Audiobooks: A Solution for the Busy Reader

Okay, so of course we all love the feeling of holding a heavy book in our hands and turning the the smooth, white pages one at a time as we get slowly drawn into the story. But let’s be honest, reading isn’t always practical. Sometimes we just get so busy that we don’t have the luxury of curling up with the perfect book (on a rainy day with a hot cup of tea, some comfy pillows, and soft music in the background...if I do say so myself).

Fear not! There’s still hope for the busy book worm. One of the wonderful things that technology has bestowed upon us (aside from Netflix and running water) is audiobooks. While they don’t have the same feel as traditional books, they’re the perfect way to enjoy your favorite stories on the go.

I’ve seen book-lovers cringe at the word “audiobook” and complain that having a narrator “ruins the story” for them. While I, too, have had experience with bad narrators, I have also found some amazing ones as well. The right reader can completely enhance the feel of the story. One example of this that I have to highlight is the audiobook “The Book Thief”, written by Markus Zusak and read by Allan Corduner. Corduner’s voice made a great story even more enjoyable in this case. He was able to perfectly define each of the character's voices throughout all 13 hours and 56 minutes of the story. It literally brought me to tears. (Can I just say I have a love/hate relationship with sad stories?)

If you haven’t read the story yet (or even if you have!), or are just looking for a good audiobook, I definitely recommend getting the audiobook version of “The Book Thief”. It’s a beautiful story and the narrator does a wonderful job of bringing the story of life. It may even change your mind about audiobooks! So go check it out! (Link below)

-Elizabeth

Find the "The Book Thief" audiobook here: http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/The-Book-Thief-Audiobook/B002V00YSK/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1446299376&sr=1-1

Coconut Olive Oil Sugar Scrub

Last year when I was Christmas shopping, I stopped in Bath and Body Works. I love that place, and almost always go crazy trying out all those tester bottles of lotions, perfumes, and soaps. And don't even get me started on candle-smelling. (Oh my gosh, the mint chocolate chip!)

Anyways, it was there that I first discovered sugar scrubs. I was just going along, sampling basically everything, when suddenly my life got much better. It's shocking how smooth my skin gets from that stuff! But at $16 a bottle (I'm on a tight budget) I decided to forego the indulgence until a later time.

But on the ride home, the wheels in my head started turning. There had to be a easy, cheaper way to recreate the magical scrub. And so I did. Now this is not much like the chemical-laden stuff at Bath and Body Works, but it completes the job with the same outcome. Maybe if you want the same consistency as the stuff at the store, substitute your favorite lotion for the oils. I have not tried this, so let me know if it works!

 I like to use this on my legs after I shave. It makes them feel like butter! This also makes a cute gift for hostesses, party favors, etc.

Coconut and Olive Sugar Scrub

1 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. Olive oil
3 Tbsp. Coconut oil

Optional: a few drops of your favourite essential oil for fragrance
Mix all ingredients until well combined. Add extra oil if you'd like a more spreadable consistancy. Store in an air-tight container, and avoid allowing liquids into container.

To use:
Rub the scrub against skin in a back and forth motion. Wash off with washcloth or running water.

- Liesl