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Love At First Sight...Is It Possible?
Love at first sight is a phenomenon. You see someone across a crowded room and feel an instant connection and a gut feeling that this person is who you were meant to be with.
Fortunately, luck would have it that the one you fell in love with at first sight just so happens to be hot or gorgeous. No coincidence there, right?
Love, at first sight, is rare, but do you believe it can actually happen? Many will poo poo the concept of love at first sight, and rightfully so, in my opinion.
I mean after all, what could we possibly know about someone after just one sighting or meeting? But others are firm believers that it can happen, mainly because it has happened to them.
Movies and literature would have you believe that love at first happens all of the time and will lead to a “happily ever after” ending.
I mean, after all, didn’t Cinderella get her glass slipper after just one encounter? A moment in time can be wonderful, but what happens when reality sets in?
Is Love At First Sight Possible?
Reasons To Believe In Love At First Sight
Instant Attraction
Amazing Chemistry
Soulmates
Gut Feeling
Reasons To Not Believe In Love At First Sight
Based Solely On Physical Attributes
Unknown Commonality
Masks Are Still On
You Can’t Love What You Do Not Know
I have often heard love at first sight referred to as “lust” at first sight, and I have to agree. While I have personally never felt like I have fallen in love with someone at first sight, I have had that instant attraction.
I have experienced seeing someone from across the room and feeling a strong emotion as our eyes met. The next time our paths crossed we hit it off and dated for a couple of years. Was it love at first sight? No, it was not love because I didn’t know him, I desired him. Big difference in my opinion.
Would it surprise you to know that more than 50 percent of people believe in love at first sight? It surprised me quite honestly. It just goes to show how much we link feelings of love to physical attraction, at least initially. I say initially because we tend to find people more or less attractive as we get to know them, which I think disproves the possibility of love at first.
What I believe can happen is that an initial attraction and fascination can grow and turn into everlasting love.
What are your thoughts on love at first sight? Are you a believer or a cynic? Has it ever happened to you? Can it be love at first sight if the feeling is only one-sided? Please share your story and experience!
“I meant it when I said I didn’t believe in love at first sight. It takes time to really, truly fall for someone. Yet I believe in a moment. A moment when you glimpse the truth within someone, and they glimpse the truth within you. In that moment, you don’t belong to yourself any longer, not completely. Part of you belongs to him; part of him belongs to you. After that, you can’t take it back, no matter how much you want to, no matter how hard you try.” - Claudia Gray, A Thousand Pieces Of You
Photo by freestocks.org from Pexels
Trader Joe's Favorites...My Pantry Must Haves!
Trader Joe’s is one of my favorite stores to food shop. I make a least one trip a week to my Trader Joe’s, and usually purchase the same things, with a few change ups every now and then. What can I say, I am a creature of habit. I always get fresh flowers, usually lilies, tulips, hydrageas, or mums.
I love fresh flowers, but they are most certainly not the only reason I am going to Trader Joe’s every week. Trader Joe’s has fresh meats and veggies, a nice freezer section, and also a great beer and wine selection. Whenever I am entertaining, I get my goodies from TJs. I honestly could go on and on, but this blog is about my pantry must haves.
Here are my Trader Joe’s pantry and fridge staples...
Tomato and Basil Marinara Sauce - This simple marinara sauce is my go to sauce for a quick meal. The sauce is tasty as is, but I usually zhuzh (juje) it up by sauteing fresh chopped garlic in olive oil and adding it to the sauce and tossing with gluten free pasta.
Harissa Paste - Harissa paste is very spicy African paste that is bursting with flavor. I will caution that this paste, a little goes a long way. I like to marinade chicken and shrimp in the harissa paste, and then grill and serve with rice and veggies.
Pesto Sauce - Trader Joe’s pesto sauce packs a lot of flavor in a small jar. Pesto sauce is primarily a basil, garlic, and olive oil sauce. Pesto sauce is great tossed with your favorite pasta, and works as a great marinade for a baked chicken dish.
Soy Chorizo - Trader Joe's soy chorizo is by far my favorite chorizo around. It is a little spicy and perfect for a breakfast of chorizo and eggs. The price is right, the serving size is perfect, and the taste is amazing.
