The Happiness Report #5

Things That Made Me Happy This Week:

Source: girlyme.tumblr.com via Miss Angie on Pinterest

- C GOT A JOB! 

- pumpkin chocolate chip muffins 

- going to the movies 

- impromptu lunch dates with my boo 

- pictures of my Godson in the outfit I sent him

- dinner dates with girlfriends

- friends stopping by just to hang out

- my new Betty Crocker baking pan and carrier

- changing over to fall clothes

- celebratory dinners with great friends

What's making you smile this week?

Book Club Friday: Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet

This week I'm sharing...

From GoodReads: 

"Jeeta’s family is caught up in the whirlwind of arranging marriages for her two older sisters, but the drama and excitement leave Jeeta cold. Even though tradition demands the parade of suitors, the marriage negotiations and the elaborate displays, sixteen-year old Jeeta wonders what happened to the love and romance that the movies promise? She dreads her turn on the matrimonial circuit, especially since Mummy is always complaining about how Jeeta’s dark skin and smart mouth will turn off potential husbands. But when Jeeta’s smart mouth and liberal ideas land her in love with her friend’s cousin Neel, she must strike a balance between duty to her tradition-bound parents, and the strength to follow her heart."

My Thoughts:

C picked this up for me for free from his former school's library. I had little expectations for this, which is possibly why I enjoyed it so much. From the description, it sounded like the same story about arranged marriages. Which it was, but it went a little bit into caste systems and historic versus modern views of marriage. It also touched on domestic abuse and discrimination based on skin color. It was all delivered from an 16 year old Jeeta. I really liked that she spoke her mind openly (though often without thinking)- it made it seem more realistic, and showed how others reacted to and perceived a female speaking out so strongly. This was definitely a quick, easy, if not somewhat fluffy read. 

Fall Bucket List

Though summer is my favorite season, there are things to love about Autumn...

 The leaves are changing, the weather gets cooler, and homey fragrances like nutmeg and cinnamon waft through the air... 

along with stale beer and screaming football fanatics, and kids on candy sugar highs!

Here's a couple of fun things I hope to do this Fall

*Decorate my mantle... for the first time in 3 years!

via Liz on Pinterest

via Leslie on Pinterest

*Bake an apple AND pumpkin pie 

* Celebrate Oktoberfest

*Visit the pumpkin patch and corn maze farm 

Source: buzzfeed.com via Shelley on Pinterest

This would be me!  Though I don't think C would let us call 911!

*Visit a winery/ vineyard

* Go Apple picking

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Margie on Pinterest

*Paint and carve pumpkins to decorate our front porch 

*Bake these awesome Oreo Pumpkin Cheesecakes as seen on Wifesessionals!

Source: laurenslatest.com via Karin on Pinterest

* Have a PSL from Starbucks... at least 3x

*Host a fun football party 

*Watch scary movies, particularly Poltergeist since I've never seen it!

What's on your Fall Bucket List?
Link up with Michelle!

Beliefs

I believe in...

- comfortable underwear

- the idea that beauty is in the eye of the beholder

- taking time for yourself

- "work hard, play hard"

- great food

- surprises

Source: 364quotes.blogspot.com via Dani on Pinterest

- cuddles

- venting

- having some privacy

- basic workplace etiquette

- having fun

Source: weheartit.com via Angela on Pinterest

- spending time with friends

- having hobbies

- doing what you love

- traveling and learning about different cultures

- making mistakes, and learning from them

- love

- karma

Source: 26.media.tumblr.com via Mariana on Pinterest

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Kris on Pinterest

- creativity

- randomness

- eating raw cookie dough

- finding (or creating) happiness in every day

- long distance phone calls

- perfect fitting jeans

- the American Dream

Source: Uploaded by user via Utku on Pinterest

- freedom

- the power of music to change your mood

- paying it forward

- God

- forgiveness

- "Everything happens for a reason"

Source: dontakeitforgranted.tumblr.com via Angelica on Pinterest

Want to share what you believe in? Link up with Erin here!

The Happiness Report #4

Things That Made Me Happy This Week:

- Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Coffee

- getting dressed up

- Utz Cheese Curls

- chocolate chip banana bread

- Phillies!

