Broadway | If/Then with Idina Menzel

This past weekend I had the opportunity to see the new Broadway musical If/Then starring Idina Menzel. My friend and I entered the lottery, and though we lost out for $30 tickets we were able to get $50 seats in the front mezzanine. I knew nothing about the show, but thought anything with Idina and fellow RENT alum Anthony Rapp would be amazing. Luckily, I was quite right.

If/Then is truly a new musical. Idina is our protagonist, Elizabeth, and the show follows her life as she moves back to New York after leaving her first marriage. Elizabeth meets up with two friends, Lucas and Kate, who each invite her to join them on separate adventures. Instead of choosing just one path, If/Then shows Elizabeth's life from two points of view – we get Beth, who chooses to join Lucas at his protest, and Liz, who decides to hang out with Kate. The musical evolves into these two story lines, and the audience gets to see how each choice in Elizabeth's life, whether seemingly big or small, plays an important role in her destiny.

If you're confused by my If/Then summary, that's okay. I was definitely confused when the show first started, but slowly began to see the separate lives that Beth and Liz lead. While the show is certainly funny at parts, be aware that If/Then deals with serious topics (I highly recommend you bring tissues). The story is absolutely beautiful, and I say it is truly a new musical because it represents our society as it is today. The choices that Elizabeth must make, and the people she interacts with, are the people of 21st century America. For example, this is the first Broadway show I've seen that portrays homosexual couples as normal, everyday people, and not as over-the-top drag queens (not to bash those that do – you all know I loved Priscilla). I'm very impressed with If/Then being able to change the status quo of Broadway while using familiar Broadway faces to get the message across.

My Stage Door experience for If/Then was unfortunately a bit of a downer. Despite the beautiful weather we'd been experiencing, it was pouring rain when we exited the theatre. Many thanks to Anthony, James, and Jason, who still signed our Playbills in the rain. I know Idina does come out to sign autographs at the show, but we weren't so lucky. As with any Stage Door experience, hope for good weather!

Overall, if you're in New York, then you should see If/Then. The cast is brilliant, and it was such a privilege to hear Idina sing live. Keep in mind that this show is recommended for ages 12 and up, as it deals with some adult themes and the F-word makes several appearances. More information about the ticket lottery and If/Then can be found on the show's official website HERE. It is currently playing at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

Pre-order the Original Broadway Case Recording on Amazon HERE.

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Book Review | Skin Rules by Debra Jaliman

Today I have my first review of a nonfiction book for all of you! I recently read Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist by Debra Jaliman, M.D., and thought I would go ahead and share my thoughts on this book even though it's a bit different than what I usually discuss on my blog.

As you may have guessed, Skin Rules is all about skincare. The book consists of a series of rules regarding what products to use, what ingredients to look out for, and what treatments are available. I really appreciated how Dr. Jaliman talks not only about specific products, but about products from all budgets. Now I know exactly what to look for the next time I'm at the drugstore, or the next time I'm at Sephora. Whatever your price range is, Dr. Jaliman mentions a product for you.

I learned so much from Skin Rules that I felt a certain "call to arms" when it comes to my skincare. I think I take pretty good care of my skin, but now I've learned even more. In fact, I've already started a few changes in my skincare routine to ensure I'm doing everything I can to take care of myself. The only thing missing from Skin Rules is more guidance on how to take care of combination skin. I would have loved more information on that topic, as I do have combination skin and often have difficulties finding the perfect products to use. Nonetheless, I'm still amazed at how much Dr. Jaliman packed into such a short book.

If you're interested in skincare, I definitely recommend Skin Rules. It is a very fast and easy read, and I know I'll be referring to it quite frequently. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, only because it lacked more information on caring for combination skin. You can purchase this book on Amazon HERE.

Let me know in the comments if you like hearing about the nonfiction books I read as well!

I use Amazon Affiliate links so you can find the books I mention easily. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Snapshot Sunday | Fleet Week 2014

Navy Ship at Pier 92

Gorgeous view of the city

It's Fleet Week here in NYC, and I had the opportunity to tour the ships at Pier 92 in Manhattan today. It was beautiful out, and the perfect day to make a trip to the water. If you have the chance, stop by tomorrow for the last day of tours. All information can be found on the Fleet Week website HERE.

