Monthly Musings: Summer Vacations/Staycations

This is a fun questionnaire all about vacations and staycations is hosted by Patty and Holly. I actualy started going out a little bit, and had my first night in a hotel just last weekend. It wasn't bad- probably cleaner than ever before! Here are some 

1. It really depends on the destination! My carry-on always has reading material (book or Kindle or both), Aleve, a long sleeve shirt or hoodie if I'm not already wearing one, gum, my contact case and eyeglasses, and of course Mopey Batman, who comes with us on all of our vacations!

2. I've never used packing cubes before, and don't think I really need to especially since I'm only packing for myself. I could see how they'd be helpful if packing for multiple people though.

3. I ALWAYS prefer warm vacations- give me some clear blue waters and a cocktail any day!

4. Hands down Maui, HI. I went there for a wedding years ago and would love to go back!

5. I've heard "be a tourist in your own neighborhood" before, so I guess that. Try a new-to-you restaurant (with outdoor seating), and maybe go for lunch instead of dinner so it's less crowded. My friends dressed up for "a night at the theater" when they watched Hamilton which I thought was a cute idea too. 

6. I've gone glamping with a group of friends every year for the past 6 years and I love it! I'm a big fan of running water!

7. 20 - NY, PA, CT ,RI, MD, HI, CA, CO, NV, IL, FL, LA, TN, OH, NH, TX, KY, VA, MA, DE

8. Yes! I had a friend in high school who took  me along with her family 2 summers and I "camped" with them in their RV.

9. Every year Blue and I go on a trip for my birthday. I usually pick the place and find all the "must-sees" in the area and plan them out for us. A few years ago when we did the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, I found out that there was going to be a huge comet show on my actual birthday and there was a natural conservatory hosting an event where they'd have a bunch of telescopes and tell you about what you were seeing. First of all, it was in the middle of a forest, dark out (duh), and a man had to open the gate for us. That was kinda creepy and weird. Then we park and he takes us into the conservatory where there was a small group seated in a semi-circle in a classroom talking about stars and using one of those really old projectors to showcase what we would have seen. Apparently it was too overcast to actually see anything so they were holding a discussion instead, and it was very obvious when we arrived 15 min late since the group was only about 15 people! We were so mortified that we sat in rigid silence while the guy droned on until there was a 10 min coffee break and we raced out the door!

10. Italy. My partner and I were actually just discussing this last night. If we can swing it we'd like to do a Mediterranean cruise, but if that's not feasible then just 2 weeks all around Italy. I've always wanted to see the Amalfi Coast and Positano.

What about you? 

Where would you travel to first when you can?

Mid-Year Book Freak Out 2020

I believe this is my first time doing one of these, though I always read them and remember to participate just a bit too late. But I've finally made it! Honestly, this was a lot harder to do than I was expecting! So far I've read 33 books this year, so I tried not to repeat myself for any of the categories but for most categories I couldn't pick just one! 

Best Book You’ve Read So Far In 2020

Verity by Colleen Hoover and What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far In 2020

I don't read any series, so I'll choose the follow-up to her last book, Wow, No Thank You. by Samantha Irby

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To

Is 6 months ago still considered a "new release"? I hope so... Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid and The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half of the Year

I wrote a whole post on this last month, but here are my top 4 (in order of release date):

Heart Bones - Colleen Hoover: July 28

Charming as a Verb - Ben Philippe: September 8

Anxious People - Fredrik Backman: September 8

The Cousins - Karen M. McManus: December 1

Biggest Disappointment

The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren. It's not that it was a bad book, it's just that I had such high expectations and this definitely fell flat for me.

Biggest Surprise

The Boy From The Woods by Harlan Coben. This was my first by him and I picked it up after Steph mentioned loving it on the Show Us Your Books linkup hosted by Steph and Jana. Usually I already have a lot of new releases books on my TBR, but I hadn't heard of this one or the author. I was even more happily surprised that it takes places in NJ (where I live)!

