tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38763822770930358212024-03-13T13:06:44.285-04:00It is a Joisey Way of ThinkingHere lies the writings of a teacher from North Jersey who definitely has the "Joisey" accent who has a passion for professional wrestling, comic books/graphic novels/books, hockey, heavy metal music, living life with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and being a geek girl.
Other places you can follow me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joiseydani
Twitter: www.twitter.com/joiseydani Instagram:www.instagram.com/joiseydaniDanielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.comBlogger441125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-75295220036831375812023-11-23T00:00:00.060-05:002023-12-24T23:14:31.562-05:00Countdown to Christmas 2023 EditionBesides Halloween, I will admit I still get excited for Christmas time. Things just seem to be more magical in the month of December. Luckily enough last December, while hard, I was smiling and happy and I think it is because of this checklist as well as keeping myself surrounded with love and light as much as possible. Definitely glad I changed the pattern of unhappy holiday seasons.Christmas without my parents is still an adjustment period. While it is getting easier, having some traditions are keeping my spirit and light up. I will make it through the best way I can. Most of the things will be done either by myself, with a date, or with friends and family. Also, just because there is a date attached does not mean it will happen on that date -- it is more of a checklist.<br />
<br /><br />
November 24th: <strike>Get holiday cards</strike> Done! <br />
November 25th: <strike>Start writing out holiday cards</strike>Done! <br />
November 26th: <strike>Watch The Noel Diary on Netflix</strike> Done!<br />
November 27th: <strike>Watch Falling for Christmas</strike> <br />
November 28th: <strike>Watch Pee Wee's Big Holiday</strike> Done! <br />
November 29th: <strike>Order 2024 calendars on Amazon as well as get 2024 weekly planner from Erin Condren.</strike> Done <br />
November 30th: Watch Spirited <br />
December 1st: <strike>Start advent calendar</strike>Done! <br />
December 2nd: <strike>Mail out holiday cards.</strike>Done! <br />
December 3rd: Watch Violent Night <br />
December 4th: Watch Scrooged <br />
December 5th: Watch A Hollywood Christmas on HBO Max/<strike>Go to Postmodern Jukebox concert in Morristown, NJ</strike>Done! <br />
December 6th: Watch The Santa Clause/<strike>Go to Sustainable Green Holiday Drinks at Emma's</strike>Done! <br />
December 7th: <strike>Get a holiday inspired candle from a small business</strike> I made one! <br />
December 8th: <strike>Go to Lewis Black in Montclair, NJ.</strike>Done! <br />
December 9th: Watch Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square <br />
December 10th: <strike>Wear Christmas inspired sweater</strike>Done! <br />
December 11th: <strike>Add to my holiday playlist on Spotify and share it with all my friends on social media for them to enjoy listening to</strike> Done! <br />
December 12th: Watch Holidate on Netflix <br />
December 13th: Watch Home Alone <br />
December 14th: Watch The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix <br />
December 15th: Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas <br />
December 16th: <strike>Start binging the Netflix seres Dash and Lily.</strike>Done! <br />
December 17th: <strike>Get holiday inspired manicure at Cuteicles</strike>Done! <br />
December 18th: <strike>Wear rhinestone reindeer antlers</strike>Done! <br />
December 19th: Watch A Christmas Story/A Christmas Story 2 <br />
December 20th: Watch Gremlins. <br />
December 21st: Read the book Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares to my class <br />
December 22nd: Watch 8-Bit Christmas<br />
December 23rd: Watch Love, Actually <br />
December 24th: <strike>Watch Die Hard</strike> Done!/<strike>Christmas Dinner with David's family</strike>Done! <br />
December 25th: CHRISTMAS!!! Watch all of the Gilmore Girls Christmas episodes and spend time with my loved ones. Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-48519587022523950282023-10-01T00:00:00.043-04:002023-10-23T20:38:37.627-04:00Countdown to Halloween -- 2023 EditionMy 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 or with friends and family. I will admit that due to the pandemic, which at the time of this writing and publication is officially over as far as I am concerned, and the deaths of my parents -- I have lost my gumption and my spark of things that I used to love. However it is getting easier every day and I am still working hard to bring that spark back; to make myself feel good again; and to reculivate my happiness. Therefore this list, instead of being with dates, I will put 31 things to go to celebrate and countdown to Halloween. Here we go!<br>
<br>
1. <strike>Purchase Halloween cards. </strike> Done!<br>
2. Carve a pumpkin<br>
3. <strike>Give yourself a spooky manicure</strike> Done! <br>
4. Fill clear plastic skulls with treats<br>
5. Play Glow-In-The-Dark Mini Golf<br>
6. Visit a haunted house<br>
7. <strike>Try some cool face paint that could be your entire costume. </strike> Done! /br>
8. Share Halloween puns <br>
9. <strike>Send Halloween cards out</strike> Done! <br>
10.Watch the Japanese version of The Grudge<br>
11. Play Halloween Bingo<br>
12. Go on a scary hayride<br>
13. Go on a legal tour of a haunted place or a ghost walk<br>
14. Bake googly eye cookies<br>
15. <strike>Watch Malignant</strike> Done!
16. <strike>Make a Halloween playlist on Spotify and share said list</strike> Done! <br>
17. Bake pumpkin dark chocolate brownies<br>
18. <strike>Take pictures of the changing leaves</strike> Done<br>
19. Read a story in The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King<br>
20. Read 2 tales in Toil and Trouble<br>
21. <strike>Drink cider</strike> Done!<br>
22. <strike>Get candles with a cinnamon or pumpkin smell from Bath and Body Works for my room.</strike> Done!<br>
23. <strike>Make my own Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte at home</strike> Done!<br>
24. Bake something pumpkin inspired
25. HAPPY BIRTHDAT VERONICA!!! <br>
26. <strike>Get myself a Halloween inspired flower bouquet. </strike> Done! <br>
27. Burn A Habit – Write down a habit I am attempting to kick (and would like to have broken by next Halloween) and either burn it in a cauldron or in a bonfire.<br>
28. Dance the Monster Mash either by myself or with loved ones. <br>
29. Visit the Addams Family Mansion in Westfield, NJ (corner of Elm Street and Dudley Avenue)<br>
30. Wear bone headclip <br>
31. HALLOWEEN!! Watch Halloween and Halloween Ends. Put out treats for trick and treaters. Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-57480453165567699572022-11-25T00:00:00.132-05:002022-12-24T13:28:10.384-05:00Countdown to Christmas -- 2022 EditionBesides Halloween, I will admit I still get excited for Christmas time. Things just seem to be more magical in the month of December. Luckily enough last December, while hard, I was smiling and happy and I think it is because of this checklist as well as keeping myself surrounded with love and light as much as possible. Definitely glad I changed the pattern of unhappy holiday seasons.Christmas without my parents is still an adjustment period. While it is getting easier, having some traditions are keeping my spirit and light up. I will make it through the best way I can. Most of the things will be done either by myself, with a date, or with friends and family. Also, just because there is a date attached does not mean it will happen on that date -- it is more of a checklist.<br />
<br /><br />
<strike>November 25th: Get holiday cards</strike> Done! <br />
<strike>November 26th: Start writing out holiday cards</strike> Done! <br />
<strike>November 27th: Watch The Noel Diary on Netflix</strike> Done!<br />
