Friday 5+1 (5 Things I Love + 1 Thing I Don’t) – 3.3.17

Hello!

I’m not sure how it’s March all of a sudden, but here we are!  I’m starting to have some mini-panic attacks, as the reality that my son’s graduation is just a few months away (and that I need to get cracking on organizing his party).  Things are just going to get crazier as the months pass, so I might as well embrace it and accept it.  I’ve started pinning a bunch of graduation party ideas – any tips from you veterans out there?  Anything you wish you would have done that you didn’t, or vice versa?  I’d love to hear your experiences!  

Let’s get on with this week’s Friday 5+1!  This post contains some affiliate links.

I’ve been busy with kitchens, so I’ve been ripping through audio books like crazy, and loving every bit of it!

Small Great Things

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult was one of those books that really made you stop and take a hard look at some tough issues.  Here is an editorial review from Amazon:

Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things is about racism, choice, fear, and hope. The novel is based on the true story of a labor and delivery nurse who was prohibited from caring for a newborn because the father requested that no African-American nurses tend to his baby. In the fictional version, Ruth, the African-American nurse in question, finds herself on trial for events related to the same request made by a white supremacist father. Using the narratives of Ruth, the baby’s father, and the female public defender who takes Ruth’s case, Picoult examines multiple facets of racism. The topic of race in America is difficult to talk about, but in in an honest and revealing way Picoult allows readers to draw their own conclusions about how we see ourselves and others in the world.  Small Great Things is an important and thought-provoking novel about power and prejudice that deserves to be read, digested, and shared with others. 

I will admit, I wasn’t sure what I would think about this book.  But it was excellent.  It was eye opening from both sides of the racial spectrum, and the storyline was compelling.  Audra McDonald was the narrator for the main character, Ruth, and she was perfect!  Two thumbs up for this one.

A House in the Sky

A House in the Sky was recommended to me by a customer, who said that she had been giving it to everyone to read, she loved it so much.  It’s about a young Canadian woman, who works to earn money to travel the world, eventually becoming a freelance photo journalist, traveling to very dangerous parts of the world in the process.  While traveling to Somalia, she is kidnapped and held captive.  This book is the story of her experience.

This book was a difficult read for me, but one that I couldn’t put down at the same time.  As a mother, I could see the danger ahead, and I got a bit upset at how naive Amanda was, to even consider going into Somalia.  But, she had been in other dangerous places as well, so I don’t think she fully appreciated the gravity of the situation.  That said, her story in captivity is harrowing, terrifying and compelling at the same time.  The insight as to what happens in your mind under such duress, is nothing short of astounding.  A great read, but one that you might need to step away from every now and then in the process.

Big Little Lies

Is anyone watching Big Little Lies on HBO?  I read the book awhile ago, but I’m totally absorbed in the series!  If not for the story, but for the real estate candy that is the backdrop of it all, in Monterey, California.  Oh. my. goodness.  It’s absolutely stunning.  My favorite house is Madeleine’s gorgeous ocean front property (although, most of the main characters have ocean front properties).  Can you even believe this kitchen?

Then there is Renata’s home – more contemporary and cold (in my opinion).  But the view is spectacular.

And then we have Celeste’s house – 

This closet is surreal.

 

Wine Purifier – No More Hangovers

I celebrated the birthday of a dear friend last week, and we had some wine, cheese and good conversation, which was awesome. She showed me this wine purifier and she and her husband told me how this little gadget takes out the preservatives in wine that cause hangovers.  A “game changer” they said.  You just pour the wine through it and it filters it out.  I will tell you that I had NO headache after drinking a few glasses with the help of this little gadget. 🙂

Craigslist Scores

I am super excited about this Dixie Dresser that I scored on Craigslist this weekend!  I am debating on what to do with it, but it has so much potential!  Sorry for the grainy photo – it’s from the ad.  Any ideas on the redo?  I’m thinking about going high gloss on this beauty, but I’m a little scared!

My +1 for the week – Wearing glasses again after having Lasik

Yes, I had Lasik about six years ago, but have been having issues with my vision – some related to age, but some with distance.  Turns out, I’ve developed an astigmatism, which is the issue.  It’s not like my near-sightedness has come back, it’s just different.  I went to the eye doctor, who then reported the results to the people who did my Lasik.  They came back to tell me that my vision is still 20/20, and that they don’t do anything corrective for the issues I’m having now.  Ok, whatever.  I can still see without my glasses (reading is a challenge), but I can see better with my glasses.  The one woman at the eye doctor made a comment that caught my ear – she said something to the effect of “yeah, about seven years.”  Like Lasik doesn’t last forever.  My husband had it as well, and has had no issues – so I guess I’m the lucky one!

Have a great weekend!

Jenny