#PopMusic: Seven songs to End 2019 in Style

Posted on December 30, 2019December 28, 2019 by The Smart Cookie

This post was proofread by Grammarly

Pop music has always been my go-to listening genre. If I want to see how music is evolved or how emotive it’s become, I listen to pop music.

If I want to dance around and act crazy, I put on rap music.

And pop music always has simple melodies, lyrical cadences, and upbeat musicality that makes it an addiction to listen to.

With that being said, here is 7 songs I came across in pop music that I think are noteworthy and you should give them a listen

You Were Good To Me:

A heartfelt piano ballad about lost love. This emotive track musically reminds me of “Say Something” by Great Big World, it tells the story of a break-up which leaves both parties wrecked.

Good Thing:

As someone who doesn’t get the hype of dating and marriage, this song feels like my personal anthem. It’s a song that shares about standing alone in a world who constantly couples up and being ok with it, is okay.

If The World Was Ending:

A soft and emotive song reminiscing over a past and flawed relationship, hopefully it can start again with the best intentions and more patience.

How Do You Sleep?

As soon as I heard this track I was obsessed with it. Despite the heavy yet relatable content matter of this song, heartache and resentment, it has a hypnotic beat, danceable rhythm, and the distinctive timbre of his voice within the melody.

10,000 Hours

10,000 hours is the amount time taken to master a skill, or in this case, truly fall in love. It is a country pop crossover love song.

Look at Her Now:

An upbeat song about becoming a stronger person after a turbulent relationship.

Falling For Boys:

A soca-styled musicality builds the atmosphere of this track about how women tend to fall for boys mistaking them for men.

2020 music is right around the corner. January 2020 looks to have seven big names release new albums. Stay tuned to the Smart Cookie for all music updates.

Starting yesterday until 1/2/2020: Save $35 on the Winter Box from Box of Style with code LASTCALL

#SmartCookiePR: Albert The Albatross Returns To Sanford, FL For Food Truck Fiesta

Posted on December 14, 2019December 12, 2019 by The Smart Cookie

For Immediate Release

December 12, 2019

Chelsea DeVries

Publicist

Albert The Albatross Taking Flight In Sanford, FL

Debut Children’s Author Appearing at Hometown Festival for First Book Signing

Oscar will be signing copies of his debut children’s book for children, parents, and grandparents alike at the Sanford Food Truck Fiesta on Saturday December 21, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come out and let Albert teach your children the heights they can reach with a good and positive attitude, the power of kindness, and the great gift of friendship. The festival is open to all members of the community at 307 E 2nd St, Sanford, FL 32771.

About Albert The Albatross:

Albert the Albatross is on a journey sharing wisdom and Knowledge while traveling around the world.On the way he will meet and greet lots of his friends and we will learn what they do, and why they do it ( and what Albert thinks about it all )A rhyming story for the young and old !

About the Author:

Oscar Redden IV is the author of “Albert the Albatross: Attitude Equal Altitude”, a book developed to serve as a blueprint to teach and inspire the youth about the values of integrity and respect. Oscar grew up in Sanford, Florida; A place where your last Name meant something like a reputation. Oscar has a Master’s in Business Administration from Saint Leo University and has spent over 6 years in Logistics with Walmart Supply Chain. Just as important as skill is, a positive Attitude is the X-factor to achieving your dreams. He Currently lives Oscar in Ocala, Florida with his fiance and exotic plants. Please visit his website at Albert The Albatross Amazon Page.

To schedule an interview with the author or to schedule him for a public appearance, please contact his publicist Chelsea DeVries at smartcookiepr26@gmail.com

For more on the event, please contact Kim Colgrove at kim@ladies327.org

To download this press release, click Food Truck Fiesta Sanford, FL

Please share this graphic on social media!

#GiftGuide The Best in Books and Music in 2019

Posted on December 11, 2019 by The Smart Cookie

Christmas is two weeks away. I planned to have my annual gift guide up much earlier but it did not work out. Without further ado, here are the books and music items I recommend you get the bibliophiles and cineophiles in your life.

