Bedtime Stories for Girls of Destiny | Raeleigh Wilkinson

1. [Chieko Nishimura Okazaki] "Do you see women of different ages, races, or different backgrounds in the Church? Of different educational, marital and professional experiences? Women with children? Women without children? Women of vigorous health and those who are limited by chronic illness or handicaps? Rejoice in the diversity of our sisterhood! It is the diversity of colors in a spectrum that makes a rainbow." (11)

2. [Sahar Qumsiyeh] "My country has never experienced peace, but now I feel my heart has enough peace to cover the entire country of Palestine." (79)

3. [Emily Bates] "Sometimes, people ask Emily about the conflicts between religion and science, and she says simply that they are complementary approaches to finding the truth.  When science and religion seem to conflict, Emily prays and studies.  Through the Spirit, she discerns what is true or how the two concepts can work together.  She believes everything good is from God and that all truth leads to Him." (21)

4. [Julia Mavimbela] "I give thanks to God that he has made me a woman.  I give thanks to my Creator that he has made me black, that he has fashioned me as I am with my hands, heart, head to serve my people.  It can, it should be a glorious thing to be a woman." (39)

5. [Noelle Pikus-Pace] "Rise above it all, whatever holds you back, and become who you want to become." (67)

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5/5. This book is a beautiful compilation of inspired women and their stories.  This is geared toward a younger audience in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, and it's such a fun book to have on hand as I teach my own daughters. The stories are diverse and beautiful, and the artwork is equally stunning!

The Curated Closet | Anuschka Rees

1. "In our culture, buying a ton of new stuff every year has become the norm.  We are so used to buying new clothes, gadgets, and knickknacks all the time that buying less, repairing what you have instead of immediately replacing it, and putting time and effort into selecting new purchases all seem like foreign concepts.  An effective way to reset what you consider normal and gain a new perspective is going on a temporary shopping fast.  Don't buy anything for one whole week and see how you feel.  Or don't buy anything new for one moth except for food and essentials like shampoo and toilet paper.  You can also limit your shopping fast to just one specific group of things you're having trouble with, like clothes or beauty products.  Throughout your fast, keep a little diary of how you feel so you can later go back to identify your personal triggers for wanting to shop and find replacement activities." (220)

2. [Cotton] "Check the density of the fabric by holding it up to the light.  Even if it is very fine, the fabric should not be transparent.  If the fabric lets through a lot of light, it's a sign that it is not very dense and therefore will not be very durable." 226

3. "Always check the care instructions before you buy a linen piece.  Linen is very prone to shrinking, and many linen garments can only be dry cleaned or washed in cold water." (227)

4. "Oftentimes, a small amount of synthetic fiber improves the fit of an otherwise natural fabric. Spandex, poyester, or Lycra especially, mix well with cottons or wools to add stretch and elasticity and make sure the garment keeps its shape after washing.  For fitted items that you want to curve around your body (such as Jeans and T-shirts), look for a fabric composition that includes about 2 to 5 percent of a stretchy synthetic material." 233

5. "The essential two-step fit check... Step 1: Mirror check. 

...Step 2: Movement check: 

...Check how your piece feels and looks during these four basic movements: 

1. Hug someone (or pretend to) 
2. Sit down.
3. Walk
4. Bend over (as if you were tying your shoes). 
If you like, you can also do some lunges or a little chicken dance." (244)

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3/5 I think this is a creative book. I felt it was more tailored for young people, however, such as those in college or just starting out.  I would have loved more examples for types of styles, and their descriptions. I would have loved more focus on how to look put together when you're a mom and the only thing you want to wear are yoga pants and sweatshirts.  I did find the chapter on how to know if a garment is high quality invaluable. I loved that aspect of the book! 

Anxious People | Fredrik Backman

1. "The older police officer squints at the real estate agent.  He's gotten into the habit of doing that when he encounters incomprehensible individuals, and a lifetime of almost constant squinting has given the skin under his eyes something of the quality of soft ice cream. The Realtor, who is evidently of the opinion that no one heard her the first time, offers an unwanted explanation: 'Get it? HOUSE TRICKS Real Estate Agency. HOW'S TRICKS? Get it? Because everyone wants a real estate agent who knows the best...'" (18)

2. "Nothing is easier for people who never do anything themselves than to criticize someone who actually makes an effort." (209)

3. "Ro replied dejectedly: '...Since she got pregnant everything's become so serious, because parents are always serious and I suppose we're trying to fit in.  Sometimes I don't think I'm ready for the responsibility-- I mean, I think my phone is asking too much of me when it wants me to install an update, and I find myself yelling: 'You're suffocating me.' You can't shout that at a child. And children have to be updated all the time, because they can kill themselves just crossing the street or eating a peanut! I've mislaid my phone three times already today, I don't know if I'm ready for a human being.'" (163)

4. "Julia didn't follow the logic. 

'Grandchildren would make him feel important?' 

Anna-Lena smiled weakly.  

'Have you ever held a three-year-old by the hand on the way home from preschool?' 

'No.' 

'You're never more important than you are then.'" (177)

5. "The bridge is covered with ice, sparkling beneath the last few valiant stars as dawn heaves its way over the horizon.  The town is breathing deeply around it, still asleep, swaddled in eiderdowns and dreams and tiny feet belonging to hearts our own can't beat without." (322)

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4/5. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was not only hilarious and relatable, but the unfolding of the story was clever and beautiful and poignant. Bravo, Fredrik Backman! Can't wait to read more of your books.