Chelsea DeVries's Blog, page 32

#HolidayFundraiser: Espresso Yourself This Holiday Season

I’m sure you are like, ugh not another fundraiser.

I know, I know. It seems like everyone now a days has a cause.

Everyone seems like they are begging you to pay attention and donate to their cause.

So here I am. Just a 25 year old book and music blogger, asking if you would consider purchasing a shirt to benefit this site. I really hate begging people for money but I think these shirts make great Christmas gifts.

Plus, ever since I published my first novel, I have loved giving to charity at the end of the year. At the end of every year, I donated a percentage of my royalties to a different charity or split them up between multiple charities. This year, this fundraiser goes to benefit the Progeria Research Foundation

Book and music reviews are free services but the fact of the matter is, the giveaways used to promote them, aren’t.

And I include everyone in most of my giveaways since most of my readers are international, which I love, because it shows how universal the concepts of literature and music really are. And how under this umbrella, all people from any and all walks of life, can come and feel part of something bigger than themselves. They are free to express themselves and their love of books and music.

The Smart Cookie Philes was founded upon this inclusive nature. And upon the equally important belief that anything is possible if you have the faith to believe in your dreams no matter how big, how small, no matter what anyone believes you can and cannot do.

As a writer myself, I know what’s it like to feel like you don’t belong, that you feel you must remain silent, that you feel like you aren’t good enough as you are.

If you have ever felt this way, then I want you to feel like The Smart Cookie Philes is your place to feel safe, loved, and accepted.

So please share this post with any and all who will listen. And if you can, buy a shirt and wear it with pride knowing that it only looks as good as the person wearing it because the person wearing it is good enough.

Brand New T-Shirt. Same Holiday Fundraiser.

Stay Smart This Holiday Season.https://t.co/03skSOFG0O#EspressoYourself pic.twitter.com/c9kvanwufR

— The Smart Cookie (@TSCPhiles) November 21, 2016

 

Happy Holidays and God Bless,

The Smart Cookie

#BookReview: One Of The Few by @jasonbladd

Some might say that last night was a night when we saw “One of The Few” become an unprecedented majority. Donald J. Trump, a political outsider, became our 45th president.

It makes many Americans feel that we are finally FREE again as a country and as a nation. Though there are still some upset people who are both shocked and in fear over the election results that don’t take effect until January 20, 2017.

Our country is only free because men and women put their life on the line for our every day freedoms. 

And it’s also the heart of Jason B Ladd’s Christian memoir, One of The Few.

Yet, if the fact that it’s Christian in genre turns you off, don’t worry this book addresses it all.

It starts out telling Jason’s backstory but the story comes to a suspenseful and heavy-breathing pace when you read of his experiences in boot camp for the Marines as well as fighter pilot.

Yet, it showcases many worldviews and strongly defends the Christian’s worldview by sharing each side of the argument on multiple issues:

salvation
Creation theories
heaven and hell
sexual sins
pornography

It shares strong views with clear evidence that they are backed by the writer but in a way that makes you see exactly where he is coming from on each topic and in the end, Ladd offers each reader the chance to really come face to face with Jesus, just like he did on the battlefield.

It’s extremely good and has given me hope that a self-published book, if published with professionalism and for the right purpose, can and will succeed in a world that is crying out for hope, someone to carry their burdens, and embrace them with pure unfiltered and unconditional love.

The book is currently on sale in a specific Veteran’s day special for 2.99 on Amazon Kindle.

Want to win a signed copy of One of The Few? (U.S. Entrants Only, please) Enter HERE NOW!

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How @Daya is setting the standard for the future of pop music with debut album #SSLP

Chances are, you’ve sang this loudly while sitting in traffic:

    Boys seem to like the girls

Who laugh at anything

The ones who get undressed

Before the second date.

I bet you would be shocked to realize that it wasn’t penned and performed by someone who is only 17.

Grace Martine Tandon who is known by her stage name Daya (Hindu for compassion and kindness) is a 17 year old rising pop star from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the age of 3, Daya began to learn the piano, eventually converting to jazz piano at the age of eleven. By this time, she had also learned to play the guitar, ukulele, saxophone, and flute. On April 22, 2015 her debut single “Hideaway” was released. It hit #23 on Billboard’s Hot 100. She signed with Artbeatz and her debut EP Daya (released on September 4 2015) debuted at #61 on Billboard’s Hot 200. Her debut album Sit Still, Look Pretty was released on October 7, 2016.

