrooged. (Done!)
December 2nd: Visit Artists and Fleas at 568 Broadway (at Prince Street)
December 3rd: Order 2019 calendars on Amazon (Done!)
December 4th: Watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Done!)
December 5th: Mail out holiday cards. (Done!)
December 6th: Get a holiday inspired manicure. Make sure one nail is sparkly!
December 7th: Watch A Nightmare Before Christmas. (Done!)
December 8th: Read one story in the collection My True Love Gave To Me (Done! Read the story Polaris is Where You'll Find Me by Jenny Han)
December 9th: Build a gingerbread house (Did not do this year as I did not want to do it by myself)
December 10th: Watch He-Man & She-Ra A Christmas Special (Done!)
December 11th: Get a holiday inspired candle from Bath and Body Works. (Done!)
December 12th: Go visit the Rockefeller Center tree
December 13th: Go watch some ice skaters in Bryant Park and walk around the Winter Village. (Done!)
December 14th: Go see Anna and the Apocalypse in theaters (Could not see it in theaters as it was taken out due to low sales. :( )
December 15th: Cozy up in some pajamas and watch the Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special.
December 16th: Watch Home Alone (Done!)
December 17th: Start reading the book Together at Midnight by Jennifer Castle. Finish it by New Years Eve by midnight.
December 18th: Watch The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix
December 19th: Wear ugly Christmas sweater to work. (Done!)
December 20th: Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas (Done!)
December 21st: Start my Yule candle ritual. (Done!)
December 22nd: Watch The Original Christmas Classics (Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, The Little Drummer Boy) on DVD (Done!)
December 23rd: Watch Gremlins.
December 24th: Watch Red Christmas.
December 25th: CHRISTMAS!!! Watch The Muppets Christmas Carol and spend time with my loved ones.

Have a very merry holiday season!

Book Review: Shakespeare's Sonnets, Retold: Classic Love Poems with a Modern Twist by William Shakespeare and James Anthony

Ahhhh the Bard. His words are still studied and read today and it makes my big literary heart happy. When I received this galley -- my heart jumped for joy as I feel everyone should read Shakespeare as well as classic literature. While I love the poetic language of Shakespeare, it's nice to have a modern translation side-by-side with it; that way you get both the poetry and the meaning. I can understand the trepidation of reading the original work as his words can be hard to understand so when modern retellings are brought forth into the world -- people should scoop them up. I studied Shakespeare while in college and while it is rare that a remake or a retelling will be better than original; the use of current language in this book makes the Sonnets much easier to read and understand. This was a great read and I could see this text being used in classrooms and for teaching tools, especially in mine. Thank you James Anthony and Penguin First To Read for giving me the gift of this book!

Here is the book description. This book is set to be released on November 13, 2018 to major and independent booksellers. James Anthony has long enjoyed poetry with a strict adherence to beat, rhythm, and rhyming patterns, which he likens to the very best pop songs. This drew him to the rewarding 14-line structure of Shakespeare’s sonnets, yet he often found their abstract language frustratingly unintelligible. One day, out of curiosity, he rewrote Sonnet 18—Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day—line-by-line, in the strict five-beat iambic pentameter and rhyming patterns of the original, but in a contemporary language a modern reader could easily understand. The meaning and sentiment—difficult to spot, initially—came to life, revealing new intricacies in the workings of Shakespeare's heart.And so, James embarked on a full-time, year-long project to rewrite all 154 of the Bard's eternal verses creating SHAKESPEARE'S SONNETS, RETOLD. This collection of masterful reinterpretations brilliantly demystifies and breathes new life into Shakespeare's work, demonstrating the continued resonance of a playwright whose popularity remains over 400 years after his death. Now, the passion, heartbreak, deception, reconciliation, and mortality of Shakespeare’s originals can be understood by all, without the need to cross reference to an enjoyment-sapping study-guide. Coming with a foreword by Stephen Fry, this is a stunning collection of beautiful love poems made new.

