Book Bash Haul

Happy Hump Day, fellow bookworms! This past weekend I went to the annual KDL Book Bash. The Disctrict Library holds a book sale each year to raise money for it's summer reading programs. That's a cause I can get behind. I did reading programs at my library as a child and my 2 year old niece has carried on the tradition!

This was my first time attending the Book Bash and it was way more popular than I thought! Parking was NUTS and there were so many people inside the warehouse. It was heaven, though - this huge warehouse filled with boxes and boxes, and tables and tables of books! I wish I would have gotten a picture! On Friday I picked up 7 books and I decided to go back on Sunday because it was fill a bag for $5. I hit the jackpot on Sunday. It was a little calmer, but there was still plenty of inventory. I found some books that are on my to read list, some books  by authors I like, and even more that caught my eye and sounded good!

Here's what was in my haul for only $14 (!!!):

29 Books:

Gossip of the Starlings by Nina de Gramont

Anne Frank Remember by Miep Gies

Miranda's Big Mistake by Jill Mansell

The Doctor's Wife by Elizabeth Brundage

A Paper Life by Tatum O'Neal

A Passionate Man by Joanna Trollpe

The Hotel Riviera by Elizabeth Adler

Sweet Love by Sarah Strohmeyer

The History of Dance by Mary Clarke and Clement Crisp

Mothers and Other Liars by Amy Bourret

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

The Finishing Touches by Hester Browne

The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella

A Royal Duty by Paul Burrell

Princess Charming by Jane Heller

This Side of Married by Rachel Pastan

The Lucky Ones by Rachel Cusk

Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan

The Keep by Jennifer Egan

In The River Sweet by Patricia Henley

All These Girls by Ellen Slezak

Alphabet Weekends by Elizabeth Noble

Fat Chance by Deborah Blumenthal

Confessions of a Beauty Addict by Nadine Haobsh

Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner

Knitting by Anne Bartlett

Escape by Barbara Delinsky

Drifting by Stephanie Gerler

What Remains by Carole Radziwill

3 Audio Books:

Mommywood by Tori Spelling

Saving Graces by Elizabeth Edwards

Sarah by Kaylene Johnson The Town


1 DVD:
The Town

Can't wait for next year's Bash!

Dream Destinations: Monaco

Welcome to Travel Tuesday Dream Destinations Edition. Our first stop on my dream tour around the world...



I would love to take my husband to Monaco for the Monaco Grand Prix at some point in our lifetimes, and take him to the Museum of Antique cars to see the private collection of H.S.H Prince Rainier III. I don't know if the hubs would be stoked about the second thing, he'd deam it "cool," but he'd totally freak out (on the inside, of course) about going to the Grand Prix.

I'm a huge fan of history and site seeing on a vacation, and there are pleny of sites to see in Monte Carlo! There's the Princess Grace Rose Garden, the Prince's Palace (Palais du Prince), and the Monaco Cathedral, final resting place of Princess Grace (aka Grace Kelly). Not to mention Monte Carlo is located in the French Riveria on the Ligurian Sea. Hello, Larvotto Beach! Along with amazing weather and temperatures year round, Monte Carlo has great resturants, shopping, and casinos.

I would die to watch even one match of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters and take a romantic helicopter tour of Monaco.

With great weather, outdoor activites, and architecure what's not to love?

Have you ever been to Monaco?

What are some of your dream destinations?

Today I am linking up with...



Feelin' Every Year

I'm turning 30 in July. Despite the extra junk in the trunk, I haven't felt like I've been getting older.... until Friday. I took the afternoon off work so I could go the dentist and eye doctor. 

I found that I have to have two more cavities filled. WTF Seriously, how did I get two new cavities in a matter of 6 months? Second, my jaw is tender and certain teeth are sensitive because I grind, per the dentist. I've been told for years I should have a mouth guard/splint. This may be the year that I have to invest in one that's custom made.

After all of the happy news from the dentist I headed to the eye doctor for my first appointment in 6 years. Guess who has to get glasses? This girl does! Currently, I only have reading glasses. Now, I need a pair for driving especially at night and when it's raining or overcast to help improve my distance vision. The doc also detected some gray spots on my retinas. So, not only do I have to go back to the dentist, but I have to go to the eye doctor as well so he can dilate my eyes and measure the spots to determine whether I need to see a specialist. I'll have to go once a year to have these spots monitored.

I've never been one who worried about getting older. I've always been excited about it... getting married, having my own pet, buying a house, etc. Great things have happened to me with each passing year. It just hit me that I'm not 15 or even 20 anymore, I am 30 and these types of changes are going to happen more often from here on out. I'm far from the geriatric ward, but after those appointments I'm feelin' every year of 30!

