Who Doesn't Like Free Stuff?

I may be the last person on earth to learn about the Back to MAC program but just in case I'm not, I wanted to share. Basically the Back to MAC program rewards customers for recycling. You bring 6 empty MAC makeup pots into a MAC store and in return, MAC gives you either a lipstick or eyeshadow of your choice for FREE! Note: If you bring them into a MAC counter at a department store they will only give you a lipstick, no eyeshadow.

{image via}

In other news... As some of you may know, a few girlfriends and I started a 6 week Bikram Yoga class at Sweatbox Yoga. The class has been a great workout, or should I say sweatout, so far and we have all been enjoying it. I'm proud to say that, as of last night, I can hold the above pose. For about 10 seconds. And only on the left side. HA! But when I started two weeks ago I could barely keep my balance while holding my leg. Progress Progress! I digress, back to the free stuff...

I wanted to share that on Saturday they are celebrating Yogaday USA by offering the 10AM class {at both Capitol Hill and Shoreline studios} for FREE if you bring in a food donation. To get more info click here. If you've never done Bikram and have always wanted to try it out, this is your chance!

Well, that's all the insider info I have for today. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Be satisfied.
Be grateful.
For what you have.
For the love you receive.
And for what God has given you.

That's it, the secret to happiness... According to Mitch Albom in his book, Have a Little Faith.

I most definitely agree.

My 2010 Reading List

I wanted to share my 2010 Reading List with you and document it so that I don't forget! I am going to make it a priority to take time to read all 16 of these books this year. I should probably get started and get a library card...

{ETA: I will be updating this list as I finish each book}

The Christmas Pearl by Dorothea Benton Frank - She is my favorite author. My Mom gave me this for Christmas.

{finished reading 1/12/10, fast read, has some great recipes in the back}

Have a Little Faith: A True Story by Mitch Albom - Love him. Garrett got this book for Christmas.

{finished 1/24/10. Another fast read, great story about faith and circumstances}

The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory - Author who wrote The Other Boleyn Girl, this book enthralled me.

{finished 2/24/10. Loved reading historical fiction again but the ending really disappointed me}

Riding Lessons: A Novel by Sara Gruen - Also wrote Water for Elephants, my 2nd favorite book of 2009.

{finished 3/18/10. Didn't love it as much as Water for Elephants but it was a good story.}

In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan - because I want to "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

{finished the audio book 3/19/10. Glad I listened to the audio book because I would have definitely gotten bored with reading it. Very educating and informative. I plan on listening to it again with Garrett on our next long road trip}

Between Sisters by Kristen Hannah - Author who wrote Firefly Lane, my favorite book of 2009.

{finished 3/29/10. Super fast read for me. A bit disappointing because the story was basically the same as Firefly Lane but with a different outcome. I'll be hesitant to read another one of her novels for fear that it's the same storyline.}

The Help by Kathryn Stockett - I've been waiting patiently for the paperback to come out but after some research today, I found out that it doesn't come out until May. I don't know if I can wait that long. Also, the author went to the University of Alabama, gotta support my roots! ;)

{finished 4/27/10. My favorite book so far. The whole time I was reading it, I thought to myself: why hasn't anyone ever written from this prospective before? It's a classic, if you decide to read one book from my list: READ THIS ONE!}

The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan

{finished 5/14/10. Great book for someone going through cancer.}

South of Broad- Pat Conroy - Based in Charleston, where Garrett and I visited in November.

{finished 6/28/10. My second favorite so far. Conroy might be my new favorite author. Loved everything about this book from the way it is written in two different decades to the Citadel and Hurricane Hugo references to the accurate portrayal of the South. It felt like it took forever for me to read but I really enjoyed it and didn't want it to end.}

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

{Finished 7/10/10. This is a wonderful true story about a journey of faith.}

The Longest Trip Home by John Grogan - Biography of the author who wrote Marley and Me, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading on our honeymoon. {I took this one off my list because I just couldn't get into it.}

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein - It has a sweet golden retriever on the cover = SOLD

{Finished 7/30/10. If you own a dog or ever want to, I highly suggest you read this cute book written from the perspective of a dog.}

Newly Added:

True Colors by Kristen Hannah

{Finished 10/24/10. Good read}

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

{Finished 11/11/10. Great story, reminded me of The Help. I would recommend it if you liked The Help.}

Lowcountry Summer by Dorothea Benton Frank

Ape House by Sara Gruen





Books I read in 2009:
in order of my favorites

Firefly Lane by Kristen Hannah
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
Julie and Julia by Julie Powell
It's Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong
Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger
Return to Sullivan's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

I loved all of these books although Three Cups of Tea was very difficult for me to get into. What books did you read in 2009 that you loved? What are you planning to read in 2010?