Happy New Year's Eve!

In 2010, I read 51 books. This is slightly disappointing, but then it kinda makes sense. Back in January, I was a long term substitute math/ science teacher, and during that time I did not read at all. I was way to overwhelmed with what I was trying to do with the students that I didn't leave any time for myself. So here, today, I am proposing that as one of my New Year's resolutions, I want to read more than 51 books. If i do (hopefully) get a full time teaching job in September, I want to make sure that a few times a week, I make time to read a little bit.

This is the first year in a very long time that I am actually making a few resolutions. So other than making time to read no matter what, here are the others.

• Get healthier (I eat way to much junk food and I hate vegetables, so hopefully I can find a few I like and stick with it.)
• Write down at least one positive thing a day, either something good that happened or something positive about myself. (I tend to be very negative and I really want to work on thinking positively in the new year.)
• Write every day, either in my journal, on this blog (which has been helping and hopefully it will keep helping) or in my writing notebook. (who knows maybe I can write a book.)

So I really hope I can keep up with these, at least for a little while. I would also really love to hear all of your resolutions, if you have any. Happy New Year everyone!

In's and Out's

Ever since September I have been really into reading blogs and watching Youtube videos. I really enjoy Elle and Blair Fowler (Allthatglitters21 and Juicystar07 on Youtube) as well as a ton more. Even though I mostly talk about books on this blog, I would like to do other things as well and I really like how Elle does In's and Out's every once in awhile, and since it is the end of 2010, I figured I might as well try it.

In's:

My Ugg moccasins...I just got them for Christmas and they are sooo comfy. I have been scared to wear them out of the house, I don't want them to get ruined and I need to do the waterproof spray stuff that I stole from my sister.

My blog... I never thought I would be someone who wrote a blog. I am terribly shy and after being made fun of most of my life for enjoying things that people in my "age group" are not supposed to enjoy (Disney channel, the Jonas Brothers, basically anything little kiddish at this age and when I was younger, I was into adult mystery books) but anyway, I have been trying to change for the better and I really think this blog is helping me. It is a major stress reliever when I actually remember to blog, and I have recently been getting a few comments which have made me feel really good.

My lovely library...I don't know about other states or counties, but my library, at least until January and possibly longer (let's hope) will let you order a book and it will be sent from any other library in the county. I has saved me so much money this past year, except for when I return a book late of course, but still a dollar compared to $10, so much better. I still love my own personal library, but without a real full time job, I just can't afford to go buying books every time I walk into a bookstore.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice...I first saw this movie with the 8 year old boy I babysit, Tommy. He always gets jealous that I spend so much time over the summer with his 2 cousins (which is my job over the summer) so we had a Jen and Tommy day and I took him to see this movie  and we both loved it. I got this as a Christmas present as well, and forced my parents to watch it that night (can you tell how much of a little kid I still am?)

Secrets by OneRepublic...this is my favorite song this year. It was in the movie the Sorcerer's Apprentice which was where I first heard it and fell in love. I love the strings in it and every time I hear it, I just instantly get  happy.

Anna, Will, Tommy, Jenni and Sean...these are my 5 kids that I babysit/ are in my extended family. Each one of these kids has a trait of me in them even though we are not blood related. Anna got my craziness, Will got my temper, Tommy is stubborn, Jenni is a divi, and Sean loves food and is pretty easy going. This kids are my life. I think if I didn't have them I would be majorly depressed. They make me so happy, the love me no matter how crazy I can be, and they don't mind that I act like a kid. Actually they love that I act like a kid, it makes me more fun. And this is a quote straight from Anna's mouth to my keyboard "Jen, I like hanging out with you. You get me...and you make me laugh because your kinda crazy." Thanks to them, I have had a good year.

Out's:

Gluten...about a year and a half ago, I found out I had a gluten intolerance. For anyone that doesn't know, it means I cannot have wheat, rye, barley and some oats. Luckily for me I can have a little and survive, but it is uncomfortable. The reason that it's an out now is because I have been eating it all week. It started on Christmas and went downhill from there. So now it is out again, and I am going to try not to have gluten for a few months at least.

Snow...I usually don't mind snow, but last year our snow blower broke and for some odd reason my dad has yet to bring it to get fixed, so when the blizzard of 2010 hit it kinda sucked and I really don't want to have to shovel again for a very long time. I am still hurting (it was a semi good workout though)


So what are your in's and out's of December or 2010 in general?

Top Ten Tuesday: My Top Ten of 2010

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by the Broke and the Bookish. This weeks topic is Top Ten Books of 2010. I read a lot of series of books this year, so some of my books are in a series as well as the first of the series.

1. Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle... I loved each story on its own, and I loved how each story was connected in some way. It definitely helps put you in the holiday spirit.

2. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard...I loved the mystery to this book, trying to figure out what will happen and who was sending the notes. As well as who can see everything that is going on. I loved getting to know each character on their own and then as a group.

3. Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison...I love that this book was written as Georgia's diary. I loved reading about Georgia's escapades in trying to get Robbie to fall for her and I loved hearing about her crazy cat Angus.

4. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer...In my opinion it's the best book in the series. The suspense of what was going to happen kept me on edge. I ended up having crazy dreams about vampire and werewolves. I also loved seeing how the relationships between Bella and all the other characters evolved.

5. Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye by Victoria Laurie...My favorite genre of books is mystery and that is what first made me pick up this book. But then Victoria Laurie made her main character a psychic, and she really did a great job describing what it would really be like being a psychic (I guess she would know since she is one). Victoria Laurie does a great job writing this book, it really keeps you entertained and her writing makes you want to know more.

6. Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz...When I first started reading this book, I was so confused. I don't know what it was, but I had to write down my questions as they came to me because there were so many. I guess that is a good thing since I kept reading. I mean I needed to get my answers. The good part is I did get my answers, all of them. I really enjoyed learning about Schyler and going with her on this journey. I can't wait to get the next book to read, I need to know what will happen.

7. Jingle Boy by Kieran Scott...This book is one of my favorite holiday books. It's the second time I read it and I loved it more now than I did the first time I read it. Reading about Paul and what he is going through really makes you realize what Christmas actually is about. Kieran Scott did a great job writing this book and it's going to be a book that I pick up many more Christmas's to come.

8. Death Perception by Victoria Laurie...I did a review on this book back in November. I was a little slow reading it at first, but then one night, I just kept reading until the end. I was so into the book, I felt like I was there with Abby. I was shivering from the suspense and fear this book gave me. I actually think it might be the best book I have ever read (so far anyway). I have never gotten this reaction from a book, and I have been reading adult mysteries for over 14 years (yes I started young) I think if anyone picks a book off of this list to read in 2011, this should be the one.

9. Are These my Basoomas I see Before Me? by Louise Rennison...This is the last book of the Georgia Nicholson series, and I have to say, I loved the ending. I still want to know more though, and I am a little upset that there will not be any more stories. I have been reading and rereading these books for so many years, that I am really sad it's over. However, Louise Rennison made me laugh out loud, and I have to say, I shed a few tears. Happy tears, and sad tears. This whole series was amazing, and this particular book made the list because of how it ended. I wish I could tell you more, but I really don't want to give anything away.

10. Picture's of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff...I am surprised I haven't read this book earlier in my life. I know I have heard of it when I was younger, but it took me moving to Ct for college and in my last year meeting Patricia Reilly Giff for me to pick it up. I bought this book as well as another and while waiting for a book I ordered to come, i decided to read it. I really liked the fact that the book was written with two narratives, one being the present and the other being flashbacks. I think that it really helps us get to know Hollis and what she went through.

So now I need to know, what are your top ten in 2010? Let's make my to be read list longer (I love the help by the way.)

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas everyone! So in honor of this time of the year, well today, I decided to let you know of some great holiday books. There are only 3 that I have found that I truly love as of right now, but hopefully I will just find more as the years go on. So here it goes...

Let it Snow by John Green, Laura Myracle and Maureen Johnson. I loved this book, it has three stories, and somehow the stories intertwine with each other. I think that is why I really enjoyed it as much as I did. You would meet a character for a second and then in the next story you would find out more about them. I am pretty sure this is my favorite holiday book and reading it every year might even been a new tradition for myself.

Jingle Boy by Kieran Scott. This book came out in 2002, and I read it while I was in high school and loved it. I picked it up again this week and I think I liked it even more than the first time. It is about a guy named Paul who has always loved Christmas, and this year everything seems to be going wrong. He decides to get revenge on Christmas, and we with him on some crazy adventures that makes his holiday go from bad to worse. I really liked the setting of this book, it's one that I can really relate to, not just because the town that it is supposed to take place in is 20 minutes from where I live, but because it doesn't happen in some big city. I also think that the moral of the story is great. All in all, it is a great book whether you are 12 or 24, and I have a feeling that I will pick it up many more times.

Mistletoe by Hailey Abbot, Melissa de la Cruz, Aimee Friedman, and Nina Malkin. This book has four short stories and it was hard to pick a favorite out of the four. This was the first holiday book I picked up this season and with each story I had trouble putting it down. It really made me want to find more holiday books like it.

