Unbroken - another must read

I'm not a huge non-fiction fan, but for some reason I've read 2 in a row and started another last night.  This book was good...it was great!

Unbroken is written by the same author that wrote Seabiscuit, so if you're a fan of that piece of work, you're sure to be a fan of this one. Hillenbrand takes you through the courageous story of L. Zamperini, an Italian American slated to become a famous Olympic runner but is drafted during WWII as a bombardier.

The book starts at the beginning of Louie's life to give you a background into his character, personality, and perseverance...all setting the stage for the trials and tribulations he will endure over 3 periods as a Japanese POW.

Louie's story is riveting. It took me about 1 1/2 days to finish 398 pages.  If you're not familiar with the story, the book cover and synopsis gives it away - yes Louie survives, but how long does he suffer, how does he suffer, and how he manages is remarkable.  If you're at all spiritual, you'll enjoy the end of the book a lot.  The last 10 pages or so were really touching.  They made me think..... I walked away from the book in amazement.

Tastykake

So I received a s'mores flavored tastykake in my sample box from #influenster and decided to dig in....

Does it taste like a amore - sure.  It's chocolate covering reminds me of the waxy chocolate of a Ho-Ho while the cake and inner creme are good but not great.  

I'm not the biggest fan of this type of treat but if you're into packaged ready to eat goods....it's better than others on the market.  

A must read...

I read Escape from Camp 14 after hearing about it somewhere on the expansive World Wide Web.  I thought it would be an interesting read with all the news about North Korea - their new leader, nuclear weapons, and the infamous labor camps.  

I didn't expect most of what I read.  Every now and again you hear about North Korea and their hard labor camps for those deemed criminals.  So who cares if a criminal is charged with hard labour? But we forget that such nations don't follow laws according to our own - were what is deemed criminal activity has less to do with violent and heinous acts....but more to do with what you believe, who your parents are, etc. 

After reading this book I'm surprised that there aren't more organizations and people trying to end these hard labour camps in North Korea.  These camps that N. Korea claims don't exist have killed hundreds of thousands since their inception over 50 years ago.  What's also different from Nazi concentration camps is that children are born and raised in these camps - they know nothing of the outside world.  And so you are introduced to Shin Hyuk...the only known person to be born and escape from one of these camps.  

What's it like to not understand the term "family"....but to see blood relatives as nothing more than competition for food.  To say that Shin grew up as an animal is too kind....here in America we treat our animals like family.  Our animals know and experience love....

I just can't fathom some of the things I have read.  I urge you to read the book....experience it all for yourself.  There are moments where the book is slow as you read about history, events of that time, and seemingly non-related stories.  But in the end it's all there to provide you with a background story...to provide a frame of reference and to give you a moment to digest the horror.  

Magnetic pedi

Sally Hansen's magnetic nail polish is fun and easy to use.  I did this polish change in about 10 minutes, toe by toe.  

Follow the instructions exactly - one toe at a time.  Don't use a base coat or the magnet won't work as it should.  The only con - these polishes are a pretty penny and will set you back about 10.00 a bottle. There aren't that many colors to choose from but I'm sure you will find one that suits you :) 

Summer is upon us....

Happy Friday! Today I thought I would douse myself in color....so I opted for my turquoise Kut pants and my red leather wrap Stella bracelet with some layering. Needless to say - all this color had really pepped up my day!

I recently tried a few new products....so I'm back to offer you my two cents.

In CVS last weekend I saw an Essie magnet polish that leaves your nails with a python look. At 12.00 a bottle, I thought this better look good! Well, it looked great and I even got some comments on my nails. A tip to make this work better for you, no base coat! Just apply the polish to your natural nail and ONLY DO ONE NAIL at a time....

I also threw revolution organically freedom glow beauty balm in my bag. I've used a lot of blush sticks in the paste...my preference for on the go since you need have to worry about broken powder. Well this one was underwhelming. The coverage is very light, almost too light I have to add bronzed to my face just for additional highlighting. I still prefer stainiacs and smashbox much more.

Until my next post, adieu.