Are you a Shoponista?

So I was referred to "Shop It To Me"...the easiest way to bargain buy on the internet. You simply choose what brands you're interested in and then put in your sizes for just about everything - pants, shoes, underwear, etc. etc. and the email frequency.

Before you know it you'll be receiving emails with the day or week's bargains ALL IN YOUR SIZE. Now how easy is that? So try it out....

http://www.shopittome.com/

I still love my ruelala, smartbargains, and e-retailers but I'm definitely liking the Shop It To Me experience thus far. Here's what a sample email looks like -


Shopping for a significant other - you can also set up alerts to be notified of his/her sales too. Now who doesn't like a bargain?

Upcoming posts (in no particular order):
- The Red Tent
- Commencement weekend
- Back to Beaufort
- Marathon?

Black and Blue - Anna Quindlen

Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen was a pick from Oprah's Book Club list. The story revolves around Fran and her son as they escape their violent life for a new one. Fran - a nurse, is a victim of domestic violence. Through her work at the hospital she meets an advocate group that gives abused women new identities and lives far away from their abuser.

I won't provide much more detail than that without giving it all away. So...what did I think of the book? Well 1st of all I finished it in 1 1/2 days so its a pretty easy read - despite the fact its almost 400 pages. At first I was a little turned off by the book because I had already seen this story in a LifeTime movie (yes, the exact same story). But I stuck through it and ended up liking the book....I didn't remember the ending of the movie so that probably helped. I think the story might have been a little cliche but 'whatyagunnado'. It wasn't horrible so I'd rate it 2 1/2 to 3 stars.....

Harvesting the Heart - J. Picoult

A new mom haunted by her past leaves her husband and young baby behind to try and discover herself.
Through the book we learn of Paige as a child and how it shaped her into the young woman and mother she is. Even as an adult she struggles to find herself.

With Harvesting the Heart - anyone who's married young, become a young mother, or has a parent walk out on them can relate to Paige in her struggle. Full of self doubt - she's not equipped to take on the responsibility of life.

I think Picoult's books are definitely easy and entertaining reads. People (mostly women) can find something to relate to in Picoult's work. It's probably what makes her such a popular author among women. Of course some of her books are definitely better than others but each one has an element that gets you all wrapped up into the story...where you just want to know "WHAT HAPPENS".

So Harvesting the Heart was no different. I liked the book - the story....but the ending, well that left me wanting more. More information about what happens to Paige and her family....where does life take her after we've read the final word on the page.

The Executioner's Song

Author: Norman Mailer
Non-Fiction

I finally finished this book. It is 1,050 pages long and it was a beast!! The Executioner's Song is a non-fiction book about the story of Gary Gilmore. After being released from prison Gary murders 2 people in cold blood and is sentenced to death by the state of Utah.

What makes the story so interesting? Rather than appeal...Gary fights to die as religious and activist groups sue to keep him alive. In this book you not only see Gary's story but how he's affected those closest to him

I thought the book was good - there are a few slow parts such as: the case, additional trials, and death row....you know whats coming but you're not real sure how Mailer's going to get you there.
I think if you can stomach the read its an interesting story that provides you with a lot of insight into Salt Lake during this time. Once you do get to the 'nity gritty' its very heavy....a man is going to die after all.

Las Vegas - April 2009

Being the only person from my group of friends that lives out west...I often become the ambassadoress of Las Vegas. It's fun taking friends around to all the different spots - avoiding long lines, eating good food, shopping, etc.

We managed to check out the buffet at Paris (delish though I was let down by the desserts), BLT Burger at the restaurant, and the Terrace Cafe at the Wynn. All Delish, delish, delish!!!!

Here are the pics from our latest escapade.

Dinner - Our last night. Wynn Casino Hotel Terrace Cafe - It was DELISH!!!

Night 2 - The Bellagio Water Show.

Party Hardy Night 1 - Was this Tao or Lavo...I can't tell??

Going Out - Leaving the MGM....

The wonderful world of the internet

So my sister and I have created an online book club where we make book recommendations, vote, and read. We also get to find out if people have read other books, get feedback and all that good stuff.

I'm really excited about it. I love to read and I have a large group of friends with a similar interest spread out all over the US. So how do you have a book club like that? Well online of course!!! If you're interested in partaking - shoot me a comment and I'll send you an invite. It's done via facebook but I think anyone can join!

Right now I'm wrapping up on the Executioner's Song...as I've been doing for months. Its a long read - nonfiction. I'm almost to 900 pages with a little more than 300 to go!

His Brother's Keeper - Jonathan Weiner

His Brother's Keeper
Author: Jonathan Weiner
Non-Fiction

A story of trials, tribulations, setbacks, and so much promise. His Brother’s Keeper takes you through the story of the Heywood family – in particular Stephen and Jamie Heywood – as one brother fights to save the others life. In his late 20's Stephen Heywood is diagnosed with ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Jamie, his brother/engineer must race against the clock to find a cure or some hope to prolong his brother’s life.

