Books, Fiction

Toxicity in Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game

I like the picture better than the book. | The Hating Game by Sally Thorne | Dress | Shirt |

Worth A Read Hard Pass
Length 386
Quick Review A tale as old as time. Who knew the hate being felt from/for someone was just a big misunderstanding and just love in disguise… 

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne is not a romantic love story but a cautionary tale. It was stupid, archaic, toxic, and quite frankly set women back seventy years. Part of me wants to be shocked that “love” stories like this are still getting published, but I’m too realistic for that. I don’t know why women read this stuff and what it is they find attractive about a tall asshole. These are not the kind of relationships we should be glorifying. There’s far more interesting and sexy things to read than this troped up, crap novel.  

Lucy and Joshua sit next to each other after a merger between two publishing houses. They hate each other and are up for the same promotion. They’re complete opposites. She’s super short, bubbly, and sweet. He’s cold, calculated, and rude. Gasp! Circumstances bring them together, and oh my God, they’re attracted to each other. 

By page 50, I was utterly exhausted from reading how short Lucy was in comparison to how tall and masculine Joshua was. It was boring and cliché at the best of times.

The entire premise of The Hating Game rides on the back of the kindergarten playground advice given to young girls: “He’s mean to you because he likes you.” I’m pretty sure we’ve realized how that sets girls up for complicated relationships with attraction at best and abusive and violent relationships at worst.  

I kept seeing how great this book was… I don’t get it. It’s kind of funny, but the problematic plot and characters are impossible for me to get passed. The fact the plot is beyond formulaic and predictable almost doesn’t even register due to the toxic relationship between Lucy and Joshua. Honestly, if your friend were to come and tell you all of these things Lucy went through in real time, you would never encourage her to have a relationship with that man. I doubt Joshua’s friends would encourage him to be with Lucy because she wasn’t so great to him either. Love does not and should never wash away the toxic, problematic, or rude interactions leading up to feelings. 

Had The Hating Game ended with a good, long visit to a therapist instead of unrealistic sex (I know it’s a novel, no one wants realistic sex in novels) with boring and problematic co-worker, I would have liked it more. If you ever find yourself in Lucy’s position, go to a therapist instead of on a date. You deserve better. Lucy deserves better. Joshua deserves better. These two should never date. 

Memorable Quotes
“I’m not about to be ravished. No one boils water before-hand [sex], except maybe in the Middle Ages.”

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

Buy on Amazon | Buy on Book Depository
Shop the Post
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4138296″]

Title: The Hating Game
Author: Sally Thorne
Publisher: William Morrow (HarperCollins)

Copyright: 2016
ISBN: 9780062439598

Blog + Dog, Style

Dog Mom Shirts

20190612_143644.jpg
Hanging out at the beach in Galveston, TX. | Dog Mom Shirt | Dog Mom Hat | Shorts

I love dog mom clothes. It’s advertizing. It says “Hi, I love my dog more than I’ll ever love you.” It may also say, “Hi, I’m a crazy dog mom. Try me.” Okay. All it probably says is “I have a dog and enough money for this tshirt.” If you know me, I’ll personally tell you all three of those sentences, but the first is the most apropos.

I really love being a dog mom. It’s probably the most rewarding thing I will ever do in my entire life. I shouldn’t have children because I will probably always tell them I love them almost as much as the dog. Reasons why:

  • Dogs clean their own butts. There’s a solid three-ish years you have to do that with the human children.
  • Children are sticky. My dog has never been sticky. Not ever.
  • I can put my dog in a box and leave for several hours. Children: Hello, CPS?
  • Children are a lifelong commitment.
  • I wish my dog was a lifelong commitment.
  • Children can talk. My dog only barks when there is danger or she has to shit.
  • Children will probably grow up to hate you in some small way. Beau only holds a grudge for 20 seconds.
  • I can pack Beau up in the car and go anywhere anytime. Children have school and other boring crap I have to go to and be a part of.
  • Waking up to my dog’s butthole is unpleasant, but it’s better than an expensive, sticky, talkative child.