Book Review: Choosing Me -- Love Letters from a Poet by Bill Weber

I am pleasantly surprised at the power of Instagram. It has brought forth to me some amazing people -- two life coaches, vivacious bookworms like myself, and inspiring authors. As most of you know I am going through a period of growth that is filled with positivity and that energy has manifested in my Instagram account.

When I was contacted by Bill Weber about his book Choosing Me -- Love Letters from a Poet, I felt this calling. I had to read this book. I had to HAVE this book. An opportunity arose for me to read it before everyone else. The universe is giving me all of this great energy and positivity and is sharing it with the world. This book is available for pre-order on Amazon and it goes on sale to the general public on December 1, 2018.

Here is the book description: Every time we make love is another opportunity to recognize how the spiritual principles of Yin and Yang represent themselves through the design of our bodies and the pleasures of the experience. It is another opportunity to experience the joy of transcending the illusion of duality, and another step along the spiritual journey of awakening to the true nature of our being. Making love is a physical expression of the interplay of Yin and Yang energy, , a joyous celebration of the human body, a sensual fountain of pleasures, a regenerating process of sacred energetic potential, and a hint of the joy of the heaven of enlightenment. Savor the sacredness of the being you are with. Savor the intimacy of the connection. Savor the ebb and flow of energy. Savor every sensation. Savor the sacredness.

Now I will admit -- when I started to read this book it made me blush a lot due to the content. There is an element of eroticism in these poems. I will admit -- the genre of eroticism/romance I normally do not read. I am happy and grateful that this book took me out of my comfort zone of reading. I am also happy and grateful that there are people out there who yearn to keep the spark of love alive in their relationships. It is the ultimate life force and my main priority is feeling good as much as I can. So when I started reading this book I felt happy. I felt good. That is what it is all about. It was also refreshing to see a man step out of his comfort zone of romance. His words just flow onto the page creating a myriad of images in my head; filling my soul with warmth. Plus the fact that this man is essentially honoring women, in particular his partner, it is a glorious sight to read and makes me wish to have a man in my life who is so expressive with his words.

If you are a fan of poetry, romance, love, eroticism, and feeling good as much as you possible can -- GET THIS BOOK. I highly recommend.

Book Review: This Is a Whoopsie! by Andrew Cangelose and Josh Shipley

As most people are aware -- my career is in education. I am constantly on the look out for inspiring childrens books that I can bring into the classroom; age appropriate content with a real life connection and how my students can relate to the story. Currently I am working in Kindergarten so building that foundation of literacy as well as social development is crucial at such a young age. When I saw this book available on Net Galley I immediately jumped on it. I mean, how can you say no to a cute moose on the cover? This book was released on October 16, 2018 and is by the same author of This is a Taco, which features a cameo of Taco.

Here is the book description: This is supposed to be a book about all the different things moose can do, like leaping and jumping and being really tall. But maybe Whoopsie isn't the right moose for the job. You might want to pick a different moose for this book. Maybe instead we can do a book about falling down a lot? Yeah! Whoopsie would be great at that.This hilarious book about a clumsy moose shows that sometimes being a little different can make one great story.

What I loved about this book is the message it provides -- finding what you are good at when you are constantly aware of what you are not good at. It is perfect to have that reflection and introspection but also knowing to not dwell in the negative self talk. It has a great message that we all make mistakes and that we learn from them. Plus the fact that I am a klutz myself, I was quick to identify with Whoopsie, which is also crucial with children's education -- if they can relate to the character in the story, the message and lesson will be learned. I also loved the facts about the animal known as the moose thrown in. Furthermore as I read this book I had a smile on my face. How can you not enjoy a book that makes you laugh? Finally the illustrations are clever and bring the reader in with a sense of feeling involved.

I absolutely adored and loved this book. It is really adorable and it is highly recommended for both the classroom and for home.

Countdown to Halloween -- 2018 Edition

My favorite holiday, besides my birthday, is Halloween. I am drawn to all things Halloween/Autumn -- vampires, zombies, werewolves, cheesy 80s horror movies, dressing up, anything pumpkin flavored or scented, sweater weather... Just love it! With that said I thought it would be cool to do a COUNTDOWN TO HALLOWEEN activities list. Most of this stuff will be done by myself. Yes I know there are dates attached but I am using it more as a check off list.

