What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm loving...

That I've stuck to working out multiple times every week so far this year. I've mentioned it before but I really like the app FitOn. It's free and has so many workout videos by different trainers (that way you don't get bored doing the same video over and over). 

Stats from last week

I'm loving...

That I've been able to see more friends lately. And even though I've been able to hang out with friends over the last two years (despite the pandemic), it seems more and more people are comfortable going out and doing things again. And pretty much everyone is hugging again!! NATURE IS HEALING!

I'm loving...

My new bobblehead. My friend Moose bought it for me months ago, but due to the high demand for it, it was just mailed last week. I love it so much! Oh, and side note, Norma's Cafe redid their menu, and I'm shook. Lol.

I'm loving...

This company- 1836 Farms. It's a local company near Dallas and in my opinion, their milk tastes better than any milk I've ever had. I found it at my local Kroger but per their website, they even deliver. I love the glass bottles. And I love that you can give the empty bottles back and get $2 off your next purchase. Although I have kept some of the bottles because they are super cute, and hello- they are TEXAS related. :) I will find a way to use them for decoration. Or maybe a flower vase. And yes, I, the chocolate milk snob who has NEVER liked pre-made chocolate milk, LOVES their chocolate milk. It's like drinking a milkshake. It's just amazing.

I'm loving...

That I found out that the Dollar Tree sells books. And yes, they are only $1.25 (because the Dollar Tree should now be called the Dollar Twenty-Five Tree). Lol. 

What are YOU loving today?

XOXO!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I'm loving...

That I got my craft closet organized last weekend. It was a DISASTER. After working on Trunk or Treat decorations throughout October, I let it get so disorganized. I bought a cube shelf from Target and spent about four hours getting it all organized last Saturday. Here's hoping I can keep it this way from now on.  My goal is to declutter and stay better organized in 2020.

Before photos:

After photos:

I'm loving...

The workout app FitOn. It's amazing. I've been using it for 24 straight weeks. I absolutely love it. It's free to download and all the videos are free- no hidden cost. They did just add a FitOn Pro option where you can pay to have a meal plan customized for you, but I'm just using it for the videos. And there are so many (and they keep adding new ones). They range from super easy to "OMG I want to die" hard- and there are 18 different trainers so you can workout for weeks and not get bored with the same trainer. In the past I've become bored with workout videos because it was the same person every day (and a lot of times the same workouts). They also added a section called Before Bed where it has 2-3 minutes videos of stretches to do before you go to sleep. I HIGHLY recommend this app.

After each workout, it gives you the option to take a photo (it saves it in the app, it only shares it if you want it shared). It can help show the progress you are making. Or just remind you that you did the workout and didn't die. Lol

I'm loving...

That I saw my first musical of the year last night. My friend Rob had an extra ticket to the production of The Color Purple at the Winspear Opera House. This was my first time seeing it and the cast was AMAZING. I can't image another cast topping their performance. If you are in Dallas, go see it. I think it's here through early next week.

I'm loving...

That I completed my GoodReads book challenge last year. In years past, I've fallen short (way short). I actually started my 2019 challenge at 30 books, and I met that in early October, so I bumped it up to 40 books. I finished book number 40 on Dec. 31, but I got it done. This year my goal is to read/listen to 45 books. I just started book 5 yesterday. Speaking of books, I know I'm behind on my book reviews on here. I'll try to start doing those for this year (I won't go back the last few years and post any older ones though). I DO keep my reviews up to date on GoodReads if you would like to add me there. Click here for my link.

What are YOU loving today?

XOXO!

What I'm Loving Thursday

I'm loving...

That I'm trying to improve on my 5K time. After participating in my first 5K last year, I've decided to actually train for my next one. Last time I did it "cold turkey". I downloaded an app called Couch to 5K and I really enjoy it. 

I'm loving...

That I got to see my BFF Mandy last weekend while I was in Austin. We are going on 30 years of friendship this year!

I'm loving...

That two non-beer drinkers made a 45 minutes drive to a beer brewery just to support one of our favorite actors. Mandy and I love the show Supernatural and one of the stars (Jensen Ackles) just opened a brewery last week. We decided to show his business some support and went out there on Saturday. It's an awesome place (even if you are a non-drinker)- it's in Dripping Springs (just outside of Austin) and it is beautiful out there. They have a lot of seating (inside and outside) and there is a food truck available. They have a gated playground for kids and have a lot of areas for people to bring their dogs (on a leash, of course). We went out there on Saturday afternoon, and I really didn't expect Jensen to be there, but after sitting down for a few minutes, he walked by us. We didn't say anything the first time he walked by, but the second time he walked by, I stopped him and told him how much we enjoyed the atmosphere and that the place looked great. He stopped and chatted with us and expressed his appreciation that we were there checking it out. And he agreed to take a photo (Mandy's daughter was super excited to meet "Dean"). This was much cheaper than the time Mandy and I paid to get a photo with him at a Supernatural convention. Lol.