I love kids. I think they’re super great. Especially when I can hand them back to their parents. Being Fun Aunt RaeAnna is my favorite thing to be to children. I can whoosh in with presents and fun times before whooshing out several days later. I’ll even take them for weeks at a time! My heart is with my dog. I love being her Mom more than anything. I love working from home because I get to cover Beau in kisses any time I want to.

I have been collecting Dog Mom clothes because it is my favorite part of my identity. Here are all the fun Dog Mom things I found!

Shop the Post
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”3613966″]

201906126370835931701585047.jpg

Books, NonFiction

How to Skimm Your Life from theSkimm

Worth A Read Yes
Length 240
Quick Review From the creators of theSkimm. They walk you through the basics of being a successful adult from what they mean when they’re talking about wine to networking to taxes.

201905311593517122250702744.jpg
Reading How to Skimm Your Life in a super fun swing! | yoga pants | shirt | sunglasses | flippy-floppies |

theSkimm has become one of the most beloved emails people receive in the morning. It keeps you up to date on the goings on all over the world without having to invest hours combing through newspapers. I read it myself. The creators are now helping with life in How to Skimm Your Life comes out tomorrow and is a funny and informative.

I love a good glossy book with illustrations. Did you know millennials are changing and reinvigorating the wine industry? It only makes sense How to Skimm Your Life would start with a little wine information. Knowing your way around a wine menu makes you seem and feel fancy. There are also a ton of tips about taxes, travel, side hustles, politics, world history, house cleaning, finances, and networking. It’s a great overview of things every successful adult should be aware of in today’s society.

I love the section about politics and the UN. It helps break down a lot of overwhelming information. We hear about committees and such in the news, but often times we don’t necessarily know what they mean. One of the most important parts of How to Skimm Your Life is the break down of how these things works. It was also fun reading about it because I’m sitting in a coffee shop right across from the National Mall in Washington D.C. Although they fall a little short with the World History section because it starts in 1914. I think they could have given another page or two to a longer history lesson, but that comes from a history lover.

The book has a huge sense of humor, which keeps you flipping the pages. It has an incredibly upbeat tone filled with bright colors and a little bit of fun. Adulting can be hard, but getting better at it shouldn’t be. How to Skimm Your Life is like having a cheerleader in a book.

Memorable Quotes
“And why highly tannic wines like Cabernet Sauvignon develop like Jane Fonda: Better. Every. Year.”

Buy on Amazon | Buy on Barnes & Noble | Buy on Book Depository
Shop the Post
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”3611055″]

Title: How Skimm Your Life
Author: theSkimm
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Copyright: 2019
ISBN: 9781984820808

Travel, Travel Guides

My First Cruise

20190222_120752-01.jpeg
Birthday coozies.

20190312100508717535437235.jpg
This is my current most favorite swimsuit.

FB_IMG_1552370976750.jpg
I was ready to sail away in this cute dress!

20190223_145923-01.jpeg
I needed this comfy top and shorts with my sunburn!

received_1454834947983993-01.jpeg
I love these pants, but the wind took them!

20190312107642558498924835.jpg
Grammy and her oldest brother. Love this top.

DSC_1129-01.jpeg
Everyone for the cruise.

I had never been on a cruise before. I lived most of my life in the Midwest, which made cruises a not very cheap option. Now that I live in Houston, I really should start going on cruises more often.

IMG_1552363166465.jpg
In love with this bikini and beach pants.

This cruise was put together to celebrate my grandmother’s 80th birthday. There were 18 of us in attendance. There were three over 80 year olds, one turning 80 this year, a bunch of cousins my parents age, my parents, a seven year old, and a fourteen year old. It was a varied bunch. I roomed with my parents because I like saving money…. As great as they are; next time, I will be getting my own room.

