Friday, July 31, 2020

"The Color of Style" by David Zyla

This is a fun book all about getting to your true colors.  It focuses on nature, encouraging readers to match their wardrobe colors to the colors of their eyes, skin, and hair.  While I really enjoyed this book, I wish it had pictures.  As much as I read about color, it'd be nice to see color!  Also, by just going off of my natural coloring, I have no purple or green.  Both of these are colors I really like to wear.  Nevertheless, I did learn that I could use more blue clothes.  I have blue eyes but a mostly pink wardrobe.  Speaking of eyes, I have a ring of yellow around my pupil.  According to the book, this would be my base color or my own personal version of black for formal events.  As much as I love yellow, I am not so sure it would look formal for a suit or work event.  This book has made me more curious about color and style, though, and I plan on reading more books on the subject.

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

"How to Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie


This book is a tried and true classic on the basic essentials of human relationships.  Whether you are looking to win friends, a spouse, sales clients, a job interview, you name it, this book will help you.  Using the principles of psychology that were as true thousands of years ago as they are today, Carnegie explains the way to succeed.  The methods highlighted in this book are by no means extraordinary or mind altering.  I'd venture to say they all make sense and that most people know them on a subconscious level.  However, we all need a good reminder from time to time.  Just like everyone knows the benefit of exercise, not everyone remembers to do it on a daily basis.  Some ways to win friends and influence people are to let them do the most of the talking, provide genuine appreciation, remember and use people's names, ask questions to get people talking about themselves, and more.  A fascinating point was about arguing.  Even if you are right and someone is wrong, very few people admit to being wrong.  If anything, being corrected just makes them resent the corrector.  That being said, it is good to avoid arguments and word things in such a way that your opponent feels he or she is winning and gaining an advantage.  I could go on and on, but you should just read this book for yourself!  I got the audio book CD and listened to it while driving, so that's a good option, too.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

"The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" and "Spark Joy" by Marie Kondo

Both of these books are all about the process of tidying.  From clothes to kitchenware to photos to cards to letters and more, these books explain it all.  The basic premise is that people should keep only those items which spark joy.  If you have old clothes that don't fit or are unflattering, they need not be kept.  If you have piles and piles of papers, go thru and only keep what you need or desire.  If your bathroom is a mess, go thru and slim down the items to just the nicest of the nice that make you feel special.  I have tidied up my own apartment and am still in the process.  While I'm not done yet, I can say I've seen a dramatic improvement in my life.  I am happier when surrounded by the things I love--instead of having those things buried under piles of junk. 

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

"Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" by Jen Hatmaker

This is a quintessential ladies self-help book.  Divided into several sub parts, this book focuses on identifying one's personality, needs, wants, social desires, and more.  Who are you?  What makes you happy?  What are you passionate about?  What would you like to change?  Where do you need help?  What friendships do you need to gain?  What friendships do you need to let go of?  Written from a Christian perspective, there are some religious undertones.  However, this book does lean liberal in many of its stances.  Overall, this book was a fun read and kept me entertained.  It reminded me that I need to constantly check in with myself to see what's working, what's not working, and where I need help / change.  You are unique and special.  Get to the core of who you are and live that to the fullest.  When it comes to your life, stop apologizing and stop asking for permission.