Favorite New Author (Debut or new to you)

Courtney Summers

Newest Fictional Crush

I don't really "do" fictional crushes, but if I had to choose I think it's gotta be Reid from Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn. Don't get me wrong- he was completely uptight and awkward and incredibly hard to read at first, but I just love how the relationship between him and the MC grew and how he finally expressed himself at the end. 

Newest Favorite Character

I loved the headstrong  smart, and resilient Laurie from If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane. 

A Book That Made You Cry

All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

A Book That Made You Happy

House Rules by Ruby Lang. (It was really a tie between this and Love Lettering, but as I said earlier I'm trying to not repeat books here! This was also quite a surprise because I got it from Netgalley and only after I got it realized it was #3 in a series, but it was so sweet, and the only book that was able to pull me out of my reading rut during the very beginning of quarantine!) 

The Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought (or received) So Far This Year

I don't buy books, but I received An American Marriage by Tayari Jones for Christmas and Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi for Christmas in July, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Guess I have a thing for a touch of gold foiling!

Favorite Book To Film Adaptation You Saw This Year

All of my favorite adaptions are actually TV mini series! 

Modern Love - Daniel Jones: Amazon Prime

Little Fires Everywhere - Celeste Ng: Hulu

I'll Be Gone in the Dark - Michelle McNamara: HBO

What Books Do You Need To Read by the End of the Year

All the ones I listed for Book Challenge by Erin 13.0, and...

Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell

I'm Still Here: Black Dignity In a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

So there you have it! My first Mid-Year Freak out- woot! My personal reading goals for the year were:

• 12 Non-Fiction (6/12)
• 25 from my bookshelf (digital [50] or physical) (/) I'm not going to count books right now, but I did make a dent! Probably about halfway through between digital and physical, especially since digital was counting Netgalley and as noted below, I read 10 of those so far this year. 
• BCBE 12 (completed) and 13 (3/10)

And just for funsies I decided to check out how many I read from these categories:

• Netgalley: 10
• Bipoc Authors: 8
• Male Authors: 2
• YA/Teen books: 8? (I wasn't sure whether to include Normal People since it follows them from teens into adulthood, but in the end I did) 

What were some of your favorite books this year? 

Did you do a Mid-Year Book Review? If so, I'd love to see it! 

Summer Bucket List Update and 20 Questions

Super quick Summer Bucket List update... I got a lobster roll! It was a pick-up order but super fresh and hot and delish. I like both the hot and cold versions- what about you?

I went glamping! It was raining sheets the first night so we stayed in and played games and sang karaoke. The next day we were able to hang out by the pool, go for a long walk around the property, and eat a whoooole lot! (And yes, I did take everyone's temps before even entering the cabins and stayed away from everyone not in our group!)

Beach day (aka "sand flu") is scheduled for next Sunday/Monday! We are heading down on Sunday to start celebrating Blue's birthday a tad early. I just booked a hotel and outdoor dining last night, so I'm really looking forward to this little getaway with just us! 

Unrelated, I saw these questions going around recently, so I wanted to play along! 

1. Introvert or extrovert?
Ambivert. When I was younger I was definitely was an extrovert, but as I've gotten older I've noticed that I needed more time to recharge in between large friend gatherings and just want to be with my one person or alone completely, so I'd say I'm leaning more toward being an introvert these days. 

2. Favorite movie?
Sweet Home Alabama, Love Actually, Step Brothers, Pretty Woman

3. Arrive early or late?
I used to always be a bit late, but then I dated someone who hated it, and then another someone, and now another, so yeah... early lol!

4. Last book you read?
The last book I finished was The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han. It was a bit too YA for me and you can tell it was some of Han's earlier work, but it "passed the time just fine" as Steph would say.

5. Favorite holiday?

While I LOVE the Thanksgiving food, the holiday itself stresses me out. So 4th of July- I love summer, hanging out with my friends, simple foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato or macaroni salad, and the carefree nature of the holiday... oh and fireworks!

6. Pet peeve?

Oooh so many... terrible drivers, people (especially those in higher roles than me) who repeatedly make the same grammatical errors (it's "YOU'RE" Welcome, not YOUR!), and most recently those who don't wear masks in public spaces and/or don't respect the space markers

7. Food you refuse to eat? 

Brussel sprouts and liver

8. Favorite fast food chain? 

This is a toughie because it WOULD have been Taco Bell, hands down. But since they changed up their menu (and got rid of a lot of my favorite burrito options) it's no longer a go-to. If I had a White Castle nearby I'd go there alllll the time!