20190222_203819-01.jpeg
I LOVE this dress that I wore on formal night!

Going into the cruise, I really had no idea what to expect. The only real expectation I had was there would be a lot of water and sky. Those expectations were met. I sailed on the Carnival Triumph for their second to last trip ever before going into dry dock to return under a different name. It was a four day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. We boarded Thursday morning, I was eating beignets by 10:00 am on Monday morning in the French Quarter. We had a room with a balcony. If you can afford it, have a balcony. They’re great; the view is spectacular. It also helped keep the seasickness to a minimum.

Screenshot_20190312-012434_Instagram.jpg
The sunsets were amazing in this jumpsuit!

Carnival Cruises have amazing guest relations. I kinda fell in love with Larson – the guy who cleaned our room. He was wonderful. I had a tag in my beach pants, he chased me down the hall and helped me cut it off because “Miss RaeAnna, your tag does not look good!” I appreciate that level of kindness and honesty.

20190223_164913-01.jpeg
My parental units.

I would call Carnival the Walmart of cruise lines. It is cheap but does the job. It is absolutely excellent for people watching. There are all kinds. I truly, deeply mean that. A whole bunch of fun and laughs, but I think I’m ready for the Target of cruise lines next time.  

Here are some things I learned:

  • Bring your own toilet paper. The toilet paper is awful. One ply. Chaps the butt hole really well, which is unpleasant.
  • Explore on the first day. Take an hour to walk the entire ship. I’m kind of a stickler for knowing where everything is and how to get there. Taking the time saves more time later especially if you happen to be intoxicated.
  • Drinks aren’t free. I don’t drink alcohol, but the non-alcoholic versions are only a dollar cheaper than the alcoholic versions. There are drink packages. If you’re going to have more than five drinks a day, go with the package. It pays off.
  • Super windy. Cruise ships are incredibly windy. Give up on the long hair being down. It won’t work. Also anything that can blow in the wind, will, so dress appropriately.
  • Eat everything. Unlike drinks. Food is free. I ordered two appetizers and two desserts every single meal because I wanted to try them, and they were free. I gained a few pounds, but I have no regrets. I never want to regret food I didn’t eat.
  • Look inside the gym. I didn’t work out because I hate it. I did wander the gym. It was at the very front of the boat, and they view was bonkers.
  • Wifi sucks. It costs money to have any internet. Even after paying the $40, the wifi sucks. It’s good enough to send messages and snapchats to friends on land, but not great for browsing Instagram or uploading videos. Forget streaming. If you don’t need the internet, use the time to digitally detox.
  • Meet people! I am introvert. I have a horrible time putting myself out there to meet people. I spent the entire cruise hanging out with my parents. They’re great, but they don’t have my kind of dancing stamina. Finally on the last night, I met people and went dancing. I should have done it sooner.
  • The cruise is not about the destination. I’ve been to Mexico, but I have not done Mexico. I was there for seven hours. I spent the day on the beach and parasailing. I spoke zero Spanish. It doesn’t count. Cruising is about cruising not about the destination.
  • Bring reading material. Ok. This isn’t a necessity, but I really loved sitting on the deck reading. It was probably my favorite thing. I almost never get to simply enjoy the sun and reading anymore.
  • Go see stuff. There is a bunch to do. Go do it.
  • Gambling. Drinking. Oh my. Carnival cruises are geared more towards the gamblers, drinkers, and bingo players. I don’t do any of those things. Luckily, I have fun just listening to music.

I enjoyed my first cruise. I would really like to go again with a friend or a partner, so I can enjoy the nightlife more fully. I’m currently trying to pressure all my gal pals into going on a cruise with me.

Books, Fiction

A Christmas Treasury

DSC_1129-02.jpeg
A Christmas Treasury is the perfect seasonal anthology! | Comforter (is perfection)

Should I Read Go Buy It
Length 368
Quick Review It is the quintessential collection of Christmas stories for the family. The perfect book to place on your coffee table year after year.