So, now I need to know, do any of you have a favorite holiday book that I should add to my list? I hope everyone had a great holiday.

Top Ten Tuesday: My Christmas List

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme by the Broke and the Bookish. This is my first Top Ten Tuesday post, since I love making lists, following lists, or anything with a list, as well as books, I figured it would be mighty fun.

So last year I asked for quite a few books and only received two, so this year I only asked for one thinking that someone will have to buy it for me, right? But I still have a wish list of books that I want, and Santa, if you are out there and can hear me, I would love these.

1. Naked Heat by Richard Castle...yes it is the book to the show Castle, I received Heat Wave last Christmas (yay) and it was pretty darn good, so when I saw the commercial for the sequel, it was a must for my Christmas list.

2. Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella...I own all the other Shopaholic books and have loved them from the start, I mean I know exactly what is it like to be a shopaholic, especially when it comes to books.

3. Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares...it's not out until June, so I have time to read 3 Willows which is the 5th book of the Sisterhood. I read the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants a few years ago, it feels like forever though, so now I can reread before this book comes out.

4, 5, and 6. You Just Can't Get Enough, Take a Chance on Me, and Love the One Your With by Cecily von Zeigesar...I own all of the Gossip Girl books, and I hate having so many and not keeping up with my collection.

7 and 8, Size 14 is Not Fat Either and Big Boned by Meg Cabot...I own Size 12 is Not Fat, however I haven't read it yet (hopefully in 2011?) but I really enjoy Meg Cabot's books, so I am sure I will love these.

9. the Lying Game by Sara Shepard...I loved the Pretty Little Liars series (both the book and the show) I cannot wait to read this book.

10. Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle...I borrowed this from the library and just finished this book a couple of hours ago, it is 3 short holiday stories that I think I need to read every year at Christmas time.

Let me know about your Christmas List (aka give me some more books to add to my To Be Read list) and I hope everyone has a great holiday.

Monday Movie Meme

I thought this might be fun since I love movies, not as much as books, but its pretty close. This meme was created by the Bumbles Blog, so here it goes...

This week's movie topic is all about Family Dynamics...

You're only as interesting as the family you come from. Many of us spend a lot of time hiding those "interesting" family moments! The movies are filled with dynamic families creating all sorts of food for thought and sources of laughter. Amy of The House of the Seven Tails suggested this topic to us. Here are some of our favorite families from film. Share on your blog the families the movies portray that struck a chord with you, linking back here at The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!

so that is what is posted on the Bumbles Blog. So here are my favorite movie families (some of them are not traditional families, but some of the best families are traditional) 

• Susan, Peter, Lucy and Edmund from the Chronicles of Narnia
• the Family Stone
• Harry Potter, Ron and Hermoine (which is better than Harry's uncle, aunt and cousin of course)
• the family from the Christmas Story

And now some ramblings:

I was called last night but Jo, the lady who calls subs usually extremely early in the morning, and I am subbing for the next 9 days for Choir...when I went in today I got the best surprise, we are watching the Phantom of the Opera. It's quite exciting because I don't have to listen to the kids complain about doing work, since they aren't doing work. So lovely. Also, I started reading the Help which I was supposed to read in July for my "book club." BTW my book club was made by my mom'a bff's sister because she wasn't allowed to join the one in her neighborhood since she didn't live on the block, how rude is that?. Well anyways, has anyone read it?

In My Mailbox

IMM is a meme started by the Story Siren (http://www.thestorysiren.com/in-my-mailbox-1000) and is a list of recieved books over the past week. I got all of these books from my library.

Let it Snow Three Holiday Romances
Includes: the Jubilee Express by Maureen Johnson
a Cheertastic Christmas Miracle by John Green
the Patron Saint of Pigs by Lauren Myracle

 Lust by Robin Wasserman

       Private by Kate Brian

Book Blogger Hop December 10-13

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jen at Crazy for Books

This week's question:  "What is the thing you like most about reading book blogs?  Is it the reviews, author guest posts, articles, giveaways, or something else entirely?"

I first started reading beauty blogs and then I found the book blogs. I am an avid reader with a list of over 500 books to read (hopefully before I turn 30, but it keeps getting bigger.) Anyway, I really enjoy seeing what other people are reading. It helps me find more books to add to my growing list. I also like reading book reviews, especially if I know I really enjoyed a book, or didn't, I get to see someone else's opinion. 

