Show Us Your Books: March Reads

Hello friends! Unlike my diverse reads last month, this month I stuck to mainly YA (with one classic thrown in, for a reading challenge). Make sure to link up with the hosts so I can see what you've been reading too! 

On the Come Up- Angie Thomas: 5 Stars
Category: 52 Weeks Book featuring music, PopSugar Book that should be a movie, BCBE Bonus Freebie
library e-book

I was unsure how to rate this one since I had given THUG 5 stars, but I liked this one even more. I think one thing I've seen other readers comment on was feeling a disconnect with these characters and storyline, but I didn't feel that way at all. I don't listen to rap music, but each time Bri mentioned a song, I played it immediately to get a full sense of what she was describing. I think that swayed me quite a bit. I also liked all the nerd talk (particularly the Star Wars bits). Such a well-told, important (and timely) story.

The Sun Is Also a Star- Nicola Yoon: 5 Stars
Category: BCBE/ Soon to be a movie
library e-book 

Loved the alternating POVs, and bits of brief histories. Loved the short chapters. Loved all of connections. And always love a good HEA! Can't wait to see the movie. 

Two Can Keep a Secret- Karen McManus: 4.5 Stars
Category: 52 Weeks/PopSugar Book Published in 2019
library e-book

Another one I was skeptical about because I enjoyed the author's debut so much, but this one was equally as good. Just like the other one, I had no idea about the ending until the absolute last sentence. And even then I needed a lot of time to digest! Solid psychological YA thriller. 

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating- Christina Lauren: 4 Stars
Category: PopSugar Book Written by Two Female Authors, 52 Weeks Starts with "J"
library e-book

My first Christina Lauren- finally! And I totally get all the hype! It reminded me a little of an updated and younger When Harry Met Sally. I thought the character development and growth was excellent and the dating stories funny, but also heartbreaking because I wanted Josh and Hazel together. Romantic comedy at its best. Can't wait to read more from this dynamic duo! 

The Field Guide to the North American Teenager- Ben Phillipe: 4 Stars
Category: BCBE Cardinal Direction in Title, Author Debut, Setting in Southern U.S.
library hardback

"To my mother, Belzie. I would have made a terrible doctor, Mom. People would have died."  

"He had a literal red neck and close-cropped hair hiding a prematurely receding hairline. It was a strong recession too. Like Obama's first term."  

"She smiled at him. 'Look, you still like her, right?'Norris nodded in spite of himself. He did. At this point, life would be much simpler if he didn't, but even the brief second that he'd seen her in the cafeteria had been enough to make his heart skip a stupid beat. Arrhythmia was giving a confirmation that there was still some active liking in his bloodstream."  

"'Do you think you're a good liar?' she asked, checking her watch again. 'Because you're not. Your face is like a pop-up book for every feeling in there.'"

I didn’t like the ending, but it left me feeling... hopeful? Overall I loved Norris and everything else about this story! I liked all of the pop culture references, particularly the movies- Can't Hardly Wait, 10 Things I hate About You, Mean Girls, Beverly Hills: 90210, Friday Night Lights. A great debut and I hope to read more by this author. 


The Adventures of Tom Sawyer- Mark Twain: 3 Stars
Category: BCBE Published 100+ Years Ago, 52 Weeks Challenge Author Who Uses a Pseudonym, MMD Published Before I Was Born
Kindle Unlimited

If it weren’t for Erin's challenge I would have quit at 21%; it was sooo slow and didn’t pick up for me until nearly 60%. I guess I just don't like stories about kids? I don't know, but none of it really grabbed me and made me want to keep reading until more than halfway through. Even by the end I didn't really care about the characters. I haven't read Huck Finn yet, but I can already imagine why this is the less popular of the two. 


Currently reading: The Paris Wife- Paula McLain

What are you reading? 

Linking up with Steph and Jana! 

Currently and What's New With Me

Another unintentionally long absence... my bad! Currently work has been taking top priority and I have just not been making the time to sit and write in this space even when I do have time. I feel like I've been more interested in reading and not thinking too much when I get home, so I've been letting myself do that, which is kind of a grace in itself. But I'm back-ish, so here's what's currently going on. 

Reading: Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West and Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

Listening to: Sweet but Psycho- Ava Max

Watching: Just finished Top Chef and loved the final three and the ultimate winner. I thought it was interesting how they moved the show to China and the contestants had to use new ingredients they've never heard of before to make their dishes and try to communicate in the markets. The OA is back and... wow. I think I'm only one episode into the new season but I'm already confused! I'm also two episodes behind of The Walking Dead, so no spoilers please! 

Appreciating: Neighbors who get me tissues, a thermometer and food when I'm sick, and paid sick days from work. It's all about the little things :) 

Wishlisting: Nothing at the moment! 

Posting: Inconsistently lately. I would say I'll get better but I'm not sure I will anytime soon, and that's okay. 

Considering: When to get my hair cut. Every two years or so I do a big chop (anywhere from 12-15 in, to donate). I usually like to do it when it starts getting warmer because it's really thick and keeps my neck warm in winter. Should be soon now! 

Experiencing: Not much besides work (which was brutal last month), but calming down a bit now. Work talk is boring though, so here's what else I've been up to. 

Went to see Captain Marvel which was AWESOME. Brie Larson even showed up to my hometown theater and was serving popcorn- how crazy is that?! And we were supposed to go see it that day too, but work- argh! Anyway, I loved her, badass female heroes, and all the 90's references. Already got tickets to see the new Avengers later this month! 

