Sunday's Seven Snapshots #12

My guy's birthday was Monday. He's one step closer to my age. 

Most of the time I've got a cat on me. This night I had my guy. 

My Astro baby

Sweet Sally 

I'm still a supporter of JFF. 

A girlfriend posted this, and I thought it was worth posting again. 

At a local butcher's. Should I try them?  

Friday Favorites Five vol. 1

It's Friday in my part of the world.  Lots of folks in the blogosphere list some of their favorite things on Fridays.  I thought I'd join the pack with five things (because adding to the alliteration is fun).

Favorite video I saw online:  This exploded the day it was posted.  Sergei Polunin, "(t)he 25-year-old Ukrainian dancer is known as the tatted-up “bad boy” of ballet", and he displays some gravitional moves that are mind-blowing.

Favorite blog post about a favorite movie:  From Kati Rose: Constantly Seeking Wonder

Favorite quote (so far) from a book I'm currently reading:

 
Favorite meme from the week:

Favorite recipe that I found online that I want to make soon:  Roasted Red Pepper, Mozzarella, and Basil Stuffed Chicken

Aussie Author Challenge - Book 1

A Long Way Home is the true story of Saroo Brierley. After being separated from his older brother and getting lost far from home in one of India's largest cities as a five year old, Saroo lived on the streets for a short, dangerous time.  When authorities intervened to help, at such a young age, he had difficulty remembering where he came from, the name of his hometown, or his last name.  He was labeled "lost" and ultimately adopted and raised in Australia. After being loved, nutured, and provided for by his family in Tasmania, Saroo still felt the pull to search for his long lost family.  Twenty plus years later, through the wonderful, wacky world of the world wide web, he found his home based on his personal memories as a five year old.  He embarked on a personal journey and was reunited with his Indian family.  He describes himself having two families but only one identity.  His story is nothing short of a miracle.

L to R - Saroo with his family - the Brierleys and his adopted brother, Mantosh

Saroo with his mother in India

I read this book as part of the Aussie Author Challenge 2015:

Since moving to Australia, I've discovered bands and music that I love as well as books and authors that I knew nothing about before moving here.  Why not join a challenge that promotes those discoveries?  (Because I'm already in three other challenges, and I host one of them)  I can do it!

I'm diving in to this challenge with the hopes of reaching "Kangaroo" status.  I'm really liking my list, so I'm happy to find yet another the challenge.

KANGAROO
– Read and review 12 titles written by Australian Authors of which at least 4 of those authors are female, at least 4 of those authors are male, and at least 4 of those authors are new to you;
– At least 6 fiction and at least 2 non-fiction, and at least 2 titles first published in 2014 or 2015.

Female authors:
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
Frantic by Katherine Howell
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (published 2014)
Girl, Defective by Simonne Howell

Male authors:
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (published 2014)
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan
A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley (non-fiction) - Completed 10 Feb 2015

Authors new to me:
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
Strange Places by Will Elliott (non-fiction)
All That I Am by Anna Funder
Stolen: A Letter to My Captor by Lucy Christopher

Have you read any of these?  What did you think??

List #21 - I'll show you my books; you show me yours... vol.1

Steph and Jana host a monthly link-up - a place for bloggers & readers to share what books they've read the previous month.  I blog.  I read.  I've talked about the multiple book challenges I'm tackling.  So, this link-up is a great way to share my thoughts on books I've read, keep track of my book challenges, and find (even more!) books to read that are shared by others.  Plus, Jana put on the positive peer pressure.  I cratered.

 

The Books I Read in January:

 The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey - In Semi-Charmed Kind of Life's Winter Book Challenge, we were asked to "read a book from a genre that you normally don't read".  This book was on the goodreads 2014 reader's choice list in the 'Horror' category.  I read a lot of different types of books including psycho thrillers with serial killers, but I don't usually go to the 'Horror' section.  If you like apocalyptic part horror, part science-fiction, part zombie-type people, this is the book for you. I don't regularly like horror, apocalyptic, sci-fi, or zombie-esh stories, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book.  The lead character, Melanie, is fantastic.  This is a great read IF this is your kinda thing or if you want to step outside your comfort zone. 4/5

Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King - "Dark, funny, brilliant." - Ellen Hopkins, New York Times Bestselling Author. I totally, completely, absolutely agree. So many YA books are female points of view. This one is a mix of a 15 year old boy's reality and dream sequences, and it is a fantastic book. 4.5/5