November Books

Back when I was 6th grade, we had to take this test called the Cat Test. I guess I did pretty bad on it because I was not allowed to go into the higher math class or Phenom, which was languages and you took it if you scored high in the reading section of the test. Now, I have always been a reader, and at one point I thought it would be fun to make a list of all the books I could read in a summer. Well thank goodness I did. The first day of 7th grade we got the book Tex by S. E. Hinton, and I finished the whole thing after school because it was too good to put down. The next day when my teacher told us to take out the book and read the next chapter, I took out a different book to read, and got yelled at. I then had to take the test about the book, and guess what...I got an A. This was the start to me getting put into Phenom, my mom got called in to the office and she was smart enough to bring my list of books. That is what really got me into Phenom. I mean lets face it, if I was stuck in reading all year, I would have been bored out of my mind because the books they were reading in a month or two, I was finishing in a few hours or had read already. It was no surprise to my mom or me that the reading class was too easy for me, especially since the year before I won the battle of the books, almost totally by myself since I read all the books on the list and my team didn't have to do much. Anyway, after I just bored you all with that story, here are the books I read in November.

Death Perception: a Psychic Eye Mystery by Victoria Laurie
Stop in the Name of Pants by Louise Rennison
the It Girl: Devious by Cecily von Zeigesar
Doom with a view: a Psychic Eye Mystery by Victoria Laurie
Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me by Louise Rennison
Ruined by Paula Morris
a Glimpse of Evil: a Psychic Eye Mystery by Victoria Laurie

Book Review: Ruined by Paula Morris

Synopsis:

WELCOME TO NEW ORLEANS: 

CITY OF VOODOO AND BEAUTY.

 OF HURRICANES AND HAUNTINGS.

Rebecca couldn’t feel more out of place in New Orleans. She’s staying in a creepy house with her aunt, who reads tarot cards. And at her snooty prep school, a pack of filthy-rich girls treat Rebecca like she’s invisible. Only gorgeous, unavailable Anton Grey gives Rebecca the time of day, but she wonders if he’s got a hidden agenda. Then one night, in Lafayette Cemetery, Rebecca makes a friend: sweet, mysterious Lisette. There’s just one catch.

Lisette is a ghost.

A ghost with a deep, dark secret, and a serious score to settle.

As Rebecca is drawn into a web of curses and cryptic customs, she uncovers startling truths about her own history. Will Rebecca be able to right the wrongs of the past, or has everything been ruined beyond repair?

Review:

I originally saw this book (and bought it) at Barnes and Noble in October, around Halloween (my favorite holiday). The first thing that caught my eye was the cover, I mean it is amazing. I loved every detail about the cover, the colors, the girl dressed in a long white dress, and how the title of the book looked as though it was the name of the cemetery. Once I read the synopsis on the back of the book I realized I had to buy it. (Have I mentioned that when I go into Barnes and Noble I have to buy something, whether it is a book, magazine, or just a coffee...it’s a problem, really.) The thing that drew me in was the mystery of what had happened to Lisette, and why Rebecca could see her. I had to find out.

Now it took me about a month to start reading the book because I was finishing the Georgia Nicolson series, and trying to finish the It Girl series as well as reading the Psychic Eye Mystery series (can you tell I love to read series of books?) I finally decided to pick up this book when I finished the last Georgia Nicolson book and I didn’t own the tenth It Girl book and the last Psychic Eye book I needed didn’t come in at the library yet. I should probably also tell you that it took me a little while longer to read this book, a total of 9 days. For some 9 days probably doesn’t seem like such a long time (like if you are one of my students and believe that reading turns your brain into mush) but for me, since all I do is read at this point in my life (and because I am just a substitute teacher) it is a slight problem.

The reason for it taking 9 days instead of 3 or 4 like usual, the beginning of the book wasn’t very interesting. However, once I got up to chapter 6, I couldn’t put the book down (shocking turn of events right?) So even though I did not like the beginning of the book, the middle and the ending were great, as well as the plot. I also really enjoyed the characters and the descriptions that the author gave them, it made them seem almost real.

And now for the good part: the rating system. I came across a blog called the Book Shopaholic and I really liked the way that she was rating the books and then giving them a grade, and since I am a teacher (well sort of) grades and I go together pretty well. So here it goes:

Rating:

Cover: (10/10)

Plot: (10/10)

Beginning: (2/5)

Ending: (5/5)

Characters: (10/10)

Satisfaction: (8/10)

Grade: 90%= A-

Doom with a View

This weekend I started the book Doom with a View which is part of the Psychic Eye Mysteries, and by yesterday morning I wasn't even close to half way done. I substituted for a math teacher, and the classes were actually pretty good, so I was reading the whole time. I could not, and did not, want to put the book down. By the time I got home from school I had 3 chapters to go and I just wanted to see how it would end. I was so into the book that I brought it to the Carrie Underwood concert, just in case I had a chance to read. So that means it was a good book, right? Definitely. I finished it this morning and I was pleasantly surprised by the ending, well part of the ending, and another part I guessed from the beginning, but it was kinda nice in a way also. I'm not going to do a review on it, because I think its really hard to do reviews on books in a series when I started blogging in the middle. (does that make any sense?) So now I am onto the last book in the Georgia Nicholson series, and I am sad that it's the last book, but excited to see how it ends.