Chicken Stock - I think it is important to always have chicken stock or broth on hand in the pantry to quickly whip up a soup or a sauce. If you make your own awesome. But on those occasions when you need stock, and do not have any of the homemade kind in your fridge or freezer, the TJ chicken stock should be in your pantry.
Frozen Brown Rice - I love Trader Joe's frozen brown, and literally have multiple boxes of it at all times in my deep freezer. Three bags of rice comes in each box, and you just pop it in the microwave for three minutes and voila you have perfectly cooked brown rice.
Chopped Onions - I love by bag of chopped onion. Sure I could chop onions myself, but when you are pressed for time and trying to get a meal on the table for your family on a busy week night, pre chopped onions come in handy. Trust me, they are so worth it.
Garlic Cloves - When I first spotted Trader Joe’s peeled garlic cloves in their produce section I was so excited. I cook with a lot of garlic, and this product is convenient and of good quality. The fresh, peeled, and vacuum sealed garlic cloves makes adding fresh garlic to your meal easy.
Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is a staple in my pantry because of its many uses. I use it for cooking, and making granola. I also pour a bit into a separate container in keep in my bathroom for use as a beauty product.
Lemonade Tea - I keep Trader Joe’s lemonade tea because it is perfect for just sipping while sitting outside on a nice day, and to serve when having guests over. For a nice cocktail, add a splash of rum and garnish with a lemon slice and fresh mint.
Are you a Trader Joe’s shopper? If you are what’s on your must have list? If you are not currently a shopper, then maybe you will be soon. Hopefully you have a close Trader Joe’s by so you can enjoy their products too. Let me know your thoughts on my pantry must have. Please share yours!
5 Signs He's Not Interested...So Keep It Moving
If the man you are crushing on is a friend or if he is a nice guy, he will not want to hurt your feelings by coming out, and directly stating that he is not interested in you romantically. So he may intentionally or unintentionally drop hints in order to spare your feelings.
To spare yourself some heartache and embarrassment you need to know what signs to look for.
Let's be honest, you are probably sending signals, and he may not even be picking up on them. A man can be pretty clueless sometimes when a woman is romantically interested in him. However, if a man is romantically interested as well, there are many signs to look for.
The first sign, and most obvious, is the look in his eyes. Try as we might, we cannot hide love in our eyes.
Signs He Is Not Interested
He Will Talk About Other Women
If a man is romantically interested in you, the last thing he wants is for you to think about him being with another woman. He will avoid discussing other women who could be considered a romantic threat with much care.
But if he is not interested and does not see you romantically, he may openly discuss the women he finds attractive, talk of girlfriends, and mention the women he is dating.
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Often Reminds You That You Are Friends
Friendship is the foundation of any strong romantic relationship. However, when you are his "buddy", and he is always reminding you that you are his friend, you have been friend zoned.
Yes, it is possible that he wants you to know how much you mean to him, and how much he values your friendship, but if it is also accompanied by him being gross in front of you and treating you like one of the guys, you're out. He is not interested.
He Avoids Being Alone With You
If a guy is interested, he will want to be able to have his alone time with you. He just wants to talk, and stare, and spend as much one on one time with you as possible. However, if a guy is not romantically interested it will not occur to him to spend alone time with you, or he many even actively avoid it.
The Way He "Doesn't" Look At You
When a man is interested in you romantically there is a lot of eye contact. Ask yourself does he look deep into your eyes when you talk to each other? Does his face light up when you walk into a room? Chances are if you have not seen these behaviors from your love interest, then he is not interested.
Your Gut Feeling
Forget what you want to believe, and listen to your gut feelings. While those deep down feelings, those nagging thoughts in the back of your mind, are not always right, most of the time they are accurate.
You will likely have a feeling deep down that your affection is not returned. It is important not to cloud your thoughts with your desire for a different outcome.
You will not win his heart by doing his laundry, buying him things, or even by being his friend with benefits. He is either feeling you or he is not. You deserve someone who wants to be your guy. You deserve someone who feels the same way you that you do about them.
