Very Important Things I Learned from Books: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Bad days happen (often on days when you have to go to your job – work shmork), so we want to make sure you’re armed with every possible weapon against them.  Your defense should start with a well-stocked refrigerator, a cache of Hugh Grant movies, and a brand new copy of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. This book told us everything we need to know about bad days and how to avoid them for good!

Very Important Things I Learned From Books: Madeline

Madeline epitomizes French class and rebellious chic for 6 year old girls. (Because who are you REALLY if you’re not classy and chic in first grade.)  She might be the smallest girl in her class, but Madeline’s not even afraid of a mouse, you guys. In a sea of same little yellow hats, this girl knows how to stand out. Let’s take a look at some of the very important things we can learn from  Madeline: AFTER THE JUMP!

Favorite Books

If you asked me what my favorite book is, I’d tell you …find out after the jump!

Saying Goodbye

Despite being someone who has never read Winnie the Pooh, I sure am touched by this quote.

Who’s to say that inspiration can’t come from a chubby yellow bear in a t-shirt that’s almost certainly three sizes too small?  What inspires you and helps you change in small but meaningful ways doesn’t have to come in big packages.

As we end this week, ask yourself how many times you …MORE WINNIE WISDOM AFTER THE JUMP!

The Meaning of Life

“What, if …MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

Life Is Too Short to be Small

I couldn’t benchpress a twinkie, but I love this photo of a sixty year-old training instructor with the Home Guard lifting a weight and two volunteers back in 1941.

The quote is from Benjamin Disraeli about whom I know pretty much nothing, except that wikipedia says he was a “dandy.” I found the quote in a book I’m reading – The 4-Hour Workweek - which I’d dismissed as being just some kind of gimmicky fluff, but in fact I find it to be really motivating.

Are you currently reading any game-changers?

*Photo Source: Corbis*

Shakespeare vs. The Kardashians – An Epic Showdown

Last week, “twerk,” “food baby,” and “selfie” were admitted into the Oxford Dictionary.

That settles it – English is dead. It has gone the way of parachute pants, Orange Julius, and Teddy Ruxpin and will now only be remembered in nostalgic Buzzfeed lists.  I blame the Kardashians.

Or can Shakespeare save us all? …READ MORE!

JD Salinger – The Howard Hughes of His Day

I didn’t pay much attention in my high school American Lit class. It’s quite possible that all this was covered when I was busy trying to convince my teachers I didn’t have a learning disability. (When I returned from my Junior year abroad, my composition papers read a lot like See Spot Run.)  So I haven’t read JD Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye – it’s been sitting on my bookshelf collecting dust for years, but the movie trailer for the new Salinger biopic out next week makes me want to rip it open immediately.

In 1965, Salinger – at the height of his career – stopped publishing and all but disappeared. …READ MORE!

Great Escapes

Ok, so last night I watched the MTV Video Music Awards and then wanted to dunk myself in a tank of antibacterial soap.  I loved that the VMAs happened just two blocks from my house but am worried that the rest of the country now thinks Brooklyn is one dirty, incomprehensible freak show where Lil’ Kim looks like La Toya Jackson and Taylor Swift is 9 feet taller than everyone else.   Also Miley Cyrus humped a giant foam hand.  I am officially out of touch with what is cool.

For a little levity, I’m going to post something about porn.  This will heal the nation. …READ MORE!

1000 Awesome Things

One of my most happy-making indulgences is the blog “1000 Awesome Things.”  It’s like a whole internet pan of the best chocolate chip cookies laced with uppers you’ve ever had.  Neil Pasricha’s countdown of awesome things is my go-to when I need a laugh, a pick-me-up, or a simple reminder that I’m not the only who thinks free refills are the lottery ticket of life.

If you’re new to his site, a good place to start is …AFTER THE JUMP!