The 50 Book Challenge

I'm a book worm.  A HUGE bookworm.  In after school care I would head to the library instead of play games with the other children.  I used to check out the maximum two books and would devour them in a night or two, then go straight back to get more books.  My name can probably be found in every single book slip (ancient times when you had to write your name down) from that old library.  To this day I still absolutely love to read, and I try to get as much reading in as I can outside of my book club.

So as I was browsing through Tumblr the other day, I and saw a post for a 50 Book Challenge.  The basic premise is to try to read 50 books in one year.  You can imagine how inspired I was!!!  This is a great excuse to get book recommendations and devote even more time to reading!  And so, one of my goals for this year is to read 50 books.  I have already gathered a few books from various friends and the library.

First Book - Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

This is actually two books together.  But I am counting it as one since that gives me a reason to read an additional book. 

From a summary on amazon - "Persepolis is the story of Satrapi's unforgettable childhood and coming of age within a large and loving family in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution; of the contradictions between private life and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval; of her high school years in Vienna facing the trials of adolescence far from her family; of her homecoming--both sweet and terrible; and, finally, of her self-imposed exile from her beloved homeland. It is the chronicle of a girlhood and adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing up."

 I will let you know how it turns out!

Overheard in the Classroom

Professor: "Now this is called a 'retro-projector.'  Many younger people do not know how to use this machine.  Do any of you know how to use this?"
Student: "Please, I'm from the third world honey, I know all about how to use old things."

Staycation at Camelback Resort

 My family has been frequenting the Marriot Camelback Resort for many years now, it has practically become a tradition to stay here over Thanksgiving break and whenever we have family in town. A bit of a staycation, a bit of a getaway, and a lot of luxury! The resort is right by Scottsdale but you would never know if once you are inside. It is on several acres of beautiful desert land in the shadow if Camelback mountain.  It's so peaceful, you might as well be in your own private Oasis.

This time my aunt was in town from the Pacific Northwest, so we once again visited our favorite place so we could have a nice little vacay.

The grounds are beautiful, peaceful, and blend with the natural environment.  Although we did see a camel walking about, no biggie.

 You find little friends all over...

Each Casita has its own patio, so you can have a morning coffee (Starbucks on location) or a glass of wine while you relax in the shade.

There is a beautiful pool with a restaurant nearby the casitas.

 I loved thePpink Bikini, and I'll be trying the recipe out at home.

The Arizona sun is pretty harsh even in the winter months, so we usually only stay out for an hour or two.  The staff occasionally stroll by and hand out frozen fruits or small lemonade popsicles so we don't overheat.

The main lobby has a gathering area connected to several larger restaurants and a bar.  This is where everyone usually has their main meals and provides opportunities for socializing.

 In the mornings and evenings it is not uncommon to hear live music on stage.  Luckily we vacation here in the colder months so we can gather around a firepit and mingle with the other guests.

There is a Spa on the grounds and a small hiking trail.  It is worth going just to experience the sunset.

In the evenings after a hearty meal and recovering from a carb coma (or too many margaritas), we usually head out to the firepits and make s'mores.

If you are ever in the Phoenix area, definitely check out the J. W. Marriott Camelback Resort.  I highly recommend them, and they also offer Government discounts, which is great!

They even allow the littlest guests!

I had a great staycation and so did my aunt, as usual.  The best part was that after feeling like I was away from it all, I only had to drive twenty minutes to be back home!

A Few of My Favorite Things...

Now for some fashion and beauty related items.

The Christmas season is over and now everything I had my eye on is on SALE!  This is great, but not so great for my wallet.  Here are some of the items I have been watching.  

This dress from Anthropologie.  Long, vintage inspired, and I love the color.  

Anthropologie

This gold-on-black Karen Millen dress.  I think it would look gorgeous on just about anyone.  

Nordstrom

French Connection dress.  

Nordstrom

I am not one to get my nails done frequently, and I sure didn't fall into that manicure/nail art craze that took hold the past few years.  I do, however, appreciate the creativity it takes to come up with ideas for matching nail art to an outfit.  I found these gold flakes that would look great applied to a black or clear base color.
Found here.

This calf hair belt.  I loved this when I first saw it, and I ended up purchasing it.  The calf hair makes it a delicate item, but I would only add it to an outfit every once in awhile.  Found here at Banana Republic.

Happy 2013, I hope that this year brings us all a better world!

What I Wore Today

Merino Wool Cardigan

My fuchsia merino wool cardigan from Banana Republic.  Notice the velvet trim along the buttons.  I'm a sucker for details.