Day One -- Book Review Blog Challenge -- Dreams And Ambitions

And away we go. Lets do this! For day one in the blog challenge from Great New Reads 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.

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."

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.

Day 0 Book Review Blog Challenge -- Great New Reads

It 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 the Great New Reads #BookReviewBlogChallenge 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!

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...

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.

DaniMania 42 -- The Quarantine Edition

If 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.....

PHYSICAL DISTANCING HAPPENED. QUARANTINE HAPPENED. COVID-19 HAPPENED. SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED NOW SO YOU WILL WORK FROM HOME HAPPENED.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Countdown to Christmas -- 2019 Edition

Besides 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.

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)
November 30th: Start writing out holiday cards (Done!)
December 1st: Start reading the book The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand. Finish it by Christmas (Started!)
December 2nd: Watch Die Hard (Done!)
December 3rd: Order 2020 calendars on Amazon (Done!)
December 4th: Watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Done1)
December 5th: Mail out holiday cards. (Done!)
December 6th: Get a holiday inspired manicure. Make sure one nail is sparkly! (Done!)/Visit the Cost Plus World Market (620 Sixth Avenue)(Done!)
December 7th: Watch Scrooged
December 8th: Read one story in the collection My True Love Gave To Me (Read Its A Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins)
December 9th: Build a gingerbread house (Done....well kinda. It was a foam kit from Oriental Trading. Came out so cute!)
December 10th: Watch He-Man & She-Ra A Christmas Special
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)
December 12th: Go visit the Rockefeller Center tree
December 13th: Attend holiday work party. (Done!)
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!)
December 15th: Cozy up in some pajamas and watch the Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special.
December 16th: Watch Home Alone (Done!)
December 17th: Watch The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix (Done!)
December 18th: Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas (Done!)
December 19th: Wear rhinestone reindeer antlers to work. (Done! I do need to get another pair as mine broke)
December 20th: Visit the Union Square Holiday Market (Done)
December 21st: Watch Aggretsuko: We Wish You a Metal Christmas (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
December 23rd: Watch Gremlins. (Done!)
December 24th: Spend the day with my Russian. (Done! It was beautiful and magical)
December 25th: CHRISTMAS!!! Watch The Muppets Christmas Carol and spend time with my loved ones.

Countdown 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.

October 1st: Watch the movie The Lost Boys (Done!)
October 2nd: Watch the movie Nightmare on Elm Street (original with Robert Englund)
October 3rd: Watch the movie Hotel Transylvania. (Done!)
October 4th: Read a short story in Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King (Done!)
October 5th: Go to a haunted house.
October 6th: Watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
October 7th: Watch the cartoon Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Done!)
October 8th: Read 2 tales in Toil and Trouble.
October 9th: Watch the movie Hellraiser
October 10th: Watch the movie House of 1000 Corpses. (Done!)
October 11th: Watch the movie Psycho (original Alfred Hitchcock version).
October 12th: Watch the Universal classic horror movies Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein.
October 13th: Visit Last Rites Gallery
October 14th: Get candles with a cinnamon or pumpkin smell from Bath and Body Works for my room. (Done!)
October 15th: Get a pumpkin spice chai latte at Argo Tea
October 16th: Watch the movie Beetlejuice
October 17th: Watch the movie Interview with The Vampire (Done!)
October 18th: Watch the movie Hocus Pocus.
October 19th: Watch the Netflix series Marianne
October 20th: Watch the movie Carrie (the original version with Sissy Spasek)
October 21st: Watch the movie The Evil Dead
October 22nd: Watch the movie The Craft (Done!)
October 23rd: See Zombiedland 2: Double Tap in theaters (Done!)
October 24th: Get a pumpkin for my house at Union Square Market (Done!)
October 25th: Go see In This Moment in concert with Robert (Done!)
October 26th: Watch Tales of Halloween (Netflix)
October 27th: Watch the movie Coraline (Netflix)
October 28th: Watch the movie Teen Witch (Done!)
October 29th: Get a fall inspired color manicure. (Done!)
October 30th: Watch Maleficent: Mistress of Evil in theaters with my Russian
October 31st: HALLOWEEN!! Watch The Shining and do spell in the Daily Spellbook for The Good Witch book

Book Review: Hot Love Inferno: A Dark Comedy Fantasy Adventure by Nicky Blue

Are 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.

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.
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.

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.

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!

Book Review: Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige

Growing 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.

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.

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.