ALS falls into the family of diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. I never knew much about any of these diseases besides what you hear in the news. When you read this book you’ll learn more about neurodegenerative diseases than you probably ever wanted to. Not because it’s boring but because the facts and statistics are very scary – those diagnosed with ALS have anywhere from 1-5 years to live depending upon the severity of the disease. In the case of ALS – the nerves within the spine die and the brain no longer sends signals to the rest of the body. Slowly your body starts to shut down, muscles deteriorate, and you become a prisoner within yourself. Simple tasks such as: swallowing, talking, and breathing become a problem but mentally you are strong and aware of everything going on. Think Stephen Hawking….

Besides learning about ALS, you are introduced to gene therapy, stem cell research and all those other “hot” topics that are widely debated between scientists, the government, and church.

Mixed in with the science and Heywood story is the author’s personal struggle with a neurodegenerative disease. His mother, in her 70’s suffers from LBD (Lewy Body Dementia).

So what do I think?

Should you read the book – I can’t say. It was heavy…it’s a great story, but it’s definitely not for everyone. I’ve read tons of sad books that leave me weeping and heavy hearted. Maybe this was different because it’s a true story and because I didn’t know ALS was such a death sentence. I read and read wondering will Jamie be able to save Stephen…and the entire time you wonder – how does Stephen feel. Most of the story is about what Jamie wants for Stephen and Stephen goes along with it because he loves his brother and of course wants to live, but it’s a lot to deal with. Then, slowly his body starts to betray him. So it's an interesting book - I'm not sure you get out of the ending what you hoped for...at least I didn't.

Interesting Video

It's not what you'd expect to see....

Very Crafty

So I bought some generic invites for my upcoming graduation ceremony, but then I thought how do I want to invite everyone to my grad party? Evite?? Email?? Word of mouth??

Well I decided to go to Michaels and check out the 'make your own' invitation since I had a 40% off coupon for 1 item. So I perused the story for nearly 40 minutes because the selection was incredible.

I've seen some 'homemade invites' before and I was not impressed....so I had low expectations. Not only are there tons of colors and designs to choose from - the kits are super simple to use. I particularly like the offering by Gartner Studios because there is large variety of designs for just about every taste - contemporary, modern, elegant, formal. I chose a yellow design....I think Elmond took a second glance b/c everything on the packaging says "BRIDE COLLECTION" but luckily the style, coloring, and layout ended up not being very 'wedding like'.

These kits aren't cheap, about 40.00 w/o tax but if you have the coupon it's well worth your while....so long as you choose a good font type, wording, and layout then you'll end up with something very professional.

American Idol - the update

Previous Post: Idol Fanatics
My Mood: Bummed

So I won't be posting my "Idol" attendance experience...looks like we're a no-go. The friend of a friend wasn't able to get tickets for the Tuesday night show. Apparently, it's been really difficult this season to get tickets. So you won't need to tune in to find me in the pit wearing my yellow blouse among the 15 year olds.

The Sweet By and By

The Sweet By an By
Author Todd Johnson

Set in the south, this book is about 4 women and their unlikely bond. The main characters of this book are: Margaret, Lorraine, Rhonda, and April. The story is touching as you in each women you find pain, strength, and an endless ability to love. Additional characters that support the story include: Bernice - a crazy woman who's lost her mind, Althea - Lorraine's fun and crazy sidekick, and Ann - Margaret's successful and loving daughter. I have decided to rate this book 4 1/2 stars - the story resonated within me. The story meant a lot to me partly because I grew up in the south and partly because the connection between these women is so strong. Toward the end of the book where April describes her mother in the hospital with a dying friend - and how the women circled the bed in their vigil...strong and bonded. It was very powerful. The book is separate in easy to read sections. Each section details the story of a particular main character.

Don't let the southern setting of this book deter you from reading it. I think sometimes you pick up a book set in the south and the 'southerness' of it can be over powering. You won't feel that way with this book - I promise.

Salt Lake City - Antelope Island & Olympic State Park

Can you find Elmond among the bison? Also - did you know bison and & buffalo are NOT the same.

Snowboarding Pics from Utah

Utah Pics

These are the pictures from Zion National Park and Kolob Canyon.

American Idol Fanatics

Hello you American Idol fanatics. Next week April 7th I will be attending the live recording of American Idol...so set up your VCR, Tivo, or DVR recordings and see if you can catch me in the audience.

Right now I think we'll be in the pit (yes will all the 15 year olds) but whatyagunnado. Hopefully Seacrest will get in there like he did a couple weeks ago and we'll get on camera - but maybe not.

Upcoming posts:
- My Utah pictures
- The American Idol experience
- New reads