January Book Review

Welcome to my January Book Review! 

I am super excited to be picking up the monthly book reviews again and would love to hear what fun things you all have read over the past month.  Sit back, grab a nice cup of coffee and great ready to hear about some fun books!

First up:

When this book came out last year, I asked Justin to use one of our Audible tokens to download this book and I finally got around to listening to it this month.  John Green, as always, did an excellent job writing this book and I must say it will likely be a book I read over and over.  Turtles All the Way Down is a bit different from anything John Green has done because he addresses the realities of having a mental disorder (specifically anxiety).  I really appreciated how he put the reader inside the head of someone that has anxiety struggles, but also shows how those struggles can be addressed and managed.  I should note that if you have anxiety or are sensitive to areas of mental illness, you should be advised that the book does go into detail and could potentially be a trigger for some.  

This book covers the A Book with an Animal in the Title category in the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge.  You read more about the challenge in my 2018 Reading Goals blog post.  

Another book that has been sitting on my shelf for a LONG time is The Siren by Kiera Cass.  I loved this book from the very first chapter, which of course surprised me because I often do not enjoy an authors first book.  They tend to be a bit clunky and scattered, but Cass knew what she was doing and draws you right in from the beginning.  This book covers the struggles of doing what is right and doing what is necessary and it forces the reader to think about what sacrifice in the name of love really looks like.  I definitely enjoyed this book.  And for those of you that recognize her name, Kiera Cass wrote the wonderful Selection Series Books.  I would highly recommend checking those books out if you are a fan of The Bachelor.  

This book covers the A Book Set at Sea category in the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge.

And my last book for today...

So how I came across this book is kind of random.  Justin and I went to Target to get some shelving for our living room (oh my gosh we are almost done decorating that space - I cannot wait to share the updates) and while Justin shopped I had a nice gentleman help me load the shelves into my car.  Upon seeing my license plate, he asked me if I had ever read the Jackaby series.  Of course I said no, but asked him what they were about.  He excitedly told me that it was a Sherlock Holmes / fantasy / mystery book and he would highly recommend reading it.  Well thank you Mr. Target worker! Not only was the book fun to read, it also kept me on the edge of my seat.  The stories are told from the perspective of Mr. Jackaby's assistant and her voice throughout the story is excellent.  I fully intend on reading more of the books in the series as I am highly intrigued by the fantasy part of the books.  

This book covers the Your Favorite Prompt from 2015, 2016 or 2017 category in the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge.  I chose the prompt: A Book Recommended by Someone You Just Met. 

Okay that wraps up my January Book Review! What did you read this month?? I am always looking for new suggestions of books to read.  Please comment below and share.

To see a complete list of the books I've read this year plus a link to their reviews, go here.  

If you want to follow along on my reading challenge, let's be friends on Goodreads! Such a great site to keep track of what you've read and get ideas from fellow bookworms.  

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Les Miserables is coming to Detroit Feb 27 - Mar 11 2018

CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

BOUBLIL AND SCHÖNBERG’S

LES MISÉRABLES

THE MUSICAL PHENOMENON

TO PLAY DETROIT’S FISHER THEATRE

FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 11

DETROIT, January 24, 2018 -- Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, will play Detroit’s Fisher Theatre, February 27 – March 11 direct from a celebrated two-and-a-half year Broadway engagement.  Tickets start at $45 and are now on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 800-982-2787 and online at www.broadwayindetroit.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Fisher Theatre box office.

With glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking production of LES MISÉRABLES, which broke box office records during its pre-Broadway tour, has left both audiences and critics awestruck, cheering “Les Miz is born again!” (NY1). 

Cameron Mackintosh said, “I‘m delighted that after a four year absence this glorious production is once again touring the major cities across North America and is more spectacular than ever.”

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, LES MISÉRABLES tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Featuring one of the greatest scores of all time, with thrilling and beloved songs including “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars," “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” “Do You Hear the People Sing” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Along with the Oscar-winning movie version, it has now been seen by more than 130 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe. LES MISÉRABLES is still the world’s most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere in its 32nd year. 