- Essie's Size Matters

- gettin my nails done

- long phone calls

- sending care packages

- Personal days/ days off

What's making you smile?

Book Club Friday: Gone Girl

This week I'm sharing...

From Goodreads: 

"On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?"

My Thoughts:

I loved this book. LOVED. I wasn't sure when I started, because as soon as Nick's wife disappears, he starts acting shady. Like, he doesn't seem to care enough. Or at all. He doesn't come off as angry, sad, scared... nothing. He doesn't even seem that interested in finding her until he realizes the cops are closing in on him, and his life is suddenly on the line. 

Amy had me completely fooled. This is what I loved most- I was on the edge of my seat once he started caring and the clues kept pointing to him. First Andie, and then all of the clues having a double meaning, and then Amy as herself instead of doting, scared wife. I was like.... Nooooo WAAAY! I can't say too much else without giving it away- I was so happy I didn't read any reviews before I read this one for once.  But I can say that I really liked the two different voices, the alternating between the two, and playing off of each other. I liked Nick when he finally started showing some emotion. I thought Go was a great little addition to really get Nick to talk and bounce off of. 

I also liked how the media and society played into it, one minute they are all rooting for Amy, the next minute rooting for Nick- so easy to manipulate with just a few suave lines. It was realistic. 

Overall, I found it witty, darkly humorous, and above all, psychotic! I would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a psychological thriller. 

Fave Make Up Products

Kelly over at Kelly's Korner is doing a new Show Us Your Life series, and this time she wants to know... what are your fave beauty products? Honestly, I hardly ever wear make up, unless I'm going out somewhere other than work. (Because really, who am I trying to impress at work?!) Regardless of where I'm headed, I always use:

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer (SPF15)

Neutrogena Daily Scrub
MAC blush in Flirt n Tease

On the rare occasions I do glam up for work, I keep it super simple:

Clinique Sugar Bean Soft Shine (I think- I bought it quite a while ago, and the name has scratched off)

Maybelline Grey Matters or Cover Girl "Morning Cocoa", "Golden Sunrise", First Light"

Maybelline Full n Soft Mascara (not pictured)

BBW Liplicious Frozen Daiquiri (love the subtle color and shimmer, and it smells delicious. And C actually picked it out!)

When I'm gearing up for a big night out, I turn to these faves:

Urban Decay Naked Palette (and primer)- has just about every color you could need for a natural or dramatic look. Tried and true greatness. Love!

Maybelline Define A Lash mascara- this is a new addition. My friend bought it by accident, and was embarrassed to return it, so she gave it to me (still in packaging; I don't like sharing). It is AWESOME. Seriously. To the point where C actually commented on my long lashes!

Smashbox Lash DNA mascara- for thick, dramatic lashes. Got this in a sample and really like it.

Ulta Automatic Eyeliner in black- not my fave. It always seems to melt off my face and wind up under my eyes by the end of the night, even if I've used primer, pressed powder, etc. Not sure if it's me or the formula, but I'm looking for a new one. Any suggestions?

And when all is said and done, and I'm ready to take it all off, I use Clinique's Take The Day Off Make Up Remover - I've tried other brands, but nothing works as well as this stuff, especially on "long lasting" eye make up!

What are some of your fave beauty products? Any recommendations, especially for eyeliner? Let me know!

Oh, How Pinteresting!

It's Wednesday! Woohoo Happy Hump Day! This week I'm linking up with Michelle for "Oh, How Pinteresting!" If you want to join, just click the button and share your fave pins!

Source: shorm.tumblr.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Bahaha... love that they drew her! Too funny!

Source: nauticalandnice.tumblr.com via Dani on Pinterest

I could see myself saying this! She looks especially cute in this screen shot!

Source: whatshewore365.blogspot.com via Dani on Pinterest

Love this outfit. I definitely did a similar version of this with a maxi dress I have. And I refuse to believe it's too cool to keep wearing this!

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Kristen on Pinterest

"I love you more than yesterday and less than tomorrow"

Source: someecards.com via Angela on Pinterest

I think C feels this way every time he tries a new recipe!

