The Reading Backlog: What's on my Nightstand

I could sit here and write about books and reading all day. I've always loved reading, and my collection of books is out of control. Combine that with a husband who also loves to read, and your house is literally a library. Two offices, two nigh stands, four book shelves, and a few storage totes later.... we have a book from every genre and almost every subject. One of my all time favorite quotes comes from Cicero.

Books allow you to go on an adventure without taking a step. They allow you to feel, to love, to cry, to laugh. On my hardest days, I escape with a good book. Some people think naps or chocolate can cure anything... give me a cup of tea and a good book.

I've struggled lately finding a really good book that I can sit and read for hours. I think my last book (I finished) was Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige and Cinder by Marissa Meyer. Also, add some John Greene and some motivational books to the current completed list. My ongoing list though? It is filled with books that are readable and enjoyable, but I haven't been sucked into them... yet. Note that yet? I really, truly plan on reading/finishing these books.

1. Go Set a Watchman- Harper Lee
When this was released, I was almost in tears. TKAM forever changed my teen years and, it will ALWAYS be on my top MUST read list. To hear there was a sequel, I was overjoyed. I picked this up shortly after it came out, but.... haven't read it through. I find myself reading this hours on end and waiting weeks before I pick it up again.

2. The Wicked Will Rise- Danielle Paige
It's the age of fairy tale retellings. This is the second in a series about Dorothy, Oz, and the wicked Witch. Oh my! I blew through the first one in a week. I LOVED it. I may be partial to the story though, as I have always loved classic fairy tales/stories and their modernistic retellings. I bought this as soon as it came out, and I've not even cracked the book open. Guilty. The first book came out in 2014 and if you enjoy this type of reading I highly  highly suggest checking out this series. This is the author's direct page- Danielle Paige

3.  Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles) by MArissa Meyer
This is another fairy tell retelling. And... just like the above I zoomed through the first and could not wait to pick up the second in the series. The first is Cinderella based but with robots, and databases, and diseases. Except, I did start to read this one, I had some trouble trying to sit down and read through it. This one may not get finished, as one of my other book lovers said they were EXTREMELY disappointed by the series. Boo! I try to not judge a book on one opinion, but so far it's not faring so well for this book. Interested- check it out here :)

4. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
I read rave reviews this book while doing some research on decluttering and methods that actually last. I bit the bullet and purchased via iTunes, and it is on my phone/iPad. So far I have read this book and really liked the flow and her thought processing. I will say... some of her methods are a little out there for me, but if you follow the basics, you will see improvement in your life. To date- I've got rid of at least 5 bags of garbage two huge boxes of donations, and made about $100 on eBay selling items.  Yes, you can guarantee there will be blog(s) about my methods and progress.

5. The Tao of Twitter by Mark Schaefer
This is a recent add to my ongoing list. My husband has been after me and after me to read this book. He said it was a really, really good read, and it will help with my twitter/blog usage. Let's face it.... I am twitter-challenged. Well, challenged in the sense I struggle to use it effectively. I am excited to read this book and hopefully grow my blog.

What's on your reading list? Any suggestions for me? I am always looking for new books. After Harry Potter ended I have this huge,hole, and I struggle to find something comparable. :)

14 Quotes about Mushy Love Stuff

I jumped the gun a little and posted 14 things about my husband earlier in the week. Our Valentine's plans haven't really changed either. You can find us hanging out at home, watching Netflix, playing Xbox, and laughing at the cats. I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.


I've seen post after post of presents for Valentine's day. There's a couple who I adore, and I LOVE seeing what gifts they receive. This holiday-  these super cute Star Wars themed key chains. My BFF received a singing telegram. Countless, flowers, chocolates, and cards. Every year I think of a friend's husband, who has a gift, but scrambles to find something to write in her card. Know a guy like this? Are you a guy who still needs those perfect words?

Let me help you out! These are my top 14 love quotes perfect for any mushy, gushy card.

1. I was about half in love with her by the time we sat down. That’s the thing about girls. Every time they do something pretty…you fall half in love with them, and then you never know where the hell you are.” J. D. Salinger

2. “Who, being loved, is poor?” Oscar Wilde

3. "We're all a little weird, and life's a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love." Dr. Suess

4. “Do I love you? My god, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches.” William Goldman- The Princess Bride

5. “I do love nothing in the world so well as you - is not that strange?” William Shakespeare

6. “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.” Albus Dumbledore

7. "Where you treaure isthere your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

8.  "I look at you, and I am home." Dory

9. "Uuuuuur Aaaahhhrrrrr.Uuuuuurrrrr Arghhhh."  Chewbacca

10. "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." Emily Bronte

11. "As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen." Winnie the Pooh

12. "After a while, you just want to be with the one that makes you laugh." Mr. Big

13. "What a greater gift than the love of a cat." Charles Dickens

And most of all.. Song of Solomon 8:6-7
Joe and I have matching tattoos of the first line of this verse in Hebrew. 

 

I hope your Valentine's day is everything you want it to be! If not, just remember tomorrow all chocolate will be half off. Enjoy! 

No friend as loyal as a book.

This weekend was well deserved. I've been in a hurricane of craziness for the past few weeks. For the time being, the hurricane has turned into a thunderstorm. This weekend though, I took some time for myself and for my house. Take two weeks without air conditioning, and see how considerably messy your house becomes.

