All About Me Tag!

Hello Everyone! :)

This is the Random Information Tag, I'm honestly not sure where I got it from, but I've had it for quite awhile. So, here we go!

Q: Name something you lost/gave away that can never be replaced?
A: Photos of people and things that I have loved over the years. I have lost so many of them.

Q: What is the theme song for the movie of your life?
A: Right To Be Wrong by Joss Stone

Q: List some bad habits/addictions:
A: Smoking and Soda *sigh*

Q: Who was your first crush?
A: Scott M.

Q: Most cherished childhood memory?
A: Spending time with my grandpa and him making s'getti o's

Q: What is some things nobody know about you because no one cared to ask?
A: Honestly, there is a lot. But, to narrow it down to just two, I would have to say... 1. My normally sunny disposition is me a big cover up for the fact that I am extremely sad all the time. 2. I have horrible anxiety and fears that I don't let most in on because I don't want them to use them against me if they ever get mad at me.

Q: Tell us about your first kiss...
A: Well, I was about to be 6. It happened at the top of a tall slide with a covering at our then apartment complex. He was 7 and names Scott M. I honestly only remember that much. The details are pretty fuzzy, I mean it was like 28 years ago or some such amount of time, lol.

Q: Worst mistake... What would you have done differently?
A: Well, again there are a lot I could mention here but, the one I am comfortable saying is: that I haven't finished college yet. I would have stuck with it, if I could have possibly known what I know now.

Q: 10 things you want to do before you die?
A: 1. Travel -- Canada, England, Italy
2. Finish college
3. Take a posed photo of someone famous
4. Write a book
5. Own a beautiful home
6. Own a brand new car
7. Own my own flower shop
8. Lose the weight that I want to
9. See my kids achieve the things in life that they want to, so they could become happy people
10. Stop drinking soda and stop smoking

Q: Something you know now that you wish you would have known earlier in life:
A: That most people suck. You can't trust too many people with the things that mean the most in the world to you.

Q: Greatest Fear:
A: I am not going to say here, because if you refer back to question 6 I already explained it.

Q: Top 5 things that you can't live without:
A: 1.My handsome kiddos
2. My iPhone
3. My Mac
4. My Canon
5. My iPod

Q: Quote the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you:
A: "You are truly smart and beautiful

Q: Last book you read?
A: Last book I finished: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson. Book I am currently reading: In Honor by Jessi Kirby.

Q: Biggest regrets:
A: Not finishing college, among other things.

Q: How do rainy days make you feel?
A: "She's only happy when it rains..." by Garbage (Yes, I am an 80's and 90's kid, lol)

Q: What effect does music have on your mood?
A: Music can affect or reflect my mood, depending on the day.

Q: What did you learn today? What about yesterday?
A: Today: If I am truly interested in something, I can concentrate on it for hours! Yesterday: Sometimes, it is just easier to shut the fuck up.

Q: 5 traits people notice about you upon first meeting you:
A: 1. My eyes
2. My hair
3. My boobs
4. My tattoos
5. My Size
(Not necessarily in that order...)

Q: Historical Event from the day you were born? March 8th, 1981
A: Shakespeare's Cabaret closes at Bijou Theater NYC after 54 performances. Nancy Lopez wins the LPGA Arizona Copper Golf Classic.

Q: One wish:
A: I could lead a happy, healthy life along with my kids.

Q: Skinny dipping?
A: Uh, no thank you? lol. I have been once in my life, and I am good not to do it again, at least other than in my own backyard if I had a pool.

Alright, that's it everyone!

Hope you have a wonderful day! :)

Review: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Hello Everyone! :)

I finished Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson at the end of June and it was a great book! I loved how relatable the whole thing was. I'm gonna leave a brief (I didn't write it) synopsis about the book and then I will leave a few of my own thoughts also.

Synopsis:
The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend -- the one who yanks you out of your shell. But, right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just... disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There's just a random to-do-list. On it, 13 Sloane-selected -- definitely -- bizarre -- tasks that Emily would never try... Unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple picking at night? Ok, easy enough. Dance until down? Sure. Why not?! Kiss a stranger? Wait... What?
Getting through Sloane's list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she'll find?
Go skinny dipping? Um...

This book just came out earlier this year. I read her book Second Chance Summer right before this one and it was really fantastic. So, I couldn't wait to read Since You've Been Gone right after it and it sure didn't disappoint. Though the content is quite different, they are definitely wonderful/emotional in their own ways. The happiness and sadness in these books are so well written and show a true emotion to what the character is going through.