Any other '84 babies out there turning 30 this year?

Friday Royal Wrap Up

The Royal Tour Down Under has officially come to an end. I'd like to share five more of my favorite pictures for Five on Friday and Friday Favorites. Happy Friday and have a great weekend!


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//5//



Mental Health Awareness

About 57.7 million Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Mental illnesses include, but are not limited to: depression, PTSD, panic, anxiety, OCD, social phobias, eating disorders, and some forms of stress. Are you or is someone you know affected by mental health issues?

Did you know we can help ourselves and loved ones? Because of the stigma associated with mental illness, many people are too ashamed or embarrassed to seek the help they need for themselves or their loved ones. National Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrated in May since 1949, is a time for us work together to break through that stigma. Now is the time to express compassion for those who struggle with mental health issues and draw attention to the proven methods that can help change their lives for the better.

Support Mental Health Awareness Month by joining the Go Green Swap and plastering social media! Sign up to swap green accessories and wear them proudly throughout the month of May.

• Sign ups end TODAY!
  

• Leave a comment on this past with your name, e-mail address, and blog address (if you have one) or e-mail your information to BloggerAsh703@gmail.com to sign up.

• Swap partners will be assigned on Thursday, April 23. You will be notified who your partner is through e-mail. Contact your partner by the end of the day on Friday, April 24.

• Shop for your partner. Spend $10-$15 on a GREEN COLORED accessory or accessories for your partner. Think jewelry, socks, scarves, etc.

• Mail your package by Saturday, May 3. This gives you an entire week to shop!

• Come back here to link up and show off your goods on Friday, May 9.

• Spread the word now! Invite friends and other bloggers to join the swap. Get on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. to promote mental health awareness! #mentalhealthawareness, #gogreenswap, #nomorestigma #mentalhealthmonth

Strapped for cash and can't participate? No worries! It's all about raising awareness. Tweet, Facebook, and Instagram facts or share your story during the month of May. Pick out green accessories you already have and wear them proudly! Get the word out - #nomorestigma! 

April Subscription Boxes

Getting this done over the weekend to post on Monday was an epic fail, so Take 2 on Tuesday...

Again, super excited to get my Ipsy bag and Birchbox in the mail this month, but before we get to the product glutny let's talk about something that really matters...

1. About 57.7 million Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.
2. Today, more people die from suicide in the United States than from traffic accidents or homicides.
3. We lose 25 soldiers to suicide for every solider lost in combat.
4. Because of the stigma associated with mental illness, many people are too ashamed or embarrassed to seek the help they need for themselves or their loved ones.
   

Support Mental Health Awareness Month (May) by joining the Go Green Swap and plastering social media! Sign up to swap green accessories and wear them proudly throughout the month of May. Hop over here to sign up - it takes less than 2 minutes!
#gogreenswap #mentalhealthawareness #nomorestigma #mentalhealthmonth

In April's "Rainy Days" Birchbox I received Beauty Protector's Protect & Detangle,  Color Club's Gala Gem Collections mini nail polish in Aquamarine Azulino, Color Contrast Eyeliner in Jamun (deep purple) by Sumita, and Supergoop! Daily Correct SPF 35 CC Cream.

Box Pros: I would use all of these products. I always, always, always use a leave in conditioner/detangler after I wash my hair so the Protect & Detangle will come in handy. I'm so excited that the eyeliner was purple! Purple is my favorite color and I often wear Clinique's Quick Liner Intense is Aubergine.  The nail polish I received was a pearlized sky blue color. It worked for me because I was nail colors that pop!

Box Cons: None. Another amazing Birchbox!

April's Ipsy Glam bag theme was "Beauty Rocks!" In my Beauty Rocks bag I found an Ubran Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil (travel size) in black velvet, a Costal Scents medium shadow brush, Elizabeth Mott Pop Goes the Shadow in Champagne, Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion, and Luscious Long Wear Lip Pencil in nude from Starlooks.

Bag Pros: They actually sent me colors I will wear! Finally, finally! I am blown away by the fact they they had Urban Decay products this month. I'm so hooked on the eye liner that I may have to purchase the full size... in multiple colors. It glides on so easy and gives this intense color. Love it! I use exfoliatant products once a week, so Dr. Brandt's microdermabrasion is great, and the champagne colored eye shadow is perfect for me!

Bag Cons: I don't really use lip liner, but I've been more adventurous with my makeup lately so I will hang out to it. The makeup bag itself had a terrible vinyl/plasticy smell.