They also serve non-alcoholic drinks

I'm loving...

That I got to hang out with old friends this past weekend. My friend Thomas turned 40 and I went to his birthday party (I've known him since college). Another college friend Kris was there, it was great catching up with them and reminiscing on old memories. I also got to meet up with my friend Justin while I was in town, we went to high school together and hadn't seen each other in 20 plus years. 

I'm loving...

That I got to stay with my "summer mom" while I was in Austin. During the summer of 1998 I lived with this wonderful lady and her family. She has been calling me her "summer daughter" for 20 years now. :)

I'm loving...

That I got to visit the church I grew up in, I hadn't been by in about 13 years. This church will always be very dear to me. Sadly there aren't many members left from my time there, but there was one lady who remembered me. She kept saying "I can't believe you are little Rachel." :) I attended that church from age 5 to age 18.

Ms. Pat

I'm loving...

That I got to hear author Mike Cox speak on his book Legends & Lore of the Texas Capitol. Mandy and I went to hear him speak on Sunday (last thing I did before I left Austin). I can't wait to read the book- I'm a history nerd (especially Texas history) so I look forward to it.

I'm loving...

The cold weather. HA. Just kidding. Going to work when temperatures are in the single digits is not for me. I live in Texas for a reason (well, many reasons, but not having to deal with freezing temperatures in a main one). Lol.

I'm loving...

That I got to have lunch with my amazing friend Devin. You should just be jealous (even if you don't know him). :)

I'm loving...

That I got to attend a farewell dinner for my (now former) manager. When I interviewed at my place of employment ten years ago, she was the second person I interviewed with and she has been nothing but 1000% supportive of my career from the beginning. She retired last week and is going to sail the Caribbean with her husband. I'm going to miss my daily chats with her (and the never-ending supply of chocolate candy in her office). Lol.

What are YOU loving today??

XOXO!

Book Reviews 2017: Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman by Sam Wasson

Who doesn't love Audrey Hepburn? A friend gave me this book because Audrey is my favorite actress of all time and I adore the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. I've read Truman Capote's book, so I knew his Holly Golightly and the Holly Golightly of the movie were NOT the same. I also knew about all the other differences between the book and the movie. I did find some of the history about the creation of the book and the making of the movie fascinating. It was interesting to see who else they wanted to star in the movie.

Also (I don't think this is really a "spoiler" so I don't think I need to warn you), I was a little sad to hear that Audrey didn't really care for George Peppard (he wasn't a popular person on set with really anyone). It was interesting to hear how the movie could have been so different. The author talked about scenes that were cut or re-written. I wish the alternate ending was somewhere on film (the author said no one knows for sure if the film survived from the cutting room floor). Although in my opinion, I like the actual ending of the movie better. No, I won't tell you what the alternate ending was going to be, you have to read the book. :) 

I didn't realize that Audrey had as many miscarriages as she did. He doesn't go too much into detail about Audrey's personal life (sadly), but he does provide tidbits here and there. He did write a little bit about her slightly troubled marriage to Mel Ferrer.

At the end the author talks about why he wrote the book. Why do people love this movie? It got me wondering why I love it- my answer is because of Audrey. I don't think the movie would have worked with anyone else. Is it the best love story out there? No, not at all. But no matter what, I will always find time to watch it when I'm wanting to have an Audrey marathon.

Oh, at the end of the book after all of the author's notes and references, he talks about his personal conversation with actress Patricia Neal- well worth the read. She seems like she was a hoot! :)

I finished this book on September 15, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

XOXO!

Book Reviews 2017: I'm Watching You

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

I'm Watching You by Mary Burton

This was the first book I've read by Mary Burton and I will definitely be checking out her other books. I really enjoyed this novel- I felt the mystery and suspense were well written. I actually lost sleep because I got to the point where I couldn't stop reading and I had to see how it ended. 

I kept changing my mind who I thought the killer would be, which to me is the sign of a good mystery novel. Now, there were some unresolved issues in the plot (minor issues, just me being nit-picky) and I hope that the characters appear in another novel so we can see what happens to them. There were also some minor characters that I hope get their own story in another novel.

