Alex = Christian? Yes, yes, yes!

Like many women recently, I've read and thoroughly enjoyed the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. I couldn't put it down! Sure, sometimes the story line was a bit predictable, and on occasion I wanted to slap Anastasia Steele in the face, but overall I thought it was captivating and enjoyed the  "different" style of book.

Naturally, while reading I imagined the characters to look a certain way. Does anyone else do this? Then I learned there were talks of a 50 Shades movie and I about jumped for joy. My #1 disturbing yet incredibly sexy crush is perfect for the role.

That's right! Alexander Skarsgard, or Eric from True Blood. His tall build, wide shoulders, long fingers and mesmerizing eyes all perfectly fit Christian Grey. And let's face it, who doesn't want to see this man in sex scene after sex scene? I mean, come on!

The only reason I say he is my #1 disturbing crush is because I started my love affair with Alex when I only knew him as a vampire. And now I'm picturing him as a 27-year-old billionaire heavily into S&M. I wonder how he would feel about my perception of him...

There's also been a lot of buzz about who should play Anastasia. My vote is for the British actress Felicity Jones.

She physically fits the role and is still absent from most peoples radar. I feel that a too popular actress may taint Anastasia's role. What do you think?

Finding Time for 'Me' Time

The holidays are a magical time of year. People are focusing on giving, showing their loved-ones that they care, and spreading joy that they most likely neglected the other 11 months of the year. It's also a time for stress, bad eating habits, missed workouts and anxiety. I'm making it a point this holiday season to take care of myself!


And how do I plan to do that? It's simple to explain (less simple to do):

1) Don't focus on food!
This is a little tip I got from my Tone It Up Girls Karena and Katrina. They made a great point in saying that so many holiday functions are centered around the food. Instead we should sit back, relax and enjoy our friends, loved ones, time to ourselves...whatever makes you happy!
2) Keep working out
Sure, our days are shorter and I more than anyone know it's hard to get up in the morning to sneak in a workout. But regardless how much it sucks to sit up and put our feet on the floor it's important to remember it will not be regretted. A quick morning routine will not only start my metabolism but also wake me up and get me ready for the day spiritually and mentally. Later in the day when I have more time, whether on my lunch break or after work, I'll complete a more thorough routine.
3) Enjoy Holiday Treats in Moderation
I'm not turning my back on homemade treats that are only available this time of year. But I will make sure I'm not over doing it.
4) Focus on giving thoughtful and personalized gifts. It's not about how much you spend but that you know someone well enough to be able to get something they'll enjoy. It's about thoughtfulness.
5) Enjoy Time with My Husband
At parties I'm going to make it a point to socialize with him as well as other people. He's very important and deserves my attention. I'm also going to make sure that we don't miss out on our regular movie nights on the sofa or wine on the back patio. Our time together is invaluable.
6)Find Time for 'Me' Time
My "me" time is a quiet run, time alone in the gym, singing/dancing in the bathroom while getting ready, playing with my pets, or reading a book.

This last item brings me to the real reason for this post. I've discovered recently that one of my favorite things to do alone is read, provided I have the right book. I even joined a book club to ensure that I'm reading like I said I would! Our book club meets once a month, over hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, to discuss our recent read. This month we read The Beach Trees by Karen White.

I really enjoyed it and could appreciate the protagonist's transition from her detached life in the Northeast to a slower life down South. The book also shed light on the deeply emotional act of rebuilding after Katrina and the strength and hope people in Louisiana and Mississippi have. I think a trip to Biloxi (one of the settings) may be in order.

Before reading The Beach Trees my book club read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I wasn't yet part of the group but everyone insisted I would love it so I gave it a shot. Let me tell you they were right! I couldn't put it down and finished it in just 4 days (which is super fast for me)! After reading the first book I quickly moved onto the second (Catching Fire) and am now reading the third (Mockinjay). I think once I'm done with the trilogy I'll write a proper review.

Reading allows me to unwind and detach myself from everyday stresses. With the right book I become completely immersed in the storyline. I'm glad I finally learned that this is a healthy form of relaxation for me. At the risk of being a complete poser, my New Years Resolution for 2012 will be to read at least 1 book a month. This was one of my best friend's resolutions last year and she actually stuck to it!

I'm focusing on me- not in a self absorbed, the world revolves around me kind of way- and it feels good. What are you going to focus on this Holiday Season?

Who Doesn't Like a Good Parable?

In my attempts to step up my frugality a notch, I visited a thrift shop in search of a few items I needed. I'd much rather re-use something than waste the resources on producing a new, more expensive one. In reality I probably spent more money that day than if I hadn't walked through the door of Off Island Thrift because I probably wouldn't have shopped anywhere else. Still, there's something exciting about circling the crowded shelves of a second-hand shop, weaving through the retirees and looking for that diamond in the rough. We all dream of finding that one item, unique and exactly what we needed, skipping up to the counter and happily paying a few bucks for it. I had no such luck.

The furniture selection was dismal (I was looking for a bookshelf), the bedding and mattress area is still giving me nightmares, and one can only have so many chachkis. So I spent the majority of my time perusing the book section. Used books are an absolute favorite of mine! After purchasing almost all of my books second-hand in college I've made it a habit. They're cheaper, sometimes you find interesting or insightful notes, and there's something nostalgic about reading a book with ruffled pages that has obviously been enjoyed time and time again.

One of the books I came home with is a parable about coping with change. Who Moved My Cheese, by Spencer Johnson, is an adorable tale about two mice and two humans living in a maze searching for cheese. Occasionally their cheese supply gets moved and they must search all corners of the maze (even the dark and scary ones) to find the new supply. They must adapt and use their instincts.

At only 96 pages (several with illustrations), the book is a quick read with an easy message: In order to reach you goals (cheese), you have to be willing to change. You have to go out and search for it, put forth some effort and run through the maze. You can't be afraid of trying different things and leaving your comfortable little corner. Only then will you be able to reap the benefits.

With such an easy message I feel frustrated that I regularly encounter people who simply can't adopt this philosophy. They like the way they do things, they have a routine, they've been doing it for twenty years...blah, blah, blah. It's impossible to grow while resisting change and new ideas. Becoming complacent with your dated ways can be very destructive.

Try something new. If it doesn't workout and you find yourself falling, pick yourself up, dust off your knees and keep going. Isn't this something we all learned as children? Applying it to our professional and personal lives is just as simple. It just takes an open mind.

As you can see, I found this book very relatable to my life. And in several ways: professionally, personally, even physically. I definitely recommend it. I found mine for just $3. Click Here to find it on Amazon.com.

Although I also walked away from the thrift store with a Nicholas Sparks novel, I'm suddenly in search for other books that will help me professionally. On my Amazon wish list: The One Minute Manager, The Go-Giver, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Coaching Sales People into Sales Champions.

One last note: the mice have jogging suits and running shoes. It's adorable.