<strike>November 28th: Watch Die Hard</strike> Done! <br />
<strike>November 29th: Watch Pee Wee's Big Holiday</strike> Done!<br />
<strike>November 30th: Order 2023 calendars on Amazon. </strike> Done!<br />
<strike>December 1st: Start advent calendars </strike><br />
<strike>December 2nd: Mail out holiday cards.</strike> Done! <br />
<strike>December 3rd: Watch Violent Night in theaters</strike> Done! It was so good!<br />
December 4th: Watch Scrooged <br />
December 5th: Read one story in the collection My True Love Gave To Me
<strike>December 6th: Watch The Santa Clause</strike> Done! <br />
<strike>December 7th: Wear mistletoe headband to work</strike> Done! <br />
<strike>December 8th: Get a holiday inspired candle from Bath and Body Works.</strike> Done via my Secret Santa! <br />
<strike>December 9th: Watch Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square</strike> Done! <br />
<strike>December 10th: Go to the Magic Lights Show at PNC Holmdel Center</strike> Done! It was a fun time!<br />
<strike>December 11th: Add to my holiday playlist on Spotify and share it with all my friends on social media for them to enjoy listening to</strike> Done! <br />
<strike>December 12th: Watch Holidate on Netflix</strike> Done! <br />
<strike>December 13th: Watch Home Alone</strike> Done! <br />
December 14th: Watch The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix <br />
December 15th: Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas <br />
<strike>December 16th: Start binging the Netflix seres Dash and Lily. Only watch certain episodes on the day it is titled.</strike> Done! <br />
<strike>December 17th: Get holiday inspired manicure at Cuteicles</strike> Done! <br />
December 18th: Wear rhinestone reindeer antlers <br />
December 19th: Watch A Christmas Story/A Christmas Story 2 on HBO Max<br />
December 20th: Watch Gremlins. <br />
December 21st: Read the book Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares to my class <br />
<strike>December 22nd: Play Save Santa Escape Room game with my class</strike> Did not do as it was too complicated. <br />
December 23rd: Watch Love, Actually <br />
December 24th: Get the Uncommon Goods A Question A Day for Self-Care Journal
December 25th: CHRISTMAS!!! Watch all of the Gilmore Girls Christmas episodes and spend time with my loved ones. Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-62659249555498238602022-10-01T12:00:00.022-04:002022-10-30T18:50:39.810-04:00Countdown to Halloween -- 2022 EditionMy 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 or with friends and family. I will admit that due to the pandemic, which at the time of this writing and publication is officially over as far as I am concerned, and the deaths of my parents -- I have lost my gumption and my spark of things that I used to love. However it is getting easier every day and I am still working hard to bring that spark back; to make myself feel good again; and to reculivate my happiness. Therefore this list, instead of being with dates, I will put 31 things to go to celebrate and countdown to Halloween. Here we go!<br>
<br>
1. <strike>Create Halloween Card Exchange on The Salon and purchase Halloween cards</strike> Done!<br>
2. Carve a pumpkin<br>
3. <strike>Give yourself a spooky manicure</strike> Done! <br>
4. Fill clear plastic skulls with treats<br>
5. <strike>Play Glow-In-The-Dark Mini Golf</strike>Done! Thanks Doug!<br>
6. Visit a haunted house<br>
7. <strike>Try some cool face paint that could be your entire costume</strike> Painted my brothers face as Ace Frehley<br>
8. <strike>Share Halloween puns</strike> Done! <br>
9. <strike>Send Halloween cards out</strike> Done! <br>
10.<strike>Go to the Skyland Stadium Jack O'Lantern Experience</strike> Done! <br>
11. Play Halloween Bingo<br>
12. Go on a scary hayride<br>
13. Go on a legal tour of a haunted place or a ghost walk<br>
14. Bake googly eye cookies<br>
15. <strike>Make a Halloween gingerbread house</strike> Done! <br>
16. <strike>Make a Halloween playlist on Spotify and share said list</strike> Done! <br>
17. Bake pumpkin dark chocolate brownies<br>
18. Take pictures of the changing leaves<br>
19. Read a story in The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King<br>
20. Read 2 tales in Toil and Trouble<br>
21. <strike>Drink cider</strike> Done! <br>
22. <strike>Get candles with a cinnamon or pumpkin smell from Bath and Body Works for my room.</strike> Done!<br>
23. Make my own Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte at home<br>
24. <strike>Bake something pumpkin inspired</strike> Done! Made a pumpkin sage sauce for pasta.<br>
25. <strike>HAPPY BIRTHDAT VERONICA!!!</strike> Done! <br>
26. <strike>Get myself a Halloween inspired flower bouquet</strike> Done!<br>
27. Burn A Habit – Write down a habit I am attempting to kick (and would like to have broken by next Halloweenn) and either burn it in a cauldron or in a bonfire.<br>
28. Dance the Monster Mash either by myself or with loved ones. <br>
29. Visit the Addams Family Mansion in Westfield, NJ (corner of Elm Street and Dudley Avenue)<br>
30. <strike>Wear bone headclip</strike> Done! <br>
31. HALLOWEEN!! Watch The Shining and Halloween Ends. Put out treats for trick and treaters.
Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-15315629374142003082021-11-26T14:27:00.103-05:002021-12-25T09:28:07.736-05:00Countdown to Christmas -- 2021 EditionBesides Halloween, I will admit I still get excited for Christmas time. Things just seem to be more magical in the month of December. Luckily enough last December, while hard, I was smiling and happy and I think it is because of this checklist as well as keeping myself surrounded with love and light as much as possible. Definitely glad I changed the pattern of unhappy holiday seasons. This will be the second Christmas without my parents. While it is getting easier, having some traditions are keeping my spirit and light up. I will make it through the best way I can. Most of the things will be done either by myself or with friends and family. Also, just because there is a date attached does not mean it will happen on that date -- it is more of a checklist.<br />
<br /><br />
November 26th: <strike>Get holiday cards</strike> Done! <br />
November 27th: <strike>Start writing out holiday cards</strike>Done! <br />
November 28th: <strike>Watch The Big Show Show Christmas Special/Aggretzuko We Wish You a Metal Christmas on Netflix</strike> Done!<br />
November 29th: Watch Die Hard<br />
November 30th: <strike>Watch The Family Stone</strike> Done! <br />
December 1st: <strike>Order 2022 calendars on Amazon.</strike>Done! <strike>Also start advent calendars</strike> Done! <br />
December 2nd: <strike>Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas</strike>Done! <br />
December 3rd: <strike>Mail out holiday cards.</strike>Done! <br />
December 4th: <strike>Get a holiday inspired manicure. Make sure one nail is sparkly!</strike> Done! <br />
December 5th: Watch Scrooged <br />
December 6th: Read one story in the collection My True Love Gave To Me
December 7th: <strike>Watch The Santa Clause</strike> Done!<br />
December 8th: <strike>Wear mistletoe headband to work</strike> Done! <br />
December 9th: <strike>Get a holiday inspired candle from Bath and Body Works.</strike>Done! <br />
December 10th: Wear my funkiest pair of leg warmers (or treat myself to a new pair)
December 11th: <strike>Watch Nailed It! Holiday Edition on Netflix</strike> Done! <br />
December 12th: <strike>Make a holiday playlist on Spotify and share it with all my friends on social media for them to enjoy listening to<strike>Done! <br />
December 13th: <strike>Watch Holidate on Netflix</strike>Done!<br />
December 14th: Watch Home Alone <br />
December 15th: Watch The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix <br />
December 16th: Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas <br />