The author does a great job with character development and keeping the story interesting- I can't wait to read another one of her novels. 

Book summary:

I finished this book on September 13, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

Book Reviews 2017: A Night in With Marilyn Monroe

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

A Night in With Marilyn Monroe by Lucy Holliday

I am enjoying this series but I think I liked A Night in With Audrey Hepburn a little bit more than this one. Libby seemed a little too whiny in this novel and it just didn't have the same charm as the first one. Also as much as I like Ollie, even he was annoying me in this book. Come on Ollie, man up!

Regardless, I still like the author's writing style and even though I didn't like this book as much as the first one, the author kept me interested in the story.

We do get to know some of the other characters a little better in this novel, which was nice. And despite their flaws, I do like the characters and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. As a fan of classic movies, I love the concept of this series! 

Book summary:

I finished this book on September 11 so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

Book Reviews 2017: Miracle in my Living Room: The Story of a Little Mann

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

Miracle in my Living Room: The Story of a Little Mann by Evelyn Mann

This is one of those books that you don't just read, you feel it. I started following Samuel's Facebook page back in February, which is how I first discovered this book, and I'm so glad I ordered a copy. 

I love how Evelyn takes us through everything that happened from the beginning of her pregnancy with Samuel through until after he was born. You can feel the emotions through her words and I'll admit that I cried more than once- her words are that powerful.

I admire Evelyn and her husband Ralph so much for their faith and determination not to give up on their son, even though they were being told otherwise by medical professionals. Their love for each other and Samuel is so strong and you can see that while reading this book. I am so glad that they share Samuel's story with all of us.

I don't say this too often but I would put this on a "must read" list. I honestly think it would touch the heart of anyone. I also highly recommend following Samuel's Facebook page as well (click here). I have to say, Samuel has a smile that will turn any bad day around. I will be having the worst day but his smile can make that bad day go away. I always look forward to new photos and videos of the little Mann. :)

Photos property of Evelyn Mann and have been used with written permission

Book summary:

I finished this book on September 3, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

XOXO!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm loving...

That my friends and I can still have fun at baseball games, even when the games are horrible. I love my Rangers, I will always love my Rangers, but unfortunately we have seen more bad baseball than good baseball this year. Sigh. 

I'm loving...

Lunch with friends at Whataburger. Okay, I love having lunch with my friends ANY PLACE, but Whataburger seems to be a frequent location for us. Lol. For you non-Texans, yes, Whataburger is that important. It's truly one of the best fast food burgers out there. Don't even talk to me about In-N-Out. I've had it, I don't think it's that good. And their fries are horrible (I've tried three different locations, just to give it a shot, and I was disappointed each time). Give me Whataburger or give me death (my apologies to Patrick Henry for stealing his phrase). I refuse to even discuss the matter, we are moving on.... :)

See, happy people after having Whataburger. :)

I'm loving...

That I have read five books in the past week. I'm trying to read 46 books in 2017 (right now I'm at 23 books, so I'm about nine books behind). I'm also trying to read 40 books by my 40th birthday (May 23, 2018). I've read 11 books for that challenge (yes, I'm doing multiple reading challenges at once. Don't judge). 

It was a beautiful day on Saturday so I sat on my balcony and read for a few hours

I'm loving...

The different debates over the movie IT. I am personally not afraid of clowns, and I loved the original movie, so I was excited to see the remake. I didn't think it was THAT scary. It had some "jump" moments, but nothing to get all excited about. The acting was good (although I feel I need to warn people there is a LOT of cussing- way more than the first movie). The guy who played Pennywise did a good job, but I will always be partial to Tim Curry's Pennywise from the original. If you like scary movies- I recommend it, it is still a good movie. If you don't like clowns, you might want to avoid it. 

My sister used to dress up as a clown for birthday parties and Vacation Bible School events, so even at a young age, clowns never bothered me. I think it's because I watched her put on the makeup so I knew it was a person underneath the clown face. And yes, again, I was very blonde as a child.

My photo op with Tim Curry earlier this year

I'm loving...

That it's football season. I'm loving that the Cowboys got a win on Sunday night. And I'm definitely loving Cole Beasley's catch. OH. MY. GOODNESS. My apologies to my neighbors for screaming at the TV during the game.

I'm also loving that Scooter Magruder is back with his Cowboys videos. He's hilarious! :) My goal is to meet him one day. For the record, I pretty much act like this during Cowboys games (because Cowboys fans love to overreact). Lol. I love the quote "I wish my relationships were as stable as Dan Bailey's kicking." HAHAHAHA!!!

What are YOU loving today??

XOXO!