Song by Song Review

“Dare”: The first track off the album is full of dark horse vibes and a girl who even though young is wise beyond her years and knows who she is and who she wants to be and isn’t afraid to share that in this track. It’s a track that asks the listener to dare her to prove something to you, knowing full well she’s already going to exceed everything they are limiting her with. Contains electronica influences, a subtle use of vocal harmony, a mild rhythmic syncopation,and prominent percussion.

“Lengendary”: Originally from the Daya EP, it discusses living in the moment with someone. It features electronica influences, prominent percussion, and major key tonality.

“I.C.Y.M.I”: This track standing for “in case you missed it” is catchy and hashtag-worthy with it’s message of being totally over someone but they keep trying to hit you up. It features electronica influences, prominent percussion, and a subtle use of vocal harmony.

“Thirsty”: We’ve all met a member of the opposite sex who would not take NO for an answer and they were making you lose your cool (not to mention your appetite) with how “thirsty” they were coming off. Almost like the Daya version of Meghan Trainor’s “NO,” except this one contains electronica influences, mild rhythmic syncopation, and prominent percussion.

“Love of My Life”: With Carribean-style rhythms and influences, this track is catchy with a loud “HERE’s WHAT I’M ABOUT” message with lyrics like:

I could like you ’til the day that I die-ie-ie-ie (ie-ie-ie, ie-ie-ie)

But, I’m looking for the love of my li-i-i-ife

“Hideaway”: Daya, who walks out and is bold in her standards, in this bouncy track, Daya bemoans the lack of standards when it comes to her male dating pool, and wishes for a man who actually respects her.

“Cool”: The newest synthopop promotional single off the album, this track has the feeling of just sitting back and cruising while holding hands in a car with an unknown destination which is a perfect metaphor for a healthy relationship: exciting and thrilling but should be stable like a car ride down an empty street. Features r&b influences, romantic lyrics, and intricate melody phrasing.

“Sit Still, Look Pretty”: The title track off the album and the song that made me sit up and pay attention to Daya as an artist. It’s like the 2016 answer to a song that was popular in 1997, Aqua’s “Barbie Girl.” It’s a girlpower anthem taken to the next level with the track starting out with whistling on the backtrack. Girls shouldn’t have to be treated like objects or toys but instead of have their own lives and their own goals and ambitions and not be afraid to pursue them. It also makes me think of a post that Alicia Keys shared on Instagram and I had to repost it because it was totally on point.

“Talk”: I had this song on repeat from the first time I heard it because it is a lot like Pink’s “Just Like Fire.” It’s like a total purple in my hair anthem. It’s all about being who you are and not caring what people think and jumping out of the boxes that people try to place you in. Grace co-wrote it with her team, which makes me like it even more. Features of the musicality include electronica influences, extensive vamping, a vocal-centric asthetic, and a subtle use of a horn section.

“U12”: This song reminds me of the song version of the 80’s movie Sixteen Candles. It’s about having these feelings for someone who everyone seems to have an opinion about but you are letting them know that you don’t care what anyone says as long as they want to fall in love, you are ready to fall with them. Originally featured on the Daya EP.

“Words”: Rhythmically, this is my favorite song off the album because it has Latin influences and romantic lyrics. It’s about feeling close to someone but not wanting to say “love” yet because words only get in the way.

“Back To Me”: A synthopop ballad of always feeling second best to someone you continue to put first and how you have to come back to who you are, realize your worth, and walk away in confidence knowing someone better will come along but learning to love yourself in the meantime. This is another favorite off the album but was originally featured on the Daya EP.

“Got The Feeling”: Carribean rhythms and influences make up this track with layers of vocal harmonies during the breakdown.Lyrically, you see a song about liking someone but not loving them but still like being around them, almost like a fling.

“We Are”:

Ain’t no keepin’ us from doing what we love (we love)

‘Cause we love it too much

The final track off the standard version of the album comes with a strong final statement from Daya, someone who’s young in years but wise beyond them and not afraid to be all that she is and tell others that they are free to due the same. Thank you Daya for standing up for the youth everywhere (especially young women like yourself) who dare to set the standard instead of meet it. And thank you for staying classy in the process!

Get one of these cute bags and help support The Smart Cookie Philes and Metropolitan Ministries. Don’t miss out on these cute goodies!

Too many books not enough bag? #EspressoYourself this holiday season by supporting @TSCPhiles and @Metroministries https://t.co/lwjR3SOUWg pic.twitter.com/1DUQrqbc4m

— The Smart Cookie (@TSCPhiles) October 16, 2016

#BookReview: Small Great Things by @jodipicoult is more than just ‘a great read’; it’s a movement.

We are all familiar with the hashtag on social media #BlackLivesMatter. Yet I didn’t come face to face with it until I read Jodi Picoult’s newest masterpiece, Small Great Things.