Bout of Books 10.0 | Day 7 & Readathon Wrap-Up

Currently Reading: 

Learning to Breathe Fire by J.C. Herz [BUY]

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart [BUY]

Books Completed: 

1. The Devil in the Marshalsea by Antonia Hodgson [BUY] [REVIEW]
2. Skin Rules by Debra Jaliman, M.D.[BUY]
3. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut [BUY]
4. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell  [BUY]

Pages Read Today: 83

Pages Read Total: 1212

My Thoughts on Today: I was able to get 44 more pages read in Learning to Breathe Fire today, but the book is a bit slow going and one that I'll need to read over a long period of time. Thus, I decided to pick up We Were Liars and got through 39 pages before the end of the night

Final Bout of Books 10.0 Thoughts: Overall, I am very happy with my first Bout of Books readathon! I read four books, over 1200 pages, and even began two more books. I surpassed my goals, and even though I didn't read very much in the last two days I am still psyched about my overall performance. I can't wait for the next one in August!

Bout of Books 10.0 | Day 6

Currently Reading: Learning to Breathe Fire by J.C. Herz [BUY]

Books Completed: 

1. The Devil in the Marshalsea by Antonia Hodgson [BUY] [REVIEW]
2. Skin Rules by Debra Jaliman, M.D.[BUY]
3. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut [BUY]
4. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell  [BUY]

Pages Read Today: 22

Pages Read Total: 1129

My Thoughts on Today: Today was definitely my fail day. I was just in a sulky mood for some reason, and didn't feel like reading. That's bound to happen in a week-long readathon, so I'm trying not to beat myself up about it. Tomorrow is a new day!  

Goals for Tomorrow: Since I didn't read much today at all, it looks like I won't be able to finish Learning to Breathe Fire. My goal tomorrow will thus be to break 1200 pages total for this readathon! 

Bout of Books 10.0 | Day 5

Currently Reading: Learning to Breathe Fire by J.C. Herz [BUY]

Books Completed: 

1. The Devil in the Marshalsea by Antonia Hodgson [BUY] [REVIEW]
2. Skin Rules by Debra Jaliman, M.D.[BUY]
3. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut [BUY]
4. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell  [BUY]

Pages Read Today: 312

Pages Read Total: 1107

My Thoughts on Today: Wow! Today was great! I began and finished Attachments by Rainbow Rowell. It was a rainy day here in the city, so I took advantage of the bad weather and made today a lazy, reading day. I loved Attachments, and it was just what I needed – a fun, contemporary book. 

Goals for Tomorrow: I'll actually need to be productive tomorrow, so not as much reading and more work and running errands. Nonetheless, I hope to get at least 100 pages of my next read, Learning to Breathe Fire done, if not more. It's just over 300 pages total, and I'd love to finish it by the end of this readathon. 

Bout of Books 10.0 | Day 4

Currently Reading: Nothing! Will start Attachments by Rainbow Rowell next. [BUY]

Books Completed: 

1. The Devil in the Marshalsea by Antonia Hodgson [BUY] [REVIEW]
2. Skin Rules by Debra Jaliman, M.D.[BUY]
3. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut [BUY]

Pages Read Today: 154

Pages Read Total: 795

My Thoughts on Today: Things started off poorly today, as I was feeling sluggish and a bit lazy. I didn't even open my book until 2:00pm! I finally got my act together and started being productive, and finished the day off by reading the rest of Slaughterhouse-Five. It's definitely normal to have a bit of a slump towards the middle of a week-long readathon, so I'm not too disappointed with how today went. I'm thrilled to have completed three books! 

Goals for Tomorrow: I've decided to stray from my TBR just a bit and pick up Attachments by Rainbow Rowell. I need a lighter read after a couple of heavy books this week, and as Attachments is the Booksplosion book of the month I decided to give it a try. I actually got it as a free eBook from the library! I hope to get through at least 150 pages of it tomorrow.