By now you should be able to recognize whether or not your feelings are returned by your romantic interest. Unrequited love is heartbreaking, but we cannot force someone to feel something they do not, no matter how much we want them to. For the sake of your own heart, and well being, you will need to find a way to move on and get over your love.
Take comfort in knowing that you will fall in love again, and that love will be returned. What is your experience with a romantic interest who seems less than interested? Do you wait and hope, try harder to win them over, or move on? Please share your experience!
“A person doesn't know true hurt and suffering until they've felt the pain of falling in love with someone whose affections lie elsewhere.” ― Rose Gordon, Her Imperfect Groom
Photo by Pexels.com
Simple Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup
Fall is nearly upon us, and as the weather starts to cool, nothing warms us better than a nice bowl of soup. One of my favorite go to soups is chicken enchilada soup. The ingredients are simple, it is low carb, and the dish so flavorful and filling.
Besides being delicious, one of the other great thing about this soup is that it reheats so well. This soup is perfect for leftovers, or take for lunch throughout the week. Just change up your toppings for new twist of flavor, and voila, and perfect fall lunch.
Please know that while this recipe is meant for the crockpot, with some simple changes it is also a quick stove top meal. For a weekday meal you want to get all of your ingredients in your crockpot before heading out for the day.
But if you find yourself without time in the morning to prepare, no worries, you can do it when you get home. Just pan cook the chicken breasts and shred once cooled. In same skillet add back the chicken, onions, garlic, cumin, cream of chicken, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Let simmer for 25-30 minutes. You will still have a yummy soup for dinner.
Ingredients:
3 Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Breasts
28oz Red Enchilada Sauce, Mild Or Medium Based On Your Heat Preference
2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1 12 oz. Cream of Chicken, Gluten Free (I use Pacific brand)
1/2 cup Diced Onions
1 tbsp. Cumin
3 Large Garlic Cloves. Minced
Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
Tortillas Strips, Or Thin Tortilla Chips
Avocado (optional)
Directions:
Set your slower cooker to low and spray with cooking spray. Add uncooked chicken breasts, enchilada sauce, cream of chicken, chicken broth, onions, garlic, and cumin. Allow soup to cook all day, at least 8 hours. When ready to serve use fork to shred any meat in crockpot that has not separated. Ladle into a bowl, and top soup with cheddar cheese and tortilla strips.
I hope you find this soup as simple and as delicious as I do. You can change up the heat of the enchilada sauce, and choose the "hot" version, or go from red sauce to green sauce. Simple changes can make big differences in taste, and offer up great varieties in your cooking. Enjoy!
7 Signs He Is Too Possessive In Your Relationship
In relationships there are many feelings felt besides love. Sometimes there is hurt, anger, jealousy, and possessiveness. When someone is jealous they are fiercely protective and watchful over something or someone they believe to be their possession.
Jealousy happens to the best of us occasionally.
I admit that I have felt the sting of jealousy a time or two in a relationship, but I do not consider myself to be a jealous person in general. When I reflect on the times in my past when I have felt jealous, it was due to feelings of insecurity in those relationships.
People tend feel jealous and insecure in relationships where there are issues of trust, and uncertainty of where you stand.
Possessiveness is not the same as jealousy. Possessiveness in a relationship consists of jealousy, but taken up a few notches. Someone who is possessive is demanding, controlling, and jealous to the extreme. They are also master manipulators, and great at making you feel like crap for questioning their methods and motives.
The Signs He Is Too Possessive
He's Controlling
He has to decide the when, where, and how for most of your activities. He wants to have a say so in your friends and who you hang out with. He tries to tell you how to dress, and even tells you how to act.
He Asks For Passwords
He wants the passwords for your email and social media accounts for your safety and well being of course, or so he says. Whether or not he is willing to share his passwords, the answer to this request should be no. This request is about trust and control.
He Smothers
He gives you no space or personal time. He acts like you are joined at the hip and wants to go everywhere with you. It is never healthy for couples to do everything together, and have no life outside of the relationship. But in the case of the possessive guy, he wants to be with you all of the time so he can keep an eye on you.