The lead protagonists are both from the same town, though none of the same characters are mentioned from either book in the opposing book. It is a interesting little fact that some may not even notice. I loved this book. It is hard enough when your best friend moves away, let alone having no idea, on top of not getting to say goodbye and not hearing from them after you text/email/call them quite a few times. But making some unlikely friends because of a stunt your little brother pulls is a good way to help you get through losing someone you meant everything to you.

I also love that she doesn't focus solely on the list, but it is still in the nearby background at all times. This really is a feel good book. The friendships are sweet and probably depicts a lot of friendships between teenagers. Emily's family is not super involved because they are in "writing mode" but when they are, they're funny, loving and eccentric. I am glad Morgan Matson added their parts in occasionally, a lot of authors don't when it comes to underage teens and it can be a bit confusing since parents are usually such a larger part of a teenagers life.

Also, I'm glad she made the "underdog" the heroine and her best friend wasn't present to overshadow Emily's character. Emily deserved to shine. In the end though, Emily proved she wasn't the "underdog" at all by doing plenty of things she had never done before and was scared to do.

I loved Frank's character. I actually know someone just like him, we grew up together. So, his character was familiar to me and helped bring me closer to the story. I loved how Frank has his own "dark-secrets" and you slowly learn about them. It helps make him seem more real and not totally perfect.

Overall, this book is worth reading, go forth and read your heart out! :) (Off to the left are 3 pictures you could click on to buy books, maybe you will find a cheap copy of Since You've Been Gone on one of them! LOL)

2014 Reading Challenge|6 of 12 months

Hello everyone! :)

Well, the end of June marked the halfway point in my 12 month reading challenge for 2014! I am so excited to share my progress with you!

Back in late December I decided to do a reading challenge for myself as a New Years Resolution. I have been keeping track of what books I read and how many pages and in what months I read them since the beginning of 2014. I have to admit I am pretty proud of myself so far.

I started out the year reading the Hearts of Desperation Series by Roxann Delaney. I am friends with 2 of Roxann's daughters and have been for close to 15 years. I love this series. I am currently waiting for August because the last book in the series will be out, The Cowboy Meets His Match. I am sad the series is ending but as they say "All Good Things Must Come to an End." (I just got word from the author today that it is the second to last book in the series! How exciting for me, since I totally love this series!

I read the first 6 in January.

1. Bachelor Dad -- 224 pages
2. The Maverick's Reward -- 224 pages
3. The Reluctant Wrangler -- 224 pages
4. The Rodeo Rider -- 219 pages
5. Bachelor Cowboy -- 217 pages
6. The Lawman's Little Surprise -- 216 pages

Totaling at: 1,324 pages


Then, in February I only read 2 books. February always seems to go so quickly, maybe since it is the shortest month of the year? Who knows, but I found myself not having much time to read unfortunately. They were the next 2 in the Hearts of Desperation Series by Roaxann Delaney.

1. A Nanny For the Cowboy -- 224 pages
2. Designs on the Cowboy -- 224 pages

Totaling at: 448 pages


March is my birthday month so I was extremely busy most of the month so I read only one book. Though it was a great one. Jay Asher did a wonderful job.

1. Thirteen Reasons Why -- 304 pages

Totaling at: 304 pages (bet you knew that already, lol)


In April, I read only 1 book by Kody Keplinger and 1 very short novella by Jamie McGuire

1. The DUFF -- 280 pages
2. Mrs. Maddox -- 5 pages

Totaling at: 285 pages


May was my best month as far as pages I read. I read 5 books in total.
1. Divergent - by Veronica Roth -- 487 pages
2. Love, in English - by Karina Halle -- 487 pages
3. Shut Out - by Kody Keplinger -- 273 pages
4. Insurgent - by Veronica Roth -- 525 pages
5. We We're Liars - by E. Lockhart -- 240 pages

Totaling at: 2,012 pages


Lastly, in June I read 2 books, both by the same author, Morgan Matson. They were both really good!

1. Second Chance Summer -- 468 pages
2. Since You've Been Gone -- 449 pages

Totaling at: 917 pages


So, as it sits at the 6 month mark, I have read a total of 18 books and 5,290 pages!

My 6 month goal was 15 books and 5,000 pages. I reached it! YAY! :)
My 12 month goal is 30 books, and 10,000 pages. Leave me a comment to cheer me on, it is always needed! :)

Do you have a reading challenge? Plan to finish out the year with one? Leave me a comment letting me know all about you reading challenge, I would love to hear all about it! :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

July 2014 TBR/Wicked Wildfire Read-a-Thon and High Summer Read-a-Thon Goals!

