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The Nitty Gritty Guidebook

Living your best life requires a plan, an understanding of failure and a heart of gratitude. Adrienne and her co-writer, Bill, brilliantly guide people on a journey to unlocking their gifts and talents so they may share them with the world. Truth be told: the world needs every one of us and all that we have to offer - flaws and all. So get ready to unlock your potential as you dive into the nitty gritty of what it means to persevere with grit so you may live your best life!

This book was developed from a multitude of conversations Adrienne has had with her audiences from around the globe after they experience her award-winning program Perseverance With Grit.

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Book Reviews

Fantastic book; I highlighted more quotes, passages and excerpts than I ever have in a book ~ and I read A LOT of books! I want both of my teens to read it now so they may better understand the quote now hanging in their bathroom: “Is today going to be a good day or a bad day?” #choices

Heidi Hopkins Bellerjeau

As a teacher/coach for 40+ years, I have attended many professional development sessions and coaching clinics. I always hope to find a nugget that I can use that will enhance my teaching/coaching. The Nitty Gritty Guidebook is a gold mine of nuggets that if applied will enhance your life.

Art Daniels

Marvelous story of one girl's triumph over tragedy, of self discovery, and finding her place in the sun. Adrienne shares the lessons learned from her childhood, and the decision making one must engage in when life doesn't follow your plans.

Royanna Borden

An absolutely incredible read! I couldn't put it down! It is very insightful and motivating! Thank you for sharing and blessing us, Adrienne!

CT

It took me only 1 week to read through Adrienne's whole book. It has such a great story line I didn't want to put it down! Adrienne is such an inspiring individual with so much drive, there are many things I didn't know about her that I learned through reading her book- and I'm her cousin! She's done many remarkable things like founding the Relay for Life race at the University of Kansas, got the leading role in the musical "Texas", was Miss Wichita and then claimed Miss Kansas. Her book entails of all her stories and the unfortunate event that changed everything for her. She talks of being adaptable when life changes on you unexpectedly and to trust in God. Her book is full of inspiring quotes and will make you challenge yourself in your own life to be doing the best you can and to keep persevering. Determination is the underlying theme as she takes you through several milestone markers in her life. You won't regret opening this book up and I guarantee you will be telling all your family and friends about it.

lexi doodles

Blood Sweat & Tiaras...such a fabulous tale of laughter, tears, suspense, drama, loyalty, betrayal, love….this book has everything. I purchased this book directly from the author, and could not put it down until I finished it in just three days. Nor could I wait for an opportunity to publicly post a review. Blood Sweat & Tiaras is a captivating tale of a young woman’s struggle to find herself, and then find herself again. It’s a story of resilience. Of passion. Of life. It’s Adrienne Rosel Bulinski’s life unfolding in these pages, but it is also mine. Adrienne draws you in with her masterful storytelling. Then she challenges you to keep up with her unbridled enthusiasm. You will undoubtedly see your own life reflected in the brilliance of these pages, and just may rediscover the sparkle in your own tiara. I highly recommend this book!

JG

Blood Sweat and Tiaras was a book I could not put down. Smiles as well as tears were on my face as I read her book. Adrienne gives the reader a glimpse of her life and how her parents helped shape her into the woman is she today. She shares her life growing up in a small Kansas town, accomplishing her dream of being crowned Miss Kansas and how she overcame an almost fatal accident. Adrienne was a child who was born skipping and dancing and through the raw hurt and agony she has come through dancing again. She now is reaching the hearts of young people who need to know they are priceless and have a place in this world. As a parent, grandparent, counselor and friend I highly recommend this book to the teens and members of your family and friends.

Tracy Hill

Adrienne Bulinski is my step mom. As most kids can attest I think we are the hardest on step parents. Some might think my rating is biased but I have not always been very easy on Adrienne. When she gave me her book I stacked it with my others until I had time to read it. Luckily it wasn't too long until my five year old picked it up and asked me to read it to him. After the first chapter when I told him Adrienne kissed a stranger (during a performance) he pretty much lost interest and was concerned for his Papa (my dad). I was hooked and continued reading on. I have known Adrienne for years but this is something more. I cried as I read through her heart breaks and challenges. If you are looking to be inspired, to be lifted up, and to find hope, I highly recommend this book.