You're On Call
He has to know where you are at at all times, and if he calls or texts you and you do not immediately answer or respond he freaks out, and the accusations start. He is quick to accuse you of not loving him, not appreciating him, and cheating too. Remember, he is the master manipulator.
He Stalks
He checks your social media and shows up where you are at just to make sure you are where you said you would be. The possessive man obsesses about who you are talking to and what you are doing behind his back. He will watch and stalk you both physically and electronically.
He Doesn't Respect Boundaries
He goes through your personal things, including your purse, your phone, and your drawers. He goes through anything that he thinks you might be able hide something from him. If you are hiding something, you better hide it well.
He Just Loves You So Much
He justifies his controlling, possessive behavior by constantly telling you he is doing it because just loves you "so much". He makes a habit of making you feel guilty for wanting your privacy, your own space, and wanting to make your own decisions.
Jealousy and possessiveness are not the same things. Jealousy is a natural feeling that we all have at some point in time, and can be take too far if we let it. But possessiveness on the other hand is unhealthy, damaging, and dangerous to relationships.
What are your thoughts on jealousy and possessiveness in relationships? Have you ever been in a relationship where you felt extreme jealousy or possessiveness? What was the outcome? Please share your experience!
"Jealousy in romance is like salt in food. A little can enhance the savor, but too much can spoil the pleasure and, under certain circumstances, can be life-threatening." - Maya Angelou
Best Harvest Wreaths For Your Front Door This Fall
September kicks off my favorite time of year, and it is just a few days away. I love fall. The weather is so crisp, and fresh. It feels almost perfect. Then add to the near perfection with the beauty as leaves start to turn, and kids go back to school, it is just heavenly. For this blog, I decided to offer some suggestions on some of the prettiest autumn wreaths to hang on your front door.
Fall is my favorite season, and one of my favorite times of year to decorate. I do simple decorations both indoors and outdoors, and change it up as the season progresses. The options are endless with fall because you can keep it simple, and still have lovely decor. I usually start off fall with beautiful, colorful wreaths decorating both the inside and outside of my front door. I also hang one off the Juliet balcony in the front of my house. It literally takes minutes to transform the look of your home.
5 Beautiful Harvest Wreaths
Appalachia Berry Silk Fall Door Wreath 22 inch - Autumn Berries and Foliage Enhance Home Decor, Approved for Covered Outdoor Use, Beautiful White Gift Box Included
Montgomery Hollow Silk Fall Door Wreath 26 inch - Large Autumn Door Wreath for Outdoor Display, White Storage Gift Box Included
For me, there is just some about wreaths. Adding a wreath to your door or hearth somehow makes your home feel more cozy and welcoming. I have several wreaths for every season, which keeps my wreath storage container packed.
Weston Fall Berry Wreath 22 Inches - Enhances Front Door Decor with Designer Quality, Approved for Covered Outdoor Use, Beautiful White Gift Box Included
As the weather cools, you can start to add pumpkins and gourds to your garden for additional pops of color. While this blog is about harvest wreaths, which work great at Thanksgiving as well, don't be afraid to shake things up with halloween themed wreaths.
Saranac Berry Fall Front Door Wreath 22 Inches - Lush Seasonal Foliage and Berries, Approved for Covered Outdoor Use, with Beautiful White Gift Box
Montgomery Hollow Silk Fall Door Wreath 26 inch - Large Autumn Door Wreath for Outdoor Display, White Storage Gift Box Included
I hope you found my wreath suggestions helpful. They really are quite beautiful. How will you decorate your front door and home this fall? I am always on the lookout for more lovely wreaths. Please share your wreath or decoration suggestions!
Commitment Issues...6 Signs He's Doesn't Want To Settle Down (With You)
Not everyone necessarily wants to get married and have children, but most of us want companionship and someone to share our lives with. Sometimes finding the right one to spend your life will come easy, and other times you have to have several practice relationships to get it right.
Ideally, the man you decide to spend the rest of your life with feels the same way, but sometimes that just isn't the case. You fall madly in love with a man, and hope that he feels the same way, but your gut is telling you that something is off.
