tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78971591516087944072018-02-11T16:53:18.197-05:00Sam's RamblingsSamantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.comBlogger322125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-14429926743244061502018-01-16T17:31:00.002-05:002018-02-01T13:58:15.904-05:0010 Things to Keep at Your Desk <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4j7Ju64fIg/WlkS6vP4CkI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/_1fzFS1p-4M6QzNFKSNnesXPbGHYZFYNQCLcBGAs/s1600/Desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4j7Ju64fIg/WlkS6vP4CkI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/_1fzFS1p-4M6QzNFKSNnesXPbGHYZFYNQCLcBGAs/s640/Desk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1. Umbrella - This makes the top of the list because last Thursday I had to go run an errand outside the office and when I turned to look outside it was raining heavily. Not only would the rain possibly ruin the document in which I needed to deliver, it would also ensure everyone could see directly through my shirt. I was given an umbrella by one of my co-workers because I didn't have one. Since last week, I now have two brand new umbrellas at my desk. Moral of the story, be prepared!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">2. Headache medicine - This falls under the thought of being prepared. I normally have this in my purse, but not everyone carries a purse. Since most of our jobs require us to be on computers for long hours and dealing with lots of details and/or data, headaches can become common. Having headache medicine becomes a necessity. Everyone in my office ends up coming to ask me for headache medicine because they know I have it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">3. Napkins - Don't laugh at this because when you spill your coffee or tea or water all over, you'll thank me! I think most of us eat and/or drink while at our desks so napkins are a must. I think I keep at least 20 in my top drawer! Sure, you can walk to the kitchen area of the office or something but the convenience of having the napkins at your desk can't be beat. Plus, should the office run out, you're in the clear because you have your own stash. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">4. Hand sanitizer - This one might seem odd but I find I use it more often than not. Due winter and when there's a nasty sickness going around the office, you'll appreciate having hand sanitizer within grabbing distance. I tend to use it a lot after I eat. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">5. Hand lotion - This is probably a bit silly but it's saved me multiple times in the summer when I rush out the house wear a dress and forgetting to apply lotion to my bare legs. When I feel my hands are too dry during the day, I'll reach for the lotion I keep in my top drawer. It's all about being prepared.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">6. Tissues - Have you ever sneezed to realize your nose is now leaking? Yeah, that scenario sucks and can suck even more if tissues aren't within reaching distance. Especially during sick season, A.K.A. winter, you'll appreciate having tissues at your desk.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">7. Stain remover - This goes to the thought, "I cannot look like a slob while at work." I have the bad habit of eating food that will splash while wearing a light colored shirt. The stain remover pen I have in my pen holder is a life saver, quite literally. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">8. Lip balm or chapstick - This might be more personal than anything else on this list, but I think it is important nonetheless. Chapped lips aren't a good look and aren't good to have so having lip balm near you is probably a really good idea. I use it at least once a day. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">9. Phone charger - This is kind of a must no matter where we go since none of us can live without our precious phones! Personally, I have a charger in my bedroom, in my car, at my desk AND a portable charger in my purse. Yep, over prepared! There are a lot of times where you need your cellular phone for work and personal purposes so it is only fair that you can keep it charged and working.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">10. Candy - This comes from my personal mindset of having a nice display on my desk and because I stress eat. If you catch me munching on Twizzlers at 11 am, assume I'm feeling very stressed. Candy is kind of like a gateway for conversation with others who pass your desk, too. I find it makes you appear more inviting. </span>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-74157810444980938582017-12-15T17:28:00.003-05:002017-12-18T10:31:22.130-05:00Learn to De-Stress<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x241Fs430-4/WjRMY9atFNI/AAAAAAAAD4g/2gmUXb5Wjb0y1RhtwZDku85o_kHyjSrzwCLcBGAs/s1600/De-Stress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="792" height="491" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x241Fs430-4/WjRMY9atFNI/AAAAAAAAD4g/2gmUXb5Wjb0y1RhtwZDku85o_kHyjSrzwCLcBGAs/s640/De-Stress.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's quite literally impossible to have low to no stress in our current day and age, regardless of age, occupation or stage of life. Society is so linked due to technology and fast-paced so you're always "going." Now, more than ever, it is important to learn to manage your stress levels and how to de-stress.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Why is it so important to manage stress? Simple, stress quite literally shortens your lifespan, negatively impacts your health and can kill you.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How do you learn to manage stress or de-stress? You can take tips from others and see what works for you. I'm going to give you ways I de-stress and manage my stress in hopes of providing some guidance to helping you find your way.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><ol><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>POP Pilates</b> - POP Pilates is a workout class that is, essentially, fast paced yoga or yoga on steroids. My gym has several classes during the week and I try to make at least 3 or 4 classes a week. Many studies have shown that working out helps manage stress with helping to release endorphins and so forth. I'm not big into machines and the like but I do enjoy taking gym classes and POP Pilates specifically helps relieves my stress.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Pleasure Reading</b> - I love reading but at work I'm usually reading data analysis, Industry specific information and so forth so it isn't really what I <i>like</i> to read personally. When I'm feeling really rundown I tend to turn to my choice of reading, usually romance novels. Reading for pleasure takes me away from the stress of life and makes me get lost in another world, one where there is a required happy ending. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Manicure/Pedicures</b> - I tend to get spa manicures and pedicures which include longer foot massages and a decent shoulder massage on top of the cleaning up of my nails. This process tends to take 1.5 to 3 hours and it's time that I get to relax. When I'm done I feel good, relaxed and less stressed. It's a bit pricey, but to me, it's worth it. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Shopping</b> - Retail therapy anyone? There's something so satisfying about buying clothes, shoes and accessories that is really relaxing to me. It's a pricey way to de-stress, but if you budget to be able to do this every so often, it might work for you. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Watching Television Shows</b> - I love dramas, lately I've been watching a lot of Korean Dramas (special shout out to Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo because it was incredible), and this is kind of like reading. You don't pay attention to your own life problems or stress factors when you're lost in the world of the show. I know lots of my friends get lost going on Netflix binges. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>At Home Spa</b> - I have loads of face masks and bath bombs and they create a vibe of relaxation. I use my face masks at least three times a week because of my skin issues- yay for having acne struggles due to PCOS. If you take a night once a week or once every other week to soak in a bath with a bath bomb and/or use a face mask to deep clean your skin. Granted, you can have a face mask for different things such as revitalizing your skin, brightening your skin, moisturizing your skin and so forth. If you take time to go through this at least once a month, this should help with managing your stress while also benefiting your skin and health. </span></li></ol>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-89561130794272947002017-08-28T11:57:00.002-04:002017-08-28T12:05:46.639-04:00An Open Letter to Entry-Level Job Seekers<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Dear Entry-level job seekers,</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cT4KDlBvHN4/WaQ9NqLxmrI/AAAAAAAAD1c/b2c_EOj-6XM6ejVbj5L-5GMnAh--glA0ACLcBGAs/s1600/Dear%2BEntry%2BLevel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cT4KDlBvHN4/WaQ9NqLxmrI/AAAAAAAAD1c/b2c_EOj-6XM6ejVbj5L-5GMnAh--glA0ACLcBGAs/s640/Dear%2BEntry%2BLevel.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">It's a rough game so I hope you're strapped in! Honestly, having some internship experience and a college degree doesn't guarantee you a job. I wish I could say it did, but it doesn't. Also, just because you have a college degree doesn't mean you are entitled to be paid a six figure salary. There are a few things to keep in mind while you're job hunting and that's kind of where this post comes from, my own experience and managing my intern turned assistant's realities and expectations. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b>1. <span style="color: #e06666;">Know your salary range!</span> </b>- In every avenue of work and location, there's a salary range you can easily Google. For instance, entry-level marketing jobs in Houston, TX range between $32,000-45,000 annually. Don't expect an outrageous salary like say $75,000 as an entry-level social media person. It just won't happen. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b>2. </b><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Be willing to intern!</b> </span>- I know people hear internship and think, "I graduated, why do I need to intern?" I get it, but it's not a bad option, especially if it's paid! You get to be groomed some, add experience to your resume, network <b>and</b> possibly have the opportunity to be hired into the company you are interning with. It's not uncommon for interns to be hired on, it's how I hired my assistant! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b>3. <span style="color: #e06666;">Apply, apply, apply!</span> </b>- If you applied to five jobs and think that's going to work out, it might, but the chances of that are extremely slim. I would say you should be combing the job boards daily and applying to nothing under 30 jobs a week. The more applications, the more chances of interviews! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b>4. <span style="color: #e06666;">Read application instructions!</span></b> - I can't tell you how many of my friends and people I combed through when looking for an intern didn't read the application instructions. If an application requires a cover letter, include one. If an application asks specific questions that are to be answered in the cover letter, answer those questions. Read for comprehension, not to respond. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b>5. <span style="color: #e06666;">Respond to inquiries in a timely manner!</span></b> - Don't let an email sit in your inbox for over a day. It's bad form because if you want a job, you are going to be on top of your communication. Plus, if you don't respond in a timely fashion, you might lose out on the opportunity. Some turnabout rates are a few days to weeks. Don't miss out because you weren't on top of your emails, voicemails or phone calls! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b>6. <span style="color: #e06666;">Leverage your network! </span></b>- You are told to network so much that you might hear it in your sleep, right? Well, use that network you've built to put you forward for a job you've applied to, if possible. Ask people you know at certain companies for HR hiring contacts in order to send them your resume and say something like, "I've attached my resume in case anything that matches my experience comes your way. I would love to be kept in mind." </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b>7. <span style="color: #e06666;">Interview for jobs you might not absolutely love!</span> </b>- So you get an email scheduling an interview for a job you really aren't fond of, schedule the interview! First, there's no such thing as the perfect job. Second, you might love the company or company culture which would trade off things you may not necessarily like with regards to the job responsibilities. Third, once inside the company you would have the ability to get your foot in the door and apply to other positions as they become available. Lastly, the experience added to your resume, even if you can only suck up the position 6-9 months, would help you in your job search once you reach your breaking point! </span></span>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-3374331317792123362017-05-18T12:14:00.000-04:002017-05-18T12:14:24.029-04:00Dear Diary, I Still Hate the Gym <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Diary,</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GAYad8DxInY/WR3IMnIiRTI/AAAAAAAADzU/TX2xnsH2f_8BfTQXF9i4vYZXMkDuIRKJQCLcB/s1600/Hate%2Bthe%2BGym.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GAYad8DxInY/WR3IMnIiRTI/AAAAAAAADzU/TX2xnsH2f_8BfTQXF9i4vYZXMkDuIRKJQCLcB/s640/Hate%2Bthe%2BGym.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I still cannot stand the gym. Since January, I have had a gym membership that I've been using. Even though I like a few classes and instructors (POP Pilates, BBarreless and Strength Training), I still actually hate the gym. I dread going, it's kind of ridiculous. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I find there are few reasons why I hate the gym, even if I'm there at least three times a week. First, I've been hit on by guys who have no tact and don't get that I just want to be left alone in my sweat and quest to have a trimmer figure. Second, I know the gym represents sweating and pain, both of which I'm not a fan of. Lastly, I'm not a "workout" kind of person, I do it because I have to, not because I'm genuinely thrilled (outside of POP Pilates, that shit is pretty awesome). </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">So, in summary, I hate the gym but go and do enjoy a few classes. You don't have to love working out to go to the gym and you don't have to be fit to go to the gym. The whole point of a gym is to promote health and fitness, regardless of level of health and/or fitness. If you've never tried a Barreless or POP Pilates class, I would suggest you do it. I'm a total fan! </span></span>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-50294359463234836262017-02-09T09:31:00.000-05:002017-02-09T09:32:24.177-05:00I'm Not a Dating Kind of Gal<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Remember when I wrote about how dating sucks? (Read post <a href="http://ramblingsofayoungprgirl.blogspot.com/2016/05/why-dating-sucks.html" target="_blank">here</a>) Well, I'm pretty sure it sucks more so because I'm not a dating kind of gal. When my boyfriend and I were feeling each other out I began to really think about why, to me, dating is awful. When we began to turn super serious I realized it's because I'm a relationship person. It was like a switch flipped and it all became blatantly clear. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xe-L26CR9U8/WJx9E-RpuBI/AAAAAAAADwE/1kCtfxi2IRI6bJhLaUcQkeera62vbck6gCLcB/s1600/Dating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xe-L26CR9U8/WJx9E-RpuBI/AAAAAAAADwE/1kCtfxi2IRI6bJhLaUcQkeera62vbck6gCLcB/s640/Dating.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">I invest emotionally. </span></b>- When I consider a potential partner, I begin to invest emotionally in them. I don't just date to date, I get to know someone in order to ensure there's an actual future possible. I start to see how our schedules, values and so on line up. I see what a person likes and dislikes in order to best adjust to them.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">I don't like managing multiple people.</span></b> - I can barely keep up with my work schedule and family so having to remember Jack, Daniel, Jorge and Christian doesn't work for me. I like sticking to one person and growing with them. Having to try and recall schedules, conversations and so on from more than one person is exhausting and just not something I want to be doing.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">3. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">I'm needy.</span></b> - I like attention and affection so if someone is dating me plus six others at the same time, I won't be getting the amount of either I require. That doesn't work for me so being old enough and mature enough to realize that saves me some headaches. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">4. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">I'm possessive.</span></b> - This goes hand-in-hand with being needy, but I don't like to share. You touch what I view as mine and it won't be pretty so having to share someone with others as he's trying to see "who works best" just isn't for me. I'm number one or I'm walking away. </span>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-50607526267866178822017-01-30T10:00:00.003-05:002017-01-30T10:00:59.349-05:00Do These to Get Hired <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's been no secret that the past few weeks I've been combing through resumes and interviewing possible interns. Honestly, the lack of professional training these people have, most were college <i><b>graduates</b></i>, was baffling to me. It could be the whole East Coast versus Texas issue, but I was still in shock that simple things I know to do none of these people were trained on. So, for all of you job seeking, I'm going to give you things you <i>have</i> to do to stick out besides have experience! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kt1Xdqm9Jds/WI6rkxuzzyI/AAAAAAAADv0/mmTdz50eLHsjPQU38JWnSEbvBvAJjo9MACLcB/s1600/Get%2BHired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kt1Xdqm9Jds/WI6rkxuzzyI/AAAAAAAADv0/mmTdz50eLHsjPQU38JWnSEbvBvAJjo9MACLcB/s640/Get%2BHired.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Be timely.</span></b> - If you're applying to jobs, you have to respond to emails requesting more information or attempting to schedule an interview with you in a timely manner. For me, this is under 24 hours so be checking your email regularly if you don't have it on your phone. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Send follow-up and thank you emails.</span></b> - If you haven't heard back from someone, sometimes your email might have slipped through the cracks or the time table for hiring has changed, so send a follow-up. These are easy and need to just state you haven't heard from the person and are thoroughly interested in the position so you are following up to see where the hiring process is as you would love to either come in for an in-person interview or whatever. Also, THANK YOU EMAILS ARE ESSENTIAL. If someone conducts any kind of interview whether it be a phone, Skype, in-person or final interview you better send an email thanking that person for their time and the opportunity to show how you are a great fit for the role and company within 48 hours. These are so important. I can't even stress how important these emails are enough. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">3. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Do NOT show up earlier than 15 minutes.</span></b> - While it is great to be early, being too early can actually get you negative marks. I always say the earliest you should be is 15 minutes and the latest you should be is five minutes before the scheduled interview time when it is in person. If you have to walk around the lobby or sit in your car and wait in the parking lot to not be overly early, do it. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">4. <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Think before you respond.</b></span> - I am a fast speaker and tend to not think before I speak <i>unless</i> I'm in a professional setting or in an interview. If your response or statement comes out jumbled, many interviewers will mark that negatively against you so take the time to think about what you want to say. While a few seconds of silence on your part may seem like eternity, your interviewer will appreciate a thoughtful answer and view you in a positive light. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">5. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Have a firm handshake.</span></b> - While this might seem silly, it's important. People view handshakes as extensions of personalities so if your handshake is weak<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span>sweaty or limp, you are viewed as not a confident person. This can get you negative marks you really don't want.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">6. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Have at least four printed copies of your resume.