Books for the Soul

Summer means extra time to read those books you've been wanting to. Today's book recommendations are those that are good for the soul! These three books left me with a lasting impression and a deeper meaning about life. Purpose, love, and wisdom are a few of the themes throughout each of these books. I truly feel that each of these books have powerful messages. The first two I finished within a day or two, but the third book is more of a difficult read. Open your mind, experience a different viewpoint or perspective through words and pages.

The Alchemist: Paul Coelho 

The Four Agreements: Don Miguel Ruiz 

Kindness, Clarity, and Insight: The Dalai Lama/Jeffrey Hopkins

Any other recommendations for books that are good for the soul? I'd love to know!
"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." -Paul Coelho

G O O D morning

The start to your day, the energy you choose for the next 12 or so hours, new possibilities. It's true, I am a lover of mornings. You choose how you start your day, what you do and what you think when you wake in the morning is all up to you. Yesterday, I had a lovely morning; I woke up and chose to do a few of my favorite things which always leaves me with positive energy for the rest of the day.
My alarm is generally set for 8:30 A.M. if I have no specific plans, but I almost always wake up before then. I laced up my Nike's and went on a jog around my community. Working out first thing is just what my body prefers. It's great to get up and do it before having to think too much or getting too busy or losing any motivation. After my jog I completed about a 15 minute ab workout routine plus pushups and lunges. Whew! This left me feeling good and ready to EAT! I headed home to make a scrumptious breakfast. Smoothie bowl + KIND bar it was.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl
Blend: 2 frozen bananas
            1/2 cup frozen strawberries
            1 scoop of Vega Vanilla Protein Powder http://myvega.com/product/protein-greens/
            Splash of water (so it can all blend a little easier)
Top: Strawberries/Bananas
        1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
         Scoop of almond butter
I poured my smoothie in a teacup and enjoyed it as I wrote a bit in my journal and read. I'm currently reading "The Four Agreements." I just started it and would already recommend this book to you-can't wait to finish and share more about it. So this is a look at how my morning went before I headed to work. This is one way I love to spend my morning and it might be completely different for others- but do something you love to start your day. You'll know you did something to make yourself feel good and that's really important.
P.S. Listen to the Spotify station "Have a Great Day!" when you're getting ready.

"Let us read and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world." -Voltaire

Lovely Reads for Girls

This time of year makes me want to curl up in a huge cozy blanket and read a great book. These are my favorite books I've read during the past couple of months. They are empowering, inspiring, and humorous; all written by women who are sharing a part of their story while staying true to themselves. I recommend them to all girls! Reading about other's lives is so refreshing. These 5 women have chased a dream in one way or another and have inspired me in different ways. Happy reading!

1. I Am Malala; Malala Yousafzai

Malala's unbelievable story is unlike anything I've ever read. This is the story of a seventeen year old's strong advocacy for female education. She is the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

2. #GIRLBOSS; Sophia Amoruso 
Sophia Amoruso is the ultimate #girlboss. An empowering and real book written by the CEO of Nasty Gal. It's full of fantastic quotes and it'll leave you feeling like you can conquer the world.

3. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and other concerns); Mindy Kaling
I picked up this book at Barnes and Noble to read the first page and I was laughing out loud from the first paragraph. It's a quick, fun, and easy read that is relatable to girls!

4. Not That Kind of Girl; Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham describes parts of her life, ranging from college to relationships to food, in a completely honest way. It's refreshing and different from what I expected upon reading.

5. IT; Alexa Chung
This isn't quite a novel but I look at it more as a visual inspiration. IT is full of Alexa Chung's favorite things and of course everything is lovely and charming. A fabulous read for fashion-and Alexa Chung-lovers.

 "With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?" -Oscar Wilde