Ipsy vs. Birchbox: I'll go with Ipsy because they have sucked so bad in the past and this time they actually sent me stuff I will use! I'm in love with eyeliner and eyeshadow that Ipsy sent me. Congrats, Ipsy - your first win!

Use my referral codes!

http://www.ipsy.com/r/5fw9

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/nd5kd

OUTTAKES:

Taco Casserole

A healthified version of Diary of Real Housewife's taco casserole.

Ingredients:

1 cup dry brown ice

1 lb ground turkey

1 cup corn, room temperature

½ cup black beans, rinsed, drained, room temperature

1 package taco seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup shredded cheese

1 tomato

Fat Free Sour Cream or Non Fat Plain Greek Yogurt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook rice on stove to according to package directions.
3. White your rice is cooking, brown ground turkey until fully cooked. Season turkey with taco seasoning.
4. In a casserole dish add cooked brown rice, cooked and seasoned turkey, corn, and black beans, and mix together. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes.
6. Garnish with tomato and sour cream or non fat Greek yogurt.

Five on Friday

Enjoy this week's contribution to Five on Friday and Friday Favorites! Happy Weekend!

//1// I am hosting a swap that benefits mental health awareness. Here are the facts:

• May has been observed as National Mental Health Awareness Month since 1949.
  
• Mental health issues affect as many as one in four Americans.
  
• More people die from suicide in the United States than from traffic accidents or homicides.
  
• We lose 25 soldiers to suicide for every solider lost in combat.
  
• Because of the stigma associated with mental illness, many people are too ashamed or embarrassed to seek the help they need for themselves or their loved ones. 

Support Mental Health Awareness Month by joining the Go Green Swap and plastering social media! Sign up to swap green accessories and wear them proudly throughout the month of May.

• Sign ups are open until Wednesday, April 23.
• Leave a comment on this past with your name, e-mail address, and blog address (if you have one) or e-mail your information to BloggerAsh703@gmail.com to sign up.
  
• Swap partners will be assigned on Thursday, April 23. You will be notified who your partner is through e-mail. Contact your partner by the end of the day on Friday, April 24.
  
• Shop for your partner. Spend $10-$15 on a GREEN COLORED accessory or accesosries for your partner. Think jewelry, socks, scarves, etc.
  
• Mail your package by Saturday, May 3. This gives you an entire week to shop!
  
• Come back here to link up and show off your goods on Friday, May 9.
  
• Spread the word now! Invite friends and other bloggers to join the swap. Get on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. to promote mental health awareness! #mentalhealthawareness, #gogreenswap, #nomorestigma #mentalhealthmonth
  
  

//2// I signed up for Chaotic Goddess Swaps latest - The Favorite Color Swap. I'm excited who I will get partnered with and what color palette I will be shopping for!  

 

Thanks for another awesome swap, CG!

//3//, //4//, and //5//
The royals are still on tour! Here are three of my favorite pics from last week.

There were so many great photos taken this week it was hard to choose. Check out What Would Kate Do and What Kate Wore for more pictures!

Michigan Made Products

I recently joined the Midwest Bloggers network where I have been able to connect with others in my adopted region of the country. In honor of my new home and all the other Midwest bloggers out there I'm sharing some amazing Michigan made products!

In 1959, a Michigan meat-packing company, Hygrade Food Products, was chosen to be the exclusive hot dog supplier to the Detroit Tigers Stadium. The company launched a contest to decide on the best brand name for these hot dogs, and the winner was chosen as "Ball Park Franks." Today, these delicious dogs are still served up at Tigers games and can be found in your favorite grocery

A bevy of boxed baking mixes from Chelsea, MI has made it possible for families to enjoy the fresh taste of everything from cornbread to pancakes – and who could forget that little blue box?

Gerber Products Company has been producing baby food and baby products since 1927, when it was founded in Fremont, Michigan by Daniel Frank Gerber. Today, the company is still located in Fremont. Frank's wife began the business making hand-strained food for their seven-month-old daughter, and Frank soon saw a business opportunity. Within six months of creating a small product line, Gerber's baby foods were being sold nationwide. Today, Gerber offers more than 90 products worldwide and controls 83 percent of the U.S. baby food market.

Whirlpool is the global producer of home appliances that was founded and currenly has headquarters in St. Joseph, Michigan on the gorgeous west coast of Michigan. Need something from Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air or another great household appliance manufacturer? Well, those and more happen to fall under the umbrella of the Whirlpool company.