You have that nagging feeling in the back of your mind that he doesn't see you as his forever girl, and instead of listening to your gut, you push those negative thoughts away.
Sure, we would all love to live in la la land, and have our hearts desire dropping to one knee, declaring his love for us, and promising to love you and only you forever and always.
But meanwhile, back in reality, it doesn't always work out that way, and sometimes (wait for it) he's just not that into you. Here are the signs to look for in a guy who has no interest in committing to you.
Signs He Doesn't Want To Settle Down (With You)
He Avoids Discussing A future - I don't just mean he avoids discussing names for your future fictitious children. I am talking about he won't commit to being your date for your best friend's wedding in three months.
He Tells You
If he tells you he never wants to get married and doesn’t want kids, believe him, and do not waste your time trying to convince him he actually wants otherwise. Yes, it is possible that he is just young, or just not at that place in his life where he is even thinking about settling. But if you are in that "place" of wanting to get married and possibly start a family, you need to keep it moving.
He may change his mind, but maybe he won't. You are not at the same place in life. and it would be foolish to put your hopes and dreams on hold for someone who may never get to that "place".
He Wants To See Other People
He tells you he wants to see other people and encourages you to do the same. This is not a good sign at all. Not only is he telling you that he is keeping his options open, but he is also saying he doesn't even care if you are dating or sleeping with other guys. A man who doesn't want you all to himself, is a man who doesn't really want you.
He Doesn't Make You A Priority
Time with him is all about what is convenient for him. He sometimes makes you feel that he is doing you a favor by spending time with you, and doing things that are important or of interest to you. If you feel like you are not a priority to him, it is because you are not.
He Doesn’t Like Labels
You have been seeing him for months, yet you still have no idea if you are a couple or not. He introduces you as his friend, and when you ask him where things are going he deflects by telling you he doesn't like labels. If this is the case, he doesn't want you for his girlfriend or anything else remotely resembling a commitment.
You Just Know
It's that gut feeling telling you that you are way more into him, than he is into you. You want him, and you want the relationship to work so bad, but your gut is telling you that he is not for you, and the relationship is not meant to be.
There comes a time in most us our lives when want to slow down, and have stability in both our personal and professional lives. It is important not to waste your time and break your own heart waiting around for a guy who doesn't want the same things you want. Or maybe, I know this is harsh, but he just doesn't want to spend his life with you.
Don't be the girl that tricks, manipulates, or gives a guy an ultimatum to get him to commit to you. Marriages that start off with reluctance are not likely to have a happy ending. You are better than that and you deserve so much more. Be patient. You cannot force these things. If you force a relationship with a man who doesn't want to settle down, or at least not settle down with you, you are likely to have a lot of regret in your future.
What is your experience dealing with a guy who won't commit? What did you do? Did you go, or did you stay? Please share your experience?
"Because what’s worse than knowing you want something, besides knowing you can never have it?” - James Patterson, The Angel Experiment
September 2018 Book Club Recommendations...10 Great Reads For You And Your Book Club
If you are like me you love a good book. I read all of the time, but tend to stick to one or two genres and authors. A great way to find new authors and be exposed to literature you would have never considered is by joining a traditional bookclub, or signing up for a book of the month club.
If you are already in a bookclub, but looking for some suggestions I am here to help. Or if you are just trying to figure out what to read next I think I have some great choices for you. I enjoyed all of the below books, albeit some were more satisfying than others, but that's the beauty of reading a book. You never know what you are going to get, or how it is going to end.
10 September Book Club Recommendations
What Alice Forgot
The Handmaid's Tale
The Silent Wife
Unfu*k Yourself
The Tuscan Child
The Ugly and Wonderful Things
The Mountain Midwife
Small Great Things
The Orphan's Tale
Tell Me Three Things
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
Alice Love is twenty-nine, crazy about her husband, and pregnant with her first child.
So imagine Alice’s surprise when she comes to on the floor of a gym and is whisked off to the hospital where she discovers the honeymoon is truly over — she’s getting divorced, she has three kids and she’s actually 39 years old. Alice must reconstruct the events of a lost decade, and find out whether it’s possible to reconstruct her life at the same time. She has to figure out why her sister hardly talks to her, and how is it that she’s become one of those super skinny moms with really expensive clothes.
