3 + 3

Steph created this...and then she did it again.  Some of you participated, and now, I am too.

Three things I'd never give up 
My American citizenship (although I've entertained the idea of dual citizenship because that is possible between America and Australia), wearing fun shoes (back in the day, my faves were lime green reebok hi-tops; now, mine are sequined Converse), going to see live music (even though I don't go as often as I used to) ~ I'm going to see Guns N Roses this Friday and JET next Thursday.

Three favorite vegetables
potatoes, green peas, carrots

Three shows I watched faithfully from beginning to end
Oz, Dexter, The Sopranos - yes, HBO had me hooked for a while

Three places I want to visit inside the US
NYC (can you believe I've never been to New York?), San Francisco (and I'm going in June!), Big Bend National Park

Three places I want to visit outside the US
soooo many places, but these 3 popped into my mind first:  Queenstown NZ, Japan, Scotland

Three things I always have with me
phone, book, ponytail holder

Three things that are always in my car
coins in the center console, a blanket (because my husband likes it to be freezing), sunglasses

Three most recent phone calls were to/from
my mom, my cousin, my guy

Three books I read and loved in college
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz
I was reading the early books of the Prey series by John Sandford while I was in college

Three most often used makeup products
Clinique double pressed matte powder, Make Up For Ever Aqua XL eye liner, Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara

Three things that make me laugh
my fur babies, my guy & his inappropriate humor, Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer


Three things that make me cry
homesickness, body image issues, depression

Three things I frequently forget

I can be quite forgetful, so I forget what I frequently forget

Three errands I love to run
Library day!, picking up the stepkid from school, getting my hair cut & colored

Three restaurants I want to try
The Stuffed Beaver
Brooklyn Depot
The Cut


Three famous people I'd like to meet
I'd like to have dinner with Condoleeza Rice, I'd like to have drinks with Pink, and I'd like to be friends with Drew Barrymore

Three famous people I'd like to avoid
Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian

Three things I recommend
sending care packages, Too Faced Melted Matte Liquefied Lipstick, LuLaRoe leggings (I know, I know, I'm not the first to recommend these)

Three books I loved in the elementary/junior high days:
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Ramona Quimby books by Beverly Cleary

Three things I always look forward to
A visit to Texas, hugs from my guy, eating

Three things I always dread
hearing the alarm in the morning, getting on the scale, reading about a Trump Executive Order

Share some of your answers to any of these questions in my comments, or answer them in your own post...giving credit back to Steph. 

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.108

Organizing, editing, sending, and printing resumes... Astro's way of helping?  Sitting on the resume. I'm pretty sure he just wants me to be a stay-at-home cat mom. 

The stepkid started year 4 (4th grade) this week ~ here's hoping he has a great year!

Walking selfie - it didn't happen unless I photo document it, right?  No, actually I took it to prove to one of my friends that I was walking in the heat.  My forehead looks unusually massive in this picture. 

Another week of hot temps, so the girls spent some time inside and right after this picture, they got hosed down with water. 

It's fun to find random pieces of home like this tile on a while in a clothing store. 

Met some friends for lunch on Saturday, and this blood orange margarita was phenomenal. 

It was super hot on Sunday, and neither of us felt like cooking, so this was dinner ~ avocado, cherry tomatoes, and feta on toast. 

Have a great week!

Final report & announcement: Semi-Charmed Winter Book Challenge 2016

Book challenge announcement before I tell you how I did personally.  After 10 challenges, Megan has decided to halt her hosting duties for Semi-Charmed book challenges.  She has kindly and generously steered her participants to Book Challenge by Erin.  I know she's a beloved host, so I was honored that she did this.  Also, her "winners" will be picking categories for Book Challenge by Erin 7.0 that happens July 1st - October 31st later this year.  So, if you are one of those, feel free to contact me via emailat texerin-in-sydneyland@hotmail.com, through the facebook group, the goodreads group, or this blog.

How did I do?  Not great: 95 points out of 200.  I take that back.  I'm a big believer that if these challenges motivate and encourage a book, any book, even just one book to be read, then that's a win. 

Challenge Categories:

5 points: Freebie! Read any book that is at least 150 pages long.

 READ: Plan B by Jonathan Tropper - he's a favorite author of mine - completed December 15, 2016

10 points: Read a 2016 finalist (longlist or shortlist) for one of the following literary prizes: National Book Award, Man Booker or Man Booker International.

READ:  Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo  - a delightful book - completed November 8, 2016

10 points: Read a brand-new release (something published between November 1, 2016, and January 31, 2017).

