Book Club Friday and The Nail Files

This Week I'm Sharing...

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.
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My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this book! It has been my favorite read this year.
I wasn't sure if I liked dystopian novels, with The Hunger Games being the first I've read of it's kind, but I definitely do! First of all, I loved how action-packed it was. It literally had me at the edge of my seat for most of it. Second, I loved the heroine, Tris. I loved how, though she wasn't fearless, she faked it until she made it.  I loved how she held her ground, even when it seemed impossible to do so. I loved how nerdy she was when it came to Four, and their overall relationship. And third, I loved how it was written. The style and pace were perfect, without being too confusing or too rushed. I HIGHLY recommend it -- 5 stars!!

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Essie "Come Here!"- love the bright orange color!

better lighting

And...

Essie "Chubby Cheeks"

non-wrinkly hand, to see the color

same color family, but just a touch more subdued for the office :)

It's "ME" Time, and I'll Do What I Want!

Tuesday nights are my favorite. My roomie is usually out, and I have the place all to myself, to do whatever I want- not that I plan on doing anything crazy, it's just nice to have a little "Me" time. It also was my favorite night for TV, but now my faves have ended *harumph*. Oh well, that just means more time to catch up! Here are some other things I like to do when I get some time to myself.

* Indulge
Carbs -specifically any form of pasta- and wine. The end. Judge all you want.

* Craft
I haven't done anything crafty since Christmas, when I made these cool glasses for some friends. So when one of my friends asked if I would be willing to make a centerpiece for an upcoming bridal shower, I jumped at the opportunity. You like?

* Mani/Pedi Time
As much as I'd rather pay for these services, sometimes I just can't justify the price, especially when I'm saving for something specific (Can't wait to see you again, Puerto Rico!). Getting a new, springy color makes me almost enjoy doing my nails.

* What to do while nails dry? Read and listen to music! The one above is for Book Club- so far, it's really good! Another option? Catch up on my favorite "girly" TV shows, particularly The Mindy Project, New Girl, and/or >cringe< any show with the Kardashians.

* Laundry
Doing laundry to me is like cleaning is to Monica from Friends. It's therapeutic. Plus, who doesn't like having nice, clean clothes to plan outfits with?!

Source: pegitboard.com via Dani on Pinterest

* Sleep!
Call me an old lady all you want, but I like going to sleep early. I don't have to stay up when I don't want to, or pretend to watch a show just so I don't feel guilty for wanting to sleep. I like waking up and not feeling like death. It's kind of awesome.

What do you do with your ME time?

The Happiness Report #31: Linky Love

Sometimes I find fun (and funny) links on the Internets, so that's what I'm sharing...and what's making me happy today. Enjoy!

*This seems like such a  fun idea... makes me wish I worked in NYC: Lunchtime Dance Break

*Sad Cat Diary:

*Traveling with a significant other? Here's some tips on how not to kill each other!

*I wish I had read this list 4 years ago: 25 Things Every Young Professional Should Know by 25

*Would you do this for some free gas? I don't think I could! Courtesy of Lo:

*This is both entertaining and depressing: Idiots on the Internet

*My Favorite is #4: Relationship Advice

See anything newsworthy on the Internets lately?

For the Last Time... It's OK!

I am so sad to say goodbye to this link-up! It was one of the first ones I ever participated in, and I want to thank Amber and Neely for hosting it for so long. Thanks ladies- it's been fun!!

And so, for the last time, "It's OK" that...

* I sometimes forget that I can watch my fave TV shows (after they have aired) on the computer
* I can't wait to catch up on some of them tonight
* I was a bit of a grump-ass yesterday because I thought the rain was going to make me cancel my plans again
* the rain held off, the sun came out, and I had a great night!
* I haven't posted any pics in awhile- however I finally uploaded them, so they will be posted soon! (Meanwhile, you can catch me in action on Instagram!)
* I am on another self-imposed spending freeze- gotta save some more $$ for vacation!
* to finally be getting back in the swing of things... kind of
* I may have seen the Great Gatsby twice in the last 3 days because I promised a friend I'd see it with her, but was also bored and wanting to see a movie on Sunday
* that same friend is pregnant and due any day now and I can't wait to meet her lil nugget
* I still don't know what I'm doing for this long weekend other than relaxing and remembering our servicemen who have passed away working to keep us safe

What are you saying "It's OK" to this week? Click the button to link up!

What are your plans for the holiday weekend?

Summer Bucket List

When warmer weather FINALLY hits, I want to do allthethings! So I found this over at Karla's blog, and thought I'd play along so I can actually remember all the things I want to do this summer!

1.     go on vacation somewhere warm and tropical (June can't come soon enough!)

2.     go down the Shore (that's what we say in Jersey!)