Book Review: Death Perception

Last Monday I started the book Death Perception by Victoria Laurie. It is the 5th book in the Psychic Eye series, and I think my favorite out of all 5 (at least so far). By Saturday I had read less than half of the book, I was on page 126 out of 314. On Saturday night, I could not stop, I just had to see how it ended. I ended up finishing the book at 2:30 on Sunday morning (really 1:30 since the clocks went back, yay daylight savings) This book gave me a reaction that I have never gotten from a book before. I was so into the book, and the end was so suspenseful and a bit scary, that I was actually, physically shaking. I wasn't cold though, in fact I was really hot, my dad had the heat on way to high for the beginning of November. The only thing that could have caused my tremors was this amazing book.

So in this book, Abby Cooper, a psychic, goes with her boyfriend Dutch to Las Vegas to search for Dutch's cousin who has been kidnapped along. Abby has this ability where she can look at a picture and tell if someone is dead or alive, so she is able to tell that the cousin is alive, which is a good thing. But while investigating the kidnapping with Dutch, Abby keeps having dreams predicting Dutch's death.

Honestly, the summary doesn't give the book any justice. Any mystery lovers would find this a great read, and I think non-mystery lovers would as well. Reading the ending of this book was intense, almost like I was there with Abby trying to figure out what was going on. If I had to rate this book on a 1-5 scale (5 being the best) I would definitely give it a 5.

Bon Jovi and Carrie Underwood

My sister called about an hour ago, like she does every night (why is she married again?) Anyway, my brother in law has the absolute best job ever because I was just invited to go see Bon Jovi in NYC on Wednesday and Carrie Underwood next Monday on the 15. I have seen Bon Jovi 3 times, but I have never seen Carrie Underwood. I am so excited. Not only that, on the 17th I get to see Wintuk. My friend won tickets by calling into a radio station. I am so grateful to have an awesome brother in law (no matter how annoying he can be) to invite me to concerts and a great friend who would think of inviting me to see Cirque du Soleil. It's like Christmas came early for me today.

Megamind

So today I went to see Megamind with 2 of the kids I babysit and their mom (my old babysitter..cute huh?) I really only went to see it to spend time with the kids, I miss them when I don't see them very often, they are like little brothers and sisters to me (there are 5 in total and one is my godson) Anyway, my expectations for Megamind weren't very high, I really didn't think I would like it after seeing one of the trailers, but I was wrong. It was funny and cute and just great all around. I think it was good for both adults and kids and I am really happy that it exceeded my expectations, even if they were pretty low going into it. I am really glad I was able to go see the movie, because if I didn't see it with the kids, I probably would never see it, and I was laughing during the majority of the  movie.

Happy Almost Halloween!!

So it has been awhile, and I have read a bunch of books in the time I haven't written. I have also been working a lot (which is why I read so much) and honestly, being a substitute teacher wears me out. It probably doesn't make any sense since I am a sub, and I technically don't do as much as a teacher, but the students are so rude to me and very disrespectful, so by the end of the day I am exhausted and usually in a crappy mood. Luckily, tomorrow is Halloween, and I love this holiday. Tomorrow I am going trick or treating with the 5 kids I babysit and then at night I am going with the kids, my sister, and the kids parents to this thing called the Blaze which is in NY somewhere near Sleepy Hollow. If anyone lives in NJ or NY and has not been to the Blaze, you need to check it out next year. Basically a bunch of people carve pumpkins and they make this huge thing on the lawn of this historical house (at least I think it's historical) Last year when I went, it was pouring rain, but the pumpkins look so cool all lit up it was amazing. I am going to search for my camera so that I can take pictures and post them. And soon I will probably do some reviews on the books that I have read these past few weeks.

But I need to know, what are some of your favorite things to do on or around Halloween?

My Crazy Weekend and You Again

So yesterday I had 2 major events, well major to me anyway. I thought it might be fun to put down what I wore to both since I loved my outfits. The first was my cousin's baby shower. She is having a baby boy and she's due in December and I cannot wait (he will either be named Hudson or Enzo...personally I like Hudson) So to the baby shower I wore a dress from Delia's (I'm using the link because I can't find my camera to take a picture of it)Helen Crochet Dress and I just wore black flats since I was running out of my house and I was late, as usual. For makeup I used my Mac Naked Lunch Eyeshadow and my Devilishly Stylish lip gloss from the Venomous Villain's Collection.