READ:  Cross the Line by James Patterson (expected release date: November 3, 2016) -  The Alex Cross series is the only James Patterson books that I loyally keep up with when one is released - completed November 24, 2016

15 points: Read a book by an author of a different race or religion than you.

My choice:  We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo -  I picked up this book last week for $5 without knowing it would be a perfect choice for this challenge; this book is still sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read.

15 points: Read a book featuring a main character who is of a different race or religion than you.

READ:  When the Moon is Low by Nadia Hashimi -  If you have any interest in the plight of refugees, I recommend this fictional account - completed November 21, 2016

20 points: Read a modern retelling of a classic (e.g. an Austen Project novel, Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler, etc.) — Submitted by SCSBC16 winner Kaity.

My choice:  The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski (retelling of Hamlet) -  Jana rated this book 4*, and Jana and I have similar tastes in books; didn't get to it, but I will someday.

25 points: Read a book with an alcoholic beverage (neat or cocktail) in the title. — Submitted by SCSBC16 winner Kerry. (And she was nice enough to come up with a long list of suggestions for you!)

READ:  Tequila Sunset by Sam Hawken - it was good, wasn't great, but I enjoyed it enough - completed November 13, 2016

30 points: Read a book with a character that shares your first or last name. (Alternate spellings are okay, e.g. Megan and Meghan or Smith and Smyth.) — Submitted by SCSBC16 winner Ericka.

READ: The Girl Before by Rena Olsen - Fantastic, creepy, messed up book that I recommend; There was a character in the therapy group named "Erin"; completed January 11, 2017

30 points: Read two books: a nonfiction book and a fiction book with which it connects. For example: A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie and one of Christie's mystery novels that features poison, or The Monuments Men and All the Light We Cannot See. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with this one! — Submitted by SCSBC16 winner Bev. (And remember you must finish both books to get the 30 points! No partial points will be awarded.)

My choices (both books about someone wrongly imprisoned):  Getting Life by Michael Morton - this book is still sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read.

READ:  Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein - completed December 4, 2016; I don't get the points

40 points: Read two books: one by an author whose first name is the same as the last name of the author of the other book. For example: You may read a book by Martin Cruz Smith and a book by George R.R. Martin, or a book by James Joyce and a book by Joyce Carol Oates. The shared name must be spelled exactly the same, no variations. — Submitted by SCSBC16 winner Jamie. (And remember you must finish both books to get the 40 points! No partial points will be awarded.)

My choices:  In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death, and Duran Duran by Nigel John TAYLOR and The Informationist by TAYLOR Stevens - I checked out both of these books from the library during the challenge; I renewed both of them too, but I still didn't pick up either to read.  Oh well.

If you've participated in any of Megan's book challenges, make sure you stop by her blog and wish her well!

Currently.....linking up vol.10

Laughing.....  at the fact that my guy (who cares very little about sports) knows Tom Brady only because he's married to Gisele. Not for his sports prowess or accomplishments.  Makes me laugh because that is what most often happens to women.  This time, it's "Gisele" who is known and Tom Brady is just her "trophy husband".

Admitting.....  I may be late to the party, but I might have developed a LuLaRoe addiction.  You see, when I first heard of LLR, I discovered it is one of those new(ish) phenomenons that is only based in America so far.  You can't make purchases without an American shipping & billing address, so I just shrugged my shoulders and moved along.  My girlfriend who visited from Texas gifted me a pair for Christmas.  Then, my cousin hosted a pop-up party, and since she's family, she was willing to arrange shipping my purchases to me.  Now, I've looked into it more, I want allllll the adorable & cute stuff (hello, prints with cassette tapes or kitty cats or lipsticks or sugar skulls....)

Applauding.....  the movie, Lion.  Have you seen it?  You should.  There is so much ugliness in the world, but there are some extraordinary stories as well, and this is one of them.  I read the book "A Long Way Home" by Saroo Brierley, and this movie was an excellent film adaptation.  Dev Patel is tremendous, and the little boy who plays a young Saroo was too. The stark contrast between the two locations on film creates some amazing scenes in the cinematography.  Tears were shed, and my heart was so full when I left the cinema.  I get goosebumps even from watching this trailer:

Planning.....  on my next movie to see being Hidden Figures.  That looks like an amazing, based-on-a-true-story movie as well.

Walking.....  I am in the worst rut as far as lack of exercise and physical activity.  I gotta start back up somewhere, somehow, so I've started walking.  I have an app that tells me how far, for how long, and how much energy I've burned.  It's a start, and I'm glad I'm doing something, anything, to get myself moving again.

Reading.....  Trail of Broken Wings by Sejal Badani; review to come next Tuesday on "Show Us Your Books" day.