Ultimately, Alice must discover whether forgetting is a blessing or a curse, and whether it’s possible to start over.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood - After a staged terrorist attack kills the President and most of Congress, the government is deposed and taken over by the oppressive and all controlling Republic of Gilead. Offred, now a Handmaid serving in the household of the enigmatic Commander and his bitter wife, can remember a time when she lived with her husband and daughter and had a job, before she lost even her own name. Despite the danger, Offred learns to navigate the intimate secrets of those who control her every move, risking her life in breaking the rules in hopes of ending this oppression.
The Silent Wife by Kerry Fisher
Lara’s life looks perfect on the surface. Gorgeous doting husband Massimo, sweet little son Sandro and the perfect home. Lara knows something about Massimo. Something she can’t tell anyone else or everything he has worked so hard for will be destroyed: his job, their reputation, their son. This secret is keeping Lara a prisoner in her marriage.
Maggie is married to Massimo’s brother Nico and lives with him and her troubled stepdaughter. She knows all of Nico’s darkest secrets – or so she thinks. Then one day she discovers a letter in the attic which reveals a shocking secret about Nico’s first wife. Will Maggie set the record straight or keep silent to protect those she loves?
For a family held together by lies, the truth will come at a devastating price.
Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop
Are you tired of feeling fu*ked up? If you are, Gary John Bishop has the answer. In this straightforward handbook, he gives you the tools and advice you need to demolish the slag weighing you down and become the truly unfu*ked version of yourself. ''Wake up to the miracle you are,'' he directs. ''Here's what you've forgotten: You're a fu*king miracle of being.'' It isn't other people that are standing in your way, it isn't even your circumstances that are blocking your ability to thrive, it's yourself and the negative self-talk you keep telling yourself.
The Tuscan Child by Rhys Bowen
In 1944, British bomber pilot Hugo Langley parachuted from his stricken plane into the verdant fields of German-occupied Tuscany. Badly wounded, he found refuge in a ruined monastery and in the arms of Sofia Bartoli. But the love that kindled between them was shaken by an irreversible betrayal.
Nearly thirty years later, Hugo’s estranged daughter, Joanna, has returned home to the English countryside to arrange her father’s funeral. Among his personal effects is an unopened letter addressed to Sofia. In it is a startling revelation.
Still dealing with the emotional wounds of her own personal trauma, Joanna embarks on a healing journey to Tuscany to understand her father’s history—and maybe come to understand herself as well. Joanna soon discovers that some would prefer the past be left undisturbed, but she has come too far to let go of her father’s secrets now…
All The Ugly and Wonderful Things: A Novel by Bryn Greenwood
As the daughter of a meth dealer, Wavy knows not to trust people, not even her own parents. Struggling to raise her little brother, eight-year-old Wavy is the only responsible "adult" around. She finds peace in the starry Midwestern night sky above the fields behind her house. One night everything changes when she witnesses one of her father's thugs, Kellen, a tattooed ex-con with a heart of gold, wreck his motorcycle. What follows is a powerful and shocking love story between two unlikely people that asks tough questions, reminding us of all the ugly and wonderful things that life has to offer.
The Mountain Midwife by Laurie Alice Eakes
Ashley Tolliver has tended to the women of her small Appalachian community for years. As their midwife, she thinks she has seen it all. Until a young woman gives birth at Ashley’s home and is abducted just as Ashley tries to take the dangerously bleeding mother to the nearest hospital. Now Ashley is on a mission to find the woman and her newborn baby . . . before it’s too late.
Hunter McDermott is on a quest—to track down his birth mother. After receiving more media attention than he could ever want for being in the right place at the right time, he receives a mysterious phone call from a woman claiming to be his mother. Hunter seeks out the aid of the local midwife in the mountain town where the phone call originated—surely she can shed some light on his own family background.
Ashley isn’t prepared for the way Hunter’s entrance into her world affects her heart and her future. He reignites dreams of having her own family that she has long put aside in favor of earning her medical degree and being able to do even more for her community. But is it commitment to her calling or fear of the unknown that keeps her feet firmly planted in the Appalachian soil? Or is it something more—fear of her growing feelings for Hunter—that makes her hesitant to explore the world beyond the mountains?