October 1st: Watch the movie The Lost Boys (Done!)
October 2nd: Watch the movie Nightmare on Elm Street (original with Robert Englund) (Done!)
October 3rd: Watch the movie Hotel Transylvania.
October 4th: Read a short story a day in Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King (Done! Mile 81)
October 5th: Watch the movie Venom in theaters (Done!)
October 6th: Watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show. (Done!)
October 7th: Watch the season 9 premiere of The Walking Dead (Done!)
Watch the cartoon Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Done!)
October 8th: See the movie Halloween in theaters
October 9th: Watch the movie Hellraiser (Done!)
October 10th: Watch the movie House of 1000 Corpses. (No way to watch it. Maybe next year I will buy the DVD)
October 11th: Watch the movie Psycho (original Alfred Hitchcock version). (Done!)
October 12th: Watch the Universal classic horror movies Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. (Done!)
October 13th: Visit Last Rites Gallery (Did not get to go. Its okay. Another time)
October 14th: Get candles with a cinnamon or pumpkin smell from Bath and Body Works for my room. (Could not afford candles from Bath and Body Works for instead I got candles from the dollar store with a vanilla apple cinnamon smell. They will do)
October 15th: Get a pumpkin spice chai latte at Argo Tea
October 16th: Watch the movie Beetlejuice (Done!)
October 17th: Watch the movie Interview with The Vampire (Netflix)
October 18th: Watch the movie Hocus Pocus. (Done!)
October 19th: Attend Stephen Lynch concert (Done! Had such a fun time!)
October 20th: Watch the movie Carrie (the original version with Sissy Spasek) (Done!)
October 21st: Watch the movie The Evil Dead
October 22nd: Watch the movie The Craft (Done!)
October 23rd: Howl at the moon....lol....maybe not but instead maybe get a beauty treatment that is pumpkin scented or fall inspired. (Still have my pumpkin sleeping face mask from last year. Score!)
October 24th: Attend She Wants Revenge concert. (Did not physically attend due to reasons but was there in spirit via Spotify playlist made by my best friend)
October 25th: HAPPY BIRTHDAY VERONICA! Watch the movie Veronica in honor. (Netflix) (Done!)
October 26th: Watch Tales of Halloween (Netflix)
October 27th: Watch the movie Coraline (Netflix) (Done!)
October 28th: Watch the movie Teen Witch (Done!)
October 29th: Get a fall inspired color manicure.
October 30th: Watch The Shining (Done!)
October 31st: HALLOWEEN!! Give an acorn to loved ones for good luck and fortune in the new year and get a tarot card reading for guidance for the year to come. (Done!)

What are you doing for October/Halloween?

Book Review -- What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

This book. Oh my goodness this book.

I have never read anything by either Becky Albertalli or Adam Silvera before. I have heard such great things about both authors and I am always down to experience new authors. I read mostly paranormal/fantasy/horror/thrillers as well as young adult and this book, which isn't due out until October 9, 2018, (thank you to Epic Reads at Harper Collins Publishers for the ARC) is such a page turner I could not put it down. I really loved this book! Filled with so many ups and downs and twists and turns -- I have never been so emotionally invested in a book before. It is heartwarming, humorous, awkward, and inspiring. I virtually had to force myself to put it down when necessary and could not wait to pick it up again. If you are a lover of Adam and/or Becky’s work, you won’t want to miss their debut project together.

Book description: ARTHUR is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it. BEN thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things. But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them . . . ?
Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated. Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited. But what if they can’t nail a first date even after three do-overs? What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work and Ben doesn’t try hard enough? What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play? But what if it is? What if it’s us?