Acknowledging.... that I haven't mentioned one thing political in this post or what I think about the state of America since the new President has taken office.  I've got 2 different posts in draft concerning those topics and feelings, and I am just finding it oh-so-difficult to articulate. 

Appreciating.....  this response from the President of my university, where I graduated, regarding one of the Executive Orders.

Contemplating.....  I'm in the midst of job hunting.  So, I'm contemplating my security settings on social media.  I'm not private on Instagram or twitter, and bloglovin' automatically posts a link on twitter to my blog every time I publish a new post.  Should I be set to private on these sites?  I don't feel like I have anything to hide, but is there a certain aspect of our private life that we should keep private from potential employers?  I suppose if they search hard enough, they'll see me ask this question too.

Awaiting.....  correction:  Eagerly awaiting..... my next trip back to Texas which is booked!  Niece 2 graduates high school late May, so I'm going home for that.  Then, for her graduation gift, my mom is taking my niece to San Francisco in early June and letting my sister-in-law (niece 2's mother) and me tag along.  Pretty excited about this!

Asking.....  for any San Francisco suggestions that you categorize as a "must do", "must see", or "must eat".  We've got a list of things already with many, many options...but, of course, I enjoy blogger suggestions!

Anticipating.....  meeting bloggers in real life.  I know jenn IRL because we were in the same homeroom together our 9-12 grade years, so she's a friend who knew me pre-blog years.  And, I enjoy reading about friendships forged through blogging that turn into seeing each other in person friendships.  Rachel moves here in a few months, and we are already planning to catch up for tea, and Kristen comes for a visit in June!  I get to have one of those "blates" I've been reading about.  Yay!

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Linking..... with  Kristin:

Scavenger Hunt Challenge: February

Jenn started these unique scavenger hunts in December, and I played along (see my recap here.)  I enjoyed it because, for the most part, it was spreading good cheer, positivity, and happiness.  I'm a supporter of those causes.  But, January rolled around, and I failed miserably at the scavenger hunt challenge.  But......I'm back.  So, why don't you join me for February?  Really, there aren't any rules.  Just do the things however you interpret or tweak them to work for you.  The actions don't have to happen on the actual day listed. Then, post at the end of the month and tell all of us about doing them thangs.

from jenn's post:

one. february fourth. thank a mailman day. take some treats to the folks at your local post office or shipping store.

two. february eighth. kite flying day. go fly a kite. sounds simple enough... but the WIND...

three. february ninth. national pizza day. treat a friend to some pizza. and not the cheap shit. if there's a gino's east, say, in your neck of the woods... it's national pizza day, for crying out loud. PIZZA, a gift from the gods, yall. YUMMY YUMMY GOODNESS.

four. february eleventh. make a friend day. this sounds simple enough, too, right? for geeks like me, it's really, really not.

five. february fourteenth. ferris wheel day. go ride a ferris wheel. this, too, sounds simple enough. except if you're scared of heights, then maybe not so much. show of hands... you can't see but both mine were raised pretty high just then.

six. february fifteenth. singles awareness day. all the single ladies... and laddies. so this day started as sort of a joke, but... maybe you've got a single friend who's having a rough go of it lately. take time out of your day to do something to let that person know how much he or she is loved and needed.

seven. february sixteenth. do a grouch a favor day. one could argue that this task could be tied to the previous one... NO. i don't care what you do or how you do it... but find the grouchiest soul you know and put a little light in that person's world.

Add it to my list: vol.1

I've had a "favorite beauty products" post in my draft for months (15 months to be exact; that's just ridiculous.)  Anywho...when Lauren announced this new link-up where we suggest products, services, and more, (or really, anything) that we use/watch/listen to and regularly recommend to others, I thought "Great! I can finally post that beauty list!"

Some of these are bargains, and some cost a little more, but I believe that it is money well spent.  I have worn each of these products for years and years, some products even decades, (except the Too Faced products, but they won me over instantly.)  After all, this post is all about me recommending you adding it to your own beauty list, so I want it to be products I have experience using regularly.

Clinique Superpowder Double Face Makeup - I have used this item since as long as I can remember.  I don't wear foundation.  Never have (except when required to on drill/dance team.)  I have freckles, and I'm perfectly okay with them showing.  This is the perfect coverage for me.  It's a powder, but it's a "super" powder...so, it gives a little more coverage than regular powder but nowhere near as heavy as a foundation.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - I'm a little bit of a mascara junkie.  I buy lots of it.  I wear lots of it.  I change them up.  I double them up.  But, time and time again, I come back to my good ol' faithful mascara in the lime green and bright pink packaging that I've used since I was 14 years old.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - Yes, it costs more than Great Lash, but dang, it's some fantabulous mascara.  Most of you know this because I starting using it after I saw several bloggers rave about it.  And, it seems to get better the more I use it. 

