2016 Book Challenge: {A Book Chosen For You}

The Assassin Game

By Kirsty McKay

This book was chosen for me by the amazing Sandee. :) I have this strange obsession with serial killers, mass murders, and anything creepy. I know, it's weird. But I have survived in life so far. :)

Anyway, so the synopsis of this story has my name written all over it. 

Without giving up too many spoilers, at first I thought that it was a "gimmick" and that it was going to be like a fraternity hazing. But, then things got real! 

Overall, I gave this book 3.5 stars. I would have liked the story line to work through a little quicker than it did. I begged for more of the intense story and less of the drama that surrounds high school. I imagine that is to be expected with a Young Adult book, but I think that the book would have improved immensely if it moved a little faster than it did. 

But, overall, I liked it. :)

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings. :)

2016 Book Challenge {A Book You Should Have Read In School}

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 

By Mark Twain. 

This was one of my first ever audiobooks. I can only think of one more book that I ever listened to instead of physically reading it. Anyway, I was supposed to read this book when I was in High School, I believe 11th grade. I remember having a hard time reading it, In hindsight, this writing in this book is amazing! How did Sir Mark Twain known how to write so that you would read it in a southern drawl?

Anyway, all that being said, I felt pretty confused through most of the story. I wonder if I would have considered it less confusing if I had read Tom Sawyer first. Overall I gave this book 3 stars. 

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings! :)

{Favorites}

November Favorites

I am extremely late with this post, and I realize it. Unfortunately, November is a really hard month for most of us to do anything that is considered "extra." Blogging is definitely a hobby for me, but I am so glad that I have a place that serves as an outlet for me. 

With that blurb being said, let us begin, yet another Favorites Post. :)

Favorite Eye Shadow Pallet
This month it was easy for me to pick my favorite eye shadow pallet. But really, this Kathleen Lights collaboration with Morphe Brushes is everything! The colors are so pigmented and the metalics shine with ease. I could use this everyday, (hint, sometimes I do.) :)

Favorite Lip Stick
Can you believe it? The Heidee, not having a lip stick favorite? :) Haha. I was fighting a cold sore all month and I tend to not use lip products for that reason. You have all learned something new about me through this. :) Haha

Favorite Shirt
I am a frequent shopper at DownEast. It may not be the cheapest place to shop, but I am addicted to their undershirts, so I go whenever the ones that I currently own wear out. They also sell other brands and things other than undershirt. They have these scoop tees that are very cute and so extremely comfortable. This is the only picture that I could find that shows the recent purchase. But I love the colors and, in all honesty, everything about it! :)

Favorite Pants
Just a good ol' pair of Jeans. These Denizen jeans from target are my new addiction. (Thanks Sara). I recently have been even more obsessed because I am able to fit into a smaller size!!! :) {Insert happy dance}
So, Yeah.


Favorite Shoes
I go through phases where I want professional looking shoes that are cute, or professional looking shoes that are comfortable. Don't get me wrong, they don't necessarily have to be one or the other, but in my case and with my pocketbook, it normally works out that way. So in the month of November I have been looking towards the cute pairs. This one. The nice thing about these is that they literally match everything. Having a combination of Black and Tan is everything nowadays. :)


Favorite Accessory
Anything that helps me show support for my little Graham, is everything to me. Simple. And yet amazing. :)


Favorite Book 
Another shocker. Can you believe that I didn't read one book in the month of November? To be fair, I was really close to finishing one, but again, I blame the month of November for being so hard to complete practically anything. :)

Favorite Movie
Sometimes, Netflix knows exactly what I need and when I need it. In the month of November, I'm pretty certain that I watched Bring It On at least 3 times. It is a super easy, mindless, and hilarious movie. :) It makes me want to watch it right now. :) haha


Netflix Binge Watch
I feel as if this is going to be my Netflix Binge Watch frequently. I definitely own all of these on DVD, but it is so much easier for Netflix to just continue on the episodes so I can really watch them hours on end. Did you all know that this is my Favorite TV show of all time? It is the only series I have watched more than 3 times all the way through. My whole childhood I wanted to be Prue, but as I get older, I value Piper's drive and morals. Anyway, This is what I have been spending most of the month watching. :)