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Boublil and Schönberg’s LES MISÉRABLES has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer from the original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and original adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. The original LES MISÉRABLES orchestrations are by John Cameron with new orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke, Stephen Metcalfe and Stephen Brooker.  The production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, musical staging by Michael Ashcroft and Geoffrey Garratt and projections by Fifty-Nine Productions. Music Supervision is by Stephen Brooker and James Moore, with casting by Kaitlin Shaw for Tara Rubin Casting.

“Thrilling, spectacular and unforgettable.”

-The New York Times

“**** (4 out of 4 stars). One of the greatest musicals ever created! A gorgeous touring ‘Les Misérables’ is back on the barricades, renewed and refreshed.”

-Chicago Tribune

“This ‘Les Miz’ is a winner. Standout cast shines in revamped production.”

-The Providence Journal

“You simply won’t want it to end.”

-Boston Globe

“A stirring, thumping, heart-throbbing return of a pop opera whose themes of revolution and righteousness seem particularly well suited to our current turbulent times.”

-Hartford Courant

LES MISÉRABLES originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on October 8, 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on December 4, 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queen’s Theatre on April 3, 2004 where it continues to play to packed houses and is the only version of the original production left in the world. The original Broadway production of LES MISÉRABLES opened at the Broadway Theatre on March 12, 1987 and transferred to the Imperial Theatre on October 17, 1990 running for 6,680 performances.  The original US National Tour began in November 1987 and visited over 150 cities before closing in St. Louis, MO in 2006.  Broadway audiences welcomed LES MIZ back to New York on November 9, 2006 where the show played the Broadhurst Theatre until its final performance on January 6, 2008.

The new production was conceived in 2009 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary, with record-breaking productions in the U.K., Australia, Korea, Japan, Spain, France, Manila, Singapore and Dubai. The new production is currently playing to sold out houses around Japan and in São Paulo with upcoming productions in Mexico and around the U.K. The North American Tour traveled across the U.S. for two years then played a five month engagement in Toronto before returning to the Imperial Theatre on Broadway in March 2014 for over 1,000 performances.

To date, LES MISÉRABLES remains the 5^th longest-running Broadway production of all time.

Performance times for LES MISÉRABLES appearing February 27- March 11, 2018 at the Fisher Theatre, located at 3011 West Grand Blvd., in Detroit are:

•           Tuesday through Saturday evening performances at 8:00 p.m.

•           Sunday evening performances at 7:30 p.m.

•           Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.

•           Special Open Captioned performance on Sunday, March 2 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets for LES MISÉRABLES start at $45 (includes facility and parking fees) and are now on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 800-982-2787, and online at www.broadwayindetroit.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Fisher Theatre box office.  A limited number of premium seats will be available through Ticketmaster and at the Fisher Theatre box office. For group sales (15 or more) please call 313-871-1132 or email groups@broadwayindetroit.com. Tickets for the Open Captioned performance may be purchased in person at The Fisher Theatre box office or by phone at 313-872-1000, ext. 0. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.

Broadway In Detroit uses Ticketmaster as its sole, authorized ticketing agent. Individual tickets purchased from a ticket broker or “third party” ticket reseller involves risk and may not be authentic, sold at box office prices, or with correct performance and venue information. Broadway In Detroit box offices cannot reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets sold through a third party or ticket reseller. Broadway In Detroit is also unable to contact third party purchasers with pertinent updates or changes regarding performances.

The Broadway In Detroit Series at The Fisher Theatre is sponsored by the Chrysler Pacifica. As part of this sponsorship, the Chrysler Pacifica will be on display this season at The Fisher Theatre.

Follow Broadway In Detroit on Facebook (BroadwayInDetroit), Twitter @BroadwayDetroit and Instagram @Broadwayindetroit.

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Coat Closet Organization

Happy Thursday Friends! I hope your week has been great so far and you are looking forward to a fun weekend ahead!

So how many of you have a space in your home that just drives you absolutely crazy? For me there are several little spaces in our home that are getting to me, but the biggest one for me was our Coat Closet.  I was so excited when we moved into our house to have a bigger coat closet because "then we will have room for our coats and shoes!" But the truth was our close almost immediately became a hot mess.  We're talking shoes everywhere, coats a mess and the top shelf covered with who knows that and a frustrating eye sore for me every time I tried to hang a coat up at home.

