Book Club Monday #24: The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

Let me start by saying: wow.

I read a lot of books, by most people's estimation, and it is not often that one tugs at my heart strings the way The Light Between Oceans did. Most of the time, I read a chapter or two of a book before I fall asleep, and that's that. Not this one. I started it a few days ago, and finished it today after several marathon sessions. I really just wanted to know what happened.

The story centers on a lighthouse keeper in the 1920's, Tom Sherbourne. A World War I veteran, he doesn't mind tolerating the loneliness and isolation of the job he's chosen off the coast of mainland Australia. Of course, he doesn't mind until he meets Isabel, the woman who would later become his wife.

Isabel and Tom have the kind of relationship any couple would want. They love each other deeply, and they love hard. When it is found that Isabel cannot bear children, they are heartbroken. That is, until a boat washes ashore containing a dead man and a baby who is very much alive.

The heartbreak of their most recent loss via stillbirth, following two miscarriages, still runs deep with both Tom and Isabel, and they decide to keep the baby and raise her as their own. Tom wants to report the dead man and the baby, and give her back, but Isabel falls in love with the baby, which they name Lucy, almost immediately. 

Both of them have questions, such as is there a mother on the mainland missing her child as deeply as they love her? How did they wind up washing ashore so many miles off the mainland? The story that transpires is deeply heartbreaking. Each piece comes together to create a gripping, beautiful tragedy for nearly everyone involved.

Influenster Review: Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

Prior to this review, I had never really used any of Rimmel's products. I might have an old eyeshadow quad or mascara sitting around, but overall I use higher-end foundation. Now this stuff, this stuff surprised me!

First of all, the color is great. It isn't too fair or too dark for my light skin, and after an hour or two of wear, my face doesn't look like an oil slick. I am definitely into that! I can wear it out for a night, and blot off my face once or twice, instead of going into the bathroom every twenty minutes because it feels like my face is melting. It gives me a nice, dewy look, and I'm into it. Usually, I have to mix two or more foundations to get a good color, and something that feels good to wear. The tube doesn't lie - it is incredibly lightweight! I have found that I really enjoy both the look and feel of a mousse foundation. And if you're like me, you'll like this one, too.

Every product promises to do this and that, and most of the time, doesn't deliver. As far as foundations go, this is definitely one I would use again. I have used a lot of foundations, and this one I would recommend, especially for those who use drugstore brands. It should hit stores in January 2014.

I received this foundation free of charge for review from Influenster.

You know, I've been thinking....

I've been thinking of a lot of things lately - but namely, having to do with the blog, I just feel like I haven't been completely honest with everybody. Like my personality isn't shining through the way it should, and maybe that's why I'm feeling as stuck as I am.

For as far back as I can remember, I have had issues with social anxiety. This dates back to being a teenager. Part of that is my inability to let a lot of people in, and the other part is a little voice in my head that subconsciously tells me that everyone is laughing at me behind my back and I'm the butt of the joke. If you asked me why, I couldn't tell you. It's just the way I've always been.

Recently, I've realized that I do a lot of living inside my head, instead of going out, meeting people, and doing new things. And you know what? It sucks.

I live by myself with two cats, work a full time job as well as a part time job, run a handmade business, and just try to do things that make me happy when I have time, like making things and reading books. I keep myself busy, maybe so I don't have to think about things so much.

With that being said, I am from this point on going to make a concerted effort to let you guys, my readers, in a bit more. To learn more about me, as a person, and not about what books I like and nothing else.

I no longer want this blog to feel forced, and I'm going to do everything in my power to make it better.

So, with that, here's a makeupless photo of me with my main man, Vegas.

The worst anniversary.

Dear 2011 Liz:

It's 2013. You lived through what was the worst, and scariest, part of your life thus far. When you found out, you didn't think you would live through it, but I'll be the first person to tell you that you did, and, if I can say so, with flying colors.

You never thought you would hear the big "C" word at 25. That just doesn't happen to people. Especially not people that young. I still felt invincible. And if it does, they don't live long enough to tell about it. Sure, you smoked, but you sure as hell didn't think it would cause something like this (and it didn't, just wanted to throw that out there).

Cancer was scary. It always is. But it's gone. And now that its been two years, you don't have to go to the dermatologist every three months anymore! It's twice a year from here on out. You lived. You did everything you could to make your life better.

One thing I will say, though, is you will never forget. Won't forget the fear. Won't forget how thankful you should be for every day you're given. Won't ever forget how lucky you were to get the prognosis that you got. How lucky you were to be taken care of. Won't ever take a day for granted.

On the worst anniversary of your life thus far, please, just don't ever forget. It made you a better person, you just had to go through hell and back to figure that out.

the most meaningful of my tattoos.
the tattoo that changed my life forever.

7 Deadly Sins Link-Up

I found this great link-up over at Whispering Sweet Nothings, and since I wanted to get ramped up for the season, decided to do it myself! Copy and paste from the link below and link up to participate!

All you need to do is copy & paste this list, link-up, and have fun finding out others' guilty pleasures.  

seven great things in your life.

1. My family, who supports and loves me no matter what I do.

2. A job that I love, with the most perfect coworkers imaginable.

3. My cat kids, Vegas and Reno.

4. My handmade business, Blackheart Knits & Crafts.

5. Getting more comfortable in my own skin.

6. My friends, who have all become like family.

7.  Waking up every day thankful.

seven things you lack and covet.

1. Time to be as creative as I'd like.

2. The ability to cook.

3. A guy who, instead of being intimidated by me, digs my independence.

4. A better group of (more) friends.

5. The ability to not care what anyone else thinks.

6. The ability to save money.
7. The time to have more fun.

seven things that make you angry.

1. Stupidity in all of its forms.

2. Inattentive drivers.

3. Texting while with another person or a group.

4. Animal cruelty.

5.  People who don't read.

6. Politicians who are ruining our country.

7.  Violence in all its forms.

seven things that you neglect to do.

1. Eat breakfast most days.

2. Exercise every day.

3. Wear makeup more than once a week.

4. Clean more than once a week.

5.  Save money.

6. Read as much as possible.

7. Quit smoking.

seven worldly material desires.

1. An iPad.

2.  A vacation to anywhere far away.

3.  A house of my own.

4-7 are irrelevant, I don't want for much.

seven guilty pleasures.

1. Gator Boys.

2. Katy Perry's (or any other ridiculous) music.

3. Caffeine.

4. Long drives, gas prices be damned.

5. Swearing.

6. Romantic movies.

7. Taco Bell.

seven things you love about love.

1. Learning more about each other.

2. Hand holding.

3. Laughter.

   4. Becoming best friends.

5. Paying attention to the sparks as they fly.

6. The feeling in the pit of my stomach.

7. Letting go.