Book Club Friday: Fifty Shades Darker

It's that time again... Friday Friday! Hurray!

 This week I'm sharing...

From GoodReads:

"Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. 

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life."

My thoughts:

Well, I still don't like Ana. 

But overall I thought this book was better than the last.

I liked that there was some action. FINALLY it wasn't just talk, sex scene, sex scene, sex scene, tears, talk. So that was a plus. And by the middle, I started just skimming the "kinky fuckery" scenes anyway.  

We get a glimpse into his childhood and exactly what happened, which somewhat explains why Christian is the way he is. This is what I was looking for from this book. It starts with a few pages that are his thoughts as a small child- in the worst moment of his life. And in his relationship with Ana, he really does seem to grow and change- all spurred by Ana's leaving him.  (Though honestly, they were broken up for what? A whole week? They were both overly dramatic about the time apart.) 

The whole part with Leila was a bit ridiculous. I couldn't understand why she didn't just kill Ana since it was obvious she was the one who was causing Leila distress. Also, Christian is so extremely possessive. Ana doesn't really seem to notice... or if she does notice, she doesn't mind much. Which is pretty scary. This man is running her life, and she seems OK to sit back and let him.  I mean, she can't even go out with her friends! Not only is she "OK" with it... she actually seems to enjoy it. "My Fifty shades of fucked-up. I love him" WHAT?! He wants to sex you up and hurt you because you look like his crack whore mother! WHY ARE YOU STILL THERE?!

The only time I liked Ana was when she had the interaction with her former boss. Though that part was a bit drawn out too. 

I liked how authoritative Christian was with Mrs. Robinson (super-freak!!). I also really liked the fact that the ending promises more action. 

And now, for my favorite part of this series (for real)- You can check out Katrina's review here! I've copied her word count here too though, because it's just super ridiculous.

Word Count: 

"Oh my" - 47

"Crap" - 36

"Jeez" - 84

"Holy (shit/fuck/crap/hell/cow/moses)" - 124

"Whoa" - 30

"Gasp" - 44

"Gasps" - 17

"Sharp Intake of Breath" - 5

"Murmur" - 91

"Murmurs" - 194

"Whisper" - 140

"Whispers" - 113

"Mutter" - 71

"Mutters" - 48

"Fifty" - 95

"Lip" - 47

"Inner goddess" - 58

"Subconscious" - 59

Have you read this? What did you think?

Weekend Flop and Meal Planning

I am FINALLY doing a weekend update! I have so many back entries to do, but I don't like doing an update and not linking the photos, so they sit in draft form, awaiting pics! However, I didn't take any pics this weekend, so I don't feel guilty for not posting them!

I was so excited to get away this weekend. My girlfriend invited me to her parents' house down the shore, so I thought it would be a great mini escape/girls weekend. It was not what I expected at ALL. 

*Friday: First of all, we were supposed to go down together. But she sent a text early and said that she had summer Fridays, so would she mind if I just met here there. I was actually happy to be traveling alone, but she knew she was getting off early way in advance- why not tell me before the day of? It just irked me. We stayed in Friday, which was also fine since i was a little tired from the week. But then everyone (including her) went to bed at 10PM. 10! I don't go to bed until 11:30-12! Luckily, I had a room to myself, with a TV, so I just watched TV while texting another friend until I was tired. 

* Saturday: I thought we (meaning me and my friend) were going to the beach. She had even asked me the day before if we should bring a cooler of beers, and of course I said yes! I didn't realize that "we" also included her mother. Her mom is very nice, I just thought it would be us two.  So of course when she asks me on Saturday morning (in front of her mom) if I want beer, I say no, if that's not usually what they do, then it was fine. And of course I was embarrassed, because she made it look like it was all my idea! 

We went to a beach club that her parents belong to. It was ok. It was kind of small, so when everyone started arriving, I felt like they were on top of me. I could barely stretch out my legs for fear of kicking something or someone. Seriously. It got cold/windy around 2, so we left early. Then her mom wanted to go shopping. That would have been fine, but she took us to a shopping center where I couldn't afford anything. And she and my friend started shopping. So, that was uncomfortable and awkward. 