These makers of industrial strength work clothes are well known for their  warm coats and bib overalls found on construction sites all over the world over. Carhartt also overs a women's apparel collection, streetwear line, and donated thousands of pieces to rescue workers after 9/11. The company was founded 125 years ago in Dearborn, MI where its headquarters remain and where the descendents of its founder Hamilton Carhartt still own and run the company as a private venture.

What are some products or brands that have come out of your state or region?

And while you're here...

Join the Go Green Accessories Swap that benefits mental health awareness. Get to scoop and sign up here.

#mentalhealthmonth

#bethechange

#nomorestigma

#mentalhealthawareness



Literary Junkies Link Up

I know everyone loves a good swap! Who doesn't love meeting new people and getting free stuff? The Go Green Accessories Swap is even better because it supports mental health awareness. Check out the details here and then sign up.

Today, more people die from suicide in the United States than from traffic accidents or homicides, and we lose 25 soldiers to suicide for every solider lost in combat. Unfortunately, because of the stigma associated with mental illness, many people are too ashamed or embarrassed to seek the help they need for themselves or their loved ones. National Mental Health Awareness Month is a time for us work together to break through that stigma. AWARENESS IS THE FIRST STEP TO A HEALTHIER NATION!

Now on the the Literary Junkies Link Up (my favorite!).

Here are this month's questions:

1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it!

I'm finishing up the Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service by Beth Kendrick. I was looking for an easy read. This one has turned out to be too easy and super corny. I wouldn't recommend it.

2. Divergent, Hunger Games, or Twilight. Which do you prefer and why? (If you've never read them which do you think you'd prefer?)

It's between Divergent and Hunger Games, although I've read all three series. However, I do like the love story in Twilight...

3. TV Series Based on Books they start out very close to the book to draw in the fans but then will start to separate themselves by changing things and adding characters. What are you thoughts on this?

I think they have to do this. I don't think there is enough conent in books to actually make a long running series.

4. You've just been recruited to help a movie studio bring your favorite book to the big screen. What's the movie and who are you choosing to play the main characters?

I'd pick 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult. It's very relevant in our culture today.

Josie Cormier played by Victoria Justice

Alex Cormier played by Anna Gunn

Peter Houghton played by Michael Sera

Lewis Houghton played by Daniel Craig

 Lacy Houghton played by Diane Lane

Patrick Dutcharme played by Sean Bean

Jordan McAfee played by Hugh Laurie

and

Matt Royston played by Robbie Amell

5. Going back to the above question, do you keep it word for word the same or do you use this chance to change little things you thought would make the book better?

I would have the author write the screen play so that some of her original ideas that may not have fit in print form could be shared in movie form.

6. After you finish a physical copy of a book do you keep it for a reread, put it on a shelf to collect dust, donate it to Goodwill, or do you just not purchase physical copies of books?

I put it on a shelf in my home library (arranged alphabetically by author's last name, of course).

HAPPY READING FELLOW JUNKIES!

Go Green for Mental Health Awareness Accessories Swap

Since 1949, May has been observed as National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when advocates and activists across the country draw attention to the mental health issues that affect as many as one in four Americans. Today, more people die from suicide in the United States than from traffic accidents or homicides, and we lose 25 soldiers to suicide for every solider lost in combat.

Unfortunately, because of the stigma associated with mental illness, many people are too ashamed or embarrassed to seek the help they need for themselves or their loved ones. National Mental Health Awareness Month is a time for us work together to break through that stigma. Now is the time to express compassion for those who struggle with mental health issues and draw attention to the proven methods that can help change their lives for the better.

Support Mental Health Awareness Month by joining the Go Green Swap and plastering social media! Sign up to swap green accessories and wear them proudly throughout the month of May.

• Sign ups start today and go through next Wednesday, April 23.
• Leave a comment on this post with your name, e-mail address, and blog address (if you have one) or e-mail your information to BloggerAsh703@gmail.com to sign up.
• Swap partners will be assigned on Thursday, April 23. Make sure to contact your partner ASAP!
• Shop for your partner. Spend $10-$15 on a GREEN COLORED accessory or accessories for your partner. Think jewelry, socks, scarves, etc.
• Mail your package by Saturday, May 3. This gives you an entire week to shop!
• Come back here to link up and show off your goods on Friday, May 9.
• Start to spread the word now! Invite other friends/bloggers to join the swap and get on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. to promote mental health awareness. #gogreenswap #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmonth Keep it up throughout the month of May!

I hope you'll consider joining the swap so we can put mental health in the LIME-light

Thanks to Aubrey from Dreaming About Someday for the awesome idea! I participated in her blue nail polish swap for autism awareness.

Resources:

mentalhealthamerica.net

nami.org

thesoliderproject.org