P!nk’s Beautiful Trauma Emotional, raw, and vulnerable with P!nk’s signature belt-like vocals
Love and Gelato: A fun YA centered around a girl who just lost her mom ventures to Italy to meet her father and learns that Italy is a romantic place and their gelato is one of a kind.
Out of the Dark by Mandisa Did you just go through a dark period where you weren’t sure if the light would trickle in ever again? Are you currently in one? Listening to this will shine a light so bright in whatever darkness or trial you are facing that you will live to see another day.
Meaning of Life by Kelly Clarkson: Emotional but dancy Clarkson came back strong with this one.
#MusicMonday: Panic At The Disco’s Pray For The Wicked will take you to the church of rock and roll
#GivingTuesdaySeries: Why I Chose The Christina Grimmie Foundation From Socks that benefit the Christina Grimmie Foundation, beach towels, and leggings, it’s pretty clear you should always espresso yourself and rock your socks off! with each and every moment you have.
#MusicMonday: Happiness Begins 2019 saw the return of The Jonas Brothers. Rock out to their comeback album like they haven’t been gone for 10 years.
Your Heart is The Sea by Nikita Gill Since this was released, she has come out with a new one but this one was helpful in the healing, realizing, and processing part of coming out a traumatic experience or experiences.
Loved Mars, Hated The Food by Willie Handler Satire is a genre I never thought I was a fan of until I read both of Willie’s works. This year he released this second novel about a Toms River, NJ chef who gets stuck on Mars. It is equal parts funny and delicious.
Mania by Fall Out Boy: Their seventh studio album doesn’t have one bad song on it. Despite much criticism for the new sound, they still rock n roll like legends.
After Laughter by Paramore: Released in 2017 but since I’ve always been a fan I listened to this new work from the alternative rock band as they welcomed back their bassist and lead singer Hayley used this album to tell the story of her battle with depression.
What You See Is What You Get by Luke Combs Following the success of his debut album, Combs releases the second that is a definite country music banger from start to finish. You witness the maturing of Combs’s sound and lyrics as he celebrates his recent engagement and winning a CMA this year for Beautiful, Crazy.
Albert The Albatross by Oscar Redden IV A children’s book that teaches the importance of a good attitude. Beautiful colorful illustrations accompany Albert’s journey as he shares wisdom with the young and the old.
#GivingTuesdaySeries: Why I Chose Project Semicolon (New Merch Product Reveal) #EndTheStigma: Recently released on December 3 2019, this backpack 100% supports Project Semicolon, a charity that benefits people who struggle with mental health issues especially suicide prevention.

There you have it, another year in books and music. If I missed your favorite, share it in the comments below. As always you are welcome to find gift suggestions in both my merch shop and support any of my lovely affiliates.

Here is 2020 being the year you choose to ESPRESSO YOURSELF!

Happy Holidays!

and Merry Christmas!

#BookReview: Light On Glass by @MKeenerWrites

Posted on December 11, 2019 by The Smart Cookie

I know this going to sound pretentious and a bit ungrateful but the last book I read that had me absolutely enthralled was Virtue of Sin by Shannon Schuren. I read that at the end of August. As you can see, it’s been a while since a book transported me fully into the story.

As I was reading the first chapter, Light On Glass immediately had me hooked.

“the first chapter has left me breathless. Keener chiseled a cave from stone with her words and whoever this Lucia character is I must know her story.”

Overall, it has two main characters the author Sarah who is struggling with writing her book after publishing a first novel that turned her into a has-been writer who suffered a few very poignant critiques when the novel was reviewed.

As a former teenage author myself, I instantly related to that.

Right now, I am struggling writing the first draft of a new WIP because of a comment my dad made and kept harping at me with when I wrote the first scene and shared it with him even in its premature state.

I will do as Sarah does and forget the critics, head to a library, and just tell the story.

The second character is within Sarah’s novel Lucia. She is standing on cliffs overlooking the rough seas below. She is likable, romantic, and fights for her chance at true love no matter what people say or think of her, and that to me takes guts.

Overall, Light On Glass is enthralling, enchanting, and even educational as you learn some fun beekeeping facts throughout. Once you read it, your heart may never recover but you will be forever changed, in the best possible way.

#GivingTuesdaySeries: Why I Chose Bess The Book Bus (The Story Behind My Logo)

Posted on December 3, 2019December 2, 2019 by The Smart Cookie

You all already know that I am a huge bibliophile.