</span></b> - When you walk into an interview, sometimes it is with more than one person, I always have at least <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">four</span> hard-copies of my resume. If it is with just one person th<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e</span>n you have a copy for that person, yourself and two extras. You will almost never have more than three people interviewing you at a time so four is pretty safe number. Having <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hard copies</span> is important because it shows you're prepared in case the interviewer didn't have time to print or left it somewhere. Being prepared is not only essential, it's part of being professional<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">People want to hire <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">people who can get the job done<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and having your resume is a <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sign you are that kind of person<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-26918603832011612202017-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:002017-01-09T07:00:21.821-05:00Ways I Stick Out in Houston<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">People are products of their surroundings, upbringing and cultures. I am the prime example being a fusion of Puerto Rican, Portuguese, American and New York cultures. For me, they all blend together to give me my identity. Having said that, I tend to stick out while in Houston which is a very different dynamic when it comes to personality. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zp_ND8urQsc/WHBuL_w-7cI/AAAAAAAADvI/LR9ms01OSF8t1Jnhxfv7o4WMnElU0FKkACLcB/s1600/Stick%2BOut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zp_ND8urQsc/WHBuL_w-7cI/AAAAAAAADvI/LR9ms01OSF8t1Jnhxfv7o4WMnElU0FKkACLcB/s640/Stick%2BOut.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.</b><span style="color: #e06666;"> I talk too fast! </span>- I've been told for the past few weeks by multiple people to slow down because they can't keep up. It's annoying because everyone else can understand me! I talk too fast because you Houstonians talk too damn slow!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2.</b> <span style="color: #e06666;">I don't have a southern drawl or accent. </span>- My "accent" is speaking crystal clear due to where I'm from. At least four times since starting my job I've been told I don't sound like I'm from "here." </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3.</b> <span style="color: #e06666;">I walk too fast.</span> - I was told to slow down several times when zipping through the office and even while out to lunch. I get the job done, I can't help that you choose to saunter instead of move your body.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4.</b><span style="color: #e06666;"> I'm direct and concise when speaking.</span> - I've been called rude so many times for not talking too much or being too direct. I'm ensuring there's no miscommunication by being to the point. It's taking major adjustment on my part to not take offense.</span></span><br /><br />Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-50634288886310547192016-12-29T08:38:00.000-05:002016-12-29T08:38:36.031-05:0016 Changes in 2016 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TshefyS4T5Y/WGURp8RRGXI/AAAAAAAADuo/kdMzqYpipvgVJdyqzECQyAOVewDvso4rACLcB/s1600/16%2BChanges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TshefyS4T5Y/WGURp8RRGXI/AAAAAAAADuo/kdMzqYpipvgVJdyqzECQyAOVewDvso4rACLcB/s640/16%2BChanges.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1. My college status - I graduated in May of this year. It felt like a journey that would never end but it finally did. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2. My location - While I love being from the NYC area, I had to make a move in order to further my career. I'm now in Houston, Texas.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">3. My relationship status - I'm no longer single! I swear I thought I was going to be single forever but then this awesome guy came into my life and changed that. He's pretty amazing. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">4. My job status - I'm now an integrated marketing associate. All my hard work has paid off and I get paid! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">5. My hair length - My hair has been long for ages but it gradually got shorter this year until it fell a bit past my shoulders. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">6. My hair color - I put a copper balayage in which has since washed out to leave blonde streaks in my hair. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">7. My foundation - I changed it from Tarte to Urban Decay to Too Faced to CoverFX. I might need a different one because the cream foundation from CoverFX seems to not wear well. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">8. My mascara - I went from Roller Lash from Benefit Cosmetics to They're Real Lash Primer by Benefit Cosmetics. Yes, there were a few in between these two major changes but I don't recall them all at the moment.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">9. My birth control - I began a pill in the summer which was not a good fit for me for several reasons. This month I began the Nuva Ring! I'll be sure to update on how well it works out but so far so good? </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">10. My next car - I've finally narrowed my next car down to the BMW X1 or the Acura TLX. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">11. My face wash - I have changed to Cetaphil which is not only cost efficient but doesn't piss my skin off. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">12. My views on relationships - At one time, I believed in time lines until that got blown up by my current relationship. I think everything moves at its own pace based upon the people in the relationship. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">13. My views on mental health - Until a very personal matter involving mental health happened in my life, I didn't view it as important or even relevant. I am very fortunate to function within society without issue. After the occurrence earlier in the year, I did my homework and understood the issue better.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">14. My friend group - I've cut people out completely because I'm so damn <i>tired</i> of people who aren't worth my time. I try to not judge but usually my snap judgments are spot on so sticking with my gut over society's crap of "be nice." </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">15. My jean preference - I am totally in love with high rise jeans because I think this low rise craze is annoying. Anyone with a butt cannot wear those demonic low rise jeans. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">16. My office attire - I was very formal and old school until recently so now I switch between business formal and business casual, yay for jeans! </span>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-44695750630451618112016-12-22T08:30:00.000-05:002016-12-29T08:39:14.716-05:00Signs He Values You<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Finding a good and genuine guy in this modern era is like looking for a four leaf clover. I feel your pain, I really do. For every one great guy, there are at least 15 fuckboys or just horrible guys. It's a nightmare and I see far too many girls with guys who don't <span style="color: #e06666;">value</span> them. There are universal signs a guy values you and they include: </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40Bm5rxEip8/WFi-BZ8QILI/AAAAAAAADuQ/noLa2rUQYVYVnlKhLyQrxaH8f8W7XidbACLcB/s1600/Values%2BYou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40Bm5rxEip8/WFi-BZ8QILI/AAAAAAAADuQ/noLa2rUQYVYVnlKhLyQrxaH8f8W7XidbACLcB/s640/Values%2BYou.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>1. He is in contact with you often.</b> - If he texts you throughout the day even when he's busy, makes time to call you to hear your voice, just asks how your day was or has been or even just sends you texts to let you know he's thinking of you, he's a keeper. Guys who don't <span style="color: #e06666;">value</span> you or see you as important won't make time and don't really care what or how you're doing. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. He remembers details and can recall them in later conversations.</b> - If he's actually listening to what you're saying when you're talking and can bring up your favorite color or movie three weeks later, he was paying attention. Not only was he paying attention, he viewed your interests as relevant and important enough to store away for a later date. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>3. He goes out of his way to spend time with you.</b> - Whether you're in a long-distance relationship and he's making time to FaceTime you or you live near one another and he comes over after work just to have dinner with you, he's showing you that you're important. Going out of his way to please you by spending physical time with you is a huge deal. Now, if he's only coming over to "Netflix and chill" kick his ass to the curb. If he makes time to go on dates, hang out with friends with you and so on, he's totally into you and wants to show you he <span style="color: #e06666;">values</span> you.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>4. He praises you.</b> - Whether he's letting you know he's proud of you for getting that job promotion, acceptance into a graduate program or just telling you he thinks you're brilliant, he's openly praising you and that's great. If someone is secure in themselves and can praise your achievements, they <span style="color: #e06666;">value</span> you.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>5. He supports you emotionally.</b> - Ever needed to vent but didn't want to sound needy or crazy? Well, you can totally vent to him and he's right there listening, offering advice if you ask for it and also soothing you while balancing your emotions. Crazy that guys can and will do this, right? </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>6. He openly discusses you with people in his life.</b> - He has a roommate and that roommate knows your occupation, alma matar, what you look like and what you sound like. His friends know about you because he can't help but brag about how awesome you are and he promises to introduce you when you're both ready for that stage. If he isn't doing this, you're just unimportant and that's a massive <span style="color: red;">red</span> flag. </span>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-72074179185558676132016-12-08T09:26:00.000-05:002016-12-29T08:39:27.600-05:00Dear Diary, I Like a Guy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMmLLDkcjuU/WEltXL1UeMI/AAAAAAAADt4/VL7yys2X0bkLsekH8ks3BD0u1fps7CE0QCLcB/s1600/Dear%2BDiary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMmLLDkcjuU/WEltXL1UeMI/AAAAAAAADt4/VL7yys2X0bkLsekH8ks3BD0u1fps7CE0QCLcB/s640/Dear%2BDiary.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you follow me on Twitter, you'll notice I've posted a few screen shots and they seem to be really awesome things from someone. If you thought this is someone I'm seeing, you'd be correct. I didn't mean to like him, I've known him since we were 13. We just reconnected recently because he and I are the kind of friends who swing in and out of each other's lives. We started talking and it all just kind of fell in line. I kind of really like him and I'm actually thrilled that I do. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So who is this guy? He's a Marine, fits the whole alpha male role I totally need, and he's currently based in Japan. We talk on the phone, FaceTime and text essentially throughout the entire day which is nice because we haven't gotten bored yet and he hasn't gotten sick of my constant rambling. He's coming home soon which makes me utterly ecstatic. He will be relocating to a base on the east coast of the United States. He's smart, not like brilliant in the textbook way, but smart enough to hold an intelligent conversation with me about most things and has a very similar value system to myself which I find is highly important. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The relationship effortlessly went from friends to more, we're in that weird exclusive talking stage before dating, and I think that's kind of telling in and of itself. Neither of us pushed it but it just was, like how we just breathe in to live. He does all the major things to be a good guy including: making time to talk to me and see how my day is going, asking about things that interest me, sharing things about himself, being honest and being affectionate. He doesn't hold back on saying I'm pretty or that he likes how intellectual I am or how goal oriented and successful I am. Above all else, he respects me as an equal which is something I adore. Should this become something even more leading to a serious relationship, I don't doubt it will be great. Should it not work out, we'll still be friends and I think that's fabulous because he's been a part of my life for so long and to lose him would suck. The last thing is I think we work now because it was the right time, we have matured and shaped ourselves into the people we are today and the people we currently are work well together. If nothing else, he's giving me the best thing he could give me, hope that a guy can and will find my intelligence, passion and personality attractive. </span></div>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-66924753433952908292016-12-01T08:30:00.000-05:002016-12-01T08:30:10.909-05:00Born This Way Foundation by Too Faced Thoughts <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Last week I took my happy self to Sephora to get color matched. I'm still about a shade and a half darker than I naturally am (my tan is taking its sweet time with the fading this year), and am getting new foundation since I'm interviewing and hoping to enter the workforce. While I don't necessarily wear it all the time, I need foundation to cover my flaws, acne scars and new acne. I had been wanting to try Too Faced's foundation, specifically Born This Way. Lot's of people, bloggers and mainstream media alike, have raved about the product. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhMYwDw7lDU/WD-r27ARdZI/AAAAAAAADtc/aPYg3esyKlwScoLgDCnrxnRzSzuIxA90QCLcB/s1600/too%2Bfaced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhMYwDw7lDU/WD-r27ARdZI/AAAAAAAADtc/aPYg3esyKlwScoLgDCnrxnRzSzuIxA90QCLcB/s640/too%2Bfaced.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>My Skin </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My skin is acne prone-hormonal acne because I have PCOS- and combination where my T-zone gets oily after a few hours. As a passing side note, over the past few years I've noticed my skin has also turned out to be quite sensitive. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DSnvJ_JeR6E/WD-sgFJwplI/AAAAAAAADtg/4LOiQuMpDPUGKFKuRcMKWU0YyEnQ-hFgwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DSnvJ_JeR6E/WD-sgFJwplI/AAAAAAAADtg/4LOiQuMpDPUGKFKuRcMKWU0YyEnQ-hFgwCLcB/s640/IMG_0838.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>My Initial Thoughts</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I first applied the foundation I was pleasantly surprised to note how natural it looked on and how it was literally the color of my skin. Kudos to the company for the color and the Sephora makeup artist who did well in matching me. I liked the way it looked and felt on my face which is really important because if once I put it on I feel it is too heavy or I look like I'm wearing tons of makeup, I won't be using the product. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>My Final Thoughts</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This foundation wore well over the course of the two days I wore it. It looks great, isn't heavy and isn't too expensive. For me, it is a return because I noticed it broke me out. If the foundation didn't do that, I would have loved it! So, overall, this is not for me and probably anyone like me with similar skin issues. </span></div>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-37745285556139158712016-11-28T09:30:00.000-05:002016-11-28T09:30:04.002-05:00Book Boyfriends Are Why I'm Single<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm single and I'm totally confident in it. Thinking on why I'm single, I've come to realize a big part of it is fictional men I've collected over the past three to four years from reading romance novels. Yeah, that's right, my endless list of book boyfriends has ruined me. Quite literally, because real life guys just don't measure up. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffCSJ4E8lQE/WDvEQWi_QGI/AAAAAAAADtM/_eKGU4nVclAjA4vG3Y9pDobOpe5eCU-3wCLcB/s1600/Single%2BBook%2BBoyfriend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffCSJ4E8lQE/WDvEQWi_QGI/AAAAAAAADtM/_eKGU4nVclAjA4vG3Y9pDobOpe5eCU-3wCLcB/s640/Single%2BBook%2BBoyfriend.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you're laughing, I'm glad you don't have my problem and that I can give you a nice giggle or chuckle. I've read over 1200 books in the last four years meaning I've gained over 500 book boyfriends. There are some books in which are duos, trilogies or series with the same character and some that I obviously didn't care for. Nonetheless, I have a taste for what a guy could be in all his perfectly imperfect self and so I steer clear of guys who won't give me that. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I, for as long as I can recall, have been a romantic. I've read romance novels since I was about 9 or 10. While I didn't want to be a princess, I did want to find an all powerful love and that notion only grew as I got older. Mix a romantic with reading lots of romance novels and you get me. My standards for a partner are literally so high that I am quite sure they are unobtainable. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For me, I refuse to lower them because I deserve someone who will challenge me intellectually, stimulate me on a mental, physical and emotional level and who will respect me. I don't have a specific checklist like blonde, green eyes and an accountant, but I do have the things I described above as important factors. Someone has to appeal to me on all levels of attraction and essentially make me fall. There's a line from Hamilton: An American Musical where Alexander Hamilton raps, "I wrote Eliza love letters until she fell." That sticks with me because I need someone to be able to do that in essence, not fluff with no backing, but someone to get me on a personal level and be able to write me paragraphs and build me cathedrals from them. In short, I need a Gideon Cross or someone of that nature. As a dominant personality, I'm aware I need someone to "top" me because anyone else I would probably eat alive. So, to all romance authors, thank you for ensuring my standards are so outrageously high that I might end up alone. </span></div>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-37067872278065720372016-11-24T14:43:00.000-05:002016-11-24T14:43:11.690-05:00Thanksgiving | Get The Look<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate it. For me, Thanksgiving is a tradition spent feasting upon specific food such as turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, corn and stuffing. It is a family gathering time where we cook, eat and drink while being around each other. As with most holidays, I dress a little nicer than normal and wear makeup. This post is all about what makeup I wore this Thanksgiving. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_Gj1r-eebY/WDdA4pGatII/AAAAAAAADsw/nJvNQupLVEcFzSg9to41qfLXBM6HG5y7wCLcB/s1600/IMG_0847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_Gj1r-eebY/WDdA4pGatII/AAAAAAAADsw/nJvNQupLVEcFzSg9to41qfLXBM6HG5y7wCLcB/s640/IMG_0847.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1. Bye Bye Redness by IT Cosmetics - This is a creamy concealer that shit redness so you don't need a green color corrector and blends easily. I put this on before my foundation of choice. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">2. Born this Way by Too Faced Cosmetics - This is my foundation of choice, picked it up this past Monday, and it is in Light Beige. I'm still in trial mode with this foundation but so far so good, the bloggers ravings seem to be justified. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">3. Small Steeple Brush by Elf Cosmetics - I grabbed this up from CVS because I was curious about it and this is how I blended both the concealer and foundation. I think this is an all around win because it is cheap and works well. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">4. They're Real Tined Primer by Benefit Cosmetics - I swear by all things Benefit Cosmetics puts out when it comes to lashes. I grabbed this a few months ago on a whim and have been using it pretty much every single day alone or with another mascara. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">5. Lip Polish in Samantha by Buxom - This isn't in the photo because it is currently at the bottom of my pool as it literally rolled off of the table as I was about to take this photo and went straight to the pool. I think it's a bit camera shy. This color is a nude color and I LOVE it. I mean, it has my name! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K39iwP8dhQA/WDdCXaAORCI/AAAAAAAADs4/P-Gw2by6W8Qqo5qWfOQh5p9ETcBPFlhkQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K39iwP8dhQA/WDdCXaAORCI/AAAAAAAADs4/P-Gw2by6W8Qqo5qWfOQh5p9ETcBPFlhkQCLcB/s640/IMG_0848.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And here's the final product. It's a look I love, natural looking makeup. I'm not big on looking like I have makeup on. What do you think? Also, do you have any of these products? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-81658892947722714422016-11-21T08:30:00.000-05:002016-11-21T08:30:30.880-05:00Ways to Show You Care <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Everyone receives gestures and words differently which can make communicating feelings a struggle. While thinking on this topic I came up with a few ways to show someone you care that can help you get your feelings across. Some people aren't big communicators and that is okay, but letting a person you care for know is important so that's where this post comes from. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oXhF9n-lm2A/WDKKBKsPQ2I/AAAAAAAADsg/cAS2cxL9y8MpcYw8l3jyY5F_5MrexBV6wCLcB/s1600/Care.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oXhF9n-lm2A/WDKKBKsPQ2I/AAAAAAAADsg/cAS2cxL9y8MpcYw8l3jyY5F_5MrexBV6wCLcB/s640/Care.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">1.</span> Remember details and use them at every opportunity - This sounds vague because it kind of is. The best example of this is when someone you care about goes with you to a coffee shop, notice what the person orders and stock it away for a later date. Say three weeks from that instance, the person mentions wanting to go to the coffee shop with you and you ask if the order is what you remember. That shows paying attention to little details because that person matters to you. Details matter and keeping them stocked away for when you can use them is a great way to show that you care and that person matters. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">2.</span> Get physical. - I don't mean punch the person. I'm talking about hugging, touching randomly or kissing on the cheek, head or forehead depending upon the type of relationship the person is to you. Not everyone is overly physical but just enough physical attention shows your care about the person and also the trust between the two of you. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">3.</span> Listen. - This may sound easy but when was the last time you really paid attention and just listened when the person was having a bad day? That goes a long way. Listening to someone vent, share something that bothers them or even talk about good news is a good way to show you value the person. Everyone wants to feel validated and listening helps someone feel that. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">4.</span> Keep things personal, not generic. - I think a decent example of this involves sending a birthday text message to someone. If you just say "happy birthday" that is a generic message and isn't personal by any means. Sending, "It is just one minute into your day of birth and I'm so happy you came into the world. I hope your day and night is all you wish it to be and I can't wait to see you later," is personal. It is sweet and it shows you really care. Keep things personal because no one likes to feel like just another person.</span><br /><br />Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-17836494420964333302016-11-17T09:00:00.000-05:002016-11-17T09:00:22.154-05:00Drugstore Mascara Adventures <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WA_j68tjH-w/WC0sZSoaJgI/AAAAAAAADsQ/PikISRzP-eseLx2n0oTXc576ALNP_Mz2ACLcB/s1600/Drugstore%2BMascara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WA_j68tjH-w/WC0sZSoaJgI/AAAAAAAADsQ/PikISRzP-eseLx2n0oTXc576ALNP_Mz2ACLcB/s640/Drugstore%2BMascara.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I figured it was time to grab up drugstore mascaras I've never used before. These are all really cheap compared to ones purchased from Sephora or makeup counters. No mascara costs more than $13! I picked them up simply because I liked the names and packing. While I won't be giving up my Benefit mascaras, I have to admit I was most pleasantly surprised after using these! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Wet 'n Wild Max Fanatic Mascara ($4.99) - The product claims to " i</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">nstantly add volume and length." After only one coat I have to admit there was some volume and length. After two coats, I was ready to walk out the door. For how cheap this is, it's ah-mazing and would totally </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">recommend everyone to try it!</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KDs4odehZU0/WBLAO1HolaI/AAAAAAAADpk/SqcI9aBPlOosfJcoD_AY-SWuAknwacrJQCLcB/s1600/WetnWild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KDs4odehZU0/WBLAO1HolaI/AAAAAAAADpk/SqcI9aBPlOosfJcoD_AY-SWuAknwacrJQCLcB/s640/WetnWild.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2. Rimmel London Scandal Eyes XX-Treme ($5.99) - The product claims to give " e<span style="background-color: white;">xtreme high impact volume and endless dramatic length." This had the most clumping going on which drove me nuts. Honestly, I wouldn't re-purchase this but there are a few from Rimmel London I would like to try out so you'll probably see another post similar to this but filled with its products. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_neiK1dGRY/WByZF54URqI/AAAAAAAADqs/feyloMG8Fxok4KhKw-kYNBYdthYk7U7NwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_neiK1dGRY/WByZF54URqI/AAAAAAAADqs/feyloMG8Fxok4KhKw-kYNBYdthYk7U7NwCLcB/s640/IMG_0728.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">3. Maybelline New York The Falsies Push Up Drama ($8.99) - The product claims to " <span style="background-color: white;">give instant volume and hold lashes in place." While I didn't love this mascara, it wasn't a bad option. It was the </span>priciest out of the three, but it worked well enough. Even being the most expensive, it was still over 50% cheaper than one of my Benefit Cosmetics mascaras. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3E3n3-lWf6Y/WBLCqm6O-RI/AAAAAAAADp0/GawGy8o7MAMbCQrB7neTvonRy5r-lYwdgCLcB/s1600/Maybelline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3E3n3-lWf6Y/WBLCqm6O-RI/AAAAAAAADp0/GawGy8o7MAMbCQrB7neTvonRy5r-lYwdgCLcB/s640/Maybelline.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-38089450687808408002016-11-10T11:13:00.000-05:002016-11-10T11:18:13.810-05:00Review | Heartthrob by Belinda Williams <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tLZRwQgXc2Y/WCScjldd7XI/AAAAAAAADr8/4yyFCeBRwmUtjFaEUZJFBsBkO1omCry6QCLcB/s1600/heartthrob2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tLZRwQgXc2Y/WCScjldd7XI/AAAAAAAADr8/4yyFCeBRwmUtjFaEUZJFBsBkO1omCry6QCLcB/s640/heartthrob2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Overview</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">: </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Can an average girl survive Hollywood?</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Ally Valenti doesn’t belong in Hollywood. Not like her friend and actress, Lena Lyons. Lena’s convinced Ally to pursue her dreams of fashion design, starting with some gowns for the awards season. </span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Which Ally will get around to creating as soon as she can stop looking at Jacob Swan, Lena’s latest co-star. Not that she’s staring. Ally’s skeptical of anything celebrity and it’s not like she’d be pathetic enough to fall for a Hollywood heartthrob. </span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Then Ally learns there’s more to Jacob than his good guy, all-American persona. She finds herself torn between the desire to get to know him better and her determination to stay out of the limelight. </span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Of course the media has other ideas—and someone doesn’t like all the attention Ally’s getting. When threats aimed at destroying her fashion career go too far, Ally’s convinced she’s living in crazy town. </span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">The sensible thing would be to retreat home before it all ends in spectacular fashion. But will Ally be leaving more than her dreams behind if she says goodbye to Hollywood? </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCjKmplpcPc/WCSYChp94jI/AAAAAAAADrw/daiyJOFxFVAszPH_YOisQ47HOdepHgeHQCLcB/s1600/heartthrob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCjKmplpcPc/WCSYChp94jI/AAAAAAAADrw/daiyJOFxFVAszPH_YOisQ47HOdepHgeHQCLcB/s640/heartthrob.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a9mIwkzfIOs/Vq0RrAVi_oI/AAAAAAAACzk/M7wDaPI4kAQ/s1600/sweet%2Bseduction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCcYEonf5QE/V9XUYV3_CsI/AAAAAAAADi0/snaG2Qp3ifUIa-jbT0LjtYvJf2SA8rIYQCLcB/s1600/play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: inherit;"><b>Purchase Links:</b> </span><span style="font-style: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Heartthrob-Hollywood-Hearts-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01K9GYWMQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1478792263&sr=1-1&keywords=9780995357013" target="_blank">Amazon</a> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heartthrob-belinda-williams/1124137889?ean=2940153411538" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/heartthrob-8" target="_blank">Kobo</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: inherit;"><b>Publication Date:</b> </span><span style="font-style: inherit;">November 10, 2016</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Stars:</b></span><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: inherit;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Review:</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 17.5636px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4 deliciously famous Hollywood stars. I've read several books by Belinda Williams and have pretty much loved them all. This is a bit lighter than her other books but is no less charming, romantic or clever. Both the heroine and hero are beyond likable and yet are also more than meets the eye. I'm a sucker for a hero that's genuinely a great guy but has a many layers to him which is why I loved Jake. Ally was real, sweet, loyal and hilarious. </span></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Kissing Jake was like falling into the most exquisite daydream. Hot and sweet, bright and...with butterflies. There were definitely butterflies floating around our heads in a Jake daydream. The man made me forget myself entirely. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Allegra, she prefers Ally, put off her dream of becoming a fashion designer when her family needed her the most. She took over the family business and didn't complain. Her best friend from high school became a famous actress and decided, upon her divorce, it was time for Ally to come to Hollywood and become a designer. This, of course, forces Ally to come into contact with Hollywood actors and leads her to Jake, America's heartthrob. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jake is an ex-football player turned actor. He's charming, sweet, thoughtful and very down-to-earth. His first time meeting Ally is hilarious and quite memorable. From there on, Jake is after any time he can get with her. He's infatuated with her and Ally is quite infatuated with him. This is their story, their struggle to come together against their own internal issues and external forces. </span></div></div></div></div>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-53237852754294645212016-11-09T11:15:00.004-05:002016-11-09T11:39:20.083-05:00An Open Letter to America <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYx3n0z8S40/WCNLdMQM39I/AAAAAAAADrg/MohXUFYLtMYN2e0O_n8rPH3cquEaKlSUACLcB/s1600/Dear%2BAmerica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYx3n0z8S40/WCNLdMQM39I/AAAAAAAADrg/MohXUFYLtMYN2e0O_n8rPH3cquEaKlSUACLcB/s640/Dear%2BAmerica.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Dear United States of America, </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have never been so disgusted and ashamed to call this nation my home until today. Many of those who went to vote showed all the things they don't say aloud, how those people are racist, sexist, xenophobic, homophobic and <i>selfish</i>. This nation was founded and molded with years of compromise for <i>the greater good of the vast majority</i>. I don't think people who voted for Trump or <i>wasted</i> their votes on third party candidates were thinking of the vast majority of this country and that sickens me. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From a child, I've seen great strides made for women, LGBQT people and all people who fall into the marginalized groups. We, the people of the United States of America, struggled toward a more <i>perfect</i> union in which <b>all people </b>can have liberty and justice. We have been making great strides towards <b>real</b> equality and this election has just set us as a nation back to the 1950s. There are not enough moderate Republicans in the nation to save us from taking twenty steps back from the progress we've been able to achieve. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I fear for our safety now more than ever. My youngest sibling is Autistic (high functioning) and Hispanic (mixed with Puerto Rican and Portuguese) and I genuinely fear for him. I fear for all the women, including myself, who might lose our <i>right to our own bodies</i> because a <i>privileged man</i> doesn't think women's health is important and that abortion shouldn't be a choice. I fear for the LGBQT community who now has a man in the White House who believes in "conversion" or torture tactics to "convert gays to be straight." I fear for the Americans who do not fit with "White social norms" including Muslim, Arab, Jewish, Hindu, Asian, Immigrant and so many other Americans. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I genuinely am concerned for our future as a nation and as individuals. The American Dream was <i>not</i> dead but it sure as fuck will be once Trump steps his privileged ass into the Oval Office. He is serving the one percenters of this nation, the bigots of this nation and will have us fighting amongst ourselves to further divide instead of uniting us. This must be what it felt like leading up to the Civil War because we are fractured, America. </span>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-50750177914571755532016-11-07T09:00:00.000-05:002016-11-07T09:22:29.798-05:00Review | Last Ride by Chantal Fernando <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZUI9ELqeAg/WCCOGKJn8jI/AAAAAAAADrM/M350yQTNfu0LCSeX1dTv2bW72Ffc05iRwCLcB/s1600/dex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZUI9ELqeAg/WCCOGKJn8jI/AAAAAAAADrM/M350yQTNfu0LCSeX1dTv2bW72Ffc05iRwCLcB/s640/dex.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Overview</span><span style="font-size: small;">: </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">The Wind Dragons MC couple who started it all is back! We met the stars of Chantal Fernando’s bestselling series in </span><i style="color: #444444;">Dragon’s Lair</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">, and now Sin and Faye are ready for more—and with these two, that means more passion, more action, and more of the best kind of trouble.</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sin, president of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club, doesn’t mind that things have quieted down since he got married—with Faye at his side, he’ll never be bored. Plus, they’ve got their little girl Clover to keep them on their toes. But when new MC brother Talon needs help rooting out a traitor in his old club, Faye’s the first to volunteer. She’s more determined than ever to get involved and put her law degree to good use, but Sin soon finds himself riding to the rescue. Because he’ll kill anybody who touches a hair on Faye’s head—if she doesn’t get to them first. One way or another, tonight’s going to be </span><i>someone’s</i><span style="background-color: white;"> last ride….</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ncwJlSgeg_Y/WB_Oo-5Bu-I/AAAAAAAADq8/pDjhxN2OjQEMnEiVt_MYRYmMY4oSHNYgwCLcB/s1600/last%2Bride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ncwJlSgeg_Y/WB_Oo-5Bu-I/AAAAAAAADq8/pDjhxN2OjQEMnEiVt_MYRYmMY4oSHNYgwCLcB/s640/last%2Bride.jpg" width="412" /></a></div><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a9mIwkzfIOs/Vq0RrAVi_oI/AAAAAAAACzk/M7wDaPI4kAQ/s1600/sweet%2Bseduction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCcYEonf5QE/V9XUYV3_CsI/AAAAAAAADi0/snaG2Qp3ifUIa-jbT0LjtYvJf2SA8rIYQCLcB/s1600/play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-style: inherit;"><b>Purchase Links:</b> </span><span style="font-style: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-Ride-Wind-Dragons-Motorcycle-ebook/dp/B01CYV26GI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Amazon</a> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-ride-chantal-fernando/1123516331?ean=9781501139666&st=AFF&2sid=Goodreads,%20Inc_2227948_NA&sourceId=AFFGoodreads,%20IncM000004" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/last-ride-2" target="_blank">Kobo</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-style: inherit;"><b>Publication Date:</b> </span><span style="font-style: inherit;">November 7, 2016</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Stars:</b></span><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-style: inherit;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Review:</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 17.5636px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5 <i>It was the end of an era</i> stars. I began this series with these two characters, Faye and Dex (Sin), which began the era and this book showed them several years later when the era truly ended. This book circled everyone around which was great and also had some unexpected twists with new members of the club that I absolutely loved! I loved seeing Faye and Dex a few years into their marriage and the club over the course of several years. It was a great way to kind of bring it all full circle, ending with the beginning. I'm going to admit that before I read this I re-read the first book in the series to compare how far both Dex and Faye have come since the beginning. </span></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Dex kisses me again, then exists the kitchen, mock-punching Rake on the way out. Rake comes up to me and rests his head on my shoulder. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>"You know if the skilled you, I don't know what would've happened to Dex. You make him so fuckin' happy, Faye. It's so amazing to see, even after all these years." </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">This story shows a deep look into Faye and Dex's bond over the course of their marriage. It shows how Faye has not only accepted club life but also embraced it and loved all the members and their significant others. The novella also shows how Dex has matured and grown since the first book, as well. It is kind of a love letter to their relationship, giving one last intimate look into the amazing couple and love story that kicked off the series I fell in love with. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">"Why are you making your sex face?" Dex asks as he wanders in, taking the rest of the quiche from my hands and popping it into his mouth. "Ohhh," he groans. "That's why. These are amazing." </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">"Well, yes, they are, but I was thinking about us going for a ride tomorrow and then fucking on your bike somewhere." </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">He stills, smiles, then pulls me against him. "That sounds fuckin' perfect. How did I get so lucky?" </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #444444;">There's club drama, kidnapping, shooting and some serious bad blood as is custom when in the club life. There's hints of the sweeter side of the rough and alpha men in the Wind Dragons as well as the reality that Faye is seen as the glue that keeps everyone together. It's great to see just how much the brothers have not only accepted Faye, but also love and respect her. Each one of them at some point or another in this story shows their love and need of her. It's also great to see Dex in his element and what his ultimate choice is when the last ride is chosen. The ending was bittersweet because it truly was <i>the end of an era</i>.</span> </span></div></div></div></div>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-47224038910532274902016-11-03T09:00:00.000-04:002016-11-03T09:00:21.634-04:00On Losing My Dog <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W7ULOADXn4g/WBqdKSFJNeI/AAAAAAAADqU/FaOH2JzMhnY3AYhVYYksoQpZHidmyhFLQCLcB/s1600/On%2BLosing%2BMy%2BDog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W7ULOADXn4g/WBqdKSFJNeI/AAAAAAAADqU/FaOH2JzMhnY3AYhVYYksoQpZHidmyhFLQCLcB/s640/On%2BLosing%2BMy%2BDog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As many of you know, recently my dog died. While this isn't a super important event to most, for me it is the first of its kind. I've had loads of pets but none of them in my lifetime ever came to term because the animal either ran away or was given away before its lifespan could end. My mom is fickle and we have a habit of somehow losing our animals, a cat and a dog ran away. My pet duck died while I was little by getting eaten but my parents, because I was six, spared me that trauma and told me it ran away. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So after 11 years of having my dog (he died at 15 but we got him when he was already 4), my dog faced a very tragic end that I did not see coming. For one thing, I didn't want to even consider that my dog was dying. No one wants to think about that, ever. He was older and was slowly becoming more lazy which I attributed to old age. What I couldn't ignore was the few days before his passing that he stopped eating completely. It sent me straight to unsettled. I've had my dog for so long, I couldn't imagine a time I wouldn't have him. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9qDqBclyXg/WBqdZVWz_oI/AAAAAAAADqY/K33xkB7GD6443TGw4lHoDczFuAAlCcgSgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9qDqBclyXg/WBqdZVWz_oI/AAAAAAAADqY/K33xkB7GD6443TGw4lHoDczFuAAlCcgSgCLcB/s400/IMG_0486.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Taken in 2012)</span></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For me, having my dog die was made more painful by knowing he was suffering. You know how some dogs just peacefully pass away in their sleep? Those are lucky creatures. My dog wasn't so lucky and the pain he went through will forever be engrained in my brain. My dog, no matter how much I would bitch about him, was one of the only things in this world I loved without restraint. If I ever love a man the way I loved my dog, he will be the luckiest person on this planet. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How am I dealing with this loss? Honestly? Not very well. I screamed and sobbed as I watched the life leave my dog. I couldn't eat the entire day of my dog's passing and struggled to eat the day after it. The first three days were the hardest because I noticed his bowls and bed missing from my kitchen which resulted in a breakdown and several other episodes occurred. On the third day, as I was walking on 8th Avenue in midtown Manhattan, I saw a woman walking a miniature black poodle (exactly what my dog was) and literally just started to cry. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Currently, I still sleep with my dog's favorite stuffed toy because it brings me comfort. I have to also admit as I'm writing this post that I'm crying because it still hurts. I realize it will get easier and so on but I think it is important to share that not everyone bounces back quickly. To say that it is okay to mourn, grieve and fall apart over a pet's death because it means your pet meant something to you. Lastly, I think it's important to note that no one responds the same way to loss.