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Celina - HR Director

Recovering Perfectionist

Juggling a busy family gets hectic, but I'm always reading bits of everything. I like to run and adventure in my "free-time" -- and of course flop out with a great book!  I prefer stories with a happy ending and non-fiction titles that inspire me to do better. I read cookbooks for the pictures mostly and I'm always looking for new ways to keep things simple.  I know a book is good when I make time to read it - these books are THOSE books!  Come read with me.

Recommended Reads

Here's a fresh glimpse into some recent reads. Confession: I jumped on the Colleen Hoover train temporarily, enjoyed more rom-com with the Emilies  Emily Giffin and Emily Henry - and threw in a little real life!

 

Here's a fresh look at some recent reads. Confession: I briefly jumped on the Colleen Hoover train, enjoyed more rom-com with the Emilies — Emily Giffin and…

<p>There's a reason why the library has a gazillion copies of this book! Everybody is reading it.</p>

More Books I Enjoyed

 

One of the great things to come out of 2020-2021 was my increased reading for fun. Here are some of those favorites, including some that have been around for a few years that I finally got a chance to enjoy. Add them to your reading list!

 

<p>Why did I wait so long to read this? With rumors of a pending movie, I had to read the book. And what a story! I'd venture to guess that #thebookwasbetter.</p>
<p>I love period fiction, and once again I found myself learning a little history along the way. This book opened me up to the author, who has many other great titles!</p>
<p>Fall for it! This first in the two book series is such a fun read. If you're like me, pick a Saturday and just read it cover to cover in one day. Then check out "The Happy Ever After Playlist," and read it the next weekend.</p>
<p>I'm here for the light romance! Read the book, then create the playlist on your favorite streaming music account.</p>

Summer Reading

It's summertime, which for me means more time in the car getting to and from our family adventures. Lucky for me, this also means some extra time to listen and read! Here's what I'm checking out.

Any "Dawson's Creek" fans out there? This one's for you!

New Reads

This list is totally poupourri and includes a few recent favorites that I have stumbled upon through my scrolling of Instagram.  

"Researcher. Storyteller. Texan. Courage is contagious. Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver."
This is currently on my nightstand. It's a new release from the author of "The Lilac Girls."
A gnarly, rather controversial look inside a privately run prison in Louisiana.

Picture Books for Grownups

Get inspired!

 

<p>Read this and then go back and follow @lauraiz on Instragram.</p>
<p>Simple ideas for updating the look of your home. Gorgeous!</p>

Whatcha Reading, Celina?

Curious about what I'm currently reading? I'll admit it's a little hodgepodge, but here's a peek into my most recent checkouts!

<p>I'd heard this book featured on NPR and had to check it out after hearing the interview with the author.</p>
<p>In anticipation of Emily St John Mandel's visit later this fall, this book is a must read.</p>
<p>Ever check out travel books? MCL has tons of resources to help make traveling a breeze!</p>

Books I've Recommended to My Girlfriends

If I could spend most of the day reading a book and ignoring the rest of the world (and the never-ending laundry in my home), I'd choose something like this.  

<p>The first in the series, this YA book was impossible to put down. A sort of Cinderella meets the reality show "The Bachelor" with a side of dystopian drama.</p>

Parenting 101

These are my favorite go-to titles related to being a mom. Some funny, some educational, all lead me to being an awesome mother. You can ask my kids!

<p>This book started as a blog and is one of the best out there, IMO.</p>
<p>Do parents still read parenting books? If you do, then don't miss this handy guide to dealing with cavemen children!</p>

Real Stories I Loved... and Read to the Bittersweet End

There's nothing like reading an incredible TRUE story. These are a few favorites of mine that I couldn't put down. 

<p>An absolutely amazing story that was made into a movie, "Lion."</p>
<p>As a spouse of first responder and air force veteran that served in 2001, honoring 9/11 every year is important to me.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Red Bandanna is an incredible true story of heroism and gives me hope in all the good in this world – even when tragedies occur.&nbsp; The story of Welles Crowther broke my heart a thousand times, but left me so inspired knowing one person can make a difference.&nbsp;</p>

Get in the Kitchen!

 

This list is dedicated to my sister, Natalie who has a cute sign in her kitchen that reads, "I only have the kitchen because it came with the house."

In 2002 when I was first married, my husband joked that one day I would be the mom making macaroni and cheese and fish sticks for dinner. I'll never forget standing in our tiny kitchen and thinking there was no way I'…

<p>Get the book , then follow Melissa on Instagram!</p>
<p>Have you tried spiralizing? Pick up one off Amazon and trick your kids into eating fun shaped food.</p>
<p>Hello easy clean up!</p>