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than twenty years' experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she's been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don't want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene?
Ruth hesitates before performing CPR and, as a result, is charged with a serious crime. Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender, takes her case but gives unexpected advice: Kennedy insists that mentioning race in the courtroom is not a winning strategy. Conflicted by Kennedy's counsel, Ruth tries to keep life as normal as possible for her family—especially her teenage son—as the case becomes a media sensation. As the trial moves forward, Ruth and Kennedy must gain each other's trust, and come to see that what they've been taught their whole lives about others—and themselves—might be wrong.
With incredible empathy, intelligence, and candor, Jodi Picoult tackles race, privilege, prejudice, justice, and compassion—and doesn't offer easy answers. Small Great Things is a remarkable achievement from a writer at the top of her game.
The Orphan's Tale: A Novel by Pam Jenoff
A powerful novel of friendship set in a traveling circus during World War II, The Orphan's Tale introduces two extraordinary women and their harrowing stories of sacrifice and survival
Sixteen-year-old Noa has been cast out in disgrace after becoming pregnant by a Nazi soldier and being forced to give up her baby. She lives above a small rail station, which she cleans in order to earn her keep… When Noa discovers a boxcar containing dozens of Jewish infants bound for a concentration camp, she is reminded of the child that was taken from her. And in a moment that will change the course of her life, she snatches one of the babies and flees into the snowy night.
Noa finds refuge with a German circus, but she must learn the flying trapeze act so she can blend in undetected, spurning the resentment of the lead aerialist, Astrid. At first rivals, Noa and Astrid soon forge a powerful bond. But as the facade that protects them proves increasingly tenuous, Noa and Astrid must decide whether their friendship is enough to save one another—or if the secrets that burn between them will destroy everything.
Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum
Everything about Jessie is wrong. At least, that’s what it feels like during her first week of junior year at her new ultra-intimidating prep school in Los Angeles. Just when she’s thinking about hightailing it back to Chicago, she gets an email from a person calling themselves Somebody/Nobody (SN for short), offering to help her navigate the wilds of Wood Valley High School. Is it an elaborate hoax? Or can she rely on SN for some much-needed help?
It’s been barely two years since her mother’s death, and because her father eloped with a woman he met online, Jessie has been forced to move across the country to live with her stepmonster and her pretentious teenage son.
In a leap of faith—or an act of complete desperation—Jessie begins to rely on SN, and SN quickly becomes her lifeline and closest ally. Jessie can’t help wanting to meet SN in person. But are some mysteries better left unsolved?
All 10 of these books are great choices for your September bookclub selection, or for just an "any time" read. What are you currently reading in your bookclub? Have you read any of these books? If so, which is your favorite? Please share!
7 Signs He’s A Really Good Guy
Far too often men get a bad rap as being dogs, but fortunately there are many good men out there. They are not myths, or unicorns, and are not all taken, but maybe, just maybe, we tend to look in the wrong places. And unfortunately on occasion, we completely overlook the really good guy who is right in front of us.
I get it, sometimes the good guy in your life is a guy you have zero interest in. Fair enough, but just be sure that your dream guy wish list is realistic, and doesn't prioritize external qualities, over character and values. Otherwise, you may have buyer's remorse.
If I am being completely honest, in my younger years my dream guy wish list always consisted of hot guys, who were smart, funny, and fun. The good guy part was never on the list, I guess because I naively assumed that my funny, hot guy would also be a good man.
I quickly learned that while a man can possess all of these magnificent qualities, I also learned that a pretty face can often hide an ugly heart.
7 Signs Of A Really Good Guy
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He Respects Women
A good man treats women with respect. He does not refer to them in derogatory terms. A good man does not abuse women. And the biggie is that a good man does not see women as less than him because they are females.
He Is Dependable
A good man is a man you can count on. He is reliable and dependable, and always there for you. He is also there for other important people in his life as well. He is a dependable friend, son, brother, and co-worker too.