After that, we went back to the house, took showers, and decided what to do for dinner. I thought we would finally get some one-on-one time. She had another idea. It was her parents anniversary, and they were going to some seafood restaurant on the water, so she decided we would go with them. However, the food was excellent- I had a lobster and crab bisque, and a crab cake sandwich, and they were both really fresh and tasty. So, not too many complaints there. And then her parents dropped us off in Red Bank so we could go bar-hopping. I felt so much like a kid/teenager being dropped off by her parents. But anyway. 

So we go to The Downtown. First of all, she wasn't talkative. Second, there was a rally bad live band. And third, the one TV that was on was playing high school football. What?! So we had a beer and then left- I said I wanted to see a different one. I picked The Dubline House, which was indoor/outdoor, and VERY crowded. FINALLY SOME EXCITEMENT! It was a gorgeous night, but she wanted to sit inside. Ugh. So we compromise, have one inside, and lend her money to play the jukebox*, and then we would go outside. So that worked, but then she started crying. I swear you give this girl 3 beers and she starts crying- this time it was over an ex she broke up with over a year ago. And then, once she finally stopped, we got hit on/cock-blocked by a 47 year old man. EW. So. None of that was fun at all. 

Sunday: I was all too eager to get home. And SO HAPPY once I did. C and I got bagels, took a nap, did some groceries, got Burger King, and watched the Season Finale of True Blood. (Sidenote: WTF!!? What happened with that Warlor character? And finally Edgington?! And  OMG Bill! They really love covering people in blood on that show!) It was truly perfect.

* I loaned her money for the jukebox because she had no money on her. WHO GOES TO THE BAR WITH NO MONEY?! She KNEW where we were going! And also, she could have just stopped at an ATM! Annoying. 

----------------------------------------------------

So, as I just noted, we did groceries. This was a big deal, since I really can't remember the last time we did a proper grocery. Summer comes and we get super lazy, or are always eating out for convenience sake. But I noticed that some of our coupons were expiring, and I had jotting a few things down during the week, so it made this trip less painful. Also, last weekend I finally put a lot of recipes I've been cutting out into our Recipe Binder, and I got re-energized in finding some tasty meals to make! So I decided to do a meal plan!

MONDAY

-  Meatloaf (C's secret family recipe)

-Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits

TUESDAY

- Cauliflower and Pasta Shells

WEDNESDAY

*YOYO*

THURSDAY

- Crock Pot Veggie Curry

-white rice

FRIDAY

*Date Night: Vicino Di Mare*

SATURDAY

  *Indo-American Fair*

Do you make a meal plan each week? What's cookin in your kitchen?!

Linking up with these ladies this week!

It's OK!

This week I'm Saying "It's OK" that...
- the Season Finale of True Blood is THIS SUNDAY!- I haven't really liked the last few episodes- I just learned how to take out e-books from my library- I will now be doing copious amounts of reading- I just had to look up "copious" to make sure I used it correctly... nerd alert- I'm not a fan of lugging around heavy books, which is why I don't read as much as I would like- I am going on a girls' beach weekend and I can't wait!- I have to prep my Fantasy Football team this weekend~ draft Tuesday!- My FF team name is Pussy Wagon (from Kill Bill)- to want to do/see too many things at once
What Are you Saying "It's OK" to today?

OHP: Funnies

I haven't written a "real" post in awhile. I'm sorry. I will, for sure. But this isn't it. Today I'm linking up with Michelle to share some of my recent fave pins!

Source: littlewhitelion.com via Dani on Pinterest

Source: capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com via Dani on Pinterest

I can't wait til this show returns!

Source: blogs4fun3777.blogspot.com via Dani on Pinterest

I love this one! And can't wait to see what they do in the season finale this Sunday!

Source: 27.media.tumblr.com via Dani on Pinterest

FIST PUMP!

Source: someecards.com via Dani on Pinterest

So True!

What are you pinning lately? Don't forget to link up with Michelle!

Happiness Report #2

Source: thelovelyowl.com via Idil on Pinterest

Some things that made me HAPPY last week: 

* Roadtrips

* Shopping Trips

* Homemade Dinners

* Party Buses

* 90's music

* Manicures

* Book Club

* Bad Boys (the movie)

* Lazy Sundays

* Peach Bourbon Iced Tea

What's making you happy?

Book Club Friday: Fifty Shades of Grey

This week I'm sharing...