I sit here Sunday afternoon in my super, duper clean house. I even donated two boxes and a garbage bag of items to a church yard sale! I can't take all the credit; my mother in law came to help. *Clarification- she willingly helps and doesn't fuss.* Most importantly, my craft room is slowly getting in order. While we put the rest of the house in order, the extra room became the catch-all. There was a small, small path that leads to the closet of the extra room. The path has became more of a room, and you can enjoy the space. Especially since I added a DIY, hidden storage reading nook! (Of course, a blog to come!)

 My sewing table temporarily holds Joe's new desktop. I can't really complete anything else in the craft room until my sewing table is free. Joe is in his office now trying to put a desk together... without instructions.

I did finally get to unpack all my favorite books and line them on my small bookshelf. Endless rows of classics varying from children's literature to anthologies. Harry Potter, Jane Austen, Harper Lee, Shel Silverstein, CS Lewis, Lewis Carroll.... I could go on.

The best thing of unpacking my books? As I held each book in my hands, I could remember exactly when I read the book, where I was, the time in my life, and how those small words impacted my life. Each book had its own story and story in my life. It was a great walk down memory lane. I could pick up any of those cooks at any time, and relive the story they tell.

The title you ask? A quote from one of my favorite authors- Hemingway. When I grown up, I want to be a writer. Your thoughts, your words could change the lives of millions.

I encourage you to revisit some of your favorite books. Relive the stories you loved growing up.

Cats, Cats, Cats... and Harry Potter

As promised, here is my Torrid haul from last week. You are lucky it is even this week because it has been a little hectic. Advice for today. When you are having a cruddy day, and you want to shop but your funds are not ideal…. Go back and look at the clothing and shoes you haven’t worn yet. It is an acceptable alternative, and doesn’t come with buyer’s remorse.

 Torrid is a specialty store, and sadly, there isn’t one in Kentucky-closest in Knoxville. They offer plus size trendy, shoes, accessories, and lingerie. My method for shopping at Torrid?

1.       Go in store to try things on! Most times they remain true to size, but occasionally there is that one shirt that fits differently or a shoe that feels odd.

2.       Come home, and buy online! Often times, I find BETTER deals by shopping online with Torrid. There are always coupon codes available for discounts, and they offer flat rate shipping. Buy $10 or $100 of items- ship for one rate! Torrid Website

My favorite times to shop? Ultimate Fashion Sale (UFS-semi-annual sale), and the release boots/booties for the fall season. You can catch those seasonal items you’ve been eyeballing for some time at 60% off during UFS. The boots… they are my weakness.

With all that said, I was more than thrilled when I seen the Torrid box at my house last week! They never ship items in small boxes either. It’s the type of box my mail carrier curses at because it takes up the majority of their vehicle, and they have to deliver it to my door. Warning! My 3 loves are below: cats, shoes, and Harry Potter.

Retro Hip Kitty Tee

Who could pass up this name?? Better yet, who could pass up a cat in a wig wearing a studded  jean jacket???? The studs are sparkly embellishments which I totally couldn't resist. This is an internet exclusive! Once it's gone, it's usually gone. Until they pop up on ebay. Look here : ) It's on sale!

 

Kitten Me Scoop Neck Tee

 

I got this shirt simply because it made me crack up- literally laugh out loud. It was even more hilarious when I seen it in person. In case you like a funny cat shirt, Cracks me up :)

 

Harry Potter Glasses and Bolt

 

I ALWAYS wanted a Harry Potter shirt- always! However, I didn't want Harry or Ron's face displayed awkwardly across my chest. I wanted sleek and simple. My other concern... glasses on the chest of a shirt. Too many times, I see a girl in a short that has glasses printed directly on her shirt, directly on her chest. It's definitely a shake my head moment. Did you realize you're "I'm a nerd" shirt has caused you to have targets on your boobs??? This shirt... the glasses fall below your breasts, so you are in the clear of targets. When I found this HP shirt, I HAD to buy it. Very, very rarely will I EVER pay this much for a tee, but, again, I really super-duper-uber wanted it. Love HP? Fall in the awkward face/glasses/boobs category? Look at this :)

 

Now... onto my ultimate weakness. SHOES! I only got three pairs this time. ONLY THREE!

 

Yoki Troppa Black Buckle Booties

 

Back in the fall, I fell in love with these boots. At first, I bought the brown because the black reminded me too much of a pirate. There are by far the most comfortable ankle bootie I have ever purchased. They are padded and have great arch support. It's the rule of being a woman: Find something you like, buy it in every color. Once these went on sale, I added the black pair to my collection. I highly recommend adding these to your collect, in BOTH colors. Yoki Bootie

 

These next two... unfortunately are sold out on Torrid's website. However, you can find them at various other sites (Amazon and TUK to name two).

 

 

Both shoes are made by the TUK brand. They offer a different type of style-a gritty on the edge, not from my small town style. Not just for women either! They make shoes for men and children as well. They are extremely well made, and all heels come with additional heel stoppers (the piece that always wears out). Both pairs are very padded and offer great support. The bow on the peep toe is even a satin bow! Visit TUK Shoes to see what all they offer.

 

I currently have my eyes GLUED to these...CAT SHOES

And... I let Joe know where he can buy them ;)

 

Might be a crazy cat lady and lots of love until next time!