Reading, Shopping and Catching Up On Life
It’s been a crazy busy couple of weeks around here. Seriously, where does the time go? I just wrapped up co-chairing an annual event at my son’s school. This was my 4th and final year so it felt a little bittersweet. Next year is middle school, which doesn’t have as many opportunities for parents to get involved. Why do they have to grow up so fast?
Even though we just had a snowstorm this week, I am getting in the mood to start decorating for spring! Now that St. Patrick’s Day is over, I feel comfortable bringing out the bunnies for Easter!
So far, I have only brought out a few things like this cute bunny from last year. If I remember correctly, I believe I purchased it at Homegoods. I am not sure if I will add anything more to the mantel over my stove but for now, this is how it looks. I like the way he stands out against the white.
Please note this post contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking my links (at no additional cost to you!)
Speaking of white, am I the last person to try this?
Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder
Apparently, it’s all the rage. One of the mom’s I have been working with on the school project came over the other morning. I noticed how white her teeth looked and she told me this is what she has been using. She only used it a couple times and her teeth already look amazing. The next day, she brought it over and I took a picture of it so I would remember which one she ordered. Needless to say, I just ordered it from Amazon and plan to start using it the second it arrives. I drink tea all the time so my teeth could use some whitening. I will keep you posted with how it works! Have you tried it yet?
Now that I am finished with the school event, I can get back to my reading…
The darling, Kristy Woodson Harvey from the blog, Design Chic was kind enough to send me an advanced copy of her latest novel, Slightly South of Simple and I am loving it so far! The book is due to be released April 25, 2017 but you can pre-order now! It’s a good time to start planning your summer reading list!
I adored her first two novels, Dear Carolina and Lies and Other Acts of Love so I have high expectations for this one. Feel free to read my review on the latter – Book Review – Lies and Other Acts of Love. I just love her writing style and can never seem to get enough southern fiction!
Speaking of southern novels, for the past several months, I have been engrossed in this classic…
Wow, how did I go through life without reading that one? There is no question why this is considered “The Great American Novel”. It took me a few months of bedtime reading to finish but I looked forward to my nightly installments. Needless to say I will be watching the movie in the near future. I have to check to see what is available on DVR but I might just order the Gone with the Wind DVD to have it as part of my collection.
Ironically, I decided to read, Gone with the Wind because of another book I fell in love with…
Susan Meissner does historical fiction like no other! In this one, she takes us back to Hollywood’s Golden Age and to the friendship that developed around the filming of Gone with the Wind. LOVED it! After finishing her novel, it only made sense to read Gone with the Wind next!
It’s interesting how one thing will lead you to another. That’s why I guess it’s always a good idea to keep an open mind and pay attention where clues take you!
And I really need an open mind to benefit from this other book that I am also reading right now. (Yes, I frequently read a couple books simultaneously. I am always reading something non-fiction)…
Healing Back Pain: The Mind Body Connection
The reason I picked up this book is because I have been dealing with a neck problem for the past few months. I have gone for an MRI, have been doing physical therapy which includes stretching, yoga, massage, ultrasound and dry needling. I have also started taking supplements that supposedly help with inflammation, joint and arthritis problems. So far, I haven’t shown much improvement. It is extremely frustrating and I just don’t know what to do next.
My husband remembered Howard Stern discussing how Dr. John Sarno healed his back pain. My husband suggested that I might want to try reading one of Dr. Sarno’s books. Hey, I will do anything at this point. If you told me my neck would be cured if I ate a whole jar of mayonnaise, I would do that…and if you know how much I hate mayonnaise, you would understand…
Anyway, I am about halfway through reading this book and I am trying to be optimistic so we will see. If you have any suggestions for neck pain, please let me know. Just don’t mention surgery because I am a big baby and not ready to go there yet. I will eat the jar of icky mayonnaise first…
I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. You know, Monday at 6:28 a.m. it becomes spring! I am so excited! Now, if only all this snow would melt!
What have you been up to lately?
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Shelley I'm sorry you are still dealing with your neck pain! It's so challenging to have a chronic issue like that…..I hope you find some relief soon. Maybe you need some time on a tropical beach to cure it 🙂 I'm looking forward to reading Kristy's new book!
Hannah –> me 🙂
Shelley, neck pain is horrible! I hope you find answers. I enjoyed reading your post…I have read Gone With the Wind a couple of times and I have seen the movie many times! Happy Sunday!
I have seen the charcoal stuff on pinterest, but have not tried it. Looking forward to your review. I wish I liked to read, but I don't and can't sit still long enough to. The only time I may read is at the beach.
Hi Shelley! Thanks for the book recs. I am reading Kristie's novel now and loving it. Have not tried that charcoal whitening powder. I usually pop a white strip on while I take a shower. Have a wonderful week. I love Gone With the Wind – the book and I've probably seen the movie 20 times. After your post, I want to see it again.
Thank you, Katie!!
Hi my dear! So excited you're reading Slightly South of Simple!!! I hope you enjoy it! I use charcoal on my teeth 🙂 I don't know if it makes them whiter and hadn't heard that but now I'm going to pay attention. Sorry about your back pain… that is the worst. Hope the book has some answers!! 😘😘😘
I know about spine pain, having a blown disc and a major surgery to fuse two vertebrae at the base of my neck. I have disc issues in my mid-thoracic area too. One thing that helps immensely is a tens unit.
Hi Shelley. I am trying hard not to let the weather forecast get me down. I am so ready for spring weather to get here. Love that cute bunny on your kitchen mantel. I will be waiting to hear about how the charcoal works as I haven't tried it. Sorry to hear that your neck pain is ongoing 🙁
I have chronicled c right shoulder and mid back pain I've found acupuncture works really well for me. It doesn't cure it but it does make it far more manageable. One week I have it then the next I have a back massage. I've also just started swimming two times a week, I feel better than I have in years and it's money well spent.
Thank you for the book recs. http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Love the simple decorating over the stove. As for the tooth cleaner, I have heard a lot about it lately, but have not tried it. Gone With The Wind, great book! I'll have to try the other. Thanks! Hope spring brings warmer temps and a lot of snow melt for you! Hope your neck pain eases. Take care.Laurie@[email protected]
I love Gone With The Wind! Thank you for sharing your wonderful post at #OverTheMoon. I look forward to what you will share next week! Like someone in person today! We hope you’ll come back again next Sunday when we open our doors at 6:00 PM EST. Pinned and tweeted!
Visiting you back from my blog and I found your post delightful! So much info that I can use! I really want to whiten my teeth but wondering if there is a certain age that nothing will work anymore. I have never heard of activated charcoal powder for your teeth! The last time I used activated charcoal was in building a terrarium and it is supposed to help keep it clean, I think, so that makes sense. I always, always love to know what others are reading. Gone With The Wind, really? I have never read it either but I like good, long books. I read before bed and I am always sad when I get to the end of a short book. I will check it out and the others that you mentioned. We are waiting for the snow to go here too and I just started putting my bunnies out. The first one I put out is almost identical to yours in the first picture. I had neck problems and disc problems years ago and went to the top surgeon in our city. He was so arrogant. He said I didn't qualify for surgery and to just stop doing what made it hurt. Thanks for nothing! I wish I had a solution for you, but sadly I do not.
How is the charcoal powder working? I've never heard of it and am very curious.I have back problems and hope that you can get some relief. About five years ago I was treated with Prolotherapy where they inject a sugar solution in you spine which promotes healing. It sounds nuts but it worked. I did it at Advanced Spine and Sport in Norfolk, VA if you want to look it up. (4 hour drive each way to do it!)