Synopsis:

 "When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires." 

via

My Thoughts:

I read this because I wanted to see what the hype was all about. 

Umm. I still don't understand.

First of all, I don't like Ana. She is weak and juvenile. She wants to please him so badly she comes off as completely pathetic. And she seems to have absolutely no self-confidence, which I really don't like. Why doesn't she stand up for what she believes and be honest without being drunk or hiding behind a computer?

Secondly, I understand Christian has money and great looks, but he is a complete ass. He has major mood swings and is always brooding or has ulterior motives. Not to mention that he's a stalker, tells you he wants to put you in pain because it's a turn-on for him, and tells you directly to Stay Away- I'm dangerous. TAKE A FREAKIN HINT!

Thirdly, I've never read "erotica" or whatever you call this, but I didn't find the sex scenes to be particularly steamy. Maybe the fact that Ana kept calling her vagina "down there" or talking about her "behind", but it did nothing for me. 

What worries me most is that some think this story ends in "love." Christian is actually horrified by the word. It is that word that makes them realize whatever their relationship is won't work. At least not now. 

Also, the ending didn't offer a cliffhanger so I really don't know how she's going to pull 2 more books out of this story. I thought the ending of this one was pretty clear cut, but I will finish the trilogy. I am intrigued by why Christian is the way he is, so I hope the next 2 books get into his back story. 

Favorite Quote:

"I want to chase the dawn with you."

Word Count: 

"Oh My" - 79

"Crap" - 101

"Jeez" - 82

"Holy (shit/fuck/crap/hell/cow/moses)" - 172

"Whoa" - 13

"Gasp" - 34

"Gasps" - 11

"Sharp Intake of Breath" - 4

"Murmur" - 68

"Murmurs" - 139

"Whisper" - 96

"Whispers" - 103

"Mutter" - 28

"Mutters" - 23

"Fifty" - 16

"Lip" - 71

"Inner goddess" - 58

"Subconscious" - 82

via - 

The above link to a review is total hilarity, and I strongly suggest you read it, whether you liked the book or not!

Oh, How Pinteresting!: Help!

Guys...
I'm so excited. My friend is having a party on Friday night. Part one is a BBQ at his parent's house. I'm thinking of wearing either a maxi dress or shorts and a cute top. Not too concerned with that. But Part II is going clubbing.
I don't even remember the last time I went clubbing! And I need to know...what are all the cool kids wearing these days?!
So, like any other time I need some fashion inspiration, I turned to Pinterest. But I still can't decide! What do you think would be best?

Source: meggiemaymay.polyvore.com via Carly on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Carly on Pinterest

If I chose something like this, I would have to reverse the colors to match something similar in my closet

Source: carolinanutshell.com via Carly on Pinterest

I think this sparkly top with black skinnies may be my fave... and comfy too! Just would go with a smaller bag and maybe black strappy shoes...

Source: jippiejurk.nl via Monique on Pinterest

Source: davidslove.com via Sydney on Pinterest

Keep it simple in a LBD and do it up with accessories?

Source: little-mistress.co.uk via Sydney on Pinterest

Bring on some color?

Source: appareladdicts.com via Gina on Pinterest

A little more casual? I just don't know...help a sista out please!!! What would you choose?


As usual, linking up with Michelle! Wanna see more pins and/or participate? Click the button!

Parked! Food Truck Festival

2 weekends ago, C and I set out to NYC for the Parked! Food Truck Festival! [I know, super late in updating!]

In case I haven't mentioned it before, I LOVE food trucks. Seriously. So I was super excited to see all these in one spot! I have the belief that street food and food truck food is some of the best you can get. 

The event itself was free, you just paid for food and drinks. 

We got there around 2, and it was super crowded. In fact, it was a bit daunting at first.  Where do we even begin? Because you see, it looked like this:

No joke.

So we decided to walk through that mass, down closer to the Seaport itself, and literally start from one end to the other. But when we got to the other side, we found BBQ pork sliders (one of my faves) and some short rib tacos for C at Mexicue. And then right next door, there was Red Hook Lobster Pound, and well, we needed lobster rolls, obvi. 