I loved the set up of their story – not only the charm having a “missed connection” to find each other later, but also the hilarity of their terrible, terrible dates. We have all had those terrible dates before and it was so refreshing and relatable to see on the page. Ben and Arthur have a very unique love story that I feel is absolutely worth reading. I also loved the fact that I was able to get annoyed/angry with both main characters so frequently. I LOVE characters who’s reactions make me mad while also enabling me to see their viewpoint and fully understand their reactions. There were many times where I would throw the book in anger, let out an "awwww" at a cute moment, and just feel all of the emotions. Both characters are easy to love, yet remain flawed; and you are not rooting for one over the other. You want to see this relationship work somehow. The only critique/problem I have is with the ending. Granted, its reality but gosh darn it a girl loves some cheese!

To let you know -- there are the subjects of cheating, homophobia, racism, and panic attacks in this book. If any of this are triggers for you -- you have been warned. Overall, I really loved my time reading this as it was a step out of comfort zone of reading. If you are someone who is excited for this story, I don’t feel you will be disappointed. I would definitely recommend to everyone who loves a young adult diverse contemporary romance novel.

What if I Told You I Was a Teacher?

What if I told you I was a teacher? 


What if I told you that I just do not teach Language Arts and Mathematics?

What if I told you that every day I worry about the unthinkable?


What if I told you that despite wanting to lock my classroom door and rearrange my classroom furniture for an easy escape route and protection and figure out which of my supplies would make a good weapon “just in case” — every morning I open up my classroom for my students to be in a place of safety, of warmth, of nurturing unconditional love?


What if I told you that instead of prepping my lessons and organizing — I spent my morning checking in with my crew to see how they are doing and to just listen and bond with them?

What if I told you that every day I greet everyone with a smile and a good morning because sometimes that is all a student needs to get through their day?

What if I told you that instead of isolating myself to the teachers lounge for lunch I have regular lunch time chats with my students to make them feel loved and accepted, especially the ones who are invisible and help them become visible?

What if I told you that I open up my classroom during my off periods to the students who don’t fit in, who don’t know how to make friends yet, to give them someone who will just listen?

What if I told you that regardless of race, sex, religion, ethnicity, social status, income, identity that I have created a safe haven and finally have a place where they fit in?

What if I told you that I have told my students that it is okay to talk about your feelings and that I teach all of my students, especially young men, that anger is not the only acceptable emotion?

What if I told you that I teach my students how to deal with bullies and bullies how to deal with their pain?

What if I told you that I really listen to my students?


What if I told you that I have already lost students to gun violence?

What if we did SOMETHING?

What if we said SOMETHING?


What if 2018 is the year that we stop all of this madness?

What if you share these words and our voices were heard?

We protect the children — NOW ITS YOUR TURN

NOT. ONE. MORE

Book Review: Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Penelope Bagieu

As I wrote in a previous blog -- I have adopted a sacred morning practice because the most important thing in life is to FEEL GOOD. Feeling good is priority #1 in my life. It should be yours too. If you do not feel good, you will drag those negative feelings with you throughout the day and you will pick up more negativity along the way and will continue to go down the spiral. Why would you want to feel like that? I sure do not want to feel like that. So since I do not want to feel like crud all day -- my sacred morning practice puts me in my vortex first and then I act. You learned that as part of my sacred morning practice I crack open a non-fiction book; whether it is a self-help book, something inspiring, something motivating, a memoir, etc. So this time around -- have you ever read a book that you had trepidations about because you might not know all of the content but then you receive it and are so happy you did? Let me present to you Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Penelope Bagieu.

Throughout history and across the globe, one characteristic connects the daring women of Brazen: their indomitable spirit. With her characteristic wit and dazzling drawings, celebrated graphic novelist Pénélope Bagieu profiles the lives of these feisty female role models, some world famous, some little known. From Nellie Bly to Mae Jemison or Josephine Baker to Naziq al-Abid, the stories in this comic biography are sure to inspire the next generation of rebel ladies.

