Product Review: Books on CD

Ok, so I know this is a JUMP from my usual beauty related reviews, but I just had to share!! I'm a HUGE book reader and always have been. Now that I'm out of school and my big kid job is across the street from the library, I have been reading new books left and right. I kept thinking to myself how I wish I could read while I commute to and from work without getting into an accident or getting car sick (gross!). Then it dawned on me, it came to me in a dream and I realized "HELLO bombshell (Victoria Secret ads totally stick in my head), they make audio books!!". This is totally a two-for-one deal, and we all love those!

So, I requested my first audio book from the library and have been a happy camper ever since. I drive 2.5-3 hours a day for work and this little gem has saved me. Traffic doesn't bother me as much, I don't mind waiting in my car if I arrive somewhere early, and I find myself bummed out when I have passengers in my car and have to turn the book off for my guests.

You might be asking what I've been "reading" and it's the Harry Potter Audio Books! I'm already on the fifth book and started with the first. I've always liked the movies and now that I've started the books I'm a full-fledged fan. In fact, I'm trying to persuade my Fiance in letting us get a white pet that we can name Hedwig (like Harry's owl), I'm constantly Googling/Wikipedia-ing each book and character for more information and hidden meanings, I've also perused the website for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida...more than a woman of my age without children should ever admit to. My sister keeps pointing it out that she was a fan from the start (she picked up her books at midnight when they were released) and that I'm late to the game. I guess the best part of being "late" is that I don't have to wait years for the next book (I'm talking to you Charlaine Harris and The Southern Vampire Mysteries!).

So, since my sister is so cool, here is a picture of her and her bf on opening night of the new Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows film in matching shirts.

Isn't this cute? True love I tell you!

Besides my new found obsession with Harry Potter, listening to audio books have been the new best thing since sliced bread. The HP books are narrated by Jim Dale who does different voices for the characters and it's so entertaining! It's not cheesy at all and the voices sound very similar to the characters in the movie. The CDs book is read in 3-5 minute intervals so it's easy to listen to a piece again if you didn't catch it, started daydreaming, or you were laughing so hard that you missed some of it. For anyone who has a long drive or even a short drive for that matter, I would HIGHLY suggest trying audio books for the ride.

Since I've seen all of the movies (except for the new one, I'm waiting to read the book first) it's easy to listen to the books and visual the scenes and characters. I'm sure that even listening to a book where I've never seen the movie, it would still be the same since I do that subconsciously when reading anyways.

Are you guys big readers? I know Amanda, Kristin and Jessica are. Have any of you tried audio books before? Any ones you would suggest? Any HP fans out there?

PS Are you guys interested in book reviews or should I just stick to beaty related items?

Eerily Similar...Again!

The picture on the left is of Emmanuelle Chriqui and at first glance I thought it was JWOW and I was like, "Dang girl, you got a makeover!" The picture on the right is JWOW at a recent event. They look so similar they could be related!

Do you think they look alike? Is it just me?

Viva La Mexico! (Otra Vez)

For MLK weekend, several of our friends set out on a 4 day cruise from Long Beach, CA to Esnsenada, Mexico. It was a great time and it was so nice to get away! Plus, I get the best sleep on boats because of the rocking of the ship.

Here we are ready to sail!

The Left-handers side of the table! Can you believe there was three of us?

On our way into Ensanada! We always stop at Mango Mango to spend the day.

Some of the Fiance's family friends (who were also there to witness our proposal- check it out here) were there and met up with us!

The last day of the cruise was at sea, and it went by so slow! We had the best time though!

We played some rounds of put put golf, and here's the pics for the hole in one club! That's right, I'm a member by two!

After dinner our last night

All in all it was a great trip! I think I'm done for a while though, this was my 4-5th trip on the same boat to the same destination. I think our next cruise should be for somewhere different like Alaska or the Bahamas!

Have you guys been on a cruise before? They're so much fun! All we did was eat, eat, eat. Matt cracked me up with how much food he consumed, he's like a bottom-less pit. I've done a 7 day cruise before, but that's too long on a boat for me. I think 4-5 days are best. I also get sea-sick really easy, so I swear by the patches! If you even think you could be sick, just use them!

ThxThxThx

Have you checked out ThxThxThx? It's creator is Leah Dieterich, whose Mother taught her to write Thank You notes, so she writes one everyday and they are quite amusing. Plus I love that she finds something to be thankful for in such mundane or everyday things. It really makes you feel grateful for what you have, and it's entertaining! Double whammy.

I used to keep a journal where I would just write one line everyday of something that was good, like "I had awesome hair today", "I found a penny face-up so I'm bound to have good luck". After reading her page I think I might pick it up again.

Today, I'm thankful that it's Friday and I'm running errands for my Craft Day tomorrow for the Wedding and finally getting some ish done! I'm also thankful for all of your support and suggestions about shoes yesterday! You girlies are so so amazing and each comment and email meant so much to me! I'm in the process of still shopping and I'll be writing you back this weekend! What are you thankful for today?

Hot Man Parade