Favorite Extra Purchase
I mean. It's November, and it's black Friday. And literally every movie goes on sale at this time. So, can you expect anything else to be my favorite purchase? Oh! And there is also a few books. :)


Favorite Activity
Going to Seattle is probably my favorite activity of the year. It definitely didn't feel like a vacation or a getaway. But I think it is what everyone needed. And being able to be with the Morrison's and lend any hand that I could helped me in enormous ways. :)


Favorite Picture
There were a lot of pictures from the Month of November that I really liked, but I guess that I should pick a picture that I took. So I chose this one. Sometimes the view from my work is spectacular, and the first snowfall of the season didn't disappoint at all. :)


Well, that is it for my favorites in November, I will try and be more timely with my December Favorites.

Until Next Time...
Peace & Blessings! :)

{Mac and Cheese}

You may be thinking to yourself "Why on earth is Heidee writing a post about Macaroni and Cheese?"

Well, I have grown to be extremely grateful for Mac and Cheese and everything that it has done for my family. 

I know that it may seem like I am an open book with everything on this blog, but there is actually a lot of things that I leave out. I felt that it was time for me to share what has been going on in my family and what I have learned from the whole experience. 

Many of you know that I have such amazing and adorable nephews! I love everything about them and wish that I could see them more. Unfortunately as long as Blake, Graham, and Ian have lived, they have lived in a different state than me. So at most I am able to see them twice a year. But those times that I do see them I grow to love them more and more and so unconditionally. 

A few weeks ago me and my family received some devastating news. It was the day after election day and I was returning home from work. My dad was already home and I asked him what was up. His response was "Nothing Good." 

Assuming that he was talking about the election, like everyone on social media (Remember, I'm a social worker, so I have hundreds of liberals on my social feed that had a lot to say about the president elect) I said "I know, the country is ending."

That is when I found out. That is when my whole life turned upside down. That is when I found out that my 2 year old nephew, Graham, had been diagnosed with Leukemia and was in the hospital. 

I mean. Just look at this face.. Can you even imagine something this wholesome and pure being given such a heavy burden and trial to try and sustain at such a young age?

I was devastated that Graham had to go through this. And I was so heartbroken for my sister, Kadee. 

I cannot even imagine how she feels everyday and if I could take this away from both of them, I would do it in an instant. 

Without divulging on too much information, Graham spent a significant amount of time in and out of the hospital. He was found to have a mass of cells that were occupying nearly 80% of Graham's lungs. He was immediately started on Chemotherapy and steroids.

After about a week He was able to go home for a few days before he got a fever and needed to go back to the hospital.
It was during this second trip to the hospital that Graham began to crave.. You guessed it.... Mac and Cheese.

For over a week Graham ate Mac and Cheese for every meal and every snack. The doctors say that he is going to crave certain things and that it is likely that he won't like these things for the rest of his life. I guess that there are worse things that he could hate, but for now I am really grateful that he is interested in eating at all.

Me and my family were able to go to Seattle to see them at Thanksgiving. It was a really full house between my family and my two aunts that came as well. But it was really nice for all of us to be together to support one another. Graham even felt up to eating at the dinner table with all of us. He even ate.. Mac & Cheese :)

It shouldn't come as a surprise to any of you, but I am surrounded by amazingly wise, caring, and loving family. I am ever impressed every day and hope that I can grow up to be as Christ-like as all of my family members.
My brother-in-law, Jim, Is really cheesy when it comes to family gatherings. He always likes to have everyone share what they are grateful for, or what they appreciate in the other family members.  This is one of the many things that I love about Jim, he is so simple in his conversations but they always turn so deep that you grow so much from any interaction!

So, of course, Thanksgiving is the best time and place for another one of these moments. And it is one of the interactions that I am never going to forget. Jim actually was the one that said it perfectly. "I'm grateful for mac and cheese.. and for the little victories.."

I think that we all are too quick to rush through this life that we are given. We don't stop to smell the roses. We push through one day just so that we can get to the next.

But, with this happening to Graham, I find that I embrace those little victories more and more every day.