Too Faced Melted Matte Liquiefied Lipstick - The pigment this produces is insane.  It's staying power is great.  The color doesn't run, doesn't smudge.  I am almost at a point that I won't wear any other product, and I'm a gal who likes to wear a different product mix everyday.  And, this red known as "Lady Balls" is definitely the red I've been looking for all my life.

Revlon Colorstay Overtime Bare Maximum - For days that I just want a little color, not a nude, but not too much, this is my go-to.  The picture on the link actually looks more orange that what it is.  It truly does stay.  I never need to re-apply.  I'll be honest.  I've spent money on a lot of other products trying to find a replacement for it, but I haven't found a color that I like any better on me for this purpose.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner - This eyeliner goes on easy and STAYS.  It doesn't smudge or run.  I've lived in hot and humid climates that have caused other eyeliner to make my eyes look like a raccoons.  Not this one.  Yet, it is super easy to remove when ready.  This is well worth the price.  I like my $1.99 eyeliner as much as the next gal, but when I want to put on eyeliner and know it will last all day, through sweat and tears, I'm happy that I've invested in this product.  I've owned and used seven different colors and loved them all.

In this picture (no filter), I'm wearing products that I recommend.  Too Faced Melted Matte Liquefied Lipstick in "It's Happening"; Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in matte black; Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Blackest Black with Too Faced Better Than Sex waterproof mascara on top; Clinique Superpowder Double Face Powder in matte honey; plus eye shadow is MAC eye palette "Navy Times Nine".  Sure, my application is a little heavy (I was going out for the night), but I wanted to show a full face using the products on my go-to list.

Tell me: will you add any of these to your list?

Joining Lauren and Bre for the first "Add It to My List" link-up...

Sunday's Seven Snapshots: Houseboat Holiday

Okay.  Yea.  There's probably going to be more than seven snapshots this Sunday, but hey, I was on holiday...

Thursday was AUSTRALIA DAY!  It was also the last weekend before school starts back up for the stepkid.  We figured a long weekend getaway was called for, so we rented a houseboat.  This is something my guy has wanted to do for years, and it's on my "50 Before 50" list.  Win all around.

This was our "luxury" houseboat.  We decided the business should be called "Friendly Houseboat Hire" or "Myall Lakes Houseboat Hire" because I think "luxury" might have been a little misleading.  But, it was fine.  Seriously. 

Think RV or caravan, but on water.  My biggest piece of advice: don't rent a houseboat with people that you don't want to be trapped in a small space with, 24/7, can't get away, for a few days. 

Where we rented is about 3.5 hours north of where we live.  You start by driving for about 2 hours down a river that spills you into a lake system of 4 separate freshwater lakes.  The first day was overcast, and the river reminded me of Louisiana swamps. 

What did we do for 4 days and 3 nights?  Relaxed and rejuvenated.  Yes, we had pretty decent phone service and charging abilities, but I made a point to take a few pictures, then put the phone away. 

I disconnected from the phone and the rest of the world, and I inhaled fresh air while connecting with my two favorite guys. 

There were several places to anchor or moor and go on some hikes as this set of lakes is apart of the Myall Lakes National Park.  We did this a couple of times.  One hike took us to a BEAUTIFUL beach, but I had been swimming and didn't have my phone with me, so you don't get a picture except this one that I borrowed from the internet:

Photo Source

The boys fished a little but didn't catch much.

We swam.  The bottom is sandy and no dangerous Australian animals such as stingers, crocodiles, or sharks anywhere.  That's a bonus. 

I did a little driving from time to time.  It is a cruising boat...not a speed boat...so it doesn't go anywhere fast.

Mostly, I helped navigate.  Or, really, I helped decide where to go/what to do by pointing on the map.  Then, my guy got us there while I read, relaxed, and got some sun.

Finished one great book and started another

Got a little sun

Checked out some of the locals like watching pelicans fish for food, watching a goanna stroll on a boat dock, feeding the greedy ducks, and watching the black swans glide across the water.

We played monopoly, watched a couple of movies (by the way, " Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" movie is actually pretty entertaining), and took in these views:

I got back to reality, had a few news notifications, and discovered Donald Trump's attempt to halt refugees from certain countries and targeting certain religions, and my blood immediately began to boil...but, I refused to let it ruin this trip.  So that topic will be for another day's post.

Have you ever stayed on a houseboat?  Would you?