Source: tumblr.com via Zoie on Pinterest

So not ready! Cuteness overload!

Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Katie on Pinterest

Presidential Fist BUMPS!

Source: mlkshk.com via Amanda on Pinterest

The Fight That Never Was

So remember when I wrote here that I was worried about a friendship and not sure if I was gonna let it go? Quite a few of you commented to just wait it out and/or, so I did. First I waited, but then I cracked, and sent a text:

You guys were right... she was just super busy being a working single mother. And she more than made it up to me. You can imagine my surprise when this arrived in the mail: 

My first Coach bag! Eeee! But that wasn't even the best part... my favorite were the pics (he's getting SO big!) and the card, which I am not sharing, but in it she apologized and thanked me for being a great Godmother and friend. It made me tear up. I guess that's all I really wanted, just some acknowledgement and appreciation. It sounds silly, especially now, but it's the truth. It's nice to know that you are thought about and appreciated every once in a while! 

As soon as I got it, I called her and we had another long talk- just about life in general and catching up. Once I  talked to her, I felt so much better. She wasn't trying to cut me out, she just had no time. I found out that she got a new job at Microsoft (hence the water bottle and lunchbag!) and G Baby would be starting pre-K this year, and joining soccer! And other family stuff going on. 

I did not wind up going to Puerto Rico this summer, but hopefully I will by the end of the year, and if I don't I will definitely go for G Baby's next birthday. I'm just happy that we were able to get through this rough patch, and we got a much better understanding of what we're both going through. Plus... I missed my friend!

Also, just wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you that commented! I'm not sure this all would have gone so smoothly if it wasn't for all of your advice. This situation also brightened my eyes to how much I really enjoying blogging and the blogging community, so thanks again!

An Award and Some Fun Facts

Happy Monday!
The lovely Jordan at Musings of a Twenty Something nominated me for an award! This was huge, since she is one of my fave bloggers! Thanks so much girl! You should go check her out... seriously. Go. I'll wait...

So.

Here are the rules:
1. Nominate up to 15 fellow bloggers who are relatively new to blogging
2. Let the nominated bloggers know that they have been nominated for this award
3. Share 7 random facts about yourself
4. Thank the blogger who has nominated you
5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your post

Fun Fact #1
My nickname is Desiqua. It was made up by an ex, but I kind of love it. It is a mixture of my two nationalities. Desi  is a nickname for Indian (from India, not American Indian), and -Qua from Boriqua, which is a nickname for a Puerto Rican.

Fun Fact #2
I am not a good cook. Like, at all. The only thing I can really make is pancakes. Oh, and tuna noodle casserole. However, I make a mean pumpkin pie! [This is also why I make sure my man can cook before I date him... for real. What? A girl's still gotta eat!]

Fun Fact #3
I'm naturally thin. And I'm short (5'2"ish). And my voice is a little high pitched- someone actually asked me on Friday if I had ever auditioned to be a voice of a cartoon (The answer is no.). People tend to think I'm much younger than I am, and I always get carded, but I've become "ok" with that.

Fun Fact #4 
I'm an adrenaline junkie. I will try almost anything for a rush. When I was little, I wanted to go on the biggest, baddest rollercoasters and free falls. In college, I moved on to jumping off cliffs into waterfalls (Spring Break 2005) and white water rafting. And just last summer, I went skydiving for the first time. C kept asking me why I wanted to jump out of a perfectly good plane, but I just wanted the rush! Which I certainly got!

Fun Fact #5
I wear my heart on my sleeve... or my face. I wish I could control it, but I can't! Whatever mood I'm in, you can tell just by looking at me. If you don't know me well, I can usually get away with the "fake" smile. However even if I'm smiley and talking about nonsense, C and close friends know when something is up right away. It's a plus and a minus!

Fun Fact #6
I played the alto saxophone from 4th grade through high school. The thing was as big as me! I was the only girl who played from 6th grade on, and I was really good! I remember I even got a few solos in the Jazz Band. I even participated in marching band. Yes, giant plume and all! We did competitions, and my favorite memory was getting to march in Giants Stadium! We didn't place, but it was still really cool! We played the Hunchback of Notre Dame. [Funny the things we remember!]