Because Graham is on steroids, he isn't himself and isn't in much of the mood to talk to anyone or every play with his own brothers. But that made the small smiles of "Look! Matter is driving backwards!" all the more enjoyable.

It is such a shame that something so horrible had to happen to Graham before I would realize how sweet the little things of life are. But I am so grateful for how sweet this little boy is and for everything that he teaches me. I am grateful for his parents that were so in tune with the needs of their little boy!

For now, he is fighting this battle and I pray everyday that he will succeed, and so far he is making such tremendous progress that it even makes his oncology doctors emotional!

And knowing his spirit and that he has a Heavenly Father that is on his side, I await everyday to see more of the little victories and I think that they will happen everyday. 

This whole topic that Jim brought up on that lovely Thanksgiving day reminded me of this song by one of my Favorite Singers, Matt Nathanson.

Today, Graham is still at home and is doing as well as he can. He did finally get a shave to help prevent his hair from falling in his food. But he is still the cutest Three year old that I ever did see! 

I pray everyday for Graham and I hope that any of you that feel that you might want to as well will. This little boy could use all the help he can get. He is a fighter and will fight every step of the way. His resilience will bless him in the long run!

Until Next Time..

Learn to Get By on the Little Victories. 

Peace & Blessings! :)

#prayersforgrahamboy

{A Glimpse of Heidee ...}

50 Questions Tag

I was looking at all of my blog and all of the fun posts that I used to do. To be fair, I had a desk job that was very low stress and required very little work. BUT, it reminded me of a couple different types of posts that I could do. :) I know that it has been a while since I have let y'all get to know me. 

So, here we go. I found this fifty questions tag, I modified it a bit to fit me, but I think that it should be a little fun. :)

1- Were You Named After Anyone?
     As a matter of fact, No. I am actually the only one of my siblings that doesn't have a "real reason" for why I was named what I am named. So, There You are. Heidee is unique and completely unrelated to anything. :)

2- When Was the Last Time You Cried?
     Well, Multiple aspects of my life recently took a complete 180.. So, to say that I am emotionally overwhelmed and drained is an understatement.
    But, the thing that I have probably cried over the most is that my adorable, two year old, nephew was diagnosed with Leukemia on Wednesday.

I cry almost daily about it, but I know that the hopes and prayers of me and my friends is going to help Graham in ways I could not physically do on my own. So, with that being said, I cried earlier this week.

3- Do You Like Your Handwriting?
     I have the handwriting that most people my age have. I don't know if one day we all woke up and decided to hold our pens/pencils incorrectly, but, that is how we help our letters look so round. With that being said, overall yes. I do enjoy my handwriting, But, I also wish that I could be more efficient on cursive. I will work on it thought... Maybe. ;)

4- What is Your Favorite Lunch Meat?
     Turkey. Hands Down. No questions. Turkey isn't just for Thanksgiving. :)

5- Do You Have Kids?
     Nope. I am currently living the "Forever Alone" category.

6- If You Were Another Person, Would You Be Friends With You?
    I think that I am a hoot and a half. So, Of course I would!

7- Do You Use Sarcasm A Lot?
    Who? Me? NEVER.... (only everyday... shhh.. don't tell anyone. )

8- Do You Still Have Your Tonsils?
     Nope. And Actually, I got them taken out almost exactly 2 years ago. Sometimes when I open my mouth, I forget that they aren't there. But, Strep Free is an excellent trade.

9- Would You Bungee Jump?
     I want to say yes..... But probably not. I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to heights and falling to my death. I tend to not like it... ;)

10- What Is Your Favorite Cereal?
     I think that this is kind of a loaded question.... Overall.... I would probably say Lucky Charms. But I would say that my most recent obsession with Cereal has been over the Special K with Strawberries. :) I want a bowl right now....

11- Do You Untie Your Shoes When You Take Them Off?
     This question is hilarious to me, because it makes me think of Jim Gaffigan.  One of my favorite quotes by him is...

and my response is: Number One, That is the best reasoning ever... Number Two, I don't need to tie my shoes after I take them off, because I don't untie them. Hahaa
       I feel that nobody does this and if they do, they are insane. But, I also feel that it wouldn't be fair to answer these questions because I rarely wear shoes that have laces anyway.