When we were finishing up that bad boy, our friends showed up, so we grabbed some beers [because for some reason you can drink in the streets here- huzzah!] and continued our food truck tour. I have to say, I loved the variety of trucks there. Some of our other treats included empanadas from Bongo Bros., breaded potato rolls, a "petit" key lime pie from La Bella Torte,  mango citrus smoothie from Kelvin Slush, and the best dumplings I've ever had from Rickshaw Dumplings. Seriously. Best. Damn. Dumplings. I've heard a lot about Rickshaw, so I was weary to believe the hype, but I honestly could have eaten these dumplings all day. 

Once we were too full to eat anymore, My friend M and her bf brought us around to the back of the Seaport, where there was a beer garden- Beekman Beer Garden to be exact. It was also super crowded, but offered amazing views of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg Bridge (I think...).

It was soo much fun, and the food was all so good! My only regret was that I couldn't eat more!

The Happiness Report #1

I try to find something to be happy about each and every day, but let's be honest, that doesn't always happen. So I want to take a few minutes to reflect on some of the things that made me happy or put a smile on my face this week:

- I was off on Monday- holla at a 3 day weekend! AND a 4 day workweek!


- C and I went to Peddler's Village near New Hope, PA on Monday. I have been wanting to go there for a long time. It was great to visit all the little shops, grab some lunch and enjoy the sunshine. Oh, and I bought myself some jewelry which I seriously never do!

- I saw ESTELLE in concert on Monday night! I was a little bummed that it was so short (45 min!), but it was still great to see her and spend some quality time jammin with my boo

- Met up with some old friends on Tuesday night. We had a great dinner at - tomato pies and BYOB wine- can't beat it! It was also my one friend's first time there!
- I was a total bitch crankypants on Thursday. So what does C do? Ran errands all day (he's not currently working), made dinner, and let me be a whiny mess. Love that man!
- Went to happy hour with my girlfriend last night- it was great to relax after what seemed like a super long week.
- I applied for a new position at my current company. And it is PERFECT for me- totally what I want to be doing! So send some positive vibes my way? Please?!
- I told my friend that I was currently reading 50 Shades of Grey, and she emailed me the other 2 in the trilogy! LOVE free books!
- Took care of 2 nagging tasks: finally updated my phone! It needs a WiFi connection and I can't remember my password at home, and for some reason I couldn't connect at work, so I called IT to help me out, and they did! And got our new bathroom doorknob in the mail! (C broke the old one, but that's a post for another day!)
- 99 Followers! You guys rock! Maybe I should do a giveaway when I get to 100?!

What made you smile this week?

Book Club Friday: Their Eyes Were Watching God

This week I'm sharing...

From GoodReads: 

"One of the most important works of twentieth-century American literature, Zora Neale Hurston's beloved 1937 classic, Their Eyes Were Watching God, is an enduring Southern love story sparkling with wit, beauty, and heartfelt wisdom. Told in the captivating voice of a woman who refuses to live in sorrow, bitterness, fear, or foolish romantic dreams, it is the story of fair-skinned, fiercely independent Janie Crawford, and her evolving selfhood through three marriages and a life marked by poverty, trials, and purpose. "

My Thoughts:

{Spoiler Alert!}

I'm not going to lie; when I started this book, I feared I wouldn't be able to finish it. The Southern ebonics which Hurston uses was extremely difficult to get past. I had to re-read complete pages of conversation over just to figure out what was actually being said. 

Once I got over that, however, I was able to get into the story. You could tell from the very beginning that Janie was a beautiful, strong willed, and smart woman. I understood why she married the first guy, and understood even more why she left him. She knew she wanted to know and see things, she saw an opportunity to do so, and she took it. However, she didn't find what she was looking for, which was love.  She instead found a man obsessed with power, and was genuinely relieved when he passed away. The way he made her cover her hair, called her old and degraded her, and wouldn't let her speak or go anywhere- and the way she just accepted it-  was abominable. He was a total ass, and I'm surprised she didn't leave him, but I suppose it was because she didn't know where to go. I wondered why she never had kids- and how the subject was never even mentioned. She would not have been able to run off as easily with Tea Cake if she had any. 

With Tea Cake, she was finally able to "let her hair down" (figuratively and literally). It was like the pre-cursor to How Stella Got her Groove Back.  Their love was one to be envied, and I thought it was the best part of the story. 