If there is one book you should purchase this Christmas season, it should be A Christmas Treasury. Not only is it a beautifully bound book, it is filled with iconic stories of the season and stunning illustrations. I also love the glossy pages. Nothing, to me, says classy like a glossy page. No bookmark needed; one comes included. Like I said: classy. It is the most beautiful book I have read all year. 

Every year, books are published to celebrate the spirit of the season. (I have read a bunch this year.) This is not a new phenomenon. Over time, some stories and poems have become ingrained in our psyches and traditions being passed down through the generations. Some stories have even shaped cultural identities and celebrations regarding the imagery, language, and even food we eat during the Christmas season. Sugar plums! Do you know what a sugar plum is? It’s delicious. Even if you don’t know what it is, you most likely think about them around Christmas time. There’s a poem to thank for that, which is in the book!  

A Christmas Treasury starts out with the legendary A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. If there is one Christmas story, it is this one. The rest of the pages are graced by the likes of Louisa May Alcott, O. Henry, L Frank Baum, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Clement Clarke Moore (of course), and more. The stories are beautiful and classic. They are sure to captivate even the youngest readers without disappointing the more seasoned Christmasers.

Even if you can’t make it through all the stories, you’ll have time to read one or two. It is perfect to read with your children – or someone else’s children with parental permission, obviously – before bed all through the Christmas season for years to come. Maybe, they’ll even read it to their children someday.

I really like this book. A lot. It is such a gorgeous anthology. It oozes Christmas spirit. I just want to hold it and walk around with it. That makes me cool, right?

Shop the Post
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”3407961″]

Title: A Christmas Treasury
Publisher: Sterling Publisher Co.
Copyright: 2017
ISBN: 9781435164598

Blog + Dog, Style

Christmas Jammies

201812124651738079824642181

2018121271521338462533314
Beau and I are lounging by the Christmas tree in our pajammies. Her Fleece Jammies | My Jammies | Truck Throw PillowPlaid Throw Pillow

I live in jammies. Since I work from home, there is very little motivation for me to put on clothes or makeup.

I look forward to Christmas jammies all year long. Beau even loves her Christmas jammies. I don’t know about other dogs, but this one loves wearing clothes. I think she knows she look pretty. When the temperature dips below 60°, Beau NEEDS to wear a sweater or something. She’s a Houston dog. She also has really thin, white fur. So the layers are necessary, or she’ll shiver herself skinny.

I saw Beau’s jammies at Target one night for $9.99 and had to buy them. I’m not exaggerating, she loves wearing them. This morning when I grabbed them out of the closet, she did an excited hot lap around the house before sitting down at my feet and sticking her head through the head hole. She even picked up her paws for me. I would take the credit and say she’s well trained (she is), but she just loves wearing clothes. She’s kind of a diva that way. Even though they are around her back legs too, she still loves putting these on. They are fleece and fit her perfectly. They are so warm. She wears them outside and inside.

I’m also obsessed with my onesie. I almost never buy any one-piece items of clothing because I’m so tall. They never fit, and it ends up looking like a frontal and traditional wedgie. I’m in love with Old Navy right now because they have clothes in tall sizes. AND they fit. At 5’10” I can actually wear this waffled onesie comfortably with a little extra room. It also comes in a green stripe, but the buffalo plaid works for Christmas jammies and all year round!

Beau actually wears sweaters all year long inside. It helps her anxiety; it’s like a big hug. We have quite the assortment of puppy clothes because of it. I’m always on the lookout for a cute one to add to her collection. Of course, she doesn’t wear her clothes outside 90% of the year in Houston because it’s too damn hot.  

Also the Christmas throw pillows in the background are on clearance! Hurry!!!

Shop the Post
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”3406031″]

xoxo,
Beau + RaeAnna

DSC_1003_2
Beau says goodbye til next time!