He Is Honest
A good man values honesty in a relationship, and recognizes the importance that it goes both ways. He is comfortable opening up and being honest with you, and he creates a "safe" environment for you to do the same.
He Is Kind
A good man shows his kindness, or lack there of, in the way he treats people, including you. He does not speak to you in a disrespectful manner, he does not put you down, and he does not hurt your feelings intentionally.
He Is Supportive
A supportive man is not threatened or jealous of your success, but instead wants to see you achieve your goals and dreams. He encourages you, offers advice when needed, and makes you feel like he is always team you.
He Is Caring
If a man is caring, he is comfortable showing his affection for you. Getting him to give you a hug, or tell you how much you mean to him should not be like pulling teeth. If he cannot show affection or seems cold and uncaring, you are likely dealing with an emotionally unavailable man.
He Is Trustworthy
A good man is trustworthy. He will work hard to earn your trust, and prove to you that he is worthy of your love. He earns your trust by keeping his word, and by being honest even when it means telling you something you do not want to hear.
There are more than a few good men out there if you know what to look for. It is all a matter of you deciding that a good man is what you want and not settling for less. Do you prefer a good man or a bad boy? What is your experience with finding good men? Do you think it is it hard to find a good man? Please share your experience!
"Women with low self-esteem love bad boys. Women who have work to do love bad boys. Women who love themselves love good men." - Tracy McMillan
Managing Migraine Headaches...The Best Home Remedies
If you are a frequent migraine sufferer you know how miserable they can make you feel. Migraines are a beast to contend with, and sometimes when you feel one coming on all you can do is lay down, and bear it until it's over.
Migraines are a recurring type of headache. They cause moderate to severe pain that is throbbing or pulsing. The pain is often on one side of your head. You may also have other symptoms, such as nausea and weakness. You may be sensitive to light and sound. - Medline Plus
I suffer from migraines, and what I have learned over the years is that the best way to treat a migraine is through prevention. Learn what triggers migraines for you, and avoid those things, if you can.
For me, I know eating gluten, high stress, and poor sleep are my biggest migraine triggers. So I try my best to on the migraine offense.
While I do my best to prevent migraines, I still get them on occasion. Unfortunately, ever migraine is a little different, so there is no one way to get rid of or minimize the symptoms. There are however, some home remedies that I use, and that may work for you as well.
Home Remedies For Managing Migraines Headaches
Dark Room - A dark room if often the first tool used to combat migraines, because usually during a migraine people become sensitive to light and sound.
Ice Packs - You can use an ice pack on your head during a migraine just like you would for any other part of your body in pain. The ice pack works to numb the area, and may ease the pain.
Caffeine - Caffeine is an analgesic and may offer pain relief. This is where knowing your body comes into play, because although caffeine may help for some people, it will exaggerate the migraine for others. For me, caffeine makes my migraines 10 times worse.
Meditation - Meditation is a technique used to focus your mind and clear your emotional state. Meditation will calm the body and relieve stress. As your stress level decreases, your migraine may dissipate.
Pressure Points - Applying pressure to pressure points will do wonders to ease a migraine. For migraine relief, take index fingers and apply pressure to the indentations on either side of the are where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows for at least 10 seconds.
Chamomile Tea - Teas work wonders for all kinds of ailments. Chamomile tea in particular aids migraines by working as a mild sedative, and will help you relax and ease pain.
Essential Oils - My three favorite essential oils to use for a migraine are lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint oil. I use them in a diffuser and inhale them. The oils work to relieve stress, decrease nasal inflammation, and reduce sinus pressure.
Many chronic migraine sufferers may take prescription medication, but if you are looking for a natural remedy, many of these may work. What works all depends on the trigger for your migraine. If lack of sleep is the trigger for your migraine, then resting in a dark room may be the cure.
If you have a migraine, what tricks do you use to recover, besides use of prescription or over the counter medications? Do you take the holistic approach when possible, or find them to be of no use? Please share your experience!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, registered dietitian, or fitness expert. The purpose of my blog is to share my experiences with food, fitness, and life—not to dole out medical advice. When it comes to your health and fitness, do your research and consult your doctor.