9. How do you keep fit?
I don't...

10. Morning person or night owl? 
Night owl.

11. Favorite drink?
Coffee, iced green tea, Cabernet, and craft beer (NO IPA's!). Though White Claw has become a new fave this season. It's so light and refreshing on a hot day! 

12. Irrational fear?

13. Go-to snack?

I'm not really a snacker but I'd reach for something salty like chips with onion dip, or spicy like jalapeño chips or Hot n Spicy Cheez-its.

14. Strongest sense?

15. Fictional place you’d like to visit?

None really, but I guess for the sake of the question I'll agree with Trista and say Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, even though they really do make a fanfest weekend like that in Kent, CT every year!

16. Kindle or actual book?
I will always prefer actual books when I'm not commuting. 

17. Last movie you went to see?
I honestly don't remember! 

18. Favorite season?
Summer

19. Beach or mountains?
Beach, but I like mountains too.

20. Favorite cereal?
Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Cocoa Krispies :)


Tell me something I may not know about you! 

June Reads

I had a pretty good reading month in June until the last week or so where nothing was grabbing my attention. Ah well. Here's what I got through in June.

Red At The Bone - Jacqueline Woodson: 4 Stars
library e-book

This was not what I was expecting at all. I mean, I'm not sure exactly WHAT I was expecting, but this wasn't it. I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction and/or dual timelines so I thought I'd get confused but it was very straight forward. A short read that definitely packs a punch and had me thinking about it long after I finished it. 

"There’s so much in this great big world that you don’t have a single ounce of control over. Guess the sooner you learn that, the sooner you’ll have one less heartbreak in your life." 

"Today you got introduced to society, Melody, he says sleepily. Shoot, I love that people think the world is even halfway ready for what we about to bring."

Love Lettering - Kate Clayborn: 4 Stars
Goodreads giveaway

I wasn't expecting much from this. I just wanted something light and fluffy while waiting for other books to come in. It started pretty slow but took huge turn somewhere near the middle, but that just made me love it more. I also loved how different Meg and Reid were but how their relationship grew. I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one- it was just a feel-good book! 

“Let’s get something straight between us. I don’t feel sorry for you, and you have no reason to feel sorry for me, either. I’m not some manic pixie dream girl who needs your stabilizing influence. I’m good at my job."

"So: I am sorry. I am sorry, and I love you, and the time I have spent with you has been the best time of my life. No matter where I go after this, I will never take a step without wishing you were walking beside me, and I will never see a sign without wishing you were there to see it with me."

Wow, No Thank You. - Samantha Irby: 4 Stars
library e-book

An auto-request for me. I just love Samantha Irby's no-frills, this-is-how-I-am, take it or leave it honesty. It's so refreshing, and she's so funny! I literally found myself laughing out loud in parts. This is like her "Ode to turning 40" and while I couldn't relate to everything (as I'm not yet 40), My favorite parts were definitely the 90's Mixtape and "Sure, Sex is fun, but have you ever..." because I highlighted nearly everything in that chapter. 

"Remember when you could be roused from a night being spent on the couch in your pajamas, curled around a pint of Chubby Hubby, and goaded into joining your friends at the bar even though you’d already taken off your bra? Yeah, I can’t either, but I know those days existed." 

“It’s cute you think I’m going to eat this unsalted vinegar spray on this bowl of damp lawn clippings you’re trying to serve me but, no, ma’am, I will not.” 

"...what does “a wife do”? You know what my wife does? Asks me three times in a row if I’ve e-mailed the HVAC company yet, and moves my shoes to places where I can’t find them and then calls that “cleaning.” (I've done these things and I'm not even married yet.) 

"Girl, I am not Bob Vila. I don’t know shit about crown molding. And I’m not building a temperature-controlled cellar for this cheap-ass Costco wine."

