Books Worth A Look

If you are looking for something to read I have just the thing.  I just finished The Glass Castle.  It is a memoir of Jeanette Walls childhood that came highly recommended by a few coworkers and the librarian.  It definitely did not disappoint.  Her writing style is wonderful and it was a fast read.  Walls presents her story in four sections that are not broken up by chapters but small vignettes, so it was easy to read for 5 mins, put down, and pick back up.  I am impressed by her ability to overcome what life presented her with and her willingness to share it with her audience.  

For my teacher friends, I also read The Essential 55 by Ron Clark.  In his book he gives the 55 rules he uses with his students to help them become successful in school and life. I found that a lot of his rules would apply outside the classroom as well.  My top 5 rules were:

1. Make eye contact.  When someone is speaking, keep your eyes on him or her at all times.  If someone makes a comment, turn and face that person.
2. If you win or do well at something, do not brag.  If you lose, do not show anger.  Instead, say something like, "I really enjoyed the competition, and I look forward to playing you again," or "Good game," or don't say anything at all.  To show anger or sarcasm, such as "I wasn't playing hard anyway.  You really aren't that good," shows weakness.
3. Always say thank you when I give you something.  If you do not say it within three seconds after receiving the item, I will take it back.  There is no excuse for not showing appreciation.  
4. Surprise others by performing random acts of kindness.  Go out of your way to do something surprisingly kind and generous for someone at least once a month.  
5. Be positive and enjoy life.  Some things just aren't worth getting upset over.  Keep everything in perspective and focus on the good in your life.  

I liked both of these so much that up next are:
   

What have you read that is worth a look?  

Stitch Fix

I have to thank my awesome Sister-in-law for telling me about Stitch Fix. and directing me to That's What We Said to check it out.  I received my first "fix" a few weeks ago and I may never go shopping for clothes again!  Okay, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration, but I think that this will definitely decrease the amount of clothes shopping that I will be doing for myself.  

You start by completing your style profile at their website.  They have you answer some questions about size and style and then rate some photos of various clothes.  Then a personal shopper picks out 5 items that they think you will like and mails them to you.  You have 3 days to decide what you will keep and what you will send back (they included a prepaid envelope for easy returns).  You pay a $20 styling fee that is applied toward any items that you keep, and if you keep all 5 items you get 25% off.  I was a bit skeptical to try this out but figured I had nothing to lose.

When my box arrived I couldn't wait to see what was chosen for me.  I was amazed with how well the stylist did picking items for me.  Even my husband said that it was impressive how perfect the sizes and styles were.  My box contained two dresses and three shirts.  I wish I would have taken pictures of all the items, but I ran out of time before I had to send them back, maybe on my next fix.  I ended up keeping the following  two items and sending the other items back. (I love that they include a style card with each item)

The yellow dress is one of my favorite things, and is definitely not something that I would have picked out for myself.  I am excited to see what they will send me next!

Click here to try it out! 
Stitch Fix
(Please use the link because then I get $25 off my Fix)