Well, this book sure did inspire my inner rebellion and my indomitable spirit. Plus this book was originally published in French and we all know how much of a francophile I am! This book is marketed for young adults but it is surely not just for young adults. This is a wonderful, inspiring and eclectic group of triumphant women's stories. There is a consistent theme of feminism in the stories but there is a whole spectrum of issues that need to be overcome from autism, to poverty, to war, to lack of musical talent. Bagieu created a cornucopia of entries featuring a variety of trailblazing ladies from across a spectrum of time and place. Some were familiar to me, but many are lesser known and have been sadly overlooked by the mainstream. I wish every girl (heck every boy too) gets a chance to read these stories to see that nothing can hold you back if you don't let it.

I am amazed at the different stories that made it into this book from the bearded lady to Hedy Lamarr. For example -- one of my favorite hobbies and interests are solving murder mysteries. With a notebook in hand, I try to get as many details as I can to put things together. This book exposed me to Frances Glessner Lee who was a crime miniaturist. She would recreate crime scenes for police to solve crimes. She put so much detail into her work. Such an inspiration and so relatable. Bagieu seems to have put in a lot of heart, and effort into researching different women to feature in this book, who deserve so much recognition for the incredible work they have done. There's such a great range of stories in this book, some of which literally choked me up several times throughout the book. I felt truly connected to some of the stories. I also personally love that Bagieu chose a graphic novel concept. The illustrations go perfectly with the history of the amazing women Bagieu chose to highlight, and her humor makes the history memorable. A definite feast for the eyes and for the brain.

I would love to see a second book from her with some more Brazen women. This is a perfect way, for anyone to learn about some pretty incredible people, in a very digestible way. If you are interested in current events, history, and science; in dance, movies, and songwriting; by people interested in explorers and political rebels -- GET THIS BOOK. Highly recommended.

Sacred Mornings and Book Review: Almost Adulting by Arden Rose

Let me drop this pipe bomb for you: The most important thing in life is to FEEL GOOD. Feeling good is priority #1. If you do not feel good, you will drag those negative feelings with you throughout the day and you will pick up more negativity along the way and will continue to go down the spiral. Why would you want to feel like that? I sure do not want to feel like that.

I want to say back in November 2017 I learned about sacred morning practices through the radical self love guru herself Gala Darling. I have learned that if you start your day off on the right foot, your day just flows with positivity and warmth. I actively work on raising my vibration in the morning right before work and as soon as I get up out of bed. Imagine your day if you made the choice to feel joy first thing. I promise you -- it is delicious.

So, what exactly is in my sacred morning practice? What helps me feel joy and feel good? Now I will tell you first -- this is what works FOR ME. This might not work for you. If you want to learn more about sacred morning practice go here: Sacred Mornings: Experience Your Full Radiance While the Sun Comes Up

I get up out of my bed and open my black out shade to let the sun in and take a big stretch. I set up my morning tea (It fluctuates between either Numi Organic tea, Snarky Tea, or green tea) and "do my business". Let my tea steep while I go and make my bed. My bed is my temple and I love knowing that I have a nourished loving place to come home to so that is done first thing. I turn on Spotify and depending upon the day, I put a playlist on and shake my booty on my faux fur rug. Get dressed and go get my tea. Then I light a candle, change my calendar for the day and relish in its delicious offering, and crack open my daily awemanac which is chock full of quotes, toasts for the day, journaling, etc. I do the toast for the day, do some writing, and some gratitude practice. Then I do my morning mantra courtesy of The Morning Mantras. Finally -- I crack open a non-fiction book; whether it is a self-help book, something inspiring, something motivating, a memoir, etc. Thats where this book review comes in.

I discovered this book through one of the many book release newsletters that I receive and laughed at the word "adulting". Who really knows how to adult? I sure do not even though I have my shit together. So here walks in a book that is relatable. I added it to my Sacred Morning Practice bookshelf where it sits with Text Me When You Get Home by Kayleen Schaefer (another book review in the works) and other nonfiction/self help books.

Here is what the book is about: For fans of Grace Helbig and Alexa Chung comes a fresh, hilarious guide to growing up your way from social media influencer and lifestyle vlogger Arden Rose.