December 17th: Start binging the Netflix seres Dash and Lily. Only watch certain episodes on the day it is titled. <br />
December 18th: <strike>Leave a card/gift for my mail delivery person and/or garbage person who is working extra hard this time of year</strike> Done! <br />
December 19th: <strike>Wear rhinestone reindeer antlers</strike>Done! <br />
December 20th: <strike>Watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer</strike>Done! <br />
December 21st: <strike>Watch Gremlins.</strike>Done! <br />
December 22nd: <strike>Read the book Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares to my class</strike> Done! <br />
December 23rd: Watch Love, Actually<br />
December 24th: <strike>Read The Nutcracker by E.T.A Hoffmann</strike>Done! <br />
December 25th: <strike>CHRISTMAS!!! Watch all of the Gilmore Girls Christmas episodes and spend time with my loved ones.</strike>Done! Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-17974278536957701402021-10-01T12:00:00.010-04:002021-10-11T19:20:53.299-04:00Countdown to Halloween -- 2021 EditionMy 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 or with friends and family. I will admit that due to the pandemic and the deaths of my parents -- I have lost my gumption and my spark of things that I used to love. However I am working hard to bring that spark back; to make myself feel good again; and to reculivate my happiness. Therefore this list, instead of being with dates, I will put 31 things to go to celebrate and countdown to Halloween. Here we go! <br />
<br /><br>1:Watch Halloween movies like Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, Beetlejuice, Casper, Ghosbusters (1984 and 2016), Evil Dead, Addams Family, Addams Family Values, Halloween, The Exorcist, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Friday The 13th, Scream, It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Shaun Of The Dead, Tucker And Dale Vs. Evil, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Blair Witch Project, Frankenstein, Edward Scissorhands, Frankenweenie, Teen Witch, The Witches, Little Shop Of Horrors, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Practical Magic, The Monster Squad, Ernest Scared Stupid, They Live.<br>
2. Throw a pumpkin carving party<br>
3. <strike>Give yourself a spooky manicure</strike><br>
4. Fill clear plastic gloves with candy and treats<br>
5. Play Glow-In-The-Dark Mini Golf<br>
6. Visit a haunted house<br>
7. Try some cool face paint that could be your entire costume<br>
8. <strike>Share Halloween puns</strike>Done!<br>
9. <strike>Send Halloween mail</strike> Done! <br>
10. Visit a pumpkin patch<br>
11. Play Halloween Bingo<br>
12. Go on a scary hayride<br>
13. Go on a legal tour of a haunted place or a ghost walk<br>
14. Bake googly eye cookies<br>
15. See a scary death metal band in concert<br>
16. Make a Halloween playlist and share Spotify list<br>
17. Get lost in a corn maize<br>
18. Take pictures of the changing leaves<br>
19. Read a story in The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King<br>
20. Read 2 tales in Toil and Trouble<br>
21. Drink cider<br>
22. Get candles with a cinnamon or pumpkin smell from Bath and Body Works for my room.<br>
23. Make my own Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte at home<br>
24. Bake something pumpkin inspired<br>
25. HAPPY BIRTHDAT VERONICA!!!<br>
26. Get myself a Halloween inspired flower bouquet<br>
27. Burn A Habit – Write down a habit I am attempting to kick (and would like to have broken by next Halloweenn) and either burn it in a cauldron or in a bonfire.<br>
28. Dance the Monster Mash either by myself or with loved ones. <br>
29. Attend Slutty Halloween Homebound Hoedown<br>
30. Wear bone headclip
31. HALLOWEEN!! Watch The Shining and do spell in the Daily Spellbook for The Good Witch book.
Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-31377283810968583362020-12-31T11:00:00.011-05:002020-12-31T11:00:02.420-05:00Hindsight Is Most Certainly 2020 -- Yearly ReflectionOh 2020....you have been one heck of a year. To say that this year is for the history books is a big understatement. Throught the power of a End of the Year journaling workshop with the one and only Gala Darling, let me reflect on this year as best as I can. <br />
<br />
<b>1. What are you most proud of this year? </b>
I am most proud of the way that I dealt with taking care of my father. It was a heavy ordeal with the constant changes of his health. However it showed me and taught me just how strong and resilient I can be when faced with challenges. I love a good challenge and will meet it head on and accept and conquer as best as I can.
<br />
<b>2.How have you grown in 2020?</b>
How have I grown in 2020 -- by learning how to slow the fuck down, how to be more open and vulnerable with the ones that I love, creating boundaries, not going down or following a negative spiral (this does take some more work and lessons to learn however I am getting better at it), being more confident in my skin, learning that there is life outide of social media and not everything I see on social media is the be all end all truth, learning how to feel my feelings, and just returning to myself.
<br />
<b>3.What happened this year that you responded completely differently to?</b>
What happened this year that I responded completely differently to is the way I navigate my relationships that has broken my codependent nature. While I still think of others, I respond now with "how will this help me? how will this spark my joy?" instead of people pleasing.
<br/>
<b>4.What pattern did you break?</b>
The pattern of codependency. Oh my goddess was I one codependent mess -- always relying on others for my happiness. Nope. No more. It feels goood.
<br />
<b>5.What are your top 3 accomplishments?</b>
My top 3 accomplishments are getting tenure as an educator, being the caregiver for my father, and getting 6 figures in my savings account.
<br />
<b>6.Which relationships have deepened this year? </b>
The relationships that have deepened this year are the relationship to myself, my best friends Veronica/Dan Law/Michael Peelman and the relationship with my boyfriend Mike Semko.
<br />
<b>7.What practices have I embraced this year? </b>
The practices I have embraced this year are cooking/baking, gratitude practice, EFT Technique, hydration, and personalized vitamins that are customized for my body in mind.
<br />
<b>8.What peoplee, activities, media, and events have helped you get through 2020?</b>
In no particular order -- Gilnore Girls, Sex and the City, Veronica Vargas, Mike Semko, Dan Law, Michael Peelman, Craig Liggeons, J.C. Simonetti, FB Messenger, Spotify, Tasty.co, getting to ride in a Ford Mustang bare-assed, culinary adventures in my kitchen, the return of Nerd Herders Rebooted, Discord, Tabletop Simulator on Steam.
<br />
<b>9.What mistakes have I learned from?</b>
Hmmm. I would have to say that the mistakes I have learned from would be the way I react to statements that sound like a personal dig, but in reality it is outward projection from the person saying it. Other mistakes I have learned from would be in concerns with my health -- learning what my body will tolerate and not tolerate, what vitamins I am deficient in, and figuring out what makes me feel the best.
<br />
<b>10.What was my most challenging moment? </b>
Most challenging moment -- watching my father succumb to lung cancer. Watching my father who was so social, so full of life, so driven, so talkative basically become a shell of himself. It was hard to watch. It was also a challenge learning how to become a caregiver with the constant changes in his health regimen. I would also be remiss in saying that another challenging moment of this year was the pandemic. From being an extrovert with an Aries fiery spirit to basically be extinguished and be placed into isolation -- whoo boy did it take its toll. However I am one for challenges and I accept it and here I am now.