Following the main characters through vignette like first-person accounts of the story we meet Ruth Jefferson, the woman this story is centered around. Ruth Jefferson is a 20 year nurse at West Haven Mercy Hospital and is working when the Bauer’s come in because Brit Bauer is in labor is ready to deliver her baby. Ruth Jefferson is a neonatal nurse and a mother herself. Her husband died while serving in Afghanistan.

Instantly, you relate to Ruth and connect with her.

So it equally pisses you off when a wonderful woman like Ruth who was just doing her job is suddenly under investigation for murder, and not just any murder.

The murder of Davis Bauer, newborn son of Brit and Turk Bauer, known white supremacists.

#amreading Small Great Things by @jodipicoult pic.twitter.com/qAvyzVXdwj

— The Smart Cookie (@TSCPhiles) October 3, 2016

 

Picoult weaves a story that shows literary merit but relevance in today’s racism-driven society, one that shares the struggle each person goes through when living based on skin color, or judged solely by it.

It’s brilliant. And I recommend you read it NOW. Get to your local bookstore and buy a copy for you and a friend or family member. It may be Picoult’s 24th book and 9th best-seller but it showcases Picoult’s true talent of writing literature that isn’t limited by time but instead exceeds beyond her years in wisdom, words, and grace.

 

I’m holding a fundraiser to benefit The Smart Cookie Philes and Metropolitan Ministries! Want to help out? Check out the link below. Can’t donate? No worries. Just share the campaign by retweeting the tweet below or by sharing the campaign via the webpage.

Too many books not enough bag? #EspressoYourself this holiday season by supporting @TSCPhiles and @Metroministries https://t.co/lwjR3SOUWg pic.twitter.com/1DUQrqbc4m

— The Smart Cookie (@TSCPhiles) October 16, 2016

#BookReview: Instantaneous Profound Knowledge Abounds in “Instant Messages”

As much as I enjoy writing poetry, I enjoy reading it even more so. There is something so breath-taking about it. As if the thought in your pre-frontal cortex was exactly the words you are reading or even better, the words you are reading were not expressed but lay deep within you, and you finally found the perfect way to piece them together as you read said poem. This book was not only breath-taking, profound, insightful, and inspiring but offered me  micro poems or haikus of sorts that are easy to read as a text message from a friend. Yet, much like the author of this wonderful book, the friend has so much they wish to express that the messages must remain anonymous, and then they text you something that makes you say aloud: Wow. you mean somebody feels the exact same way I do? 

I guarantee that if the New York Times and the New Yorker get a whiff of the greatness from this book, the author will soon become less of one of anonymity and more of a media frenzy that will shuffle election talk under the rug for quite a while.

Traditional Bavarian porcelain by Seltmann Weiden with up to 35% off

Want to win one of three signed copies? Just tweet the link to this review with a light bulb emoji from today until the official release day of this novel Oct. 14 at 12 a.m. Only on Facebook? No worries. Share this review on Facebook and tag The Smart Cookie Philes. Three lucky people will be the winners!

#BookReview: More Than Enough by Lee Hull Moses

I hunger for more and more literature that builds my faith as a Christian. So when I was offered this book to read, I jumped at the chance. Hoping it would open my eyes to a new perspective regarding prosperity.

Unfortunately, I was wrong.

This book really did nothing more than put me to sleep. It was an accurate depiction of life as I already live it with pressure from every which way to obtain more and more stuff and well, I gained nothing new from reading this.

 

#BookReview: Being A Dog by Alexandra Horowitz

I was beyond stoked to read this book because as a cynophile, I love books about dogs as much as I love dogs. I love to learn as much as I can about the four-legged friends who hold my heart so I jumped at the chance to read this.

Sadly, despite it’s intriguing title and author’s best-selling reputation, this book was mostly like reading an animal science textbook and I’ve never been someone who reads textbooks for leisure.

I would give this book overall two stars because although I thought it was dry and overly wordy (and nerdy), I feel that some people who give it a try would find that they learn a lot from it.

The author is a very intelligent human (an adjunct professor at Barnard College) with multiple degrees (She received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from the University of California, San Diego, and a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania) in her field of animal psychology and behavior which makes me still want to read her NYT #1 Bestseller. Stay tuned for that review!

To be one of two winners in my newest giveaway, click here

 

#TeamGrimmie: Christina Grimmie Post-Humanly Shares Last Four Music Videos

Just writing that title made me choked up. I am still not over the fact that young and beautiful Christina Grimmie has passed away. Yet, was amazingly impressed with the way her team decided to share each of the four tracks off her Side A EP with each of the music videos that could be one long extended play final film that Christina starred in.

