Book Review "The Chateau" by Tiffany Reisz

Part of my new year of ME has been to read more.  I used to read all the time.  I love to read history, romance, classics...really anything.  I found it such a great way to escape and be immersed in a new world.
I got on the 50 shades train, while I enjoyed the books the writing left a lot to be desired....but I was now back into modern romance (smut as my husband calls it)  In my search for some modern day stuff I found The Siren, by Tiffany Reisz....and with that read the other 7 books (always waiting impatiently for the next volume) and all of the novellas in between.  These characters are so rich and deep. Their relationships so complex and deep and honest.

I was so excited when I was asked to review "The Chateau" A new adventure with one of my favorite frenchmen.  It follows Kingsley on a secret mission during his early 20's in France.  There are pretty girls, head games, cults and ultimate choices.  You definitely don't need to have read the others, but since I had so many parts of this book  held much more meaning.
When Kingsley is asked to go into a "sex cult" to rescue a young man he has no idea what he's walking into.  What he finds is not a cult but a community led by "madam"  She has created a safe space where women rule and men serve. 
I think what I love most about Tiffany's books is the depth of the characters.  She isn't afraid to have them ask the tough questions about themselves and others. 
I so enjoyed this book...any chance I get to dive into the world with these people I've come to love and connect with is a chance I will jump into.

What are you reading?  What is your "guilty" pleasure.

You still have time to read the sinners series before "The Chateau" comes out so hurry and get reading!

Next time I'm gonna talk about therapy.....should be fun!
Sarah

Stuff to share!

Hello internet friends!
I've been away.  I've been reflecting.  I've been figuring it all out (HA) 

This year has been busy and one full of discovery.  I spent the first 8 weeks producing a kids musical with about 140 kids.  It was hard and SO much work and filled me with energy.  I was in my element and as hard as it was on the family....it really helped me find myself again.  Giving up my career 3 years ago after surprise baby #3 really depleted me of anything that was mine.  I was always mommy or wife.  Here I was Sarah.  Ass Kicker.....Name Taker.  I LOVED it.
I've committed this year to be a year of me.  As a mom of 3 busy kids...this sounded hard.  How could I be a good mom (can you say Jr. Higher, agh), keep a clean house (oh the laundry), be a loving thoughtful wife, PLUS, give myself the love I needed?  Well I've been trying to work on that and with really minimal effort so far I'm a better mom, wife, friend, daughter when I put myself toward the top of the list.

What I learned in the 8 weeks the show was in full swing is.... I am important. I NEED to go to therapy.  I NEED to go to Yoga, I NEED to fuel my body and move my body.  I NEED to read a good book. 

I have no bigger problems than anyone else.  I'm a busy mom.  I struggle to balance everything.  I struggle to know myself, to honor my journey. 

I hope this can become a space for me to explore that journey.  To connect with others who want to learn to love themselves and in the process love others better. 

I have a really exciting book review coming this week.  It's by one of my favorite authors.  I really enjoyed this book as I LOVE all the characters after over 9 books and multiple short stories..they are like my family.

Stay tuned.

Book Review: The Confessions By Tiffany Reisz

Hello there!
Long time no talk.  I promise to be back to my regular schedule after the school variety show is over, it's been all show all the time.

Before I get back to it I had to stop in and share.  I was chosen to preview the newest book by Tiffany Reisz.  And I was over the moon excited. I've read all of Tiffany's stuff and just love her.   Like most the people I read 50 Shades of Grey.....one of the first things I noticed was how awful the writing was. But, it re-opened the erotica genre for me....so I went on the hunt for a well written erotica story.  Boy am I glad I found Tiffany and the Original Sinners Series.   When I started she had only written the Siren...there are 8...EIGHT books in this series...along with many novellas FREE on her website. Waiting for each one was agony...but that's kinda her thing. These books are smart, sassy, amazing character development and so well written.   They are so much more than sex.  The character development and relationships between them is deep, filled with history and pain.
With 8 books in the series you really get to know and fall more in love with all the characters.  I think The Prince and The Mistress are my favorites.   But when I read the Queen I was so sad that I wouldn't have new adventures to go on with my friends (I know you make fictional friend too, right?!)
BUT...she wrote "The Confessions"  In it you get to find out so much more about Soren.....He's complicated and strong and vulnerable.  It's enough to tide me over till she shares another adventure with these characters.
You need to read all the series to understand this book.  So don't wait.....Read all of them immediately!

I'd love to know your thoughts.  If you've read Tiffany's stuff, which book is your fave?
 What books are you loving?

Visit her site at
www.tiffanyreisz.com

Reading/Watching/listening to....

It's the last day of February....WHAT!!! How did that happen?!

I follow a blog and she often updates on the things she is reading, watching and listening to.  I love this idea. It gives me lots of ideas as I'm always looking for new things to read, watch and listen to.  So here are my current list...

Reading

I'm a read 3-4 different things at once kind of person.  I'm usually reading one fiction and one or two information books...mostly about parenting.

I just finished "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi.  It's a beautifully written memoir about Paul's last year after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.  It took me days to digest this one.  I want to live this day and every day with purpose and perspective.  This story took me on a journey with someone who sought those same things.  I couldn't recommend it enough

I'm also reading "Girl in the Mirror" by Nancy Snyderman M.D. and Peg Streep.  As my girl starts to go thru puberty I need tools to help make it a good transition.  I've only stared, but so far I really like the voice these ladies have.  