In Almost Adulting—perfect for budding adults, failing adults, and eaters of microwave mug brownies—Arden tells you how to survive your future adulthood. Topics include: Making internet friends who are cool and not murderers, Flirting with someone in a way to make them think you are cool and not a murderer, Being in an actual relationship where you talk about your feelings in a healthy manner??? To the other person???????
Eating enough protein, Assembling a somewhat acceptable adult wardrobe when you have zero dollars, Going on adventures without starting to smell,How sex is supposed to feel, but, like, actually though. By the end of the book—a mash-up of essays, lists, and artwork—you'll have learned not only how to dress yourself, how to travel alone, how to talk to strangers online, and how to date strangers (in PERSON!), but also how to pass as a real, functioning, appropriately socialized adult.

I will tell you -- this book is not as advertised. It reads more like a memoir than a how-to guide but I have learned that the more you read about others lives - you can take the information given and make it work for you as well as make it relatable. I did read through this fast as it is a quick read. It was a really funny, encouraging read that related to my sense of humor. I enjoyed finding comfort in seeing my similar life experiences expressed as a normal, awkward part of growing up. She mixed tips in with her own experiences and I really loved the way she took the time to express her different ideas about happiness as happiness is my number one goal; the goal that I am in control of. No one else. Every time I turned the page either I smiled or laughed at a quip or metaphor. This book is geared towards a wide range of people which is another thing I love. While some of the tips in Arden's book I already knew about, and have done before in my whole 40 years of living, I still found this book entertaining. I do wish books like these were around when I was in my late teenage years, possibly even twenties, but there is always a time to grow and change. I ended the book with a new found confidence in my abilities to adult as well as more tips to my arsenal to keeping my shit together. Definitely recommended.

DaniMania 40 and It's Running Wild!

Yes, it is true. Today is my birthday and I am turning 40… Too Sweet Woop Woop! I know what you’re thinking, “I can’t believe she is going to be 40. She sure doesn't look 40. She can pass for a 25 year old! She is freakishly smart, witty, flat-out adorable, courageous and she is living her best life.” But it’s true. Some people hide their age, but I like to think of it as my DaniMania 40. To be honest it doesn't feel real at all. Forty has always seemed so far away, so grown up...so old! Yet here I am saying farewell to my thirties. And while it feels big, I have decided to embrace it and welcome a midlife with open arms. I have no idea what the future will bring but the past 3 years have been full of growth and SO MANY lessons learned. Here are 40 things that I learned and know --

1. Well for one thing -- I have made it to 40 years old! Had 4 major surgeries (3 reconstructive ankle surgeries, 1 gall bladder removal). Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis 6 years ago and currently in remission. That shit ain't got nothing on me. Life for a while kept on handing me lemons -- so I lived by the cliche of making lemonade; even though I can not drink it.

2. I learned that I am not in competition with anyone but myself. Yeah sometimes it can be easy to compare yourself to others. I like to call it the compare and despair game. Facebook pages showing all the delightful moments your friends are having. Romantic comedies portraying what being in love should look like. Feeling like your life would be perfect if you just had that house with the white picket fence, 2.5 kids and a Siberian Husky. But now I’ve come to realize… everyone has their own crap they’re dealing with and I don’t have to be anywhere in my life other than where I am right now. I am in control of my life. Stop comparing myself to others. Serves me no good.

3. I don't feel guilty anymore about letting toxicity and negativity go. I used to be a paranoid, insecure, codependent due to past relationships. I do have some slips but after taking the time to dig deep into my roots and learning the ways of radical self love -- I understand it’s not the quantity of the relationships in my life, it’s the quality. I have learned to eliminate those in my life who don’t bring me happiness and who do not serve my most good.

4. I try my best to realize that I am not in control of everything and I do not waste time on the things that I can not change.

5. A good night sleep and drinking lots of water is better than botox. Take care of myself. Self-care is not self-ish; it’s necessary. Only when I take care of me am I truly able to care for others.