My second event of the day was my very good friend, Jaime's wedding. I was so excited about this, it was my first "grown up" wedding. Basically it was the first wedding I went to without my parents and with a guest of my very own. Very exciting. To the wedding I wore this great dress from White House Black Market Black Dress (White House Black Market doesn't have it on it's website anymore, sorry) With my dress I wore my red heels from Steve Madden from a few years ago, and a cuff bracelet from Stella and Dot along some gold necklaces that I had. Did I mention that I love getting dressed up. For makeup, I just took my day look and added some gold eyeshadow onto my lid with a grey in the crease and a little bit of black in the outer v to make it a not very crazy smokey eye.

Yesterday was so crazy busy and so fun that I think I have had a fun overload. I took today off from subbing so I could try to sleep it, but I woke up at 9. So since I had the whole day ahead of me, I decided to go see You Again staring Kristen Belle, Betty White and so many more. I thought it was cute, but I thought it should have been funnier. The commercials for the movie made me laugh so hard, and I feel like they just used all of the funny bits for commercials so it kinda made the movie not so funny. But I still liked it, I wouldn't give it 5 stars, maybe 3.5 or 4. I liked the cast, I think they did very well, and Betty White was great. I think the story line was good as well, but I wouldn't put it in the Comedy category. Did anyone else see it? If so, what did you think?

Girl Confessions aka more about me

I was looking at some of the blogs I like and I went to Beauty Broadcast and she had this survey posted so I stole it, figured it might be fun sinceI have not done a survey like this since I was in high school. So here it goes.

1. What color is you hair?: Dirty blonde

2. Drama?: Used to have to much drama in my life, but it's getting much better.

3. Are you a girly girl?: Yes and no, I love to try new make up out, but I don't do it everyday... I'm more of an on/off girly girl

4. Who was the last person you hugged?: my mom
5. Small or large purses?: depends, large on normal days, at least big enough to hold a book
6. Are you short?: 5’6” so average I guess
7. Do you like somebody: depends on what definition of like you mean…
8. What would you do if someone smacked your butt?: probably laugh
9. Do you care if your socks are dirty?: If I was stuck in Antartica no…I would be to cold
10. Do you dress up on Halloween?: Not really, last year I was Hannah Montana and I just wore sparkly makeup and normal clothes
11. Are you double jointed?: Nope

12. Where is the weirdest place you have slept?: When I was little I used to fall asleep in random places, like in my chair while eating, or sitting up against a door. My sleeping habits have gotten more normal since then

13. Has anyone touched/smacked your butt in the past 24 hours?: nope

15. Do you call anybody by their last name?: yup
16. How many guys will read this just because it says “Girl Confessions”?: I don’t know

“X” Marks the Spot:

[X] I do wear make up
[X] I have cried at a movie theater.
[  ] I can put mascara on without opening my mouth.
[X] I get jealous.
[X] I think Johnny Depp is sexy.
[X] I love to laugh.
[X] I like death metal.
[X] I like rap.
[X] I like country
[X] I carry a purse.
[X] I’d be lost without my computer.
[X] I own a Spice Girls CD.
[  ] I own a Britney Spears CD.
[X] I own a boy band CD.
[X] I get bored watching football.
[  ] I’ve never been called a spoiled brat.
[X] Guys are confusing.
[ ] I’ve been called a bad influence.
[ ] I have/had a piercing other than my ears.
17. What color is your bra that your wearing?: black
18. Do you prefer light or dark haired guys?: depends on the guy
19. Are you currently frustrated with a boy?: Not really
20. Do you have a best friend(s)?: Yup
21. Have you ever had your heart broken? mostly by "friends"
22. What size shoe do you wear?: 7.5 or 8

23. Do you like your life?: sure
24. Has one of your friends ever stolen a boyfriend from you?: Sort of
25. Have you ever jumped in the pool with your clothes on?: Yes, many times
26. Do you have more friends that are girls or boys?: mostly girls
27. Do you wear extensions? No need
28. Have you ever slapped a boy in the face? : no
29. What are your biggest fears?: death and heights
30. Have you ever cried yourself to sleep?: yes
31. Have you ever not been able to get someone off of your mind?: yes
32. Do you believe in the saying “once a cheater, always a cheater”?: yes

33. Have you ever had a good feeling about something?: yes
34. Do you ever wish you were famous?: every time I watch a musical
35. Are you currently missing someone? for once, no

***This guy or that guy?***
Punk/Goth or Gangster?: punk

Preppy or Cowboy?: either

Face or Body?: face?