Yet, you probably don’t know why I chose Bess The Book Bus as the cause behind the shirt with the main logo design.

It all started when the Sheckler Foundation granted Bess The Book Bus as one of their $10,000 Be The Change grants which they utilized to create the Boards and Books Tour.

You see, there is nothing I love more than skateboarding.

I find the sport and the athletes that participate in it to be very inspiring to me as a writer. There is almost an artistic side to the sport. Have you ever watched a guy in the skatepark flip a board and himself in the air?

That to me is the perfect combination of physics and artistry.

It’s almost like dance but with a small wooden board on wheels.

Don’t believe me? Watch this:

via GIPHY

So they won and I thought it was the coolest thing. Boards For Bros. gave out skateboards to kids, and Bess The Book Bus gave out books.

They are a mobile library with books that provide reading material to kids in impoverished communities. They are Tampa based so they are local to my area.

That is why the cookie is reading and boarding at the same time. This was going toward the initiative. Yet, by the time I designed the shirt, the Books and Boards tour was over.

Now I just collect donations for Bess The Book Bus because I believe that all kids everywhere have proper access to books and the knowledge and escape they provide.

Now you know. You can purchase one here and they are available in a variety of colors.

The shirt retails at $21.99 with $6 a shirt being donated to Bess The Book Bus.

And no, the rest goes toward the printing and materials necessary for Teespring to make the shirts.

Other items within this campaign benefit the running and content creation of this site.

All items within my shop are based on the foundational belief that reading is the best activity this world has to offer and they all cater to that notion.

Bibliophiles should have a cute mug to drink their coffee out of.

Bibliophiles should have cute totes to carry their books in.

Bibliophiles should have a blanket that fits them from head to toe while they read.

Bibliophiles should have socks to wear, a beach towel to use while they read oceanside or poolside, and bibliophiles should have a backpack that carries their laptop and textbooks.

#GivingTuesdaySeries: Why I Chose Project Semicolon (New Merch Product Reveal) #EndTheStigma

Posted on December 2, 2019December 2, 2019 by The Smart Cookie

Suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in the US for all ages. (CDC)

Every day, approximately 123 Americans die by suicide. (CDC)

There is one death by suicide in the US every 12 minutes. (CDC)

Depression affects 20-25% of Americans ages 18+ in a given year. (CDC)

Suicide takes the lives of over 44,965 Americans every year. (CDC)

The highest suicide rates in the US are among Whites, American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Only half of all Americans experiencing an episode of major depression receive treatment. (NAMI)

80% -90% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully using therapy and/or medication. (TADS study)

An estimated quarter million people each year become suicide survivors (AAS).

There is one suicide for every estimated 25 suicide attempts. (CDC)

There is one suicide for every estimated 4 suicide attempts in the elderly. (CDC)

I was recently diagnosed with anxiety and depression but have battled it my entire life. At the age of 12, I attempted suicide, and have had recurring episodes of suicidal thoughts since. I also battle symptoms of anxiety and have suffered multiple panic attacks. It can be crippling and you almost feel as if you can’t discuss it.

Most sick days I’ve ever called out of work have been mental health days.

Yet, it’s not yet globally accepted to use a sick day for your mental health.

One thing people don’t know about me is I suffer with social anxiety. In public places, I hate calling attention to myself. And if I have to address groups of people it makes me anxious. I believe I have always suffered this since I was young but started noticing it while in college which makes sense because I actually had a lot of people emotionally abuse me and socially reject me in some sense while I attended school there.

We should end the stigma.

Every purchase of this backpack will benefit Project Semicolon which is a great cause that uses a semi colon to show that your story has not come to an end…you can keep fighting.
We have to help people everywhere understand that help is available, mental health is vital for well-being, and suicide is never the answer.

You can purchase a backpack here and 100% of profit goes to Project Semicolon.

I am also running a Facebookfundraiser that you can donate to and all money raised will be donated by Facebook to Project Semicolon.

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The Smart Cookie Philes

Espresso Yourself However You Choose!

Month: December 2019

#PopMusic: Seven songs to End 2019 in Style

#BookReview: Light On Glass by @MKeenerWrites