<br />
<b>11.What was my most triumphant moment?</b>
Getting tenure as an educator during remote learning. I learned so many new tech skills and continue to learn. Another triumphant moment -- learning how to slow the fuck down and patience. While I have always been a patient person, to hone that skill even more so -- YES QUEEN.
<br />
<b>12.What are you grateful for?</b>
I am grateful for the challenges that 2020 brought to me. It helped me to be stronger, to be more resilient. I am also grateful for learning how to enjoy my own company more. Grateful for the lessons of vulnerablity and openness and transparency. Grateful for the deepenning of relationships. Grateful for my home, my health, my laughter, my intelligence, my generous heart. Grateful to learning how to recover from codependency and self sabotage. Grateful for the many kicks in the ass from my dear friends when I was seemingly down and wouldn't speak. Grateful for learning how to build and create boundaries -- especially at work and in my relationships.
<br />
<b>13. Scores yourself out of 10 in these categories:</b><br />
<b>Relationships:</b> 7 <br />
<b>Self Care</b>: 5 <br />
<b>Career:</b> 10 <br />
<b>Spirituality:</b> 7 <br />
<br />
<b>14.How can I bump up these numbers in 2021?</b>
How can I bump up these numbers -- DRINK MORE WATER for one. Get myself back into my weekly skincare facial routine. Plan in a sacred hour every day. Continue to practice gratitude and EFT. Continue to be more open and communciative and vulnerable.
<br />
<b>15.What are you most looking forward to in 2021?</b>
Definitely looking forward to the ability to travel again. I miss my dear friends Eric and Ian up in Canada and I always have fun when I am around them. i am also looking forward to the return of events -- concerts, festivals, Broadway shows. Nothing says recharge like pounding beats in your ears. I am also looking forward to learning more/expanding my horizons. Lots of opportunities out there.
<br />
<b>16.What aspects of yourself are you going to embrace in 2021?</b>
The aspects of myself that I am going to embrace in 2021 are my voice/my opinion, supportive people, curiousity/questioning skills, open communication, listening, vulnerability.
<br />
<b>17.What are three words that you wish to embody in 2020?</b>
Abundance, love, recharge
<br />
<b>18.What is one goal that excites me in 2021?</b>
Creating patio seating in my backyard with A Small Green Space
<br />
<b>19.What do you need to do to finish 2020 on a high?</b>
Refresh my bedsheets and my hair. Self care. Eat some yummy food. Talk with/hang with loved ones. Laugh. Dance. Smile as much as possible.
Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-22104942860717800222020-11-27T14:00:00.016-05:002020-12-23T19:39:49.604-05:00Countdown to Christmas -- 2020 EditionBesides Halloween, I will admit I still get excited for Christmas time. Things just seem to be more magical in the month of December. Luckily enough last December, while hard, I was smiling and happy and I think it is because of this checklist as well as keeping myself surrounded with love and light as much as possible. Definitely glad I changed the pattern of unhappy holiday seasons. However some sadness has returned due to the pandemic and the death of my father. I will make it through the best way I can. Most of the things will be done either by myself or with my boyfriend Mike, or with friends and family. Also, just because there is a date attached does not mean it will happen on that date -- it is more of a checklist.<br />
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November 27th: <strike>Get holiday cards</strike> Done! <br />
November 28th: <strike>Start writing out holiday cards</strike> Done! <br />
November 29th: <strike>Start reading the book The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand. Finish it by Christmas </strike> Eh. Will not be part of my tradition list next year. <br />
November 30th: <strike>Watch Die Hard</strike> Done! <br />
December 1st: <strike>Order 2021 calendars on Amazon</strike> Done! <br />
December 2nd: Watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation <br />
December 3rd: <strike>Mail out holiday cards. </strike> Done! <br />
December 4th: <strike>Get a holiday inspired manicure. Make sure one nail is sparkly!</strike> Done! <br />
December 5th: Watch Scrooged <br />
December 6th: <strike> Read one story in the collection My True Love Gave To Me</strike> Done! Read the story "It’s a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown” by Stephanie Perkins. <br />
December 7th: <strike>Make and decorate gingerbread cookies</strike> Done! They were so yummy! <br />
December 8th: Watch He-Man & She-Ra A Christmas Special <br />
December 9th: <strike>Get a holiday inspired candle from Bath and Body Works.</strike> Done! <br />
December 10th: <strike> Wear my funkiest pair of leg warmers (or treat myself to a new pair) </strike> Done! Got another pair of Pudus fuzzy slipper socks. <br />
December 11th: <strike> Watch Nailed It! Holiday Edition on Netflix</strike> Done! <br />
December 12th: <strike> Make a holiday playlist on Spotify and share it with all my friends on social media for them to enjoy listening to</strike> Done! <br />
December 13th: <strike>Watch Holidate on Netflix</strike> Done! <br />
December 14th: Watch Home Alone <br />
December 15th: Watch The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix <br />
December 16th: <strike>Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas</strike> Done! <br />
December 17th: <strike>Wear rhinestone reindeer antlers during my Zoom lessons.</strike> Done! <br />
December 18th: <strike>Leave a card/gift for my mail delivery person and/or garbage person who is working extra hard this time of year</strike>Done! <br />
December 19th: <strike> Watch the movie Tangerine </strike> Done. <br />
December 20th: <strike> Watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer</strike> Done! <br />
December 21sr: Watch Gremlins. <br />
December 22nd: Watch Anna and the Apocalypse <br />
December 23rd: Watch Mr Bean's Holiday<br />
December 24th: Spend the day with my boyfriend being all beautiful and magical. Catch up on Christmas movies not watched yet on this list <br />
December 25th: CHRISTMAS!!! Watch all of the Gilmore Girls Christmas episodes and spend time with my loved ones. Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-45923762309666417232020-10-01T19:00:00.009-04:002020-10-22T22:07:36.844-04:00Countdown to Halloween -- 2020 EditionMy 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 or with friends and family. Some of these things will need to be edited for social distancing. Yes I know there are dates attached but I am using it more as a check off list.<br />
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October 1st: <strike>Watch the movie The Lost Boys </strike>Done! <br />
October 2nd: <strike>Watch the movie Nightmare on Elm Street (original with Robert Englund)</strike> <br />
October 3rd: Watch the movie Hotel Transylvania. <br />
October 4th: <strike> Read a short story in Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King</strike> Done! Read the story Batman and Robin Have an Altercation <br />
October 5th: Go to a haunted house. <br />
October 6th: Watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show.<br />
October 7th: Watch the cartoon Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown <br />
October 8th: Read 2 tales in Toil and Trouble. (Currenly reading Starsong by Tehlor Kay Mejia and Afterbirth by Andrea Cremer<br />
October 9th: Watch the movie Hellraiser <br />
October 10th: Watch the movie House of 1000 Corpses. <br />
October 11th: Watch the movie Psycho (original Alfred Hitchcock version). <br />
October 12th: Watch the Universal classic horror movies Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. <br />
October 13th: <strike>Go Halloween home decor shopping -- either at Target or At Home.</strike> Done! <br />
October 14th: <strike>Get candles with a cinnamon or pumpkin smell from Bath and Body Works for my room.</strike> Done! <br />
October 15th: Make my own Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte at home<br />
October 16th: Watch the movie Beetlejuice <br />
October 17th: Watch the movie Interview with The Vampire <br />
October 18th: Watch the movie Hocus Pocus. <br />
October 19th: Watch the Netflix series Marianne <br />
October 20th: Watch the movie Carrie (the original version with Sissy Spasek) <br />
October 21st: Watch the movie The Evil Dead <br />