Sweet or Sexy?: sweet

Armani or Abercrombie?: target is okay with me

City-slicker or Rural Guy?: in between

Blue, Green, Grey, or Brown eyes?: I have always liked blue and brown

Contacts or Glasses?: both

***Your pick...***

36. Eyeliner or Mascara?: Mascara
37. Louis Vuitton or Dooney & Bourke?: louie just becuase I like the name

38. Heels or flats?: depends on the outfit

39. Skirts or pants?: skirts fit me better

40. Socks or leggings?: leggings

41. Sweatshirts or jackets?: sweatshirts are more comfy

42. Flip Flops or sneakers?: converse
43. Straight or curly hair?:I wish I could curl my hair

44. Hoop or dangling earrings?: I like posts best

45. White or black?: Black
46. Victoria’s Secret or Bath and Body Works?: Bath & Body Works
47. Smoothies or lattes?: Lattes
48. Diet or regular sodas?: regular
49. Orange juice or Apple juice?: apple
50. Pearls or diamonds?: diamonds and pearls
51. Vintage or boho?: I have no idea

52. Mary-Kate or Ashley Olsen?: As long as I never have to watch another episode of Full House, either

53. Lindsay or Hilary?: Hilary
54. Ipod or cell phone?: cell phone

55. Friends or family?: family

56. Lip gloss or lip stick?: gloss

57. Manicure or pedicure?: pedicure

58. Tiffany’s or Chanel?: Tiffany's

59.  Love or peace?: love I suppose

60. Sunglasses or purses?:purse with sunglasses inside                   

***In a guy…***
Funny or Serious?: Funny
Romantic or Daredevil?: Romantic
Cute or Hot?: either
Dark Eyes or Light Eyes?: I think I have to lean towards dark
Long Hair or Short Hair?: short
Curly Hair or Straight Hair?: doesn't matter

Good Dancer or Good Singer?: dancer so he can help me out a little
Basketball Player or Football Player?: baseball...even though it wasn't a choice
Jock or Rebel?: a little bit of both
Smoker or Non-smoker?: non smoker
Druggie or Clean?: clean
Has a Motorcycle or Has a Sports Car?: I really want to ride on a motorcycle
Beard/Mustache or Clean-shaven?: clean shaven or 5 o'clock shadow
Younger or Older?: older
Player or Loyal?: loyal

Venomous Villains

Over the weekend I decided to drive a half an hour away to go to the Limited and try to find a suit. I was hoping that maybe if I bought a suit with long sleeves (I have one with short sleeves and is totally cute, but totally doesn't work for fall/winter) that maybe, just maybe, I will get a job interview. I was really excited to go because I looked at suits online and I picked one that I thought I would love. I get there and I hate it. So instead of just feeling bad for myself for driving so far away when I have 4 malls within 20 minutes of my house (less than 20 usually) that I would try and make the trip better. I bought a dress from Delia's, a necklace from the Icing and decided to check out Mac. The store was packed and I only slightly looked at the Venomous Villains collection and then left.

As I was leaving the mall, I had to walk through Macy's and right when I walked in there was the Mac counter, so I looked at the collection again and fell in love. Now, I normally don't buy stuff from Mac since I am poor, but I love Disney and I couldn't pass it up. The girl who helped me was awesome too, I was just going to get the Bad Fairy nailpolish from the Maleficent part of the collection but it was sold out and I was going to leave I couldn't help being mesmerized by the eyeshadow duo in She who Dares (I love the names of everything) and then the extremely nice and funny girl who helped me talked me into a lipgloss (which I will use this weekend for a wedding I am attending) and a powder thing. So the lipgloss was from Cruella in Devilishly Stylish which is nude shade and the powder was from the dude from the Princess and the Frog (great new princess movie) and it was the Magically Cool Liquid Powder (I got the lighter shade since I am pale) I was amazed at the powder. It felt like you were rubbing a drop of water on your skin and left a bit of shimmer. Since I only bought 3 things I was very proud of myself, but then I had to bring something back to the mall on Monday and decided to go nuts, again.

So I went to the biggest mall by me on Monday (I took the day off for a doctor's appointment) and I parked by Nordstrom and walked through. I had no idea that Nordstrom had a Mac counter (yeah I'm kinda slow) so I figured since I didn't get the nailpolish I wanted, I would try and see if they had it in stock and guess what, THEY DID. So I got the Bad Fairy nailpolish that I wanted and sprung for the other Cruella lipgloss in Wicked Ways which on the website it says its a fushia but it really looks like a red to me. Anyway I love it and now I really need to stop spending money. I think I need to go to shopaholics anonymous in order to help me not spend money so often.