Mama_Bear733

Blood Sweat & Tiaras recounts how Adrienne is a pillar of strength and an extraordinary example of overcoming one of the worst curve-balls life may throw. This is an autobiography of a young woman that explains with many personal details of how she is more than just a 'come-back-kid' coping with tragedy. She brings others up along the way through her passion for helping others, a hefty dose of competitiveness, and an enduring faith that she leans on heavily. There are many nuggets of encouraging quotes, suggestions and techniques for making choices in life. Toward the end of Scene Twenty-Three are some of my favorite.
Thank you Adrienne for sharing your story!

GB

Everybody has a 'story behind the story'... And Adrienne does a masterful job of offering her full story with authenticity and grace. She shares the triumphs and the pitfalls, the seemingly unimportant moments that turn out to be life-changing circumstances, and the massive character-building lessons which take place along the way. Not many people have the capacity to face what she faced and then still come out with a positive outlook on life... But Adrienne does so with a huge heart to help others struggling through their own personal journey. Her zest for life is undeniable and her humor shines through the pages of her book. It's a great read!

I enjoyed reading blood sweat and tiaras. The book is broken up into easily digestible "acts" with famous quotes mixed in applying to the part of the story. Easy to read and the author does a great job painting the images in the stage of your mind. Adrienne reveals a ton behind the scenes details and candidly admits to occasional less than pageant queen behavior with an immense amount of grace and reflection on lessons learned. I am not a pageant girl and got a lot out of it. I recommend this book to all types of people and hope to read another of her books.

TA

Adrienne engages the reader immediately as she weaves the stories of challenges, successes and failures in her life into a beautiful picture of hope and promise. She is open and transparent throughout, honest and true to what each new experience teaches. Her timeline is easy to follow as we learn of a central event that forever changes yet doesn’t define her. You’ll be inspired to see your own life as a tapestry of ups and downs and gain insight into facing each new opportunity head on with courage and determination! I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Carol Baker

I highly recommend this book written by Adrienne Bulinski. It tells her journey from a young woman in Kansas to earning the title of Miss Kansas to almost losing her foot in a tragic accident and the painful process she endured through rehabilitation and eventual ankle replacement. She shares the loss of her dreams and how she learned to build new dreams.
Adrienne is honest, insightful and poignant in her memoir discussing both the good and the bad she experienced in her life. It is a message of hope as we also endure our own struggles.

Mary Elaine

Sometimes life turns on a dime or changes in a millisecond. Blood, Sweat and Tiaras is an incredible journey through one of those changes. Adrienne Bulinski is a captivating chronicler from beginning to end. Her prose style is almost poetry at times. Even better, she's writing about my home territory. I could practically feel the dry air of Palo Duro Canyon and smell the junipers and red dust. I cannot recommend this book too highly. It is a phenomenal journey; physically, emotionally and spiritually. You won't regret a moment spent with Adrienne.

Londa Clark

Blood, Sweat, & Tiaras is an autobiographical tale written with a touch of theatre love. Bulinski depicts her successes and failures with vivid imagery that is sure to keep the attention of any reader. This page turner is not only inspirational but also motivational for those seeking drive to pursue his/her dreams. I highly recommend this book. It will not disappoint.

J. Stay

Her courage & faith is something to be admired. The stamina of her life is amazing. Maybe we can all learn something from Adrienne. She has a voice and we should listen. I like her moxy!

Jodi

Amazing and uplifting story of lifes highs,lows,adversities and triumphs! My wife and I would read segments of this story to each other as we drove on road trips. It was hard to put down as twilight and darkness set in at evening time.
What encouragement to keep on going when times are challenging & tough!

Adrienne! Your book is such a great example of persistence, building self confidence, and creating a great life! "It's not what happens in life that matters - it's how you react to it." ~Mary Kay Ash. Barb and I are happy to see YOU so happy! Congratulations on your great Journalism application!

Don Bushell

Blood Sweat & Tiaras is a wonderful story for younger and old to read. Everyone can learn a lot from Adrienne's life story.

Toni Schneweis

Such a great story and inspiring message especially to those who've had to overcome great obstacles in their lives! Very well written and hard to put down. I highly recommend this book for high school age readers and up.

Michelle

Adrienne Bulinski has done a masterful job of weaving her story together which made it difficult to set her book down. I will be gifting this book to special people in my life and highly recommend it!

K Schaefer

Just wonderful! Once I started reading I could not put it down! Adrienne so willingly shares her story and continues to be a positive role model for all! Very well done!

Minnie's Bookshelf

Loved this book and Adrienne's encouraging story of perseverance and faith in God!

J Keller

Amazing and inspiring story! Look forward to the next book!

I loved this well-written heartwarming book! Would most certainly recommend!

Great book! I bought several as gifts for family as well!

Andrew
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