12- Do You Think You Are Strong?
     I think that everyone is strong. This isn't just the social worker in me talking. But I don't think that anyone would be able to succeed in life if they weren't strong. But to answer the question.. I would say yes. I think that I am very self reliant and that I am able to conquer most of the challenges placed in front of me.

13- What Is Your Favorite Ice Cream?
     Ice Cream Isn't my first pick for dessert. It kind of upsets my stomach and I can never eat as much as I would want to. But I like any kind of cheesecake or pistachio ice cream. But if I go to cold Stone, I always get the founders favorite.

14- What Is The First Thing You Notice About People?
     I am a pretty observant person, But I think that the first thing I notice is their smile. I love it when other people are happy and most of the time I try to do everything in my power to help others feel that way.

15- Red or Pink?
     A little difficult pic... If we are talking lipstick, I would probably pick red. But, I don't know. I kinda just want to pick both...

16- What Is The Least Favorite Thing About Yourself?
     I, like most people, am my own worst enemy. I am really hard on myself and I doubt almost everything about myself. It is something that I am constantly working on. And I hope that one day I will have more confidence in myself than I do at this time.

17- Who Do You Miss The Most?
      I have two answers for this question. The first is for someone who is currently living. That would be Michaela Stoffers. I just love my best friend so much and I rarely get to see her.  Secondly would be someone who is not currently living. And I would say my Grandma and Grandpa Miller. I have spent more of my life not knowing them than I have knowing them. I would just love to listen to them talk and hear of the life that they experienced and learn from them.

18- Favorite Book of All Time?
     To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee with Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury as a close second.

19- What Color Shoes Are You Wearing?
     I am actually currently barefoot, but today I wore Gold Loafers. :)

20- What Was The Last Thing You Ate?
    I ate two Fig Newton cookies. Which is a serving size if you were wondering. And I learned that from a Brian Reagan bit, of all places. :)

21- What Are You Listening To Right Now?
     I have an episode of Charmed playing in the background. Does that count?

22- If You Were A Crayon, What Color Would You Be?
     Purple. Easy. :)

23-Favorite Smells?
     This Varies. But all in all, I love Fall Smells. Fall Candles. Crisp October Night Air. Everything Fall. Its my favorite.

24- Who Was The Last Person You Talked To On The Phone?
     Sage. She told me a pretty hilarious story about her experience with a Plumber. Just for future reference. Don't let the plumber flood your bathroom. ;)

25- Mountain Hideaway Or Beach House?
     I would live in the mountains! So definitely Mountain Hideaway.

26- Favorite Sports To Watch?
     I would have to say that I am a Basketball Fan. I love me Some Utah Jazz. :)

27- Hair Color?
     100% original Hair Color, which is Brown.

28- Eye Color?
     Blue. :)

29- Do You Wear Contacts?
      Nope. And I don't plan on it.

30- Favorite Food?
     Cheesy Potatoes, which is Funeral Potatoes, which is also hashbrown casserole, which are all delicious! :)

31-Scary Movies OR Happy Endings?
    Trick questions. Most of the scary movies I watch have at least a relative happy ending. But I choose both!

32- Last Movie You Watched?
     Well. If we are talking a movie that I watched every minute of, then that would be Central Intelligence. But I did watch the Original Red Dawn with my dad the other day, which mostly consisted of me watching the back of my eyelids. I'll try to watch it again sometime.. :))

33- What Color Shirt Are You Wearing?
     My current Pajama Shirt is Green! :) And it is also a Christmas Shirt... No judgement. :)

34- Summer Or Winter?
     Can I just answer Fall. Because that's what I'm going to do. :) I don't love summer or winter. But, I hate to be hot. But I also hate to be wet.... But I guess that I would pick Winter out of the two. I like my outfits a lot more in the winter time. :)

35- Hugs Or Kisses?
     Hugs and High Fives. :)

36- Favorite Dessert?
      Cheesecake or Mud Pie. :)

37- Favorite Television Show?
      My favorite TV show of all Time is Charmed (which would be why I am watching it for like the third time) But my favorite TV show that is still on the air is Supernatural. And they are pretty close to a tie.