Watching

I don't watch as much as I used to, but I'm really liking Baskets on FX.  Zach Galifianakis is funny and real.  

Also Brooklyn 99 for a good laugh

Listening

I'm in love with the Echo I got for Christmas.  I listen to Paul Simon radio throughout the day.  And if I"m feeling I need a little pick up, Taylor Swift to the rescue.

So.....what are you reading/watching/listening to? 

Mornings

Good morning everyone!

Mornings. You either love them or hate them. Before I had the baby I loved them. I'm lucky ( or unlucky on school days) my kids sleep in. On weekends they get up around 8:30-9am-now you know why the 7am wake up on school days is hard. Anyway, I loved sitting with my coffee reading. Sometimes I would go for a walk. Now that I'm up every 3hours mornings come too fast and too bright.
As I've talked about. And will talk about more, my oldest is a super emotional creature. She is just like me. I see her explode and cringe cause that could have easily been me. Overreacting over nothing.   We've been working for years to help her. She has come so far. Really able to pull it together.....I can't say the same for me most days. I found this article and it just struck me. I want to be present. I want to be compassionate and non reactive. I want her to come to me when she's hurting.
This year has been hard and stressful for everyone. I hope I'm able to be together for my kids. Not let the lack of sleep and stress of life hinder my enjoyment.  Below is an article I found that really struck me. It reminded me to calm down. Love them. Everything is gonna be okay!





Perspective. See why it's my word. I need it so badly.



What are your thoughts on this article? Do you have tips to help guide and enjoy your little ones?

http://www.upworthy.com/7-secrets-to-raising-awesome-functional-teenagers?g=

Motivation-Five ways to stay the course

Happy Hump Day!

Life is stressful.  Being an adult is hard.  How do you keep motivation going?

I'm at a time in my life when everyday is a big day.  So much to do kids need to go here and do that, I need to do this and the baby needs that......and now that I've begun coaching ladies on their healthy journey I'm expected to motivate and be prepared all the time....HA!

So in thinking about it I've come up with FIVE ways that work for me.



1.Think Positive!
     When I start to slide (it will happen) and need to get my mo-jo back I tell myself...YOU CAN DO IT.  It's like a crazy jedi mind trick.  Mind over matter, whatever you want to say it works.  Believe you can and you will.

2.Enlist Help
  Start an accountability group.  Tell your friends.  Getting healthy is a marathon not a sprint.  You will need help along the way.   Since having my third baby and no family near by I've really embraced the "it takes a village" mentality.  I literally couldn't do all this without the help of other moms.  We are all there for each other.  So find your village.

3.Be realistic
     I'm not going to be able to run around all day and do blog posts and keep up with my challenge team and do laundry and...and... and....So I try to go into each day with a realistic plan.  I have 20 things to do....5 will get done.  This helps me go to bed not feeling like I failed.  Even if all I got done was a shower.

4.Cut yourself some slack
   As I said above, life is stressful, things are hard.  Sometimes you will fail, sometimes you will not get everything done.  It's ok.  Get up the next day and try again!  As Scarlett says "Tomorrow is another day"

5.Make a list
   I usually make my lists at 3am after I've gotten up with the baby. I'll admit it's not the best use of my time to sleep, but you do what you gotta do.  That is apparently when my brain is awake.  Who do you have to email?  What things do you need to pick up?  What do the kids need for the school day.  Whatever is on your list write it down. Crossing it off is very satisfying.

What are your tips to staying motivated?  I want to know!

I've got Good News and Bad News....

Happy Saturday!

Today I want to explore Health and Fitness.  The Good and Bad.  In December I joined a 21 Day Fix Challenge group with Beach Body.  It went really well and I lost 6lbs.  I've continued and even become a coach.   Losing another 4lbs.  And leading my first ever challenge group.  I've really liked it and love connecting with other people.   I felt that there was a big hole in the Beach Body program not having easy information for new mommies and especially nursing mommies.   I'm just getting going, but hope I can help new mommies become their healthiest selves.  Not their skinniest, or who they were before the baby.  Because once you have another person live and grow in your body...it's gonna change.  Sometimes drastically.  Sometimes just a little.  But you are forever changed.

The good news- I've been able to really stick with a healthy eating plan!  this is huge for me.  I've never been successful at a diet or plan.  But I LOVE that I can actually feel how good my body feels when I eat whole foods.  I feel sluggish and tired when I indulge too much in sugar/fried foods.  I still have a long way to go...I indulge almost everyday.....but I really believe in this program and am excited to be a part of it.  I am striving everyday to break the bad habits i've acquired over the last almost 40 years....

The Bad new-  I've lost a little weight, but I've been lacking in the workout department.  Beach Body makes it so easy to work out.  I have multiple DVD's (30 min or less) and am a part of the On Demand, where workouts are at my fingertips, but I just can't get myself going.  I know I will feel better and get stronger....but I just have a hard time.

How do you find time to work out?  How do you find time for yourself?   Being a mom is hard, taking care of ourselves is important.  I'd love your tips!

Till next time!