October 22nd: Watch the movie The Craft <br />
October 23rd: Build a haunted gingerbread house<br />
October 24th: Get a pumpkin for my house at Union Square Market <br />
October 25th: Happy Birthday Veronica!<br />
October 26th: Watch Tales of Halloween (Netflix)<br />
October 27th: Watch the movie Coraline (Netflix) <br />
October 28th: Watch the movie Teen Witch <br />
October 29th: Get a fall inspired color manicure. <br />
October 30th: <br />
October 31st: HALLOWEEN!! Watch The Shining and do spell in the Daily Spellbook for The Good Witch book. Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-36428641873107676752020-04-22T20:13:00.000-04:002020-04-22T20:13:12.687-04:00Day One -- Book Review Blog Challenge -- Dreams And Ambitions And away we go. Lets do this! For day one in the blog challenge from <a href="http://greatnewreads.com/day-01-challenge-dreams-ambitions/">Great New Reads</a> which is a book about dreams and ambitions I immediately went to my personal development/self improvement book section of my bookshelf since they are all about living your best life and being your utmost beautiful badass self. The book that I was drawn to tell you about is a book from a woman who I have followed for over 10 years, who I have met on numerous occasions, who started out as fashion blogger and grew into the radical self love guru that I love today and continue to learn from. Thats right - I am going with the one and the only Gala Darling and her book Radical Self Love: A guide to Loving Yourself and Living Your Dreams. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pK3HgWVEfos/XqDaItlYiQI/AAAAAAAACHQ/1F4ETTi-uswlEUgMAOgv9cfl5GcNqDGtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/93571785_164140408249921_1906344461512736768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pK3HgWVEfos/XqDaItlYiQI/AAAAAAAACHQ/1F4ETTi-uswlEUgMAOgv9cfl5GcNqDGtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/93571785_164140408249921_1906344461512736768_n.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
Here are some words about this book from the one and only Gabrielle Bernsten, author of Miracles Now: "Have you ever dreamed of a life full of laughter, love and sequins... But felt totally clueless about how to make it happen? You're not alone. I spent years in soul-sucking jobs, battling depression, an eating disorder, and a preference for chaos and disaster, simply because I didn't know how to create the life I dreamed about. In RADICAL SELF LOVE, you'll begin to discover exactly what makes you so magnificent, and you'll uncover a litany of tools and techniques to help you manifest a life that bursts with magic, bliss and adventure. When you love yourself, life is limitless. You can do anything you want. It's time to throw off the shackles of expectation, and start living from your heart. It's time to astound yourself with how beautiful your life can be. It's time to treat every single day like a celebration... Cake, candles and confetti very much included! "Radical Self Love should be on every woman's bookshelf. Gala Darling is the fresh voice of a new generation, encouraging us to love ourselves and rediscover the most magical facets of who we are. This book will crack you open to the presence of your authentic power." <br />
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I've followed her blog as well as when she made Radical Self Love Coven, Love and Sequins, RSL Bootcamp, and now her books and her membership program known as The Vortex. She is one of the pillars of my continued radical self love journey and I have watched her whole evolution. If you're a woman having a hard time loving yourself just as you are, read this book. It's fun, funky, honest and frank and it can really help you fall back in love with yourself. Now some people might find her work a little "woo-woo" and that is okay. From discussions of EFT tapping and astrology and journaling -- this book will help people become a brighter, sparklier and more conscious version of themselves. <br />
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Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-53946364954263895122020-04-17T10:44:00.000-04:002020-04-17T10:51:56.680-04:00Day 0 Book Review Blog Challenge -- Great New ReadsIt has been a hot minute since I reviewed books as well as took part in a challenge. Considering this quarantine (Day 34 for me!) I have all of the time to read! I have joined <a href="http://greatnewreads.com/blog-challenge-homepage/?mc_cid=52b8105883&mc_eid=26b9f7ed5f">the Great New Reads #BookReviewBlogChallenge</a> to pump myself up as well as join some more communities. Found this through Girlboss Community. Plus there are prizes! Who could say no to prizes? With all of that being said -- lets get this party started! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JIEBJu0yy-s/XpnCTSnBDNI/AAAAAAAACGw/MxNAfMflzdglSFt0cIGgUQnJw6lmLsYjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Book-Prompts-1024x576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JIEBJu0yy-s/XpnCTSnBDNI/AAAAAAAACGw/MxNAfMflzdglSFt0cIGgUQnJw6lmLsYjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Book-Prompts-1024x576.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="576" /></a></div><br />
Day 0 has the prompt of to post a picture of a book that sparks joy. There are so many possibilities of a book that sparks joy but the one that comes to mind is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-achsp4qSNIs/XpnCe_yeSNI/AAAAAAAACG0/lxLCp3MnltoHMdNzLzmRyrIEcCab34HVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/93302023_880494859031214_726651476562149376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-achsp4qSNIs/XpnCe_yeSNI/AAAAAAAACG0/lxLCp3MnltoHMdNzLzmRyrIEcCab34HVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/93302023_880494859031214_726651476562149376_n.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
Now I bet you are all wondering why I chose this book? The bonds between friends as well as one of my favorite restaurants in New York City has this theme. This book has always been my solace, my peace, my sense of spark and adventure, my sense of whimsy and perkiness. Plus sometimes you just need a good book that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever as well as fantasy. Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-69447549163158222822020-03-29T10:00:00.000-04:002020-03-29T16:43:44.823-04:00DaniMania 42 -- The Quarantine EditionIf you are a regular reader of my blog (which I know I have not really updated but life happens) you know I do this thing known as DaniMania where I make up a list of things that either I enjoy, want to see, want to get, want to do that add up to my age. This year I turn 42 years old. I have done this for the past 5 years. I would celebrate DaniMania all of March but something this year just did not feel right with that. At the beginning of March, it is Pisces season. Well it is Pisces season from February 21st all the way to March 21st. Well I do not have any Pisces in my astrological chart so I felt it was wrong for me to celebrate my birth during that time. So this year I decided to start DaniMania 42 on March 21st. I wrote out my list, actually shopped for some of the items before March 21st so I knew that they would arrive during Aries season. I was figuring out when to go to the places I put on my list...and then.....<br />
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PHYSICAL DISTANCING HAPPENED. QUARANTINE HAPPENED. COVID-19 HAPPENED. SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED NOW SO YOU WILL WORK FROM HOME HAPPENED. <br />
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So here I am, on day 15 of quarantine. I have not left my house except for a walk to my corner fruit stand. I have not seen Mike nor any of my friends physically. Texting/video chat has been my "social" as well as social media. And surprisingly enough, I am calm and cool and collected with this as well as accepted it and am making due. <br />
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Now I know what you are saying to yourself -- DANI YOU ARE AN EXTROVERT. YOU LIKE TO GO OUT. YOU LIKE TO EXPLORE. YOU LIKE BEING AROUND PEOPLE. WHAT THE HECK? But lets look at the grander picture -- I am writing again. I am being creative again. I am making connections that are filled with depth and meaning. I am truly appreciating and filled with gratitude of all of the things I have in my house. Thats like this one meme I have seen that said "Okay but honestly -- how privileged are we that during a global pandemic we can just stay warm at home reading, working, still being educated, creating, with little worries and a fridge stocked with food? Do remind yourself to be grateful today." That is the lesson I feel the Universe has bestowed upon me during DaniMania 42. Slow down. Have gratitude. Spend time with the things and activities that bring you joy. Become my own lover. Being my own creative muse. Realize that feeling good is the only goal. Yes it is good to desire what you want and to realize that you are worthy of it and so much more. <br />