3.     go to a Phillies game (or 5)

4.       picnic in the park

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5.   see an outdoor movie

6.     get my hair did

7.     BBQ (or attend one)

Source: littlegerman.com via RELAX® Wines on Pinterest

8.     try 5 new restaurants

9.  have a bonfire/ roast marshmallows on an open fire

Source: blog.freepeople.com via Madeline | {petit vour} on Pinterest

10. RELAX!

11.  go to a concert/music festival

12.  go to a fair

Source: sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net via Brooklyn Taco on Pinterest

13.  have a movie or TV series marathon day

14.  purge all needless junk from my home, and update my closet

Source: designbuildlove.co via BlogHer on Pinterest

15. Take lots of pictures

16. Start (and finish?) a scrapbook

17.  tubing down the river (I want this every year, but probably won't happen...again... grumble)

Source: saltrivertubing.com via Cavalcade on Pinterest

18.  Read some good books

19.  go on a boat ride/short cruise

20.  watch fireworks

Source: flickr.com via Anang on Pinterest

What's on your summer bucket list? Any ideas that I missed?

The Happiness Report #30

- One of the funniest stories I've read in awhile... NSFW! A Toot Tale (not the real name of article)

- new shooooeeeesss

- getting back into crafting

- realizing that my local liquor store delivers! Can't decide if this is awesome, or very, very bad!

- being independent

- a new favorite song (especially the Indian sounding beat!):

 {Maybe} "this love ain't finished yet..."

- a super fun-filled weekend

- hand-delivered flowers

- finding money in unexpected places, like your jean jacket that you haven't worn since last year!

- you! THANK YOU for all your supportive comments since my last couple posts! They really helped, and I truly appreciate each and every one of you, even though I don't say it nearly enough!

What's making you happy this week?

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It's OK... I'm Coming Back!

Yes it's true, I am getting back into the regular flow of things, slowly but surely. It was nice to give myself a break for awhile, but I do miss this little blog of mine! And all of YOU!

There are only 2 more "It's OK" link-ups left, so I definitely want to participate! I really like this particular link up, and Miss Amber! Though I'm sad to see it go, I'm so happy I found it and got to join in the fun! Click the button if you want to join too!

This Week I'm saying "It's OK" to...

...not check your daily horoscope until the next day

...do this because you don't want to have a self fulfilling prophecy

...be a little freaked out when it's right/correct

...have dreams about friends being pregnant (and the gender) before your friends even know they're pregnant

...be a little freaked out by this as well

...not want to see bad things
...be surprised (and slightly annoyed) to find yourself watching (and enjoying) TV shows that you made fun of your bf for watching-- with you on this one Amber!

...get lost getting back to your apt, even though you only went 15 minutes away....right??

...buy one of those huge tote bags you made fun of your mom for carrying...

...not get the skirt you ordered because the store ran out of inventory... into the savings that money goes!

What are you saying "It's OK" to this week?

It's OK!

Good morning friends!
It's another dreary day here on the East coast, but I am trying to put a lil pep in my step and smile on my face! Today I am linking up with Amber for "It's OK" Thursdays. Won't you join me?


It's OK that...

- Link ups are about as much as I can handle at the moment... hopefully I'll be able to share some real content soon
- I'm not ready to share yet
- I am feeling so many emotions all at once and it's really confusing and hard to put into words
- I have a hard time dealing with my emotions
- I partook in some (online) retail therapy yesterday; I can't wait to get my goodies!
- My goals from the beginning of teh year to now have almost completely changed
- I wish I had more girlfriends to hang out with
- I am behind on my reading
- I try to see the silver linings and the good in every day
- Though this is a difficult time, I am trying to be strong and learn and grow

What are you saying It's OK to?

[Brief] Hiatus

So... some may have noticed that I haven't been around these parts much.
I am just going through some things that I'm not ready to explain just yet. But I'll be back. For now, I'll leave you with some things that I've been pinning and thinking lately...

Source: quotediary.me via Heather on Pinterest

Source: photos4.meetupstatic.com via Rhyomi on Pinterest

Source: katenikolas.tumblr.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Dani on Pinterest

Source: observando.net via Beth on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Jade on Pinterest

Goals Update : May

Get A New Job/ Career- CHECK!

Read 20 Books- two more down!

Go On Vacation- Bought my ticket, got the hotel/housing! Going to Puerto Rico in June!

Print Pictures and Make a Scrapbook- Lost interest. Removing from goals list for now. 

Save Save Save!

     - saving 10% of each paycheck

     - participating in the 52 Week Money Challenge: goal has changed. 

     - doing a Money Minute every 3 days

DeClutter/ Simplify- still haven't taken the bags to Goodwill, which is ok because I need to add to them. 

Pay Off (at least) One Student Loan
     - revisiting my budget
     - tracking expenses: kind of did this, but I forgot sometimes. Geared up to stay on track with this one this month.
     - going on a 3 month Spending Freeze (eek!): My spending freeze is now OVER! Hurray! Removing this one from the list

     - Side Hustles; hopefully $100/month: CHECK!

Work on Company- did some work, but not nearly enough. 

Learn to Say No- work in progress

How are you doing with your goals?