Book Review: The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life by Lauren Myracle

The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life by Lauren Myracle 
(Penguin Group)

Smack dab in the middle of the worst years of her life: Middle School, Allison a 7th grader has to deal with figuring it ALL out. Between friendships, crushes, and the all consuming pursuit to be popular, she is deeply entrenched in a preteen's complicated world! With that said, while I was reading, I thought back to my days of teaching 7th grade and even further back to my days of actually experiencing that horrid era of existence. It is an excruciating time of self discovery and unwarranted input from peers. This book captures this pain and confusion very well and is entertaining to boot.

NOW FOR THE BAD PART: The book is inappropriate for a girl of middle school age. Some of the language, sexual innuendo, and subject matter will add fuel to the already hormone-induced curiosity fire raging in tweens. Furthermore, some of the language, while common with that age set, shouldn't be promoted as acceptable. The delicate balance is what was so awesome about Clueless. The language could have been way more vulgar to portray popular nineties parlance, but Amy Heckerling avoided vulgarity while capturing the vernacular authentically. Any time a book aimed toward ages 10 and up (the suggested age on the book) uses the term "ménage à troi," you know you've got to shelve the book until the reader is 14, if then.  Well written? Yes! Entertaining? Yes!  Too mature for the suggested reader? Definitely!

If she had just framed The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life as being recalled by a high schooler, summed up with a successful update at the end (e.g., Allison and Meagan are going to the same college in the fall or Rachel wasn't prom queen, Mika was), teenagers 14 and up would more readily go for the middle school plot. It's a fun read, but just too mature for the intended audience.

Moral of the story: Parents, you may just have to read/skim books before you allow your kids to read them. Just because it's at a book fair or in the library doesn't mean that it is acceptable for all children. 

Spring/Summer Shopping List: Polka Dots

What is it about Polka Dots that are so appealing. Whether teeny tiny or huge like "Mongol Dots," they are absolutely perfect for any occasion.

Sneak Peek for Fall "Mongol Dot" look! MONGOL Brand

Have fun by mixing patterns and colors or get all matchy matchy. I found the best cardigan at Target - pink with white mini Polka Dots.

Two days later, I found some Tommy Hilfiger flip flops at Shoe Carnival--pink with white mini Polka Dots!!!

Can you say, "Score!" I've paired the matchy matchy duo with all black (black tank and black shorts) and all white (white oxford and white skirt). Order your set today (Target & Amazon-Shoe Carnival online store doesn't have the flops). I guarantee you, compliments will abound!


This little shift (trapeze dress) will be my next Amazon Prime order! I'll wear it all summer right into fall by pairing it with boots and tights. Happy Shopping!!

Polka Dot Perfection

Turn a Summer Fling into a Lasting Thing!

                          

Like I've written before, it is amazingly easy to meet new people in the summer. Everyone is traveling, and you can strike up conversation with complete strangers on a plane or in an out-of-town restaurant. Furthermore, there is a carefree attitude that summer seems to bring. We let our inhibitions go and get lost in the euphoria that the sun evokes.  For some, this carefree attitude can be a blessing that turns into a curse once all the "summer madness" is over. Have you ever wondered why a "summer fling" doesn't usually last? It may seem obvious...it's a fling! But, there is a deeper culprit at work. Because of the lowering of inhibitions, there are also lowered expectations, standards, and meaningful conversation that will lead to a solid relationship. If you'd like to turn your summer fling into a lasting thing...read on!

First things first: MAKE YOUR INTENTIONS KNOWN..subtly but clearly. If you want more than a few months (or hours) of interaction, you'll need to be clear that your standards haven't flown out of the window just because the temps are up and your windows are down. Approach meeting new suitors the same way you would when you're bundled up in frigid temps. Your will have more suitors because there is more skin to hypnotize them, but you'll just have to get over the thrill of heightened exposure (pun intended) and proceed with the same tact, poise, and COMMON SENSE you usually employ. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you should lead in with "so when are we getting married?" I'm thinking more along the lines of once you get to know a person and feel that you want it to last beyond the summer, through in some "fall talk." While listening to a band you both like on a date..."Hey, there is this awesome festival in OCTOBER where this band and several others like them perform. Have you been? Do you think you'd like to check it out?"  If he says, "WE should check it out TOGETHER! Sounds like fun,"  you are all set for something more than a fling. However, if he says, "Huh? I couldn't hear you" or "I don't even know where I'll be in next week let alone October," he's trying to make summer memories and that's about it! RUN! 

What if the thought of being tied down during the summer makes you cringe?  Or makes your love interest cringe? There is absolutely nothing wrong with that apprehension. Date and enjoy! Just remember your love interest is dating and enjoying as well. If you want it last beyond the summer, you'll need to set yourself apart from the others and your love interest will have to do the same for you. Remain true to yourself and your character.  You will definitely shine through. Don't compete with the others by trying to be more sexy or sexual thinking that'll keep your love interest interested for the long haul. If he's meant to be yours beyond the summer, he'll be with real you!

Make your goal this summer and every season to live a full and robust life. Connections come to those who are perfectly content in their current state. You don't want to alter a happy state with a drop in romance when it could be the love of your life!