So has anyone else bought anything from the new Mac collection? If so, what do you think?

DWTS and books I am reading

So I am a huge Dancing with the Stars fan. I haven't watched since the first season, I actually can't remember when I started watching, but I fell in love with Maks and now I am hooked. This season just started a few weeks ago, but I already have some favorites. The first is Kyle Massey, from the Disney Channel. He was so great the first day, that I just need to see how far he can go. Unfortunately, I forgot to vote last night, so let's hope he stays on. I also really like watching Jennifer Gray (Grey?), but I kinda think it's unfair since she was in Dirty Dancing. Tonight is the result night or whatever, and I honestly don't know who will go home. Maybe the Situation? I don't think he is very good, but he probably has a lot of fans since he is on the Jersey Shore (did you know that most of those people aren't from Jersey?) I don't usually watch the results, I just look up who leaves online when I remember. I am an avid fan of NCIS and have to watch it the day it comes on. And for any Glee fans, that gets taped every week which means I can watch it more than once.

Now onto books. This summer I started reading 4 different series of books. The first was the Georgia Nicholson series by Louise Rennison (the first book is Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging) I have read the first few books before, but they are so hilarious, that I decided to start all over again. The books are a diary written by a girl named Georgia who lives in England with her parents, her crazy younger sister, and her insane cat Angus who she says is part Scottish wild cat. A movie was made compiling bits and pieces from the first and second books of the series, it was on Teen Nick and was equally as funny as the books. Anyone see it?

The second series is the It Girl by Cecily von Zeigesar (author of Gossip Girl) I do like this series, but I liked Gossip Girl a little bit better. Sometimes I feel like it's hard to get into the book, but then I get to the middle and I can't put it down. Strange right? Anyway, the series is a spin off of Gossip Girl when Jenny Humphry decides to get away from her old school Constance and goes to boarding school at Waverly. She goes from a nothing in NY to the it girl on campus. The only thing I wasn't so big on was that Jenny goes from being a not very rich girl in NY to a not very rich girl at the boarding school. I don't understand how everyone has to be rich in her books.

I also began reading Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shephard. I saw a commercial for the show (before it began) and decided that I needed to see what it really was about. I was hooked instantly. These books are a combo of major drama and mystery, which I love, and all of the books had endings that just made you want more. I had to wait 3 months to get the last book, Wanted, and now that I am done, I am sorta sad because it definitely seems to be the last book. When I say I'm sad, it's more like I am disappointed that I can't read more about these characters, that's how good I thought it was. Anyone read these yet? If so, what did you think?

The last series that I started reading is the Psychic Eye Series by Victoria Laurie. I picked the first book up from the paperback section in my library just so I could have another book to bring on vacation in July. I didn't read it on vacation, I didn't read it the week after, I waited almost a month not thinking I would enjoy it. I was wrong. The books are about a psychic named Abby who is 30 and single and gets involved in helping the cops figure out a murder. I love trying to figure out how these books will end. I am currently reading the 4th book of the series which I will probably review when I finish it since it is the first book I am reading since having the blog.

Last, but not least, I would love to hear what others have to say about books, tv, movies, whatever. So if there are any books that you think I should add to my 500+ books to read, let me know.

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”- the Great Gatsby

Hey everyone, or anyone. So this is my first blog ever, I am slightly nervous and if you actually read this, you are probably thinking "Why on earth would she be nervous, it's not even a vlog, she is just typing." Well, in an attempt to try and explain, I am the kinda girl who has always wanted attention, but has been too scared to put myself out there. Maybe because when I have tried, people just made fun of me for how I look, my glasses, how bad my skin is. It was easier to just blend in as well as I could. I am hoping that this blog will help me start to put myself out there again.

So, if anyone decides to follow me, I should probably warn you, I have a problem. My name is Jen Haring and I am a shopaholic. It's an issue only because as a substitute teacher, I never know when I am going to work. For the month of September I only worked 3 days, and I only get paid the 15th of each month. I should probably let you know, that I already spent my pay check and I won't actually get it in the mail for another week or so. When I walk into a store, I have to buy something. I rarely walk out empty handed. Like today, I went into Delia's to return 2 things, and I walked out with a shirt. When I went into Ulta to get something for my mom, I walked out with 3 nailpolishes (buy 2 get 1 for something, how can I pass that up?), a rollerball perfume, concealer, tinted lip balm, and a comb. Technically I didn't need any of it, but I just couldn't pass it up.

Since this post is extremely long, I think I should probably stop. Have a great night everyone!