6. I am WAY stronger than I ever knew.

7. Life is just way too short for chaos and drama. Count my blessings and practice gratitude often.

8. I know who my true friends are. At 40, that fuzzy line that existed in your 20s and 30s between ‘friends’ and ‘acquaintances’ can be drawn with laser precision. By now, I have weeded out the fair weather friends, the posers and the double crossers. And, truthfully, I have probably been weeded out too. (By those who couldn’t handle my sheer awesomeness, of course!). At 40 I finally understand that it is perfectly normal to have a social circle of which only a handful are my true peeps. Sometimes I do have my moments of "I have no friends!" and no Facebook does not count but there’s comfort in finally understanding who my true friends are. True friends don’t care if I have had a bad day, if I have been incognito for months (which NEVER happens), or if I look like a hot mess. They are the ones who like me just the way I am, no matter how imperfect I may be.

9. I don't have time to worry about who doesn't like me. I am too busy loving the people who love me. I no longer need the acceptance, validation, or approval from others to feel good about myself. I no longer feel that I have to be someone I am not. I am me -- and if you don't like me, well that is your problem.

10. Three very important words -- LET IT GO.

11. I got to unplug from social media every once in a while. It will always be there and can wait but moments and adventures will not be as well as will not wait. Get out there and enjoy life!

12. I learned and embraced how to say “NO.” I need to protect my time so that I have time for what, and who, really matters — including ME.

13.I learned and embraced how to say “YES!” to what will feed my soul. Say yes to the things that will bring me joy.

14. Money doesn’t buy happiness; even though people will say it does. Research has suggested that once one’s income climbs above the poverty level, more money results in very little extra happiness. “Happiness is a place between too little and too much” (Finnish proverb). Put my focus on relationships and experiences over stuff.

15. I must accept and embrace change. Believe me, I sure did want to but the way I was going about things did not work and I needed a change.

16. Be okay with OKAY. Stop chasing perfection. I am sure as heck not perfect and those that expect me to be -- look at #3 and #8.

17. I create and manifest my own luck — by working hard; believing in myself; surrounding myself with positive, supportive people; and having the right attitude. It works.

18. I do not have to have a plan for everything -- another bitter pill to swallow. Most times the best things in life are serendipitous.

19. NYC, Paris, New Orleans, having wanderlust -- always great ideas.

20. Find the time to read all of the books! Having a cup of tea helps with this!

21. Failure is a blessing because when I fail that is when I will learn best.

22. Find the beauty in everything around me. It’s always there.

23. Even though I have RA and will hurt afterward -- Push my personal limits and try something crazy that I would never otherwise do, like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge or walk close to 2 miles in NYC while snowing in December. I will glow with victory!

24. Smile. It works wonders for my mood.

25. IT'S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT ME. STOP TAKING THINGS SO DAMN PERSONALLY. In caps for emphasis as this was and will continue to be a big lesson.

26. Nothing happens by accident and nothing is an coincidence.

27. Wearing my heart on my sleeve is stylish and is a true testament to who I am.

28. Having impromptu solo dance parties wherever I am is worth all the stares.

29. My strengths and passions are meant to be shared.

30. Everything I need to be happy is within me, not outside of me. It is no one's job to control my happiness. It is mine.

31. When I don’t get what I want now, it always makes sense why later.

32. It’s always better to bring others up than to drag them down. More people should learn this.

33. I must constantly craft actionable goals inspired by my strengths, passions, and purpose in order to evolve and thrive.

34. I can transform how I feel about and react to anything and anyone by being aware of my thoughts and intentionally challenging and changing them. Also pink salt goes a long way too.

35. Occasionally venting frustrations creates relief, regularly complaining about frustrations creates more frustrations and that does not feel good; which is priority #1.

36. My words really do create my world — both the ones I speak out loud to others and the ones I say internally to myself.

37. I can never be happy all of the time, but I can be happy a lot of the time if I decide to be.

38. Do not measure myself by age. It is just a number after all.

39. Be KIND. It matters.

40. Life is truly beautiful.

BRING IT ON 40!