</span></div>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-72793974135642823332016-10-24T09:00:00.000-04:002016-10-27T22:39:29.399-04:00An Open Letter to HR Professionals <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1OuYu-0MeHs/WApcI3C-tNI/AAAAAAAADpM/5ODCnyta1Gov1mPqMAgaDJkmJsW7AWe-ACLcB/s1600/Dear%2BHR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1OuYu-0MeHs/WApcI3C-tNI/AAAAAAAADpM/5ODCnyta1Gov1mPqMAgaDJkmJsW7AWe-ACLcB/s640/Dear%2BHR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Dear HR Professionals, </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm aware that your position can be quite hectic as hiring is a massive process usually including multiple screenings and interviews with a rather large handful of people. I'm aware that you are busy, stressed, overworked and human. Having said all of that, your position is in the <i>human</i> resources department, notice the emphasis on the word human. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Interviewing is like dating, don't string people along and respect them enough to not leave them hanging. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Job seekers, especially those you bring into the office for interviews and meet personally, deserve responses, updates and so on. It is important to reject people timely as many job seekers are interviewing for multiple positions and usually will try to hold out on making a decision if they haven't heard your response yet when they really want the position. Also, it isn't cool to continuously repost a job after interviewing candidates in-person. If none of the people interviewed are fabulous fits, reject them immediately. Even an automated HR email, as much as I hate how impersonal they are, is appreciated so that interviewees can see what they have to wait on for responses, what offers they have and so on. If you think finding a candidate to fill your position is hard, try job hunting in the current job market.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Here are my thoughts, as an active interviewee, for ways to improve how you do your job. Even if it is a simple "Thank you and I will be in touch," respond when an interviewee sends a follow up or thank you email. If the position is filled and you've interviewed several people in-person, reach out to those people to tell them that the position is filled, that you wish them the best on their job hunt and provide relevant feedback. If the hiring for a position has been placed on hold for whatever reason, communicate that with those you have been interviewing. Open and timely communication and transparency is important, especially in the current job market climate.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-19159435426615814202016-10-17T09:00:00.000-04:002016-11-01T12:01:55.963-04:005 Things I've Learned Recently While Interviewing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNpYFmtGgcU/WAP25pNo1KI/AAAAAAAADow/Z5WaIJR7QA01QNzpV2hH9IwfsAXsgmohACLcB/s1600/Recently%2BInterviewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNpYFmtGgcU/WAP25pNo1KI/AAAAAAAADow/Z5WaIJR7QA01QNzpV2hH9IwfsAXsgmohACLcB/s640/Recently%2BInterviewing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>1. Some people are horrible at interviewing. </b>- There will be interviewers who struggle to look you in the eye, appear bored with whatever it is you are saying or don't smile at all. It's a reality that not everyone can be a great interviewer so get used to it and don't let it shake your confidence, personality and interest in the position. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. Many interviewers don't anticipate thoughtful questions. </b>- A lot of the expect someone to either not really be invested in the position or ask the basic questions like the timeline for hiring for the position or work hours. Many don't anticipate questions about why they are part of the team and company, their career journey to their current position, what the company culture is like or even something really thought provoking like, "What about my resume and/or cover letter intrigued you enough to reach out for an interview? What skills and/or qualities did you feel I possess that align with this position?". Be the one to stand out and <i>ask questions</i>! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>3. Many times you don't get a response to your "thank you" emails. </b>- While it is an unspoken rule to always send a follow-up thank you email to whoever you interviewed with, it isn't a rule for them to answer. I've sent over 100 and maybe have gotten ten responses. It is a very rare thing, but it doesn't mean someone didn't get it. It also doesn't mean you shouldn't send one! Not sending a thank you note, reminding the person/people you interviewed with who you are, why you want this position and thanking them for their time, is pretty much career suicide. Send the email! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>4. Group interviews require more personality and more focus.</b> - I've been interviewed by more than one person several times now and I find the blending of personalities takes a bit more work because now there's more than just you and one other person. Also, you have to ensure you address the parties equally and give them equal amount of eye contact. It isn't bad, but it can definitely be a bit more stressful than just interviewing one-on-one. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>5. Don't schedule interviews too close together.</b> - Made this mistake not too long ago of having an interview uptown in the 50s near 5th Avenue and then not too long after having an interview down near Penn Station. Bad logistics on my end considering the first interview ran long forcing me to be late to the next one. When in doubt, assume an interview will take two hours and schedule appropriately. It is better to be 20 or so minutes <i>early</i> than to be late. </span>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-56745090264503554412016-10-12T14:27:00.003-04:002016-11-06T19:16:33.575-05:00Review | Three Simple Words by A.J. Pine<h2><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Overview</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">:</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">She's holding out for a happy ever after. </span></i></span></h2><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b>Annie</b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I know where to find my happily ever after—between the pages of a romance novel. It’s why I sell books, why I blog about them, and why I’ll never get disappointed by love. </span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">So what if my brother’s best friend from high school is now a bestselling author? Or that he just blew back into town on a Harley, filling out a pair of jeans like he never did before? Or that he’s agreed to do a signing at my bookstore on such short notice? Because despite all his adoring female fans, I kind of hated his book.</span><br /><br /><b>Wes</b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">The last time I saw Annie Denning, she was a senior in high school, three years older than me and way out of my league. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Now I’m her last-minute date to a wedding, and what started as a night of pure fun has turned into something more real than either of us anticipated.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Annie is my muse. When I’m with her, my writer’s block fades away, and the words finally flow.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">The only problem? She wants the fairy tale—her very own happily ever after—and anyone who’s read my book knows the truth. I just don’t believe they exist.</span></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a9mIwkzfIOs/Vq0RrAVi_oI/AAAAAAAACzk/M7wDaPI4kAQ/s1600/sweet%2Bseduction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKR0ohnsnxI/V_mdGtu3nWI/AAAAAAAADoI/18yCrE7A-ZcxyPRM76XieXXA5JQbxd99QCLcB/s1600/three%2Bsimple%2Bwords.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKR0ohnsnxI/V_mdGtu3nWI/AAAAAAAADoI/18yCrE7A-ZcxyPRM76XieXXA5JQbxd99QCLcB/s640/three%2Bsimple%2Bwords.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><h2><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235 , 235 , 235); font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235 , 235 , 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Purchase Links</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">:</span></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235 , 235 , 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1682813061/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1682813061&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-simple-words-aj-pine/1124690656;jsessionid=37C30D5E1783FC5CC94CA4379387F94C.prodny_store01-atgap04?ean=9781682813065&st=AFF&2sid=Goodreads,%20Inc_2227948_NA&sourceId=AFFGoodreads,%20IncM000004" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a> <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/three-simple-words" target="_blank">Kobo</a></span></span></span></span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235 , 235 , 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Publishing Date:</b></span><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 23.8px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">October 17, 2016</span></span></span></h2><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Stars:</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4 </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235 , 235 , 235); font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235 , 235 , 235); font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235 , 235 , 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Review:</span> </b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4 </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235 , 235 , 235); font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>sometimes fiction and reality are on in the same, sometimes fiction is just fiction</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235 , 235 , 235); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> stars. The story kicks off with the reader introduced to Annie, her best friend and how much she </span><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235 , 235 , 235); font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>doesn't like</i> Wes's book. When Wes is finally introduced, he learns that Annie hates his book and that he can help her by hosting a signing at her book store if he can convince her. From the beginning the two characters are carved out and easy to like. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235 , 235 , 235); font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(235 , 235 , 235); font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Annie loves books and reading, it's partially why she's a very happy book shop owner. She's a romance reader, has a blog where she discusses romance reads and is an extremely witty woman. She's hilarious but also has extremely high expectations when it comes to selecting a partner which is why she's single, it's hard matching up to fictional characters! She's older than Wes and when he's back in town she can't help but notice he </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>grew up</i>. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Wes can't seem to write and so decides to return home for some time to just get out of New York City. He's charming, slightly emotionally closed off and very much a fabulous writer. Wes always had a thing for Annie, she was his best friend's older sister, and she's literally his teenage dream. When he has the opportunity to spend more time with her, he makes it happen. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: 0px rgb(235, 235, 235); clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I think why I enjoyed the story so much was because within fiction, it blended fiction and the "real world." It was a clear take on the sister's best friend and mixed an age difference with a bit of a friends to lovers type of story. There was some serious heat, some conflict, some miscommunication and a evening out to yield the ultimate happy ending a romance novel <i>needs</i>. Overall, the read flowed well and the characters are easy to like. </span></div></div></div></div></div>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-59350699810191636022016-10-10T11:56:00.002-04:002016-10-10T11:56:50.672-04:00Why I Don't Straighten My Hair Often <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3A8o5DqDSo/V_u6JpikXEI/AAAAAAAADoc/8lfinHuksB8sewniRDx2L60K3i9wojRuwCLcB/s1600/Straight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3A8o5DqDSo/V_u6JpikXEI/AAAAAAAADoc/8lfinHuksB8sewniRDx2L60K3i9wojRuwCLcB/s640/Straight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"You almost never have your hair straight," a quote I've heard pretty much my entire life. It really shouldn't be shocking because my hair isn't naturally straight so why would it be straight often? My hair is curly, pretty sure it's 3A if you go by those types of charts, and I'm fine with it about 99 percent of the time. I say 99 percent because everyone has days where it feels like their hair is just being a ridiculously rebellious thing. So, the question I get asked a lot is, "Why don't you straighten your hair?" I decided to answer that question via my blog because it is more complex than I think most people would think. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1. I like my hair! - For the most part, I love my hair. It's pretty awesome and looks great. Not even to be arrogant, but people <i>pay</i> to have my kind of hair. Why do I need to change it from it's curly texture to a straight one? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2. My hair is very much a part of me. - Kind of like how people wear signature fragrances, makeup looks, outfits and so on, my hair is specific to me. Much like my ethnic roots, who I am is reflected in my hair and I don't feel the need to change that on a daily basis. I'm content with me and don't need to be anyone else.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">3. Straightening my hair is far too much work.- Honestly, on a <i>good</i> day my hair takes between an hour and an hour an a half. Do I look like the type of person who wants to spend that much time on their hair? The correct answer is...NO! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">4. It isn't good for my hair. - Straightening my hair isn't healthy even if I only use a blow dryer. I wash my hair every single freaking day which means I would have to straighten it every single freaking day. That's unhealthy and I like my hair being healthy, thanks. </span></div>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-46527588159810162472016-10-06T09:00:00.000-04:002016-10-06T09:00:00.995-04:00You Are Your First Most Important Person <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSkgji4x1RM/V_FnyHX9ajI/AAAAAAAADns/zwmjXXx6y1cwk2T7FBPvpb6sj-j7JCfXwCLcB/s1600/You%2Bare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSkgji4x1RM/V_FnyHX9ajI/AAAAAAAADns/zwmjXXx6y1cwk2T7FBPvpb6sj-j7JCfXwCLcB/s640/You%2Bare.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This post comes from people watching and also some reflection upon my own life. The title might be a bit confusing but this is going to be about why you can't live for making everyone else happy at the expense of your own health and happiness. I've seen so many people that are "people pleasers" which is honestly exhausting because you literally can't please everyone at all times yet people feel the need to do just that. Also, I've had a few moments where I wanted to please someone so badly that it cost me a bit of my own sanity. You, before anyone else, are your first priority and most important person. Your happiness, opinions and desires <i>matter</i>. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm a bit selfish in that I put me, myself and I first before anyone else, even my family sometimes which causes me to argue a bit with my parents and grandparents. My parents and grandparents tend to be self-sacrificing and expect me to be <i>just</i> like them. While I'm always willing to help when I'm needed, I'm not willing to drop my entire life and move to Houston, Texas to appease my mother's need to have me closer to her which makes me <i>selfish</i>. I visit more frequently than ever to manage the issue but I won't move there and work for my father simply to make them happy. I have a life on the east coast and I love where I live. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To me, there are three kinds of people, completely self-severing, the self-serving yet selfless and the utterly selfless. I think a decent portion of people, including myself, fall into the middle ground which tends to have the happy balance of being selfless when necessary but also taking care of their own needs and whatnot. If you fall into one of the other extremes, well, life gets a bit more complicated. The completely self-serving one is the worse of the two for obvious reasons. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you find you are more selfless than self-serving, you might want to change that. Not taking care of yourself, pushing aside your own needs <i>consistently</i> to satisfy others and worrying about pleasing <i>everyone</i> is exhausting and extremely unhealthy. You can't expect to genuinely be able to care and take care of another person if you can't even take care of yourself. It is kind of like offering a service to a client that you don't even do for yourself. It doesn't work like that. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You are the most important person in this world, love yourself and care for yourself. Yes, you can care for others and sacrifice here and there to make things balance out but</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">not at the cost of your own happiness or health. Seriously, I've seen people to incredibly ridiculous things which caused their mental health to decline to simply keep their "friends" or "significant other" happy. Your own happiness <i>should not</i> cost someone else and most definitely should not be stopped for someone else. Selfish isn't terrible in doses because we only get one life to lead so we have to take care of ourselves, mentally, physically and emotionally.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span>Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897159151608794407.post-33047255337727244952016-10-05T09:30:00.000-04:002016-10-05T10:13:49.303-04:00Short Female Health Check List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yrkMoVHcyY/V_Fn5-Al9UI/AAAAAAAADnw/0_iabPKvdIAMUw2xx72cGDC8Rgr6--8IACLcB/s1600/Femle%2BHealth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yrkMoVHcyY/V_Fn5-Al9UI/AAAAAAAADnw/0_iabPKvdIAMUw2xx72cGDC8Rgr6--8IACLcB/s640/Femle%2BHealth.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">1. </span></b>Urinary Track Infection - This is commonly known as a UTI and happens for a multitude of reasons. The most common symptoms of having this include blood in urine, having to urinate more frequently and a burning sensation when urinating. The best way to describe the pain? It feels like you're peeing out lava. I wish I was kidding. Make sure you see your doctor immediately, drink water and cranberry juice and following the doctor's orders to a T. Note that you can't have sex while you have this or while taking the medication to clear this. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">2. </span></b>Irregular menstrual cycles - This is just how some women are <b>but</b> it can also be a sign of other internal issues going on. I say this because irregular menstrual cycles are one of the symptoms of Polycystic Ovaries. Make sure you mention it to your doctor so you can get everything straightened out. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">3.</span></b> Severe symptoms during menstrual cycles - Over 50% of the female population suffers from <i>severe</i> symptoms during their menstrual cycles such as vomiting, cramping that travels down to the thighs, cramps so severe the person is bedridden and even fevers. By taking pain pills, birth control and consulting your doctor, you can lessen these symptoms so make sure your speak with your doctor and stop suffering. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">4.</span></b> Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - In short, this is more common than most people realize and is a pain. Honestly, there's the weight issues, the skin issues, the hormone issues and loads of other stuff. I did a post on living with it <a href="http://ramblingsofayoungprgirl.blogspot.com/2016/08/living-with-pcos.html" target="_blank">here</a>. If your periods are irregular, your acne and weight seem out of control, check with your gynecologist and get tested! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>5.</b> </span>Endometriosis - This is an internal issue where the uterus tissues actually grow outside of the uterus. This can lead to severe abdominal pain, lower back and pelvis pain and very low chances of getting pregnant. This is one of those things that rarely gets diagnosed so if you're concerned about it, ask your doctor to get checked. It is better to be safe than sorry. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">6.</span></b> Breast tenderness - This can happen for a range of reasons including starting birth control, your time of the month is near or is going on or you bra is too small and is causing the boob serious pain. Breast cancer is always a concern, but usually your hormones are the biggest thing when it comes to breast tenderness. If you are concerned, do see your doctor. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">7. </span></b>Vaginal discharge - This is gross but it is natural. I swear our bodies are fascinating yet odd. Before your time of the month actually occurs you may get a clear discharge which is nothing to worry about and is absolutely normal. When your discharge is an odd color, chunky like cheese and/or smells horrible is when you need to be concerned and see your doctor. Sometimes you might just have a yeast infection which is quite common and can be handled with over-the-counter products. Other times it is something a doctor really needs to see to diagnose. </span><br /><br />Samantha Alicehttps://plus.google.com/113386920436883643836noreply@blogger.com3