And I could not IMAGINE having my guests hang their coats up in that space.  No WAY, Jose! That would just be too darn embarrassing for me.  So of course, I knew this was an issue, but like most things, I put it off for months.

Well not anymore! I was determined to use my time off around the holidays to get some organization done.  This project honestly was not hard to do, it was just a matter of hunkering down and doing the work for it.

So here's the result!

Before

{Also, I did not purposefully make the pictures almost line up, it kind of just happened}

Before I went ahead and tore up the space, I spent some time researching Amazon and found some storage boxes and some shoe racks so we would be able to not only see our shoes, but also have easy and organized access to our shoes.

These shoe racks were easy to assemble and had storage for about 9 pairs of shoes {unless you have smaller feet, then you could easily get 12 pairs of shoes directly on the shelf}.  I wanted something that would be sturdy that would also look nice, so this shoe rack was perfect for my needs.  The neat thing about this shoe rack is you can build on it! They can be stacked or connected to make the shelf taller or wider depending on your needs {you just need to get the necessary pieces for the expansion}.

When it came to storage boxes, I knew I wanted something with a handle because I am shorter and need to be able to grab the box down without too much difficulty.  When I came across these boxes, I knew immediately they were what I was looking for for this space! They do come disassembled, but they are easy to assemble and make such a cute and functional addition for the space.

The last little thing we had in there was the "Nick's Socks" bin.  This is more of a funny thing than anything, but my friend is always cold and was constantly asking to borrow socks, so for Christmas 2016 I bought him this caddy from Thirty-One, personalized it and filled it with wool socks so he would always have socks at our home that were just his.

Once I had all of the supplies available, I went to town and pulled everything out of the closet.  It is amazing how much we had randomly accrued in this space! So many things that are not coat closet "appropriate" but had landed there because they needed a place to hang.  Once the closet was emptied, I wiped everything down and vacuumed and mopped the floors.  While I was cleaning, Justin helped by building all of the shoe racks and helped build the boxes.

I also took the opportunity to purge a bunch of shoes and coats while I was in there because some of those shoes I had not worn since we moved into our house in June of 2016.  If the shoe didn't seem like my style anymore or like something I would wear again, I put it into a box to be donated or trashed it.

Once that was all done, I took the time to put everything back and organize it and this was the final result!

After

Does it not look so much nicer now? I love that I have a place for our shoes and coats as well as bins to store our hats, gloves, scarves and my sandals (since, it's 30 degrees in Michigan).  And of course I am so excited to have a spot for my guests to hang their coats when they visit!

Question of the Day: What space in your home needs a face lift? 

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

23andMe

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this post are my own and are not those of 23andMe.  Should you click any of the links below and purchase a product, I will be compensated in some form for your purchase.  



Happy Tuesday Friends!

Have you heard of 23andMe? If you have not, it's a simple process where you order a kit, collect your own saliva and mail it to a CLIA-certified lab where they break down your DNA into manageable, understandable information.  Seems rather simple, right?

I am excited to say that my wonderful husband purchased the Health + Ancestry Kit for me as a Christmas gift.  To be honest, out of all of the things I asked for this Christmas, this is the one item I was really hoping to receive.  Being adopted, I often wonder "who am I?".  Where do I come from? What is my ancestry? So by asking for and receiving this gift, I am able to answer a few of those questions {even at a superficial level}.

So what did I think about the initial process? I'll be honest, I did not mail out my tube until four days after Christmas.  In order to get the saliva sample, you have to have not had food or drink for at least thirty minutes.  And every time I remembered I wanted to mail it in, I had either eaten something or taken a drink.  So finally that day, I set a time for 30 minutes and made sure that I did not eat or drink during that time.

Spitting into the tube is rather simple {I mean, look at the pictures on the box - they explain it step-by-step with pictures}.  You just need to fill the tube until the line then close it up and package it up to mail.