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I have had friends surprise me with things on my Amazon wish list that I completely forgot about. I also have received some of the things on my list and yeah when we are told that it is safe to go out again, you damn skippy I am going to go to the places I put. It also has taught me a lesson in humility -- that the status quo is now over and I get to design the life of my dreams. What is stopping me from doing so? Certainly nothing now. <br />
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With that being said, I am going to go enjoy my birthday pineapple pizza and red velvet cookies I made for myself and smile. Happy Birthday to Me as I turned the age that is truly the meaning of life. Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-35243422613195046342019-11-29T21:45:00.000-05:002019-12-25T22:57:10.618-05:00Countdown to Christmas -- 2019 EditionBesides Halloween, I will admit I still get excited for Christmas time. Things just seem to be more magical in the month of December. Unforuately the past 4 years of the holiday season has not been the greatest for me and last Christmas was the hardest one yet. My mother passed away due to complications from lung cancer on December 9, 2018 and while I did have this posted and I did my best to complete this Countdown as I am big on traditions and routines, my heart just was not into it last year. Upon more reflection -- this year is truly the first year without my mother for holiday traditions. I am also big on trying things again and have spent the majority of this year finding my smile again. Most of the things will be done either by myself or with my Russian, or with 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.<br />
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November 29th: Get holiday cards (Done!)/Go see Frozen 2 with my Russian and friends (Done! Didn't particularly like the movie but it was a fun time out)<br />
November 30th: Start writing out holiday cards (Done!)<br />
December 1st: Start reading the book The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand. Finish it by Christmas (Started!)<br />
December 2nd: Watch Die Hard (Done!)<br />
December 3rd: Order 2020 calendars on Amazon (Done!) <br />
December 4th: Watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Done1) <br />
December 5th: Mail out holiday cards. (Done!) <br />
December 6th: Get a holiday inspired manicure. Make sure one nail is sparkly! (Done!)/Visit the Cost Plus World Market (620 Sixth Avenue)(Done!) <br />
December 7th: Watch Scrooged <br />
December 8th: Read one story in the collection My True Love Gave To Me (Read Its A Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins)<br />
December 9th: Build a gingerbread house (Done....well kinda. It was a foam kit from Oriental Trading. Came out so cute!)<br />
December 10th: Watch He-Man & She-Ra A Christmas Special <br />
December 11th: Get a holiday inspired candle from Bath and Body Works. (Done! Got Marshmallow Fireside, Santa's Workshop which smells like a snickerdoodle, Vanilla Bean Noel, and Chocolate Peppermint Cream)<br />
December 12th: Go visit the Rockefeller Center tree <br />
December 13th: Attend holiday work party. (Done!)<br />
December 14th: Go watch some ice skaters in Bryant Park and walk around the Winter Village (Done!)/Watch the movie Anna and the Apocalypse (Done!)<br />
December 15th: Cozy up in some pajamas and watch the Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special.<br />
December 16th: Watch Home Alone (Done!)<br />
December 17th: Watch The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix (Done!)<br />
December 18th: Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas (Done!)<br />
December 19th: Wear rhinestone reindeer antlers to work. (Done! I do need to get another pair as mine broke)<br />
December 20th: Visit the Union Square Holiday Market (Done)<br />
December 21st: Watch Aggretsuko: We Wish You a Metal Christmas (Done!) <br />
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 <br />
December 23rd: Watch Gremlins. (Done!)<br />
December 24th: Spend the day with my Russian. (Done! It was beautiful and magical) <br />
December 25th: CHRISTMAS!!! Watch The Muppets Christmas Carol and spend time with my loved ones. Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-49416302035724412072019-10-01T13:39:00.000-04:002019-10-29T19:44:55.868-04:00Countdown to Halloween -- 2019 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, with my Russian, or with friends and family. Yes I know there are dates attached but I am using it more as a check off list.<br />
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October 1st: Watch the movie The Lost Boys (Done!)<br />
October 2nd: Watch the movie Nightmare on Elm Street (original with Robert Englund) <br />
October 3rd: Watch the movie Hotel Transylvania. (Done!)<br />
October 4th: Read a short story in Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King (Done!) <br />
October 5th: Go to a haunted house. <br />
October 6th: Watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show.<br />
October 7th: Watch the cartoon Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Done!)<br />
October 8th: Read 2 tales in Toil and Trouble.<br />
October 9th: Watch the movie Hellraiser <br />
October 10th: Watch the movie House of 1000 Corpses. (Done!) <br />
October 11th: Watch the movie Psycho (original Alfred Hitchcock version). <br />
October 12th: Watch the Universal classic horror movies Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. <br />
October 13th: Visit Last Rites Gallery <br />
October 14th: Get candles with a cinnamon or pumpkin smell from Bath and Body Works for my room. (Done!) <br />
October 15th: Get a pumpkin spice chai latte at Argo Tea<br />
October 16th: Watch the movie Beetlejuice <br />
October 17th: Watch the movie Interview with The Vampire (Done!) <br />
October 18th: Watch the movie Hocus Pocus. <br />
October 19th: Watch the Netflix series Marianne <br />
October 20th: Watch the movie Carrie (the original version with Sissy Spasek) <br />
October 21st: Watch the movie The Evil Dead <br />
October 22nd: Watch the movie The Craft (Done!) <br />
October 23rd: See Zombiedland 2: Double Tap in theaters (Done!) <br />
October 24th: Get a pumpkin for my house at Union Square Market (Done!)<br />
October 25th: Go see In This Moment in concert with Robert (Done!) <br />
October 26th: Watch Tales of Halloween (Netflix)<br />
October 27th: Watch the movie Coraline (Netflix) <br />
October 28th: Watch the movie Teen Witch (Done!)<br />
October 29th: Get a fall inspired color manicure. (Done!) <br />
October 30th: Watch Maleficent: Mistress of Evil in theaters with my Russian <br />
October 31st: HALLOWEEN!! Watch The Shining and do spell in the Daily Spellbook for The Good Witch bookDanielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-27312548905367015152019-05-31T13:30:00.000-04:002019-06-01T18:24:34.104-04:00Book Review: Hot Love Inferno: A Dark Comedy Fantasy Adventure by Nicky BlueAre you a fan of these authors: Tom Holt, Terry Pratchett, Robert Rankin, Christopher Moore or Douglas Adams? Then I suggest you pick up the book Hot Love Inferno by Nicky Blue. <br />
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When I was approached by this young aspiring writer on Instagram to review his latest book -- I was indeed flattered. As many of you are aware, I dabble in the realm of book blogging as it is a passion of mine and the universe gave me this opportunity. So of course I jumped at the chance. With only knowing the title of the book and seeing the cover that includes a sleepy basset hound I was intrigued yet cautious. Then I read the book description and you will be hooked just as I was. Here is said book description: A half-woman, half-cockroach fused in a bizarre gardening accident? That would be Mrs Jittery Twitch, dwelling in the shadows of our misdeeds. If in danger, you can call upon her help… all she asks is your soul as payment. But she’s just a legend, so no need to worry.Barry Harris is a 28-year-old man, still living with his dear old mum in a little flat above a hairdresser. His obsession with Star Trek and the martial arts won’t help him when he’s forced out on a date.<br />