The Benefits of Being an Octopus - Ann Braden: 4 Stars
Netgalley (Pub date Sept 2018...oof)
trigger warning: emotional abuse, bullying

I really enjoyed this middle grade novel. The MC, Zoey, is a badass. Growing up in poverty, the 7th grader is the primary caretaker of her three younger siblings (one an infant), herself, and attend school; she wishes she had 8 arms to be able to take care of everything she needs to. I was pissed at the mom for never listening to her and doing whatever her boyfriend who they were living with wanted and catering to his needs above her kids. I was also wary of Zoey's friendship with Fuschia, thinking she would bring Zoey down, but ultimately they helped each other out. It was definitely sad at times, but also hopeful. 

The Mall - Megan McCafferty: 2 Stars
Netgalley (Pub date 7/28)

I read this in one sitting, which in most cases for me is a giant feat and means the story was just that good (and I had the time). That's not true in this case. In fact, I found myself skimming more and more as I read further because I just wanted it to be done. The only reason this wasn't a DNF was because I'm trying to get better at reading my Netgalley books before they publish and I knew I had time with this one. I was also really looking forward to it because it's set in 1991 in New Jersey (where I grew up and currently live), and at a mall. I shoulda known better after reading Jana's review last month, but I completely agree with her description- great for nostalgia, but VERY YA. The MC was incredibly immature, and not in a cute way. Not sure what else I can say about this one, other than I was sorely disappointed. 




Book Stats (previously /now)
Total number read: 31
Netgalley: 9 / 11
Owned: 1 / 3 - no change
Non-Fiction: 5 / 6
WOC: 6 / 8
Given Away: 23 / 28

Currently Reading: Secrets in Summer - Nancy Thayer

What are you reading?

Linking up with Steph and Jana!

TTT: Favorite Authors

Usually I try to read a lot of books by a lot of different authors, so if I've read and/or own more than one book by you, I consider you a favorite! Also I didn't realized until I finished this list that they're all women. I think that's just because I generally read more by female authors? I don't know, maybe I'll do a break down at some point, but today I'm sharing a few of my faves. 

Rainbow Rowell- cue fangirl-ing (ha ha)! I love Rainbow's work and have read everything by her except Wayward Son (the follow-up to Carry On, and currently sitting on my bookshelf) and Landline. I've been to two of her discussions/book signings and one panel she sat on, and follow her on social media. In fact that's how I learned that one of my favorites by her, Eleanor and Park, will FINALLY be turned into a movie! *squeeee!* 

Angie Thomas
A relatively new author, but a powerhouse. I've read both of her books and I can't wait for her new one coming out next year, Concrete Rose, which will be a follow-up to The Hate U Give set 17 years beforehand. There's also a movie in the works for On The Come Up which I'm looking forward to as well! 

Becky Albertalli
Another one where I've only read two of her novels so far, but am definitely looking forward to reading more by her! Jessica, another TTT follower and contributor, states her love for her better than I ever could, and I couldn't agree with her more!

Christina Lauren
I nearly didn't add these two because I'm just not sure. I adored Josh and Hazel's Guide To Not Dating, but didn't love The Honey-Don't List, and I still have Autoboyography (their one YA novel) on my bookshelf. I've heard that their earlier work is better than their most recent (which some have critiqued read like they're being written to be picked up as movies), so maybe I'll have to start there.

Colleen Hoover
Ah-ha! Another one where I've read more than two of her books! I started with her Slammed series in 2014 and feel like her writing just keeps getting better. I'm looking forward to the Never Never series on my Kindle and her TWO new releases coming out this year, Heart Bones and Layla! Also if you haven't read her work yet, a lot of them are available on Kindle Unlimited! 

Courtney Summers
I believe it was Erin who first told me about this author and even sent me one of her books, Some Girls Are, many years ago. Well, it's still sitting on my bookshelf, but I won a free copy of Sadie and finished it in one sitting, which is quite a feat for me! I will definitely be reading the other one I currently have and basically everything else by this author! 

Gillian Flynn
I almost forgot to include Ms. Flynn because it's been so long since I've read her work, but being that I read everything she's written and watched the movies and TV adaptions, she should definitely be included on this list. (Also my favorite by her was Sharp Objects... and yes, the book was better than the show, though I did enjoyed that too!) I hope she writes something else soon! 