38- Computer Or Television?
     TV. I don't need to have access to the whole world through the interwebs. But I do like to be entertained.

39- What Book Are You Reading Now?

     I am currently reading The Assassin Game. It kinda feels a little bit like an initiation into a sorority of Fraternity. But I am only about 50 pages in. So I'm sure it will get better as time goes on.

40- What Is On Your Mouse Pad?
     The only place that has a Mouse Pad is at work and it is a notebook. So It has a list of things I need to do on it. :)

41- Any Tattoos?
     Nope. And I plan to keep it that way.

42- Favorite Sound?
     Hmmmmmm...... Well. I would say either a cello, a piano, or Andrew McMahon. :)

43- Rolling Stones or Beatles?
      Definitely the Beatles. :)

44- What Is The Farthest You Have Been From Home?
     Geographically, I would say it is either New York City or Washington D.C. But I am not sure which is further.

45- Do You Have A Special Talent?
      I am a world class smart alleck... No. but to be honest. I don't like to boast about my talents. But, I am an accomplished Pianist. I also play the violin, craft, and sing a little.

46- Where Were You Born?
     Mckay Dee Hospital.

47- What Color Is Your House?
     Blue!

48- What Color Is Your Car?
     Silver!. Little Baby Starla has been so good to me. :)

49- Any Pets?

      My Best Friend of 14 years. Lilo. :)

50- What Is Something Most People Don't Know About You?
      I LOVE Horses. :) I have my entire life and I think about owning one someday. My favorite breed is an Andalusian. But I will definitely never be able to afford one.

Well.. I hope you enjoyed getting to know me a little bit, because I definitely had a fun time writing this post. 

Anyway, Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings. :)

{October Favorites}

Another {Favorite's Blog Post}... Makes me SICK! :)

There seems to be no better way to start an October Favorites blog post than with a loose quote from Hocus Pocus. :)

Here are my Favorites for the Month!!

Favorite Book

I actually read a lot of books in the month of October.  5 to be exact. (At the rate I'm going, November will be lucky to have a single book read) Anyway. But Miss Perigriene's has to make the win of my favorite for this month. 

Honestly, this book was a little slow to start. But I am definitely attracted to anything spooky, creepy, or scary. This book definitely had several twists and turns to make it so much fun to read! I am excited to see the movie and to read the other two books in the trilogy! 

Favorite Movie Watched at Home

I shouldn't even have to say what my favorite was in October. And neither should any of you. The answer should ALWAYS be Hocus Pocus. :)

Netflix Bingewatch

Guys.. Have you watched this TV show?!
Fun fact about Heidee, is that I do not watch Rated R movies. I just feel that if I avoid them altogether then I won't have to do too much research of what stuff is "Heidee approved" and what stuff isn't.
So, that being said, I haven't seen any of the Scream Movies.
But... This TV show though....


Insert emoji with Heart Eyes.
I think this show is very well written and even makes me jump or scream (pun intended) on occasion.
And, I can't figure out who it is. And I also hope that Noah never dies.. The end. :)

Favorite Song

Unfortunately. I am no able to put a link to my favorite song of the month. :(
Gavin DeGraw has a new album and I am OBSESSING over it this month! My favorite song is called Thank You and it is a tribute to mothers and the divine qualities that they give to their children. It is so amazing and all I can keep thinking is that I love my mother so much and that she definitely deserves that recognition if anyone finally decides they want to spend the rest of forever with me. :)

Favorite Lip Color

Honestly, I haven't been wearing a lot of lip products this month. I'm sure it is completely normal, but sometimes I don't feel like taking a few extra minutes to put on lipstick. But I have been getting back into the habit of using chapstick more at night time. 

I have a serious Obsession with EOS lip balm. I may or may not have like twelve of them. ;)

Favorite Eye Shadow Pallet

This $15 pallet is on a whole new level. I have been using this pallet almost every day this past month. I'm going to tell you the truth, I have never really watched Carly Bybel on YouTube, but this collab with BH cosmetics and her is on point! :)

Favorite Nail Polish

Girly Bits "On Toast!"

