Show Us Your Books- November

Hello, hello lovely bookworms! Today is a great day because not only is it my birthday and I took off from work, but it's also Show Us Your Books day! Woot! I was going to post about 33 Things I Learned in 33 Years, but then I realized that I'm actually 34 this year and my list isn't complete so I'm really glad it's the second Tuesday of the month! Keeping it short and sweet this round...

If You Only Knew- Kristan Higgins: 3 Stars
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This book was fine for what is was- chic lit. Fluff. It kept my interest but the ending fell flat for me. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and for some things to get resolved and they did, but not the way I wanted them to.

Carry On- Rainbow Rowell: 4 Stars
own, paperback

Different from her other works. Definitely more YA, and started off VERY Harry Potter which kind of pissed me off because hello? J.K. already did that. I was also annoyed that it took nearly 300 pages to figure out who one of the characters was. But as I got further into the story it turned... I really enjoyed the alternating POVs.

The Marriage Pact- Michelle Richmond: 3.5 Stars
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

It started out strong but faded quickly. I understand why it took us back to the beginning, and there was strong character development (at least on the part of Alice), but the ending fell a bit flat.

What are you reading lately? 

Linking up with Steph and Jana!

Hostess Gift Guide and Stocking Stuffers

Last week I shared my personal wish list. This week, I'm back with some gift ideas for the hosts and hostesses of those lovely Christmas parties, as well as some smaller stocking stuffers! (This post does NOT contain affiliate links- I just like sharing!)

For the Host/Hostess

Throw Blankets- I purchased this fox one last year, and it's soooo soft and cozy! (similar) 

Dish/Tea Towel Sets- I always think these sound like a silly gift, and yet I put mine out every year! 

Wine Accessories- stemless glasses and cute stoppers are always appreciated. This set is only $15!

Fancy Coffee/Tea/Hot Chocolate- William Sonoma has a delicious hot chocolate set, and I've never tried merlot-infused coffee, but it sure sounds intriguing! 

Candles- I like these Rewined ones because they re-purpose old wine bottles and smell really great!

Coasters- Another one that seems small, but are practical and can be personalized. 

A Coffee Table Book- "The Year of Cozy" has 125 crafts, recipes, and other homemade adventures.

Reed Diffusers- I never really got into these, but they look nice and smell amazing. 

Gourmet Snacks- Panettone and Italian butter cookies are always popular choices, but what about something a little different like Irish Whiskey Caramels or a farmstead fruit spread set? 

Stocking Stuffers

Pens/Stationary Sets- Perfect for bloggers planners, office drones and list makers- extra props for anything sparkly! Kate Spade- $16.

Gift Cards- An easy one for anyone!

(Small) Make Up Sets- This Benefit "Work It Girl" set has a bunch of their best sellers. (AndI may have gotten the Better Than Sex ornament for myself!)

Candy- Not a basket like this, but I always throw in a few favorites!

Water Bottles- I like these ones because they can fold up when you're done. This canvas one also comes with a carabiner to hook on when you're hiking or outdoors!

Phone Accessories- I like this useful USB keychain, but portable chargers or a new case work too!

Scratch Off Lottery Tickets- Is this just an NJ thing? I always give and get scratch offs!

Fun Socks- Personally these Blue Q ones are my fave, but fuzzy ones are a win too! Blue's family has a tradition for putting $2 in a pair of socks... not sure how or when it started but I like it! Taco socks, Banned Book socks, $10/ea.

Mugs- I don't know anyone who would turn down a funny, sarcastic, or cute mug! (Similar- $11.)

What's are you gifting host(esse)s or stuffing stocking with this year? 

linking up with Owen, Brittany, Erica, and Emily

What's New With Me/Currently: December

November was a quiet month for me, and for good reason. Call it the calm before the storm, if you will. I was storing all my energy (and money, tbh) for the whirlwind that is December. There were a lot of quiet nights with cooking or ordering in and movies, and it was perfect. 

Dueling pianos with my girls

pizza and beers with Blue's brother and wife

And then there was Thanksgiving. I was fortunate enough to have off from work Wednesday-Friday, which was awesome. But historically speaking, I almost never actually enjoy Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE the food, but I rarely get to eat it, and my mother (my only living relative) and I have a rocky relationship, which makes this holiday and Christmas more stress-inducing than anything else. Usually I try to do whatever she wants on both holidays just to keep from fighting. This year, she wanted to go on a retreat in east bumblefuck Connecticut. It took 5 trains and nearly 5 hours each way, and there was nothing to do when we got there. No planned activities, no TVs, no radio, and forget about internet. You know what there was a lot of? Praying. Now I have nothing against praying, in fact I was raised Catholic and did the whole sacraments and alter serving thing, but I'm not a practicing Catholic anymore, and I don't like "forced prayer." (I also did not appreciate being woken up by screaming children running up and down the halls and ringing a damn bell directly outside my door at 7:45AM for breakfast when I don't even eat breakfast, but that's a whole other issue.)