Hello Everyone! :)

So, for the month of July I will be joining 2 read-a-thons. Wicked Wildfire Read-a-Thon which is from the 14th to the 24th. Yes, 10 whole days! YAY! Then, High Summer Read-a-Thon is next from the 21st to the 27th. Yeah, they overlap, I guess I sometimes try to be an overachiever. lol.
I am super excited for these to start. They will be my 2nd and 3rd ones to enter.
This list might be a bit ambitious, but I want to make sure I am covered since I have 13 days worth of reading time to cover, plus the rest of the month too.



These are in no particular order, because I am sure I will not follow any order to be honest, I didn't last time.

Book #1: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

I want to finish off this series. I read the other 2 in May in the read-a-thon I did then, but I really needed a break from them for a bit because I have never read dystopian style novels before so it was a brain stressor for me, though I did like them a lot!




Book #2: Big, Fat Manifesto by Susan Vaught

I started this one in the last read-a-thon too and never have gotten back to it. What I read of it was good, so I can't wait to get back into it.



Book #3: Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg

I started this one in April and never have gotten back to it, I will though because what I read was good!






Book #4: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

I have read lots about this one online and I can't wait to find out what the hype is about.






Book #5: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn

I loved this movie! So, I am hoping reading the book will be even better.







Book #6: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I love his and his brothers You Tube channel and I have heard so much about this book, so I am hoping it does not disappoint.






Book #7: Hold Still by Nina Lacour

I bought this book last month and I am so excited to dive in!







Book #8: Everything Leads to You by Nina Lacour

I have heard from many people that I will love this book, so I am looking forward to finding out.






Book #9: The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson

A new kind love triangle? Um yes, please!







Book #10: Conduit by Angie Martin

I am super excited to read this one! It is set in the same city I live in and the author's hometown is the city I currently live in. Plus, she is such a sweetheart!

I may or may not have to add more books later on. We will see. Come back and look during the read-a-thons to see my progress. Leave me some words of encouragement too, I might need it! lol.

Enjoy the rest of your week! :)

Giveaway time!

Hello Everyone! :)

I have some exciting news! I am doing a giveaway! I have met 2 ladies and then a 3rd that I have known for a good long while, who are authors and are helping me with this giveaway by be so kind and offering some items!
I will be using rafflecopter to do the giveaway, so no one will be selected by me or any of the authors involved in the giveaway.

So let's start with what you will be joining in the giveaway to win and then we will go into the details and ways to enter.

Prize #1:

First thing is a tee-shirt from Penny Reid, her Knitting in the City Series is great! You should go check them out, just click her name and it will take you there.
So, she was generous enough to give a shirt from the Georgia Indie Author Event. One lucky winner will receive this tee.


Prize #2:

Second item is an e-copy of Angie Martin's book, Conduit. It is a psychological thriller, I am so excited to read it myself as soon as I finish the book I am currently reading. Angie is so sweet and we bonded over the fact that I live in the city she grew up in, she doesn't live here any longer, but all of her books take place here in my city. One winner will receive this book. She is able to give it in a few forms: EPUB, MOBI, PDF, Kindle Gift.


Prize #3 and #4:

The last item is coincidently by an author who's hometown is the city I live in. 2 of her daughters, which is how I know her and came to love her books. I am excited for the release of her newest book in August so I can read it! But, 2 lucky winners will win the chance to read The Cowboy Meets His Match now, but I should tell you that it is the last in a long series that I promise you that you'll want to read it first. The Hearts of Desperation Series is such a heart-warming series. Roxann Delaney really knows how to write a wonderful romance novel.
1 winner will receive a print copy and the other winner will receive an ebook.

(Edit: There will also be a second Ebook of Conduit by Angie Martin included in this giveaway, so that makes 5 winners!)


I will be emailing you once we have picked the winners, so make sure your email address is right on rafflecopter. Also, I will only be waiting 72 hours to hear back from you with your information. After that, I will pick someone else to win the prize instead.

This is a U.S. only giveaway!

Now, please, go forth and tell your friends :) (contest entry is below, keep scrolling)

Have a great Hump Day!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

June 2014|Favorites

Hello everyone! :)

I have a fair amount of items this month. Lots of random and fun stuff. So, let's get to it!

Category #1: Beauty

I have been searching for a good liquid liner with a felt tip that also wasn't going to cost me a ton of money. So, since I love Maybelline products, I decided to give Maybelline Master Precise by Eye Studio in black a try. I really like it! It of course takes a bit of practice, but it is so much easier than the standard liquid eyeliner. The color os rich and it dries quickly and stays put, all great qualities in my book.