I mean, a nail polish that quotes Hocus Pocus is always welcome in my book. But this holographic nail polish is AMAZING! Loved it! And I couldn't stop staring at my nails. 

(This picture isn't of my nails. I couldn't find the picture...)

Favorite Shirt

As most of you know, my dogs name is Lilo. And I love her to death. And anything that I can wear that will make us peas in a pod, And this shirt is the perfect one. :)

Favorite Pants

Also, Snake skin Pants. Definitely a must for every wardrobe of anyone ever.

They are so very comfortable and so very stylish. :)

Favorite Shoes

These Montana loafers are so perfect for my work! They look great, provide foot support, and are amazingly comfortable. I bought these at Dillard nearly a year and a half ago, and I had almost forgot how much I loved them.

Favorite Accessory

I love wearing this ring because it reminds me of my favorite person ever, Michaela Stoffers. She has a ring that says To Infinity and I have one that says And Beyond, and both rings on the inside say Partners in Crime. :) Cheesy I know, but she is really my favorite!

Favorite Activity

Me and Sandee went to St George to see Thriller and it was So much fun! It was a great, relaxing trip and it was just what we both needed! :)

And we are all twinners and stuff. 

Favorite Extra Purchase

I bought myself some perfume as a reward for losing 20 pounds. And this perfume is so sweet and oceany and I just love everything about it. It was work the 50-60 dollars I spent. :)

Favorite Picture

We are just cute. Need I say More?

Until Next Time.....
Peace & Blessings. :)

{A Mormon Social Worker}

Mormon....Social Work

I have been thinking about writing a blog post about what I spend the majority of my time doing. 

Social Work is one of those careers where people react in variations of one of two ways. 

First Option: "Heidee, you are such a good person for working in a field that is so hard." or "Those who are willing to do social work have such big hearts!"

Second Option: "I can't believe that you can do that everyday, isn't it really sad?" or "I could never be a social worker, I'm glad there are people like you that are willing to do that."

Am I the only person that thinks the juxtaposition of how people view social workers is completely Bazaar? 

If you can believe it or not. These kind of opposite statements happened a lot throughout school when classmates found out that I was LDS and going into Social Work. 

Again. One of two things would be said. 

Option One: "I am so glad that there are people like you who can do this kind of work, and still stay strong in their faith."

Option two: "I'm not sure how you can handle doing this work and still stay true to your faith, there is no way that the Mormon church would allow you to truly advocate for your clients because of all of their rules."

Again with this juxtaposition!

Now. Obviously I didn't go into social work because I wanted to be praised and I also didn't go into it wanting to be condemned for my decision. 

I went into social work because it was the right thing for me. 

Again, I have been thinking a lot about writing this post. Being a Mormon Social Worker is actually pretty rare, even in the state of Utah. Most of the people that were in school with me had strong feeling towards my religion and it lead me to be quiet about those things that I truly believe in. 

So. The best way that I can think of to help myself work through all of my thoughts, was to write a post like this. 

So. 

Here we go. 

I am a Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

I have been a member of this religion my entire life.
I have also lived in the state of Utah my entire life. 

I know what many of you may be thinking. I'm a sheltered, Little, Utah Mormon who doesn't know what the real world is like. 

I honestly can't say if this is true or not for many reasons, the main reason being that I only have my current life experience, and there is no way to know if I would feel any different if I was raised in a different state. 

Anyway, that was a little bit of a rant....

Many of the decisions that I have made in my life I have made with the assistance of a higher being (for me,  my Father in Heaven).

I know that where I am in my current life is attributed directly to Him. And I am forever grateful for them. 

Finding Social Work is one thing that I am eternally grateful to Him for!

Everything seemed to fall into place when I began my studies of social work and it all felt so right. 

And recognizing these feelings I attribute to my Faith and Knowledge in the Gospel. 

As I became a social worker and began to practice advocating for others, I began to recognize so many similarities between social work and the gospel that I believe in. 

I believe that in a previous life, I fought side by side with everyone that has lived on this planet for us to be able to live a life where we are able to choose for ourselves. 

One of the most basic principles of Social Work is a clients right to Self-Determination. 

