Monday, July 1, 2013

Music, Books, Miles, and Looks of June

So June wasn't exactly all sunshine and roses as I went through a break-up and experienced a set back with my foot, but it was still better than May as I enjoyed the sweet freedom of not having to study!!  I'm one month closer to CFA results and the year is now officially half over!  Woo hoo!

Music:



People Like Us by Kelly Clarkson - Yes, I like Kelly Clarkson's music, don't judge.  This song is about rising above crappy situations so it isn't surprising that it's a favorite song of mine these days.

Books:

I had another strong month of reading as I finished 6 books.  Not having to study and not watching much tv means I'm reading more than ever these days, and I really enjoyed all of the books I read this month.

The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain -   I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down at night as I just HAD to know what happened next.  It's the kind of book where you want to reach through the pages and turn the course of the main character's life, as you know the decision she is making is going to have long-lasting, horrible ramifications.  In a way, it reminded me of The Light Between the Oceans as it deals with taking something that isn't yours to take.

Beach Music by Pat Conroy - I've got to be honest, this book was a bit of a struggle for me to get through as it was really long and there were SO MANY DETAILS and, in my opinion, insignificant stories shared that didn't necessarily add to the book.  But in the end I liked it enough to give it 4 stars.  I just think you could have cut at least 200 pages out of the book and it still would have been great.  But I am not a huge fan of lots and lots and lots of details...

I Remember Nothing:  And Other Reflections by Nora Ephron - This was a short, fast, fun read.  You could probably read it in the span of 2 hours.  It was fun to read about the experiences and thoughts of the mind behind two of my favorite movies, "Sleepless in Seattle" and "When Harry Met Sally." 

Making Piece:  a Memoir of Love, Loss and Pie by Beth Howard - I really loved this book and am so glad my friend Becky recommended it to me. It's a memoir written by a women who loses her husband very suddenly at a young age. To overcome her grief, she turns to her love of pie, and crust by crust, comes through the grieving process happier, healthier, and more hopeful. My favorite line was: 'you are like a trapeze artist. You have to let go of one swing in order to grab the next one. There is that moment of being airborne in between when you are holding on to nothing, and trusting that the other swing will come toward you. That 'in between' is where you are now, grasping for air.'

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple - Well I read this book in just over 24 hours so that should give some indication of how much I loved it. It is quirky and unlike any other book I've read. It's written from the perspective of Bee, who is the 15-year old daughter of a woman that suffers from a form of agoraphobia. The mom, Bernadette, is hilarious and so quirky, and also so messed up at the same time. But you can't help but love her.  It is definitely a unique read but worth checking out!!

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes - I loved this book.  The subject-matter is heavy as the main character is a care taker for a quadriplegic and it deals with assisted suicide, but the author somehow manages to brings humor into the story and the characters are so likeable.  It's definitely a tear jerker so consider yourself warned.

Miles:

I am hoping and praying that eventually I will actually have miles to add up and report in this section but that is so not happening anytime soon unfortunately. :(


Looks:

Please ignore my hair in this photo.  All I can say is that I was not built for humidity, and it was horribly humid the day I wore this outfit.  It's one of the new outfits I bought at Banana Republic at the end of May with a 40% off coupon.  Oh and it was one of the very few days this month that I wasn't in the boot or tennis shoes.  Navy and green is my new favorite color combination.  I also bought a color-blocked dress in these exact colors.



18 comments:

Becky said...

How have I not heard that Kelly Clarkson song? Boo for no miles but WOW you read a lot of books this month! So glad you liked Making Piece!

Alli said...

Obsessed with that outfit!

Nicole said...

I agree with Alli! The outfit (and you) look terrific!!

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

I'm a Kelly Clarkson fan - love her music! Also, I'm pretty sure the humidity will just get WORSE over the next couple months - now you no longer need to wonder why this curly haired gal ditched the south. ha. Love your look this month - you look darling (and I don't think your hair looks out of whack - just looking playful!).

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

Haha I have to laugh that you think your hair looks bad in that picture... you obviously have never seen my hair in the humidity, but don't worry- you will in August and you will never say anything bad about your hair again haha.

I like that Kelly Clarkson song and it has a good message. I go up and down about her songs, love some and not a fan of others, but overall I really like her.

Leigh said...

Just getting The Light Between the Ocean right now...thanks for the recommendation! :) Love, love, love the outfit on you!

melissa said...

I LOVE that outfit, and I've been wanting to read "Me Before You" since someone recommended it to me. Glad to hear you enjoyed it!!

Stephany said...

I am SO glad you loved Me Before You. I really wasn't looking forward to reading it because of the subject matter but it's now a favorite of mine! The characters were so great.

You look GREAT in that outfit! Humidity does tragic, tragic things to my hair. And don't even get me started on my bangs. ;)

Abby said...

Me Before You is the one on your list that I wanted to read first. I have such a respect for people in this situation.

I LOVE that outfit! Love love love green. And I agree with you on it's pairing with navy.

Here is to July being a better month!! I call these "Super Monday's". Not only is it Monday, but the beginning of a new month! All about starting new goals and beginnings! So here's to better news, my love!

Caroline said...

LOVE your outfit! I hate the humidity too, but your hair looks great! You should see mine in this weather ha... ha...
Also, I'm a big Kelly Clarkson fan when I'm angry/upset. Her music is just great for those days.
And WOW so many books! Way to go! I'm writing these down as I really need to get back into reading..

Cherry Blossoms said...

Love your outfit and not sure why you think you need to lose weight! You look really good (honestly, you do!)
I will have to check out some of these books. I haven't read a book in a long time.

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

I love the skirt! You look great!

Jen Feeny said...

Just added The Secret Life of Cee Cee to my "to-read" so happy to have found another booknerd to get suggestions from! :)

Stay strong chica!!!

Marlys said...

July already? What the heck happened to June? I love your new outfit - very smart looking!
Good luck at your appt. today, but hold your chin up if you have to continue with the boot! :( Have a great trip to DC!

Amber said...

Oh my June recap is going to be so so sad. I did not finish a single book in June and only took ONE outfit photo! Yikes.

I absolutely LOVE that outfit on you. Those two colours go together perfectly and look amazing on you!

Linda said...

Just added I Remember Nothing to my list! Thank you!

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

cute outfit!

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

I love that outfit! You inspire me to wear more color. Although I am pretty boring as far as clothing goes. I guess I am lazy when it comes to fashion! You sure read a lot! I always use your recommendations as books to put on my library queue, so the more the merrier! Thanks for the suggestions!