Liane Moriarty
So far I've only read Big Little Lies and What Alice Forgot, but I recently acquired The Husband's Secret (thanks Paperback Swap!), and am hoping to read her entire backlog. I love the way she writes suburban drama/mystery.

Lisa Jewell
I mentioned this last time, but the first book I read by Ms. Jewell was "Watching You," which I got from Netgalley and hooked me from the beginning. And even after only reading one of her books, I knew she was a star amongst the domestic suspense writers. I have "The Family Upstairs" on my Kindle and am looking forward to reading that next!

Who are some of your favorite authors? 

Linking up with Jana! 

What's Currently Going On With Me

Welp here we are on Day eleventy billion (or 104) of sheltering in place, or in my case two places since I head to Blue's on the weekends since we both don't go anywhere during the week, so she's "safe." Like last time, I'm sharing Currently along with What's New With You because there's not much going on over here. 

Reading: So excited it's finally time for Book Challenge by Erin 13.0! Starting with Beach Read - Emily Henry

Watching:

• Concerts - Full weekly lists from here
• Amy Schumer Learns To Cook- Hulu: so freakin funny! And I learned about "tonnato" sauce, which I plan to implement very soon (though maybe not with fennel lol)
• Love, Victor - Hulu: very cute so far. I'm only one episode in...
• The Sopranos - HBO: Yes, from the VERY BEGINNING. I've never seen it before and as a Jersey girl this was apparently "unacceptable" ::shrug::

Listening to: US Summer Hits of the 90's on Spotify

Procrastinating: Going to the eye doctor. My annual appointment was originally scheduled for June and even though they're open I'm not ready to be that up close and personal with any one or any equipment that's touching other people's faces, thankyouverymuch! 

Dreading: July 14th. That's when Blue's company is announcing lay-offs. Fingers crossed she's not one of them. If you can, please send some prayers or positive vibes her way! 

Looking forward to: the weekend (as per yoosh). Work granted us an extra day off tomorrow, so I have a 4-day weekend! Planning to watch Hamilton on Disney+ Friday,  and eat London broil, chili cheese dogs and burgers, corn on the cob (or Mexican street corn salad if we can find cotija cheese) and potato salad... yeah, the highlight of my weekends is usually food these days!

Cooking: Mac n' Cheese with chicken and broccoli from Budget Bytes

Photographing: My friend's niece, who graduated from 8th grade. We celebrated with a low-contact drive-by, followed by our first al fresco dinner experience of the year! 

Sharing: A lot of book posts and my summer bucket list. Oh, and beer. I bought 3 new-to-me ones the last time I went to the store, and I don't like any of them. Ah well, they can't all be winners! 

Trying: Homemade Immunity Shots that my niece is making and selling. Doesn't taste terrible but even if it did, anything to make sure I'm staying healthy, and supporting my niece! Once I go back to work I may try her meal plans as well! 

Wondering: How I'll be on a weekend getaway with 12 other people. The place is supposed to be really nice- pools, a lake, activities. This is in place of our annual camping trip and I'm nervous. I know everyone, but I don't know where they've been. And honestly if Blue and I can't get our own room, I don't think I'd be willing to stay. 

Since last time...

The birthday "gathering" didn't happen because they wanted to go to a bar with outdoor seating and I wasn't feeling it (and neither were most of the others invited). 

For those playing along at home, I had to use up my vacation days from work by June 30th so I had my last completely lazy, no plans day off on Tuesday.

That being said, work is going well, for me at least. I'm getting more responsibilities, so at least those higher up are talking about me in a positive manner. I'm looking forward to learning more and gaining some more tech skills. 

Places are starting to open up here in NJ (my favorites TJ MAXX and HomeGoods!). I'm not going to any of them, but it's cool that things are opening. I DID attend my first al fresco dinner after the graduation drive-by. I was really happy that they did temp checks before allowing us on the patio- that made me feel a lot safer. 

What's currently going on with you? 

Are places opening up near you?

Linking up with Anne and Kristen!