And nobody knows about the weird string of events that’s about to put everyone’s lives in danger. A trio of samurai warriors and the strangest offer of help lead Barry on a perilous mission to save the day. This book is the second in the Prophecy Allocation series but works fine as a standalone read which I, also, was very happy about. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-qihwRFqsM/XOl7jNHIX1I/AAAAAAAACEI/30C1__fTPH8jj_Jd5gih6GQ9rKd4e-yqgCLcBGAs/s1600/Hot-Love-Inferno-Kindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-qihwRFqsM/XOl7jNHIX1I/AAAAAAAACEI/30C1__fTPH8jj_Jd5gih6GQ9rKd4e-yqgCLcBGAs/s320/Hot-Love-Inferno-Kindle.jpg" width="226" height="320" data-original-width="1132" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
I will give a little bit of a warning: The book is written in British English. All British slang terms are helpfully translated for the international reader, along with a short explanation of why British people are a little strange, which I am sure a lot of people appreciate. Plus broading ones horizons and expansion of the mind I am definitely cool with. <br />
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Now onto the review! At the beginning of the story I will admit I was kind of lost as I was not really sure what was happening nor what was going on. It started off very weird; which I do like; but if I can not put it together -- I usually tend to shy away from it. Not this book. I powered through, British slang and all, and started to piece it all together. It became less fuzzy. I started to react and relate to the characters. and everything was just brilliant; as British slang would say. Very witty, creative, and laughter all around. Want something different -- pick up this book! <br />
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Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-47164537675746306992019-01-14T10:01:00.000-05:002019-01-15T16:32:53.641-05:00Book Review: Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle PaigeGrowing up, Aquaman was also considered the superhero of "why?" Not powerful, plays in water, can swim really fast -- who cares. But through the power of excellent storytelling and Jason Momoa -- Aquaman is now a badass superhero. But what about another favorite undersea royalty? That is where Danielle Paige comes in with this exciting young adult graphic novel titled Mera: Tidebreaker! This graphic novel is set to released on April 2, 2019. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2uuuwVKTqgQ/XDoB87_O5BI/AAAAAAAACDU/4zQjCSTjpXANNcSgrDOGZJFMwSWgK8dnACLcBGAs/s1600/mail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2uuuwVKTqgQ/XDoB87_O5BI/AAAAAAAACDU/4zQjCSTjpXANNcSgrDOGZJFMwSWgK8dnACLcBGAs/s320/mail.jpeg" width="213" height="320" data-original-width="1067" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
Here is the book description: Princess Mera is teenage royalty and heir to the throne of Xebel, a penal colony ruled by the other no-so-lost land under the sea, Atlantis. Her father, his court and the entire kingdom are expecting her to marry and introduce a new king. But Mera is destined to wear a different crown....When the Xebellian military plots to overthrow Atlantis and break free of its oppressive regime, Mera seizes the opportunity to take control over her own destiny by assassinating Arthur Curry--the long-lost prince and heir to the kingdom of Atlantis. But her mission gets sidetracked when Mera and Arthur unexpectedly fall in love. Will Arthur Curry be the king at Mera's side, or will he die under her blade as she attempts to free her people from persecution? An astonishing graphic novel that explores duty, love, heroism and freedom, all through the eyes of readers' favorite undersea royalty. From New York Times best-selling author Danielle Paige (Dorothy Must Die) and artist Stephen Byrne comes a Mera and Aquaman origin story that explores Mera's first steps on land, and her first steps as a hero or villain, forcing her to choose to follow her heart or her mission to kill.<br />
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Mera Tidebreaker is an origin story of sorts that goes beyond the story that we know and into the world of Mera and how she became the woman that she is; which I think every young adult woman should read and learn about since it is a very strong female lead. Fans of teen thriller/romance will find this book good enough to sink their teeth into and will enjoy the pace of the text and storyline and the illustrations follow the story all the way up to its exciting climax and ending. I will say this -- for myself it doesn’t seem connected much to the story of the new Aquaman movie, unless Arthur is supposed to have turned into much more of a bad boy in between, so the timing and universe disconnect might confuse some, but do not let that bother you too much. This book is very enjoyable and if you have read other work from Danielle Paige before, you will surely like this story. <br />
Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-86962219302079526432018-12-07T00:07:00.000-05:002018-12-07T00:07:01.519-05:00Book 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. <br />
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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. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tgo6jeAcCBg/W8gGqop-mPI/AAAAAAAACCk/OEJuoSHWfJgH_-JwsFYkpw15mIfFcUHrACLcBGAs/s1600/51sU7C6FEXL._SX331_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tgo6jeAcCBg/W8gGqop-mPI/AAAAAAAACCk/OEJuoSHWfJgH_-JwsFYkpw15mIfFcUHrACLcBGAs/s320/51sU7C6FEXL._SX331_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="214" height="320" data-original-width="333" data-original-height="499" /></a></div><br />
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.Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-41923972558220894832018-11-29T10:03:00.000-05:002018-11-29T10:03:00.795-05:00Book Review: Immoral Code by Lillian ClarkI 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. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rhhB9j_YvvQ/W9HNIaVEm-I/AAAAAAAACC8/AUgS4g5ArAk63eamXNDXRsrmFPqsODHBwCLcBGAs/s1600/51okRHivqpL._SX320_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rhhB9j_YvvQ/W9HNIaVEm-I/AAAAAAAACC8/AUgS4g5ArAk63eamXNDXRsrmFPqsODHBwCLcBGAs/s320/51okRHivqpL._SX320_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="206" height="320" data-original-width="322" data-original-height="499" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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.Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-41321053143019614232018-11-24T13:11:00.000-05:002018-11-26T07:11:08.647-05:00Book Review: Watersnakes by Tony SandovalI 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.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHjmDVTHLW0/W_bxdS0NH0I/AAAAAAAACDI/6WY2k9EgX3QAFMDkJJHz5s5Dt2h1BrEXwCLcBGAs/s1600/51sbM5uHieL._SX361_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHjmDVTHLW0/W_bxdS0NH0I/AAAAAAAACDI/6WY2k9EgX3QAFMDkJJHz5s5Dt2h1BrEXwCLcBGAs/s320/51sbM5uHieL._SX361_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="233" height="320" data-original-width="363" data-original-height="499" /></a></div>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.<br />
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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! Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-41200896338428651862018-11-23T20:23:00.000-05:002019-01-03T21:42:29.907-05:00Countdown to Christmas 2018Besides 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.<br />
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November 23rd: Visit the Union Square Holiday Market (Done!) <br />
November 24th: Attend Halestorm and In This Moment concert at Hammerstein Ballroom (Done! Had a fantastic time!) <br />
November 25th: <i>Start reading the book The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand. Finish it by Christmas.</i> <br />
November 26th: Make Christmas playlist on Spotify (Done!) <br />
November 27th: Get holiday cards. (Done!) <br />
November 28th: Wear mistletoe headband. (Done!) <br />
November 29th: Watch the movie Die Hard (Done!)<br />
November 30th: Start writing out holiday cards (Done!)<br />
December 1st: Watch the movie Scrooged. (Done!)<br />