Snow White: This music video introduces us to the character of Jessica Blue who Grimmie and the music from the EP is portraying. Debuting on her Youtube channel on August 11, 2016, this one made me cry my eyes out because it was the first time I had seen new footage of Christina since that last performance video was shared. Yet, overall, whoever edited the music to match her lip syncing in the video did a poor job and I was worried all the videos were going to turn out this way.

Thankfully, the next video proved me wrong and set my worries at ease.

Her vocals slay on this track and coming from someone who hadn’t listened to the full EP, I was really impressed with the video, it’s editing, and the imagery and direction of this video. Christina stuns in that rooftop still. Wow.

This is by far my favorite music video because not only is this my favorite song off the EP because I relate to it but Christina sneaks in some of her personal values within it by having the lead grandmother say to Jessica: See that girl right there. She’s beautiful exactly how she is. Plus, you can really see Christina’s pure musical talent in this one and on this track.

One of the last tracks Christina ever performed live, this video is eerie because it shows Jessica at a live performance but to see Christina pretending to perform live knowing she isn’t ever going to again really shook me here. Yet, I love how beautiful she looks and sounds in this final video.

RIP Christina, you will forever be missed. You will forever be loved. Your music will live on to carry the message that was your life.

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#MusicReview: Loaded with Potential; Loaded Gun EP

Originally hailing from Toronto, Crystyna Marie sings with a powder keg

voice over a cocktail of grungy blues and pop. The classically trained

Canadian-born singer has supported Ontario acts and been featured as a

demo singer on indie labels from as young as 18 years old.

Marie has taken first place in various categories in the Kiwanis Music

Festival 2 years in a row. She’s taken lead roles in local community

plays; West Side Story as Maria and Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. Over

the years, she has racked up a long list of smaller roles in music

videos, television and was also the lead singer in an LA founded pop

group called Greencat. Writing and releasing her own music, with her own

unique voice, however, is where her true passion lies.

Believing the classics are just as essential as modern favorites, she

finds musical inspiration in everyone from Janis Joplin, Ottis Redding

and Etta James to Selena and Christina Aguilera.

Although Crystyna has been represented by several independent labels

over the years, she decided that in order to shape the sound she wanted,

releasing music on her own was absolutely necessary. Her first solo

single, “Loaded Gun”, is proof that this was the right choice, revealing

the first taste of Marie’s gritty take on the blues.

The EP was released on Feb 29, 2016.

Song by Song Review

“Loaded Gun”: Starting out with a staccato drum beat and bluesy guitar chords, this track with vocals that remind me of Miley Cyrus (at her best) discusses love that has you all over the place emotionally.

“Down The Road”: True to form bluesy rock with gut wrenching raw emotive vocals, this song has the total potential to be as powerful as a Jonny Lang song.

“No More”: Totally reminds me of a pop rock song from bands such as 3 Door Down, Marie sings about feeling so numb after someone breaks your heart. Favorite lyric: “No more I feel of you.”

“The Tower”: The musicality of this track is by far my favorite, as well as the lyricism and songwriting.  Favorite lyric: “There will be no breaking down only breaking through.” Strength penned so succinctly.

Overall, if you haven’t downloaded Marie’s Loaded Gun EP your Itunes library is probably not living up to it’s potential and is definitely lacking for some of what Chrystyna Marie brings to the table.

To be  one of two winners in my Newest Giveaway (U.S. Entrants Only)

MAGIX Software. Discover Your Creative Side Today! Register now as a new MAGIX customer, subscribe to the newsletter and save $15!

#BookReview: The Dean Machine by Dylan Lee Peters and #Giveaway

Growing up one of my favorite books and a staple in my childhood was The Giver. Then, for some reason, I basically forgot how much I loved science fiction in order to pursue YA fiction, etc. Then, I started reading this book and wow, what a READ! From the first page, I was hooked. Why? Well, let me tell you that the main character of this novel isn’t Dan Delacor but his dog, Dean.

Written in memory of the author’s own dog Dean, there was a part in the beginning of the novel that literally encapsulated all that I miss about my own soulmate and best friend Geniveve who left to visit the rainbow bridge in the end of July 2015. I definitely teared up. I love the dystopian futuristic feel this novel has and everything about it worked smoothly and efficiently like any machine might.

This book itself is a machine with a heart that beats perfectly in sync with those that choose to read it. Some may call it a “heart bond” made just for you.

 

To keep up with Dylan Lee Peters other works and works in progress, please visit his Twitter and his site.

To keep the machine that is this site running, I’m holding another giveaway!

Two winners will win copies of The Dean Machine straight from the author.

All U.S. only entrants can enter here.