Next, Is actually 2 different products in one, they are the same thing, just 2 different colors. Maybelline Great Lash-Lots of Lashes in clear and also in black. I have loved both of these for awhile now. I use the clear first so that I don't have to use more than just one or maybe two coats at the most. Doing it this way helps to really give my lashes more value and length without looking caked on.

The last product in this category is Olay Fresh Effects Bead Me Up Exfoliating Cleanser. Man, I put this on my face and instantly my face feels cleaner and awake. Since using it every other day my face has felt better.




Category #2: Books

Morgan Matson and I have become close after this month because I only read her books (just 2 of them). Second Chance Summer made me cry so much, it was truly emotional and beautiful. I cried non-stop the last 100 or so pages. Such a good book! Since You've Been Gone was a bit more light-hearted as far as the content goes, though it is still sad at parts too. It is about change and finding out who you are on your own without your best friend as a teenager.

I recommend both of these books to anyone who enjoys contemporary YA novels. Both are under 500 pages, so they are quick reads, but so worth the time you put into them.

Category #3: Food

First one, Twizzler Watermelon Pull and Peels, these were so good! I don't really eat much for sweets, but I couldn't help it when I saw these. I love watermelon flavoring, so these were perfect for me.

Next, my boyfriend came home from Canada with some snacks that they had bought for their all day fishing trips. The one I loved the best was Oats and Honey with Toasted Coconut Kind Bars and OH MY GOD they were so good! Oh and they are all natural. The taste and consistency and the fact that they were chewy and not hard, is all the stuff that sold me on this stuff and it is also what has made me a believer and I will be buying these again.

Category #4: TV Shows

Awkward on MTV -- I loved Ashley Rickards on One Tree Hill, so when I saw that she was on this show I had to watch it. She is quite funny but in an almost brooding, sarcastic way.

Faking It on MTV -- it is so funny and sweet. There have also been a few sad moments too which I can relate to the main story lime in this show. So, it makes this show even better to me.

I found a show on Netflix that was only 1 season long back in 2009. Accidentally on Purpose starred Jenna Elfman and Grant Show had a more minor part. I have no clue why they cancelled it, cause it was so funny! I adore Jenna Elfman, she can always make me laugh so hard! Grant Show really played a part that I have never seen him in, it was so different then his normal parts. I liked it.

I want to give an honorable mention to Orange is the New Black with it's 2nd season. I liked it, but I have to admit I liked season 1 much better.


Category #5: Websites

Thrift Books is really the main one I have been enjoying this month. I have been using this site since 2007 and I just keep falling love with it. The shipping is free and fast. The books are in great shape, the site is easy to use, and customer service is amazing. The prices are low and the selection is awesome too. Just click on the banner on the left side of the screen and it will take you to their site. You'll be glad you did.

Category #6: YouTuber

PiinkSparkles--Samantha, she is just so sweet and adorable. I especially adore her laugh, it makes me smile every time, even on a really bad day. I have been watching her channel for about a year now and I honestly get excited when I see that she adds a new video up. She is so funny. I am glad I stumbled across her channel.

Category #7: Electronics/Technology

I got a new iPhone5c in white. I had a barely working iPhone 4 that was about 3 years old and needed to be laid to rest, it was time. I love my new phone! It is the same programming that I had on my last phone, so it isn't a huge change, except that this one is faster and has a bigger screen. Also, I have Siri now, which has been kinda fun to use. lol.

That is my June 2014|Favorites! Hope you enjoyed this blog and I hope to hear from you in the comments! :)

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend and have a fantastic week!

June 2014|Book Haul

Hello everyone! :)

It's that time again! My June Book Haul!

So, some of these books you may have heard of while others maybe not. So, bear with me while I go through them.

Here we go:

The first two books, I bought with a gift card I received when I won one of the give-a-ways in a read-a-thon in May. I previously did a post about that here.

Book #1:

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I haven't read it yet. I've been waiting until I could buy it, because I have a feeling it is one of those books that I will want to own and reread later on.
I'm sure you've heard of this one, if not because of the book hype but because the movie just came out at the beginning of June (which I haven't seen either and won't until I read the book, I prefer to not let a shortened/changed version of a book ruin my experience). I am a John and Hank Green fan. I love their blogs on their YouTube channel. They are funny and smart and are almost one person except in two different bodies, it is crazy! I adore them!
Synopsis:
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But, Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group , Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.
That synopsis say sit all. It sounds so emotional and beautiful. I can't wait to read it and then watch the movie.