Book Review -- Real in Memphis by Stevie Pearson

As most people know as it is not a secret -- I am a diehard professional wrestling fan. I can recall times my brother and I would be camped out in the living room waiting for Saturday Nights Main Event; only for me to fall asleep as soon as the theme song is over. I remember my first live show (August 24,1990 NWA World Championship Wrestling in East Rutherford, NJ before the WWF placed a no competition order on the venue). I remember my first autograph being Jim Ross and I was the only one he stopped for. Even back then I had the Queen of Small Talk powers. One of my first crushes was Sting. The sass of Sherri Martel was an inspiration and influence in my personality today. And who could forget to chew bubblegum and kick ass?

As you can see -- I can go on and on with wrestling stories. How professional wrestling shaped who I am today. So when I was contacted on Twitter to review a book; another one of my passions; dealing with professional wrestling -- how could I say no?

The book is Real in Memphis by Stevie Pearson

and is set in 1979 in Memphis Tennessee and has ten different parts interwoven throughout. I will not go through all ten parts; only the ones I feel were the main plots which leads me to the main plot of the book- Sam South, is the son of second generation star Bull South, and he wants to make it big on the professional wrestling circuit; all to win his estranged father's respect. Sadly, like most independent wrestling federations, the promoter Harvey Wallbanger doesn't see him as a top star. But through an audio recording of Harvey's shadier business practices, Sam might just get the chance to prove himself after all.

Then you have the saga of Harvey Wallbanger who has his own problems micro-managing his talent. Another saga -- Former wrestler turned Church Pastor Bull South, who Co-owns the territory, has turned to religion. The main problem in this story is that now he and Harvey are at odds with one another. As you go through this saga you develop this hope that he and his aide-de-camp, also former love interest, Vixen Vegas can amend any and all problems that the lord might cause for the territory.

Now lets add in the underdog, or the babyface saga to this mix as you will with 'The Golden Wonder' Rod Golden. He unfornuately is on the verge of losing his world title, and in turn a whole load of money. That’s something that his tearaway daughter and avaricious wife aren't going to be too happy about.

Got to have the wrestler that everyone wants to see kind of saga right? Enter 'The Chattanooga Nightmare' Hex Clearfield. He is one of the few remaining free agents in wrestling. His services are well sought after. Sadly, his bodacious attitude and lust for women might be more than the Memphis faithful, and the Fearsome Monroeville Mauler are willing to handle.

All of this unfolds and brings together Hex and his promoter, Milton Morton, who may have their work cut out for them in the cut throat territory of Memphis Tennessee.

One way or another, everyone in this book is finding out that wrestling might be 'Fake', but business is about to get Real in Memphis.

As a avid bookworm who can read 5 books at the same time in a month -- for me to push what I was reading off to the side to make time for this book says tons. After spending close to two days hooked into the story I felt unable to put it down.

The various viewpoints were interwoven beautifully and seamlessly. Definitely unpredictable, which is something I look for in a book, and kept me thinking even after I finished the book. I do not say this often as I feel authors are stuck into making everything a series when a stand alone book is just as good but with the style of writing that Pearson has as well as details and the cliffhanger type ending -- I would not be opposed to seeing a series grow from this.

What also drew me into this book was how I could relate to the characters; even though I never stepped through the ropes and only had my elbows on a ring apron for photography. There was so much human nature in this book, especially with how everyone is manipulating one another for the few paying jobs in wrestling in Memphis (hello backstage politics!) and although they seem like extreme and violent people, at heart they are all just regular people with regular interests.

There isn't an abundance of wrestling fiction books published (but if you want a modern fairy tale retelling....) and this book is as such something of an anomaly it seems, as while it is clearly written with a love and appreciation of professional wrestling -- it isn’t just some wrestling book. It has many layers of deep complex thoughts throughout and the stories, while set in the world of wrestling, the stories feel like they could happen anywhere in any industry and at any place.

I found Real in Memphis to be a strong story with so many twists and turns that are not obvious like you see in other books. I would definitely recommend this book for a truly remarkable experience. It is available digitally through wrestlingnoir.com and for purchase through Amazon UK.