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery - In Book Challenge by Erin (yes, it's run by moi), I selected this book for "a book set in Europe".  A friend recommended it a few months back, and it was time for me to read it.  There are people on goodreads that despise this book. Upon closer inspection, I think those people take themselves way too seriously. I found this book to be charming and beautiful. It has been a long time that I've actually copied quotes from a book. I did that with this one. One quick example: "What does Art do for us? It gives shape to our emotions..." 5/5

 Eye Candy by R.L. Stine - This book was also selected to fit in a book challenge categroy.  It is authored by the same person as the "Goosebumps" series, written for an adult market. It was bad. The lead character is unlikeable. The writing is simplistic (just like this review is simplistic). Most of the characters are underdeveloped. 1/5

 Cockroaches by Jo Nesbo - This is the 2nd book from a series written by a Norwegian author that features a very flawed, but very bright Norwegian detective. I enjoy the series because the detective gets sent overseas when tragedy strikes a Norwegian citizen. The first was set in Sydney; this one was set in Bangkok.  I imagine I'll end up reading the entire series.  For crime/thriller readers, this is a good one. 4/5

 Rocks: My Life In and Out of Aerosmith by Joe Perry with David Ritz - I'm a rock music fan. I'm a rock biography reader. I'm a Joe Perry fan. This book did not disappoint. He blends the stories of youth, the music business, his music passion, family dynamics, stories of addiction, and the relationships with his band mates (especially the complex brotherly love/hate with Steven Tyler). I've read Steven Tyler's autobiography, and I think he is a brilliant frontman...but, I will always be Team Joe. 4.5/5

 Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho - I read this for the 2015 TBR Book Pile Challenge.  I read two or three of this internationally famous author years ago, so I grabbed this book at a second hand bookstore, and it's been sitting on my shelf for a couple of years.  Finally, thanks to the challenge encouraging us to read those books that are collecting dust, I read it.  It was just okay...which was actually disappointing because Paulo Coelho has the capability to write some beautiful stuff. It felt he was trying too hard with this one. There were a few snippets of stories that I was moved by, but the overall book just fell a little flat for me. 2.5/5

I've shown you my books; you show me yours.............................

List #20 - Grammys Fashion 2015

I haven't done a fashion list in a while. I'm overdue. So, why not combine some of my favorite things - clothes, accessories, music, and my opinion?  

All of this was written on my iPhone while laying on my back on my sofa. It's not meant to be fancy & professional. It's just a couch potato's opinion. 

Let's start with some fun...

Rhianna ... Uhm, no. I don't care who the designer is. I don't care how amazing she has looked in the past. I don't care if you're allowed to take risks at the Grammys. This is just a big, frilly, fluffy NO. 

The first thing I typed in my notes was "oversized bath robe". I guess others were feeling the same. 

Poor thing. Meghan Trainor skyrockets to the Grammys with a catchy little 'All About That Bass' tune. She could've had an amazing moment. Instead she chose this ugly dress. (Her hair and make-up were stunning, and her dad was adorable in the red carpet interview.)

I'm just feeling so-so about Taylor Swift tonight. I like the material, the purple shoes, the hair and make-up...but the short skirt/long train isn't working for me. 

First and foremost, no matter what she wears, Beyoncé is a beautiful goddess. I love the natural beauty feeling of the simple make-up and not-overly-styled hair. But...she's teased us, letting us know that there are probably some pretty fabulous earrings under there, but her hair covers them in practically every photo I've seen. 

Someone who did not hide her jewels was Lady Gaga. That emerald necklace is freakin' beautiful. Her hair & make-up are lovely, and the dress is fab, but all I could really look at are those diamonds and emeralds.  

Speaking of jewels, let's talk about this pinky ring. That is one stunning ring that LL Cool J is wearing. I love the blue & black combination with his signature Kangol, smile, and dimples.  Again, I'm all about that ring. 

With the focus on blue, Iggy Azalea supposedly asked for a blue dress, and this was custom made for her. It fits her shape perfectly. She looks fantastic except that bird's nest crown on her head. 

Speaking of blue, Dave Grohl and Ryan Adams both talented rock musicians and songwriters chose a black t-shirt and blue jean jacket. Some may criticize and think they should put forth more of a fashion effort, but I ain't mad at 'em. It works for them. 