December 2nd: Visit Artists and Fleas at 568 Broadway (at Prince Street)<br />
December 3rd: Order 2019 calendars on Amazon (Done!) <br />
December 4th: Watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Done!) <br />
December 5th: Mail out holiday cards. (Done!) <br />
December 6th: Get a holiday inspired manicure. Make sure one nail is sparkly! <br />
December 7th: Watch A Nightmare Before Christmas. (Done!)<br />
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)<br />
December 9th: Build a gingerbread house (Did not do this year as I did not want to do it by myself)<br />
December 10th: Watch He-Man & She-Ra A Christmas Special (Done!) <br />
December 11th: Get a holiday inspired candle from Bath and Body Works. (Done!)<br />
December 12th: Go visit the Rockefeller Center tree <br />
December 13th: Go watch some ice skaters in Bryant Park and walk around the Winter Village. (Done!) <br />
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. :( ) <br />
December 15th: Cozy up in some pajamas and watch the Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special.<br />
December 16th: Watch Home Alone (Done!)<br />
December 17th: <i>Start reading the book Together at Midnight by Jennifer Castle. Finish it by New Years Eve by midnight.</i> <br />
December 18th: Watch The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix <br />
December 19th: Wear ugly Christmas sweater to work. (Done!)<br />
December 20th: Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas (Done!)<br />
December 21st: Start my Yule candle ritual. (Done!)<br />
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!)<br />
December 23rd: Watch Gremlins. <br />
December 24th: Watch Red Christmas. <br />
December 25th: CHRISTMAS!!! Watch The Muppets Christmas Carol and spend time with my loved ones. <br />
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Have a very merry holiday season!Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-36878454099937270752018-11-01T13:21:00.000-04:002018-11-01T13:21:05.007-04:00Book Review: Shakespeare's Sonnets, Retold: Classic Love Poems with a Modern Twist by William Shakespeare and James AnthonyAhhhh 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! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2xoPFce4jqQ/W7ziWWlrt2I/AAAAAAAACCM/8_GH4fAhgX4-VMS38ByBxW-B7YtPIImCwCLcBGAs/s1600/41rQFo87mZL._SX351_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2xoPFce4jqQ/W7ziWWlrt2I/AAAAAAAACCM/8_GH4fAhgX4-VMS38ByBxW-B7YtPIImCwCLcBGAs/s320/41rQFo87mZL._SX351_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="226" height="320" data-original-width="353" data-original-height="499" /></a></div><br />
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.Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-90836972575398723622018-10-26T10:48:00.000-04:002018-10-26T16:38:17.109-04:00Book Review: Choosing Me -- Love Letters from a Poet by Bill WeberI 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. <br />
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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. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDTQHAcctXU/W8UYjmR6xrI/AAAAAAAACCY/U5gs9ZrY2JwvH1u69JPacFVc32TonUKfgCLcBGAs/s1600/Choosing%2BMe_9780997131734-Front_Prf-1_RGB_300%2Bdpi_5x8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDTQHAcctXU/W8UYjmR6xrI/AAAAAAAACCY/U5gs9ZrY2JwvH1u69JPacFVc32TonUKfgCLcBGAs/s320/Choosing%2BMe_9780997131734-Front_Prf-1_RGB_300%2Bdpi_5x8.jpg" width="200" height="320" data-original-width="1000" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
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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. <br />
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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. Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-43553513597665916752018-10-21T12:50:00.001-04:002018-10-21T12:50:45.816-04:00Book 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. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBh4daDvaMk/W8ypuVq6KDI/AAAAAAAACCw/XFZ5Dmw9auMCF1eQ0EqhJFqjivXkME75wCLcBGAs/s1600/61l-Ia6wegL._SY498_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBh4daDvaMk/W8ypuVq6KDI/AAAAAAAACCw/XFZ5Dmw9auMCF1eQ0EqhJFqjivXkME75wCLcBGAs/s320/61l-Ia6wegL._SY498_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="500" data-original-height="500" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
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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. <br />
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I absolutely adored and loved this book. It is really adorable and it is highly recommended for both the classroom and for home. Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-7486655526955998772018-10-01T08:03:00.000-04:002018-10-31T13:56:43.064-04:00Countdown to Halloween -- 2018 EditionMy 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.<br />
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October 1st: Watch the movie The Lost Boys (Done!) <br />
October 2nd: Watch the movie Nightmare on Elm Street (original with Robert Englund) (Done!)<br />
October 3rd: Watch the movie Hotel Transylvania. <br />
October 4th: Read a short story a day in Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King (Done! Mile 81) <br />
October 5th: Watch the movie Venom in theaters (Done!)<br />
October 6th: Watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show. (Done!) <br />
October 7th: Watch the season 9 premiere of The Walking Dead (Done!) <br />
Watch the cartoon Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Done!)<br />
October 8th: See the movie Halloween in theaters <br />
October 9th: Watch the movie Hellraiser (Done!)<br />
October 10th: Watch the movie House of 1000 Corpses. (No way to watch it. Maybe next year I will buy the DVD) <br />
October 11th: Watch the movie Psycho (original Alfred Hitchcock version). (Done!) <br />
October 12th: Watch the Universal classic horror movies Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. (Done!)<br />
October 13th: Visit Last Rites Gallery (Did not get to go. Its okay. Another time) <br />
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) <br />
October 15th: Get a pumpkin spice chai latte at Argo Tea<br />
October 16th: Watch the movie Beetlejuice (Done!) <br />
October 17th: Watch the movie Interview with The Vampire (Netflix) <br />
October 18th: Watch the movie Hocus Pocus. (Done!)<br />
October 19th: Attend Stephen Lynch concert (Done! Had such a fun time!) <br />
October 20th: Watch the movie Carrie (the original version with Sissy Spasek) (Done!)<br />
October 21st: Watch the movie The Evil Dead <br />
October 22nd: Watch the movie The Craft (Done!) <br />
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!) <br />
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) <br />
October 25th: HAPPY BIRTHDAY VERONICA! Watch the movie Veronica in honor. (Netflix) (Done!) <br />
October 26th: Watch Tales of Halloween (Netflix)<br />
October 27th: Watch the movie Coraline (Netflix) (Done!)<br />
October 28th: Watch the movie Teen Witch (Done!)<br />
October 29th: Get a fall inspired color manicure. <br />
October 30th: Watch The Shining (Done!) <br />
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!)<br />
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What are you doing for October/Halloween? Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876382277093035821.post-89111971291282280322018-08-30T20:31:00.001-04:002018-08-30T20:31:58.304-04:00Book Review -- What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam SilveraThis book. Oh my goodness this book. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp2B9aE7GaQ/W4iLatfmG0I/AAAAAAAACBQ/7K_GnoxzMx8r_hLQ2LzxaOHnQjUcVuunQCLcBGAs/s1600/40533175_2105828629666840_9045773494192701440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp2B9aE7GaQ/W4iLatfmG0I/AAAAAAAACBQ/7K_GnoxzMx8r_hLQ2LzxaOHnQjUcVuunQCLcBGAs/s320/40533175_2105828629666840_9045773494192701440_n.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
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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 . . . ?<br />
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? <br />
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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!<br />
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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. Danielle Dadamohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378838716829867588noreply@blogger.com0