I believe that I have a Savior who advocates for me. Always. He is always going to be there for me and listen to me when I am sad and comfort me when it seems like no one else does. I tell Him things that I wouldn't trust another to help me with. I am ever His client and He is ever my advocate.

I feel that I am able to do this and stay true to my faith, because my religion teaches me most everything I need to know to be a genuine social worker and advocate. They obviously don't teach me the theories or the therapeutic techniques.  But the things that can't be taught in a classroom I feel that I learned by becoming closer to Him.

This is how I am able to do my job day after day. This is how I am able to see and hear those terrible things and feel true empathy for them. I am able to help others when they are at their lowest, because I have someone who I can go to when I am at mine. And I know this person, because of my religion and how it makes me feel.

I know that not everyone will feel the same way that I do on this particular topic. And I think that is okay. Because, for me, being a Mormon Social Worker is exactly what I needed to do in my life. 

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings. :)

2016 Book Challenge {A Book You've Been Meaning to Read}

The Pact

Jodi Piccoult

{A Book You've Been Meaning to Read}

I finished reading this book on October 11th, so I am a little late on filling you all in on what I thought of this heartwrenching book!

Ooops. I guess I kinda already told you. 

To give a quick and spoiler free overview of this book. There are two young, late teenagers that are in love and have lived next door to each other for years. When one of them dies in a "Suicide Pact," the other is forced to prove their innocence during a court trial. 

So, in essence it is Romeo and Juliet with a bit of To Kill a Mockingbird. 

So. My thoughts on the book. Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars. I think that it is worth the read. I wished that the ending was a little stronger and that the flow of the story worked a little more.

That being said. I did really like it and I found myself constantly reading it hoping that I could find out what happened. Maybe I am a little harsh on judging books lately. But the frequent flashbacks had me wishing that I could finish one part of the story before I was interrupted for another 30 pages. 

This story is definitely not a happy one. As you can imagine, no matter what happens in the court case, it is going to be horrendous. 

So, in summary, The Pact is worth the read, but not worth being place at the top of the shelf. 

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings. :)

{September Favorites}

These are a Few of my Favorite Things...

In September, anyway...

It's that time again folks. That time where I talk about things that I love, and make you all jealous in the process. September was a really good month! It was busy, jam packed, and very rewarding! :)

Favorite Book

I feel like I said this last month.... "Does it count as my favorite if it's the only book that I read?" Hahaha. But, in all actuality. If I had finished more books in the month of September, I probably would have picked this one as the favorite of the month anyway.

Siddhartha is, in my own words, a man's journey to find true peace. After going throughout many different portions of life, he realizes that Joy is not something that you find, it is something that you are. *insert chills here*

But, for real.

Since it's a favorite post, I may as well put my favorite quote, Right?

"When someone seeks," Siddhartha answered, "Then it happens all too easily that his eyes will see only the thing he is seeking, that he cannot find anything, cannot let anything in, because he is always thinking only of that thing he seeks, because he has a goal, because he is possessed by the goal. Seeking means, having a goal. But finding meals: being free, being open, having no goal. You, Venerable One, may indeed be a seeker, for, striving toward your goal, there is much you do not see which is right before your eyes."

OM! :)

Favorite Movie Watched At Home
   
Believe it or not, I have only watched one movie at my house this month. Completely crazy, right? If I wasn't reading or watching movies, what was I doing?
Just you wait, I will answer just that question.

But, Allegiant is a pretty good movie. I LOVE the Divergent series and I LOVE Shailene Woodley! I am a huge fan of book to movie adaptations. And I am also an odd ball in a sense that I will read books after I see a movie. I genuinely enjoying comparing them and it doesn't "bother" me.

Also, who wants to stare at Four all day, 'eryday. *raises hand*

Netflix Bingewatch
   
Here is one reason why I didn't read or watch very many movies. I mean, HAVE YOU WATCHED THIS SHOW!?!? It is SO great! I tried watching it with my dad, and he thought it was the craziest thing he had ever seen. This leads me to believe that those who grew up in the 90s or early thousands probably will love this show because they relate to the random things that Kimmy Says.

