January reading

I thought it would be fun to share the books that are on my reading list as of late. I'm about two chapters away from finishing a book that has taken me  f o r e v e r  to get through. Probably because the only time I have to read is in bed and once I get all tucked in, my eye lids are heavy and the book falls out of my hands in a matter of seconds. Don't get me wrong, I'm really enjoying the book, it's just finding the time to read (without feeling guilty) is a struggle for me.

For Christmas, boyfriend and I got a gift certificate for Barnes and Noble. So we wasted part of our Monday browsing the many book shelves for good reads and we weren't disappointed -- we left with three!

My January Reading List:

1. Seriously... I'm Kidding - Ellen Degeneres

2. The Next Always - Nora Roberts

3. Balanchine's Complete Stories of the Great Ballets - George Balanchine

4. Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortenson

I'm so happy that a few of my friends and family gave me books for Christmas. The Balanchine book is used (which I find fabulous in its own way) and actually signed by the author. Well.. his name is signed on the inside. I can't really prove that George Balanchine signed it himself, but I'd like to think that he did. (If you know who George Balanchine is, than you also might think that this is kind of a big deal.)

I'd love to know what you're reading! I'm terrible at picking books out for myself, so suggestions are most certainly welcome. I would say that about 90% of the books I read are recommended or bought for me. I love opening a book knowing that someone close to me, or a new friend, enjoyed it before I did.

Happy Reading

Cause I haven't in a while

It's been a few days since I've posted, and it's been at least a few weeks since I've shared another Bethenny quote. Why not kill two birds with one stone?! You know.. that saying is too violent for me.. I've never really liked saying it.. poor little birdies.. but have always found the meaning to be so very useful.  SO! If you don't mind, I think I'll start using something like, "plant two flowers with one seed" instead. It has a nice ring to it.. SPREAD THE WORD.. 

A n y w h o.

I've been spending more time reading, and less time wondering around the house aimlessly searching for productivity. And I like it. For those of you just tuning in (where have you been?!) I'm currently reading almost done with Bethenny Frankel's book, A Place of Yes. Her sense of humor and advice on everythingunderthesun, has been so motivating and refreshing to read. I've practically dog-eared the top and bottom corners of every page!

 

Here is a slice of something I read today - which inspired me to first, write this post; and second, continue being my own, "one-of-a-kind" gal, and to go for what I want.

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"Your individuality is your strength. The qualities about you that are common will help you blend in when you don't want to call attention to yourself. However, what makes you you will help you rise up and be different and stand out from the crowd." - Bethenny Frankel

"Today, difference is your strength, your power, and your trademark. It's your signature. It can still be difficult to be different - sometimes even harder than it used to be. Even so, it's time to embrace being yourself. It's time to be authentic. You have no more excuses not to explore the many ways that being exactly who you are really can be your biggest asset. It's time to see the beauty in your difference." - Bethenny Frankel

"Do each thing you do to the best of your ability. Be passionate and committed, and go for yours. It's the only way to get your life moving." - Bethenny Frankel

Stay cool friends!


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Five. Things. FRIDAY!

 1. Tomorrow, I'll be setting up a Handmade by Nicole table at a local market out here in Western Mass {website here}! I'm super excited and hope that there is a good turn out, and also that it doesn't rain.. I love summertime markets and browsing all the wonderful things that people bring to them. There's something about being outside and supporting other small businesses that make me really happy.

2. My best friend is probably ready to change her email address after all the wedding themed emails I've been sending her. I'm so honored and overly thrilled to be part of such a special time in her life. Although, any advice you all may have on being a Maid of Honor would be appreciated.. I am absolutely clueless.. I wonder if they have a "Maid of Honor for Dummies" book...?!?

3. I still haven't been to the beach yet.. sigh..

4. I suck at reading books.. Actually, I just have a difficult time relaxing long enough. I always think that there is a "better" way to use my time. I feel like yelling to my brain: "HELLO NICOLE! It's summer.. that's what you're supposed to be doing!" Maybe today {since it's Friday and all..} I'll excuse myself from all the work, and finish my book.

5. Boyfriend got a hair cut yesterday. Actually.. he got a bunch of hairs cut.. booboomchhhh. I hardly recognized him when I walked into the house. I love his short hair.

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Happy Friday Everyone!

Link up your five things Friday here with Simple Thoughts from a Simple Girl!

someday..

I will have a room in my house where all of my books are color coordinated in a rainbow fashion. However, I will be replacing that cute pug with my kitty =]

Recently I have been thinking about how great it would be to be a house wife. I'm not sure where this secret ambition came from, but the more I see pictures like these, the more I look forward to having a family and taking care of them.
I think part of it seems so desirable to me because I've always loved organizing, cleaning and decorating. I love rearranging furniture, organizing clutter and finding nick-nacky things that make a room so appealing.




Maybe someday...