Once I got the tube packaged up and ready to go, I walked the package out to the mail box and waited for it to be picked up.  I was a bit worried that my spit would freeze as Michigan is basically an ice cube and well below freezing, but the tube does have stabilizing solution to protect your saliva.

Within 24 hours of the tube being mailed, 23andMe, provided a status about my package through this nice status bar.  I appreciate that I can receive regular updates about the process and what I can expect throughout the process.

You can also take some of their many surveys which help them collect data about human nature and your habits.  I have been enjoying answering a few of their surveys and will likely take time to finish all of them between now and the time my results come back in the mail.

So the next step is for me to just wait! I am curious to see where I hail from and what health information they can give me based on my DNA.  I will be sure to share with everyone my results once they come back in the mail!

Want to check it out for yourself? 

Thinking about doing your Ancestry test too? Go to www.23andme.com and check out their DNA Genetic Test kit options! And if you decide to do one too, make sure to let me know! I'd love to hear about your experience too!

And check back in a little bit to see my results! I cannot wait to see where I "hail" from! 

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

A Few Changes for 2018.

Happy Monday  Friends! I hope your week is off to a great start and you had a wonderful weekend this past weekend.  

I wanted to stop in to have a quick chat with you all about the blog.  Obviously I had a rough time keeping up the blog on top of everything else I had going on in my life towards the end of last year.  From some aspects I felt very sad that I was not able to keep up with the blog, but on others I was relieved to not have the pressure of generating topics for the blog and maintaining all the social media aspects of the blog. 

Now that 2018 has arrived and I have taken a few months to collect my thoughts, I am happy to get back to blogging.  But this time, I want to make sure that I do not burn myself out in a few months and disappear for the summer again {then again around the holidays}.  Blogging is something I very much enjoy doing and I want to make sure that I reincorporate it back into my life. 

So here's the plan I have come up with for 2018:

1. I would like to do 2-3 posts per week.  These posts can range anywhere from Month @ a Glance posts to What's Up Wednesday posts and everything in between.  

2. If I am doing a non-regular post, I want to make sure that it adds value to both your life and mine.  I do not want to become one of those bloggers who posts for the sake of posting.  Not only is that boring for you, it is a waste of my time.

3. I want to connect with you more.  Have a topic I haven't covered but would like to see me post about? Send me an email at runwithjackabee@gmail.com or comment below.  I am happy to address different areas of my life or topics that I might not regularly cover.

4. If I do not have posts or topics, or I need to take a break, I will make sure to share with you all my plans for a break.  That way you know how long I'll be gone for and what to expect.  I know, for me, it's frustrating when I go to read a blog and the blogger has just disappeared so I want to make sure I do not do that to you.  

I think that covers everything I wanted to {so far}.  If I think of anything else that I want to share regarding the blog, I will make sure to post an update on this post so everyone is in the loop.  

Question of the Day: What topics would you like to see covered on the blog?

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Finding Neverland is coming to Detroit February 6-18, 2018!

“FAR AND AWAY THE BEST MUSICAL OF THE YEAR!”

-NPR

BROADWAY.COM’S AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD WINNER FOR BEST MUSICAL!

TO PLAY DETROIT’S FISHER THEATRE

FEBRUARY 6-18,2018

DETROIT, January 5, 2018 – Broadway in Detroit is pleased to announce that FINDING NEVERLAND will play the Fisher Theatre, February 6-18, 2018. Tickets start at $39 and are now on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 800-982-2787 and online at www.broadwayindetroit.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Fisher Theatre box office.

Based on the Academy Award-winning Miramax motion picture by David Magee, and the play The Man Who Was Peter Pan by Allan Knee, Finding Neverland follows the relationship between playwright J.M. Barrie and the family that inspired Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up – one of the most beloved stories of all time. Directed by Tony®-winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Hair) with book by Olivier Award®-nominee James Graham, music and lyrics by Gary Barlow (Take That) and Grammy Award®- winner Eliot Kennedy, and choreography by Emmy Award®-winner Mia Michaels (“So You Think You Can Dance,” Cirque du Soleil’s Delirium), this new musical, packed with mesmerizing visuals, irresistible songs and plenty of laughs, is a timeless story about the power of imagination… and spectacular proof that you never really have to grow up.

