My Ode to Oprah

Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.
Oprah Winfrey

Tomorrow, The Oprah Winfrey Show is ending. I have never felt so sad about a show ending. This show has meant so much to me over the years. Oprah has meant so much to me over the years. As a subscriber to her magazine and an avid watcher of her network, I know her legacy and lessons will continue. But, tomorrow is the ending of a show that gave me daily inspiration to work harder, dream more, and to fear less.

I don't know when I started watching The Oprah Winfrey Show.... but I think it was in middle school. After the soaps, my godmother and I would watch the Oprah Show. While sitting on that stool in my parents' kitchen, I'd watch stories about extraordinary people. Some had life shattering tragedies happen to them... and they were still here to talk about it. Their strength amazed me and reminded me about the power of the human spirit.

That was a lesson I needed in middle school. I had wild curly hair, glasses, and no confidence. Finding a table at lunch was always stressful. I still remember the names kids called me back then. I know I'm not the only one with an experience like this...
But, when I came home, I was comforted by my family and Oprah.

In high school and college, I'd catch up on Oprah over the summers. By that time, I knew I wanted to be a journalist. I loved that each Oprah show taught me something new... I knew my career had to do the same.

The Oprah Show was also a big part of my training regimen for pageants. I'd watch an episode while on the bike or treadmill. Whenever I felt that my goals were too high, she'd remind me to keep focused on my dreams. Thanks to her and the love of my family, I made it to the top rounds of both Miss Teen USA and Miss USA. I remember getting a little teary eyed just before I went out on stage at Miss USA.... because I thought about that middle school girl who used to sit on a stool watching Oprah. If only she could see me then!

Fast forward to now... over the last two and a half years I've been working as a news reporter and anchor in Springfield, MA. There are days where the work fulfills me and I'm on a high. There are others when I want to cry because the job is hard... the weather is cold... and I'm away from everyone I love. Those are the days when I come home to my DVR and Oprah. Her subjects always rejuvenate me. Sometimes they entertain me and whisk me away. Othertimes, they remind me to be thankful. They always teach me to keep going, to keep believing in yourself, and to keep dreaming.

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU Oprah!!! "What I know for sure" is that you have shaped the lives of so many young women just like me. Your show will be missed.

Respond to this blog and let me know how Oprah has touched your life!

Ok, that was long... on to products I'm obsessed with right now (I promised I'd talk about them and I've been slacking on the blog lately!) Right now, I'm OBSESSED with the Clarasonic Mia. It's changed my life. I learned about it from Maria Menounos's book "The Every Girl's Guide to Life." (I'm also obsessed with that book.) The Clarasonic makes my skin smoother and I haven't had a bad pimple for over a month and a half.  I use it for a minute in the morning and a minute at night. AMAZING!

Second product from heaven is CND's SHELLAC! Wow, if you haven't had your nails done in a french shellac yet at the nail salon, you NEED to! It's incredible. I have gone three weeks with a chip free manicure thanks to this new product. Run to the salons and get one right now... thank me later. :)

Ok, that's enough for one night.

Book Report!

I've been a reading machine lately... I just got an IPad and the kindle app has made me the laziest person EVER! Suddenly, holding a book has become WAY too much work. Hardcovers are a pain to carry around and paperbacks are a pain to read in bed. With my new IPad, I can read easily in bed and while blow drying my hair... and if you know me... I spend most my life blow drying my hair. 

So, I just read three GREAT books... Here they are:

1. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

I saw a preview for the movie based on this book... and I thought "Oh no! I haven't got around to reading that one yet!" It gave me the kick in the butt I needed to finally read this bestseller. The narrator of this book is Jacob Jankowski... He's 90-something and is reflecting upon his time in the circus. I usually read books with female main characters. But, this book truly had something for everyone. It's heavy on a love story... but I think guys could enjoy this book too. You can't help but root for Jacob. I read it in two days and I was upset when it was done... I love getting swept away by a truly fun book and that's what this was! 

2. Room by Emma Donoghue

Another book with a male narrator... but Jack is 5 years old and he's never left the Room he was born in... It's a difficult task to create a story within four confined walls, but Donoghue does a fantastic job at unfolding the story as life unfolds for Jack. At first, getting use to Jack's five year old voice is difficult. But, once you do, you can't stop reading. I couldn't put this book down. 

3. Against All Odd by Scott Brown

All politics aside... this book was very well done. His life story is riveting. Senator Brown doesn't hold anything back... he is candid and conversational. His early childhood is shocking and heartbreaking. From page one, I knew I was in for a compelling read. Each phase of his life was truly fascinating. Whether you bleed red or blue, this is a wonderful book. Bonus: There are hot modeling photos in the middle of the book... that's right, eye candy AND brain candy. Plus, the photo of Gayle Huff in a bathing suit made me swear off real candy... because she looks gorgeous. :) 

Beauty Product I'm obsessed with right now: MAC's Painterly Paint Pot. I use this as an eye shadow primer. It keeps your eye shadow in place all day long. I feel like there was life before this paint pot and life after. It makes cheap eyeshadows just as pigmented as the expensive ones.

Pole dancing... for Jesus?

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2011/03/22/pkg.pole.dancing.jesus.KTRK

Hi Everyone! Ok, this story had me laughing out loud. I'm not judging it... ok, I kind of am.

But, this is ridiculous. The best line is "the pole is her temple." hahaha I have no religious issues with this business. They can pole dance for whoever they want. It just strikes me as a really, really odd combination. And if they're going to do it, they need better outfits... I suggest nude shoes... Hell, if you're going to do it, go clear.

It just made me laugh... hope it makes you laugh too. :)

Best beauty product I'm using right now: I'm obsessed with Dior Extase Mascara! If you love Dior Show, you will love this even more. It delivers at least three coats in one swipe. :)

Recipe I can't get enough of right now: I just got ENGAGED! So, I'm trying to cut back on junk food. My baked sweet potato fries are the perfect lunch treat to go with grilled chicken. I take one sweet potato and cut it up into small fries. Then I put it on a baking sheet that you've already sprayed cooking spray on. And I spray the fries with I Can't Believe it's Not Butter spray, sprinkle on Cayenne Pepper, Salt, and a dash of regular pepper. Back them for about 40 min at 350 degrees until they get crispy. They are delicious! They satisfy my fry craving for no more calories than a sweet potato. :)

Welcome to my new Blog!

Hi Everyone! I've just started this blog as a fun way to discuss things I love... beauty products, recipes, and fun and/or interesting news stories.

If you're like me, I hate wasting money, time, or calories. :) That being said I love shopping, vacationing, and eating. I just like to do it well.

I think this could be a useful tool for all us hard working women who want to be fabulous while making our dreams come true. :) So for each blog, I'll tell you about my new favorite beauty product, I'll try to give you a new recipe, and I'll try to show you something unique, funny, or interesting. :)

And I'd love it if my readers contribute too! Feel free to send me your favorite sinfully delicious or healthy and delicious recipes! Let me know which beauty products (make up, hair, skin products) you are loving! And if there's something you think is awesome, ridiculous, or just important to bring attention to... I want to know about it! My email is jacquelinetbruno@yahoo.com. :)

Here's to Blogging!
Jackie