Favorite Quotes: 

"If you kin see de light at daybreak, you don't keer if you die at dusk. It's so many people never seen de light at all. Ah wuz fumblin' round and God opened de door." 

"It's uh known fact, Phoeby, you got tuh go there tuh know there. Yo' papa and yo' mama and nobody else can't tell yuh and show yuh. Two things everybody's got tuh do fuh themselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin' fuh themselves."

Have you read this? What did you think?

It's OK!

This Week I'm Saying IT'S OK that I...

... finally joined the 50 Shades bandwagon!
... feel like summer is coming to a close *sadness*
... have this nagging cough that won't go away. Luckily, I went to the Dr. and found out its not a summer cold though, and got some cough syrup.
...  get so excited when I get a comment or new Follower. On the blog AND Twitter. Such a nerd.
...still haven't seen Magic Mike. And today is the last day it will be in theaters and I can't find anyone available who hasn't seen it to go with me! 
... tried going to the movies by myself once. I hated it. 
... tried risotto recently only because I saw them making it on Hell's Kitchen all the time. I didn't like it. 
... am wearing shoes today that hurt my feet, and I didn't bring any flats or flip flops  
... have too many books that I want to read right now. Thanks a lot, GoodReads!
... am tired of Olympics coverage. C has it on 24/7. When is it over?

Oh, How Pinteresting!: Funnies

It's Wednesday! Time to share some of my favorite pins recently! Link up with Michelle if you want to join too!

Source: mfs.piccsy.com via Nikki on Pinterest

Source: eatliver.com via Laura on Pinterest

Source: tasteofawesome.com via Zoie on Pinterest

Source: zipmeme.com via Zoie on Pinterest

Source: luna.soup.io via Scottie on Pinterest

Sugary Sounds

I am loving these two songs right now... and the videos! 

What are you jamming to lately?

July Goals Recap/ August Goals

JULY GOALS: 

1. Read 20 pages a day/ 1 book per month: read 4 books! You can see reviews here,  here, and here. (I didn't review the last book yet.) I'm also on GoodReads. Super success!

2. Save/make $300: Saved $300- success!

3. Weekly spending reports:  Does anyone else find it hard to keep track of your spending in the summer months? I feel like every weekend there is some kind of event which involves spending. No, just me?! Oh well... FAIL! (June AND July...argh!)

4. Fix/sell clothes: Took clothes to the cleaners, got a bunch altered, and the rest are for sale. Success!

5. 4 new meals and continued meal planning: I think there was only one new recipe, and haven't tracked meal planning at all. Fail!

6. Find C a Job: No excuses. Fail. 

50/50. Not too shabby. I just want to enjoy the rest of summer, so I'll be focusing on my Summer Bucket List for August!

How are you doing with your goals?

Book Club Friday: The Secret Life of Bees

This week I'm sharing...

From GoodReads: 

"Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the town's fiercest racists, Lily decides they should both escape to Tiburon, South Carolina—a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. There they are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters who introduce Lily to a mesmerizing world of bees, honey, and the Black Madonna who presides over their household. This is a remarkable story about divine female power and the transforming power of love—a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come."

My Thoughts:

I.Loved.This.Book!! 

I loved it so much, in fact, that I think this was the second time I read it- unintentionally. I don't remember the first time I read it, but I couldn't remember the plot, just bits and pieces, so I read it again. This time, my thoughts in bullets- 

{Spoiler Alert!}

-This had very little to do with bees, except for the excerpts before each chapter, which after a while I stopped reading because they seemed confusing

- I hated T-Ray. However I finally understood him (a little) at the very end

- I love how August (and all the sisters) knew who she was the entire time but didn't let on

- Also loved that she was so independent- she had her own business, her own house, and as she said she loved a man once, but loved her freedom more (I'm hearing Destiny's Child now...)

-May's death made me teary-eyed... which has only happened like once before

- Rosaleen is SO bold...love her

-The historical sections regarding desegregation were heartbreaking, yet realistic

-The entire novel was so well written. The scenes were vivid, the people were like your cousins down South, and the whole thing was riddled with poetry

- Lily is wiser than her years. Her story was one of courage, persistence, and faith. Faith and hope in the unknown.

My Favorite Quote: 

"There is nothing perfect... there is only life."

What are you reading? 

Link up with Heather and Katie!