The production features scenic design by Tony Award®-winner Scott Pask (Pippin, Book of Mormon), lighting design by Tony Award®-winner Kenneth Posner (The Coast of Utopia, Pippin), costume design by Suttirat Larlarb (Of Mice and Men), sound design by Tony Award®-nominee Jonathan Deans (Pippin, La Cage aux Folles), hair and make-up design by Richard Mawbey, projection design by Jon Driscoll, music supervision by Fred Lassen, musical direction by Ryan Cantwell and casting by Stewart/Whitley. 

Finding Neverland is Produced by NETworks Presentations. 

Performance times for Finding Neverland appearing February 6-18, 2018 at the Fisher Theatre, located at 3011 West Grand Blvd., in Detroit are:

·        Tuesday through Saturday evening performances at 7:30 p.m.

·        Sunday evening performances at 6:30 p.m.

·        Saturday matinees at 2:00 p.m.

·        Sunday matinees at 1:00 p.m.

·        Special Open Captioned performance on Sunday, February 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for Finding Neverland start at $39 (includes facility and parking fees) and are now on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 800-982-2787, and online at www.broadwayindetroit.com orwww.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Fisher Theatre box office.  A limited number of premium seats will be available through Ticketmaster and at the Fisher Theatre box office. For group sales (12 or more) please call 313-871-1132 or email groups@broadwayindetroit.com. Tickets for the Open Captioned performance may be purchased in person at The Fisher Theatre box office or by phone at 313-872-1000, ext. 0. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.

Broadway In Detroit uses Ticketmaster as its sole, authorized ticketing agent. Individual tickets purchased from a ticket broker or “third party” ticket reseller involves risk and may not be authentic, sold at box office prices, or with correct performance and venue information. Broadway In Detroit box offices cannot reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets sold through a third party or ticket reseller. Broadway In Detroit is also unable to contact third party purchasers with pertinent updates or changes regarding performances.

The Broadway In Detroit Series at The Fisher Theatre is sponsored by the Chrysler Pacifica.  As part of this sponsorship, the Chrysler Pacifica will be on display this season at The Fisher Theatre.

For more tour and casting information:

www.FindingNeverlandTheMusical.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FindingNeverlandTheMusical

Twitter: @NeverlandBway

Instagram: @FNLmusical

Follow Broadway In Detroit on Facebook (BroadwayInDetroit), Twitter @BroadwayDetroit and Instagram @Broadwayindetroit.

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

2018 Reading Plans

Happy Wednesday Friends! I hope your first few days back to work have been going well and you are adjusting to the new routine of 2018! 

So every year I tell myself I am going to read more books and every year I miss my goal by several more than one book.  In 2018, I am going to try hard to hit my goal of at least 40 books {and if I'm feeling ambitious, maybe I'll go for 50 books}.  So why the jump from a goal of 24 in 2017 to 40 in 2018? I actually have a little guide to help me this time! 

Have you heard of POPSUGAR? They created the perfect Reading Challenge that helps readers not only broaden their horizons a little bit, but it also challenges them.  I came across this list in one of my book groups on Facebook and thought, why not?! I'm sure some of my TBR Pile will tackle some of these items and it will force me to look outside of my comfortable genre and try something a little different this time around.

To make this process more fun, I joined the 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Facebook Group, as well as their group on Goodreads group to connect with other readers and get inspiration for book categories for which I may get stuck.  I'm hoping by connecting to other readers, I will be more inspired to read more through 2018.

Okay! So here is the list of book topics.  To get your own printable copy from POPSUGAR, click here.

POPSUGAR also has and advanced list for those readers looking for the extra challenge in 2018.  Right now I am not planning to tackle that list, but if I do decide to, I will be sure to share it here on the blog! To see that list, go here.

In honor of challenging myself to read more this year, I have created a page where you can follow along with my reading and read reviews of the books I have read so far this year.  Check out that page here.

I'm always looking to add more friends on Goodreads too! So if you are a member of Goodreads, check out my profile and send a friend request my way!


Question of the Day: What books are you planning to read this month/year?

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.