Fun Fact #7
I love a good deal. I'm not one of those Crazy Coupon Ladies (though I do use coupons often, but we don't have a stockpile of anything), but I will wait for items to go on sale, or check different stores for similar items. I use Groupon and Living Social (among others) for entertainment deals. Paperback Swap lets me trade books (fo free!) and Smartbook Worms has severely discounted ebooks. And of course I love outlet shopping and TJ Maxx/Marshalls!

And the nominees are...

1. Beth - Shug in Boots 

2. Amy Lynn- Suburban Blender 

3. Jessica - My Bag of Sunshine 

4. Amanda - Champagne and Sunshine 

5. Kristen - Established: 2008

6.Becca - Oh, The Places You'll Go 

7. Kate - Sweet Southern Sunshine 

8. Michele - Short Girl, Long Island 

9.Nikki - My Life My Way 

10. Michelle - My Simple Life 

11. Erica - Pocket Full of Chuckles 

12. Bailey J - Being Bailey J 

13. Nichole - Life as a Newlywed 

14.Jess - The Pretty Physicist  

15. E - E is Random 

The Happiness Report #3

Source: imgfave.com via Scottie on Pinterest

- the above quote!

- crockpot pulled pork

- drinks on a patio

- San Gennaro Italian Festival

- venting with a good friend

- random text messages saying "I miss youuu" from a far away friend

- Beach Cabana scented candles

- The Voice is back!

- Four Weddings marathons

- Angry Orchard beer

- Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn

What made you smile this week?

Book Club Friday: Fifty Shades Freed

This Week I'm Sharing...

From GoodReads: 

"Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian's singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. Now, together, they have more-love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian's opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana's worst nightmares come true."

My Thoughts:

This would be my favorite out of the series, if there could be one. By page 223 I almost gave up. "Not sure if I can make it to the end. The writing is awful and really getting on my nerves!" 

So yeah, the writing is still awful. And I definitely skimmed the racy parts because they were getting pretty predictable and really, just not that interesting. However, this is the first time Ana had a spine, which I really enjoyed. She stood up for herself more openly. Sh was willing to fight for what she wanted and believed in, even if she was going to stay with Christian, it was on more level terms. 

I also liked, again, that there was some action. Of course, it was extremely predictable; I am not usually a guesser but had this one nailed early on, but I still liked that it was there. And we get insight into the rest of Christian's story- the missing piece, the forgotten years. 

Honestly, I was so happy when I finished this series. I felt free! Free from trying to force myself through these. 

The word count wasn't as shocking in this book, but if you want to see it (along with some really funny gifs), click here!

Did you read this? What did you think? 

It's OK!

This week I'm saying "It's OK" that...

Christina won Hell's Kitchen! I was totally rooting for her, and I'm so glad she won! I'll admit, I teared up a bit!

I saw parts of a Guns Rights documentary on HBO... and I almost lost my shit. Someone actually said "Are you aware that Jesus Christ supported the right to bear arms, the right to concealed carry, and the right to own an assault weapon" and another guy agreed with him and said that it's the historical equivalent of carrying a sword... SERIOUSLY PEOPLE?! Um yeah, because there were guns in Year 0?! Of course. ARGH!

My girlfriend is having a baby! Lil R is due 3/19/13 and I couldn't be more excited for them!

My other girlfriend/coworker quit. I'm sad because she's no longer at work with me, but happy that she found something else that will make her happier and more successful, and where she can better utilize her skills.

I finally finished the 50 Shades series. MORE than ok. I was over it!

I thought our book club meeting was coming up this Monday, but I was off by a month! But it's OK because now I'm reading our book, "Gone Girl", and it is AWESOME!

I lost my fantasy football game last week. 66 to 99. Ouch.

C cooked 3 times this week. 3 TIMES! And they were all delish! *love*

THE VOICE IS BACK! *let the Adam worship commence!*

To be super excited that the San Gennaro Festival is back! And we're going tomorrow night! Italian food is my fave, C's friend works one of the stands (hello, free sausage/pepper sandwiches!) and who doesn't love a good street festival?!

San Gennaro Festival, Mulberry St., NYC 2011

What's OK with you this week?