It wasn't all bad. Luckily my mom had warned me about the no TV/radio/wifi, so I came armed with my laptop, movies for the Fall Film Challenge from the library, chocolate, and wine. We also went on a nature hike and learned about how the land had previously been used as a summer camp for underprivileged youth, and even went inside some of the old cabins that were still standing. They also had rescued donkeys (I have no idea why), so we hung out and fed them. I was worried about not actually getting to eat Thanksgiving, so Blue made me a pre-Thanksgiving the weekend before. But the food they served was fantastic! (I mean, Blue's mashed potatoes were better, but overall it was pretty good.)

Blue's Pre-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving dinner

I made pumpkin pie

hanging with these jackasses donkeys on Thanksgiving

Watching: I just started The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon after Christina recommended it and while I'm only on episode 3, I'm loving it so far! Also really looking forward to Star Wars: the Last Jedi and Pitch Perfect 3.
Listening to: Getting reacquainted with Britney Spears and Lady Gaga in prep for their concerts in 2 weeks! Also, the latest P!nk album- Beautiful Trauma.

Reading: A Perfect Stranger- Megan Miranda

Loving: That including today, I only have 8 days of work left for the year! 

Wanting: Not much. I posted a wishlist here. I just added a Sephora gift card because Steph just informed me that my new favorite perfume comes in a spray (I have a rollerball). And Blue confessed that she got me a charging case for my iPhone since lately my battery likes to drop from 80% down to 24% within 45 minutes even when I'm not using it and every background app is closed. Fun times. 

Drinking: I found this awesome service called Hopsy that delivers cold mini-kegs of local craft beer to your front door! You can choose from pre-curated 4 packs of light, dark, customer favorites, or create your own mix. I got the customer favorites one and was definitely impressed! If you're interested, use my referral link here for a $30 discount and free shipping (and I get $20 too!). Also would make a great last minute gift for any beer-lovers in your life! 

mini-kegs delivered to my door!

Lighting: Candles. I may have gone a little cray on BBW's 3-wick candle day last Saturday. But they were $9- how could I resist?! 

Spending: See above! Other than that I've been pretty good about not spending until vacation! 

Choosing: To ignore Mercury in Retrograde, though it will probably be difficult since I'm doing one of the main things you are not supposed to do during this time, which is traveling. Yikes. I also found this handy guide about what to expect this time around based on your sign (ya know, if you're into that sorta thing, which I am). 

Sending: Nothing. I haven't sent holiday cards in years, and even though I've been saying that would change, it hasn't. Oh well, one less thing to stress about!

Singing: I've mentioned that I don't really like Christmas music, but two I will always sing this time of year are Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" and Lou Monte's "Dominick the Donkey" (hee haw, hee haw!). 

What's new with you lately?

Linking up with Anne, Catherine, Kristen, and Gretch

December Goals

November Goals

• Vote- check!
• Fix screen door- BLERGH. 
• Get rid of 50 Items- check!
• Schedule Veteran pickup- check!
• Schedule dentist, optometrist, and gyno appointments before co-pay increases- check! 
• Weatherize windows- going to Home Depot tonight. 
• Participate in Jenn's Film Challenge- Bonus Round (ends 11/30)- check! Finished it! 
• Participate in Alexandra's Live Your Best Life for Less (Holiday Edition) Challenge- check! 17/30

3- welcome Thanksgiving season

5- shop your closet for a new outfit

7- schedule 30 min of reading

8- get your hygge on

9- let go of an obligation

10- treat yourself to a yummy candle

11- clean your fridge

12- give an unexpected gift (big or small)

13- start holiday gift list

14- clear "un-fun" item from to-do list

18- take donations to thrift store

19- go for a fall walk 

20- allow yourself a small indulgence 

21- give yourself a mani or pedi 

23- put your phone away

26- check in with a far away loved one

28- discuss December holiday traditions with family

December Goals

• Deck the halls
• Enjoy bday in Vegas
• Prett-ify: mani/facial/brows
• Re-evaluate finances
• Sell on Poshmark
• Donate presents
• Make a holiday/Christmas wreath
• Participate in Alexandra's  Live Your Best Life for Less (Holiday Edition) Challenge
• Weatherize windows
• That screen door though...

What's on deck for you in December?