The big winner of the night, Sam Smith, looked quite dapper all evening. My only complaint? That he didn't thank Tom Petty in at least one of his acceptance speeches. 

And my two queens of the ball:

Gwen Stefani - the epitome of rock star, fashion, beauty, and celebrity all rolled into one seemingly nice person. This pant suit is perfection, even without the signature red lip. 

Katy Perry has had a couple of knockout Sundays in a row. She looks beyond glamorous and sexy. This fits perfectly with all the right baubles and sparkles. It is sheer to the point of sexy, but not to the point of obscene. 

What do you think?  Do you agree? Did I forget to mention anyone worthwhile?  (besides Madonna...I'm just indifferent to her dominatrix matador get-up)

Photos from vanityfair.com, vogue.com, popsugar.com, hollywoodlife.com, people.com, usmagazine.com

Sunday's Seven Snapshots #11

Any bloggers interested in me turning this into a weekly link-up?  Let me know. 

I watched the Super Bowl live (Monday, 10:00am here). It wasn't easy to watch with a cat butt in my face, but we were cozy. 

Got my nails all spiffy and cute

My guy is a jeweller. Sometimes I get to do especially fun things like pick out pretty gemstones for client custom orders. 

This is not my regular section of the library, but in my book challenge, I was challenged to read a non-fiction science-y book. I've heard good things about Mary Roach. 

BIG news in my family this week - see this sweet little curly-haired girl?  She's my oldest niece. We were at a football game together a *few* years ago. She was accepted to Texas A&M University - Class of 2019. We now have three generations of AGGIES in our family. Congratulations Jacy!

How cute are my shoes?  Very. A gift from my mom. 

We don't like to get out of bed on Sundays around my house as evidenced by Ricky in this photo. 

List #19 - Wish List

Welcome to my Make-Believe Valentine's Day Wish List.  Let's pretend that my guy was one of those dudes that created google in his dorm room, and now he is a kajillionaire*.  Let's pretend that he is uber-romantic and wants to splurge on Valentine's Day.  Let's pretend money is no object, and I am allowed to be selfish and spoiled.  Ok.  Are you in the right mindset?  With all of that going on in my fantasyland, here is my Valentine's Day Wish List:

1.  Patek Philippe Calatrava watch in platinum with 3.67ct total of diamonds - price is available upon request

 

2. Valentino Fringe Hobo - $3,195 USD - a girl can never have too many black bags

3. Lucchese Crocodile Boots - Exclusive to Allen's boots - $2,749.99 USD - I may live in Australia, but I'm a Texas woman who loves herself some boots.  What a perfect blend of our cultures; Texas boots made out of an Australian animal.

4.  A pink convertible Fiat 500 - From what I understand, these were a limited edition in 2010.  Well, if my guy is a kajillionaire*, then he can call the Fiat plant in Italy and have one made especially for me.  Yes, there are many cars that are far more luxurious, but this one is adorable.

5. 10 days? 14 days? (I won't be picky) at the Royal Davui Island Resort in Fiji - an adult only resort on a private island in Fiji with seclusion in our "own tropical oasis"...with spa visits, of course. - Approximately $30,000 - $40,000 depending on length of stay and spa treatments selected

6.  5.87 natural purplish pink sapphire & diamond ring in platinum - $32,619.40 AUD - My guy could make this himself, but why should he have to put himself through that trouble when one is already made and waiting to be purchased for me?

7.  Download Music Festival tickets (and trip to the UK, of course) - I love live music.  I love music festivals.  I love rock music.  And, I've always wanted to go to Download, "The UK's Premier Rock Festival".  I'd be pretty darn happy with this year's line-up.  (Oh, and while I'm already in the UK, I may just need to skip over to Italy and visit one of my BFFs Shawna who I haven't seen in ages and have never met her bambinos and she has THREE of them now with another on the way so I'm due for a visit and yes, this is a terribly long run-on sentence.)

Wipe away the fairy dust and pixie glitter to join the real world with me.  My guy and I aren't really the Valentine's Day sort of couple.  We'll have his son that night.  He'll probably just throw some meat on the BBQ, and I'll make an awesome salad.  It will be made with love, we'll enjoy each other's company, and that will be just perfect for me.  

But.......if anyone reading this has unlimited funds and wants to surprise me, well...I like surprises!

*Yes, I know "kajillionaire" is not a word.