Book #2:

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
I have actually already read this book but I read it on my nook and I was so in love with it, I had to buy the hard copy.





Synopsis:
17 year old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie, Wesley Rush. In fact, Biance hates him. When he nicknames her "The DUFF" [The Designated Ugly Fat Friend], she throws her Coke in his face.
But, things aren't so great at home right now and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse though, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies with benefits relationship with him. That is until it goes horribly awry.
I loved this book. It was totally relatable for me. Most of us can relate in some way to any of the characters and the content. Bianca is a lot like me in most ways. However, she is way more cynical and negative about things than I am. I was usually the DUFF through my life. Though I have never been deemed ugly, just fat, which is the truth and I am perfectly ok with that. :)

Book #3:

The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern
I have absolutely loved the books I have read of hers, which is about 4 or 5 of them. She is funny, but still writes meaningful things. I can't wait to dive into this book.




Synopsis:
This is a story about how tomorrow can change what happens today. Tamara Goodwin has everything she never has to think about tomorrow. But, suddenly her world is turned upside down and she has to leave her glamorous city life for a new one in the country. However, she is soon lonely and longing to return home. Then a traveling library arrives in the village, bringing with it a mysterious leather-bound book locked with a gold clasp and padlock. What she discovers within its pages takes her breath away and everything starts to change in the most unexpected of ways.
Have any of you read this book? Let me know your thoughts! Leave me a comment! :)

Book #4:

Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin
I have a few other books by her and though I haven't read them yet, I have skimmed through them and they are gonna be good. So, I bet this one will be too!




Synopsis:
Tessa Russo is the mother of 2 young children and the wife of a renowned pediatric surgeon. Despite her own mother's warnings, Tessa has recently given up her career to focus on her family and the pursuit of domestic happiness. From the outside she seems destined to live a charmed life.
Valerie Anderson is an attorney and single mother to 6 year old Charlie -- a boy who has never known his father. After many disappointments, she has given up on romance -- and even to some degree friendships -- believing that it is always safer not to expect too much.
Although both women live in the same Boston suburb, the two have relatively little in common aside from a fierce love for their children. But, one night, a tragic accident causes their lives to converge in ways no one could have imagined.
Man, this sounds so good! I am excited to pick it up.

Book #5:

Hold Still by Nina Lacour
I actually found this book because of my interest in another book of hers, which I am hoping to find and buy soon too. I have heard so many good things about all of her books.




Synopsis:
Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful... in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend's suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn't die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed to chronicle Ingrid's descent into depression, becomes the tool by whig Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who lived Ingrid -- and Caitlin herself.
Man, this book just sounds so emotional and raw. I can't wait to experience all Nina Lacour has to offer me in her books!

Book #6:

In Honor by Jessi Kirby
I am currently reading this book and I am loving it. It is an easy read and the content is of real context. The characters are believable and the situations too. The death of her brother is the first thing that they talk about in the book and it sets a mood for the book.



Synopsis:
Honor receives her brother's last letter from Iraq 3 days after learning that he died and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. It's contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and her brother, Finn's celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her.
Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn's last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn's best friend since 3rd grade and his polar opposite. She hasn't seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn... and ruggedly good-looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage hat makes sense only because it doesn't. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and to honor Finn--but when shocking more than one shocking truth are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?
Doesn't it sound really good? So far it is! Let me know what you think! :)

Book #7:

The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson
I heard about this one from a book tuber, she has great taste so I knew I had to get this book when I saw it on Thrift Books.





Synopsis:
"What happens when your two best friends fall in love... with each other?"
"Their friendship went so far back, it bordered on the Biblical--in the beginning, there was Nina and Avery and Mel." So says high school senior Nina Bermudez about herself and her two best friends, nicknamed "The Bermudez Triangle" by a jealous wannabe back on Nina's 11th birthday. But, the 3-some faces their 1st separation when Nina goes away the summer before their senior year. And in 10 short weeks, everything changes.
Nina returns home bursting with stories about Steve, the quirky yet adorable eco-warrior she fell hard for while away. But, when she asks her best friends about their summer romances, an awkward silence follows.
Nina soon learns the shocking truth when she sees Mel and Avery... kissing. Their friendship is rocked by what feels like the ultimate challenge. But it's only the beginning of a sometimes painful, sometimes funny, always gripping journey as 3 girls discover who they are and what they really want.
I am so excited to read this book, it sounds like nothing I have read before!

Leave me some comments, let me know how I am doing. Give me some ideas for future posts, I would love to know your thoughts! :)

Have a great Sunday and week coming up! :)