Like, how is it that she was able to find adult light up shoes? I definitely want some! :)

Favorite Song

This was the easiest favorite that I have ever picked.
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness released a new single, and I am HOOKED!

I wouldn't expect anything else, but the song speaks for itself! :)    



Favorite Lip Color
   
There was a certain lip color that I grabbed a lot this month. And I love it for multiple reasons. Number 1- it makes my teeth look really white. :) Number 2- Everyone always compliments me on it. :)

This is Hypno by Ofra Cosmetics.
It was a collaboration with MannyMUA. Who is super great! :)

It's a liquid lipstick and is long wearing. I love it oh so much!

Favorite Eye Shadow Pallet
   
While we're on the subject of MannyMUA, we may as well talk about this Makeup Geek eye shadow pallet he helped create.
Creamy smooth and SUCH FUN colors! But also super wearable.

I have always wanted to purchase some makeup geek eye shadows, but they are ALWAYS sold out. So this was a perfect excuse to get some. It makes me thirsty for more eye shadows. (Heidee, stop being addicted to makeup... please!)

Favorite Nail Polish
   
I didn't pick a favorite polish as much as I picked  a favorite manicure. I seriously waited WAY too long to take this manicure off. But I was so in love with it! I did love the grey that I used, which was China Glaze- Recycle. :)

Favorite Shirt
   
I bought this shirt to wear on a very specific day. Which happened to be the day that I took my CSW exam. (Hint Hint: That is the other reason that I didn't read or watch very many movies.)

It was genuinely one of the softest t-shirt that I have every owned and it was SO comfortable! It was the perfect shirt to wear that day. And it was also a great reminder throughout the 3 hours that it took me to take the test.

Favorite Pants
   
So, I have always wanted to be a Maurices shopper. But, I mean. I'm not made of money. (Although sometimes I think I am)
My work was going to do a lip sync contest and I needed some pants that looked like an equestrian would wear (The reason will remain a secret) I found these Jeggings.

I know. Start throwing hate at me right now, because I am the first person to say that leggings are not pants. But, to be fair. These have a zipper and a button. So, I find them to be more like dress pants than leggins.
I know that I am going to need to go back to buy a bunch more. Which will make my wallet really sad... :(

Favorite Shoes
   
Sometimes, a good pair of fake tennis shoes is all a person needs.

I wore these a few times to work this month and it really helped by feet and they are just so darn cute! Also, they are from target. And anything that I buy from Target makes me happy. 

Favorite Accessory
 
I know that I have talked about my best friend before on my blog. But She truly is my favorite. Before she left on her mission, we decided that we needed something that we both would wear all the time while she was gone. We came up with these cute rings. Hers says To Infinity and mine says And Beyond. And on the inside of both it says Partners in crime.

I have fallen in love with wearing it again. Even though she isn't on her mission, she does live down in Provo and we almost never see each other. I am always happy to see a little piece of her with me wherever I am.

Favorite Activity
   
Me and Sandee decided to go to the opening Weber State Football Game. It wasn't the best game that I have ever been to, but it was fun and it reminded me how much I loved Weber. One of my best friends, Sage, is going to start school there and I almost want to go with her. I think that we will be going to a lot of events now.

Honestly, the highlight might have been when I pulled a total Heidee moment. This is a picture of Cody John. He was walking away from the stadium, minding his own business. When I went "HEY! Don't you play for the basketball team?!" He says yeah. "Can I get a picture of you?" To which he responds "Of me?" "I mean with you."
I totally embarresed this kid. And it was 100% because I wanted to get a picture with him to make an old piano student jealous. :) Hahaha

Favorite Extra Purchase

Well. During my CSW exam. I had decided that if I passed, I would buy myself every book that was on my current list. This may not seem like that many to most people. But, I recently discovered a genre of YouTube that is referred to as BookTube. So, my list has got pretty lengthy.
I haven't read any of them, but I look forward to reading ALL of them! Here they are!
   

 

Favorite Picture

   
Well. I mean. It was pretty great to be so official with my new license that I had to take a picture of my new badge that is updated and all. :)
How could it not be my favorite picture of the month?

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings! :)