Blue has been nagging me to play the Super Nintendo I got her for Christmas, so we finally did that. Apparently I've lost all of my Mario Kart skills, but I'm still decent at Donkey Kong! (Gotta love that old school 16-bit resolution!)

Obligatory food pics! We checked out this brunch place called Toast City Diner in Montclair and it was DEEEE- LICIOUS! Blue got the Lucky Charms pancakes and I had a crab hash topped with eggs. Also made an easy, no bake Ore-crusted peanut butter pie for Pi Day, enjoyed a rare weekday off with sunshine, beer, and a book, Michael introduced me to my new favorite beer, Gunner's Daughter Milk Stout, and made it to Mickey D's in time for Shamrock shakes! 

St. Patrick's Day is always a big deal for my group of friends. I don't know if it's the green beer or spring in the air (surely it's not because any of them are actually Irish), but we always do a bar crawl and the whole town comes out. This year local former NFL player Plaxico Burrell (Steelers/Giants/Jets) also came out. You may know him better as the guy who caught the game-winning catch of Super Bowl XLII (Giants vs. Patriots), or the idiot who accidentally shot himself in the thigh. He was a total jerk but otherwise it was a successful Sunday Funday! 

I ended the month with a work conference in Denver, CO. I'll write a recap of the trip soonish, but overall I found it enlightening, through-provoking, and slightly stressful, particularly the part where they asked you to chart out where you are now, where you want to be, and your "Big Dream" (you know, what you would do if money and/or family was no issue); and then breaking each track down further by where you'd be in 3-5, then 10 years, what skills you'd need to get or keep in each track, how it'd affect home life, and if you'd have any regrets. It allowed the time and space to really think about these things, and then share with someone else. I'd never even been to an all-women's conference, so it was definitely a great experience overall! 

And now I have a cold. Blergh. 

What's new with you?

Linking up with Anne and Kristen!

March Goals

With about 2 weeks left in the month, I'm finally posting my goals for March! To be honest, I write these at the beginning of the month and have been working on them, so they're mostly all in progress. But I haven't marked them as such just yet. Before diving into those, let's see how I did in February. 

February Goals

• Get renter's insurance- oops. 
• Get taxes done- Done! 
• Book work conference and mini getaway to Denver, CO- Done!
• Clean out one closet- Done!
• Meal plan - Did this for half the month, then forgot around the 18th.
• Make 3 new recipes- Nope. 
• Continue working on Erin's Reading Challenge- Yes! You can see what I read here. 

More successes than fails, so I'm happy! March is crazy busy at work so I tried to make easy-ish goals for the month. 

March Goals

• Get renter's insurance
• Clean out dresser
• Cut Expenses
• Re-open savings account
• Make eye doctor appointment
• Restart morning and night face routines
• Finish Erin's Reading Challenge- one left! Then bonus round!
• Make Pi on Pi Day (yesterday)- done! 

Oreo-crusted Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Here's what I've got planned for the Erin's bonus round (asterisk denotes previously selected by someone else in the challenge):

•Freebie: On the Come Up- Angie Thomas*
•Made into a movie: The Sun Is Also A Star- Nicola Yoon*
•Set in Europe: The Paris Wife- Paula McLain*
•Newbery Award Winner/Honor Book: Hello, Universe- Erin Estrada Kelly*
•A friend or family’s favorite: Daisy Jones and the Six- Taylor Jenkins Reid*
•Published over 100 years ago: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn- Mark Twain*
•Six words in the title: Shrill: Notes From a Loud Woman- Lindy West
•Compass or cardinal direction in the title: North of Beautiful- Justina Chen Kelly*

•Originally published in a different language: The Lioness of Morocco- Julia Drost*

•Begins with the letter N: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist- Rachel Cohn and David Levithan 

What are your goals for March?

Linking up with The Peaceful Posse!

Show Us Your Books: February Reads

Hello friends! It's finally time to share what I've been reading while in my self-proclaimed hibernation period! After a somewhat slow reading in month in January I've definitely upped my reading in February, even for a short month.  I've diversified a bit too, with 2 YA, 2 non-fiction, and 3 adult-not straight up-chic-lit. Make sure to link up with the hosts so I can see what you've been reading too! 

Long Way Down- Jason Reynolds: 4.5 Stars
Category: BCBE 10.0- Newbery Award Winner, MMD Book Outside Your Comfort Zone (written in verse), 52 Weeks Challenge GR Choice Awards Nominee, ALF Book About Illness, Grief, Death, PopSugar Book That Takes Place in Single Day
library e-book

I wasn't sure if I'd like a book written in verse, but I LOVED it. I read it in one sitting. I especially liked how he changed words like "ALIVE=A VEIL," etc. and how even though each character was only introduced for a brief period, they seemed so fleshed out and real. And of course, I always love seeing a character named Dani :) Definitely a powerful read! 


The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way To Live Well- Meik Wiking: 4 Stars
Category: MMD and ALF Book About a topic that fascinates you, PopSugar Book set in Scandinavia
library hardback

I don't think I have accurate words to describe just how much I enjoyed this book. It was the perfect amount of history and culture of Hygge in Denmark and "here's how to bring hygge in your own home" with easy, completely feasible tips. I found myself taking pictures of the pages to make some of the recipes and crafts next season. Just a wonderful starter book into the culture that I'd recommend to anyone who wants to add a little cozy to their life. 


Nine Perfect Strangers- Liane Moriarty: 4 Stars
Category: BCBE 10.0- Starts with "N," ALF Book That Gives You Goosebumps, PopSugar Book Told From Multiple POVs, 52 Weeks Book Everyone Is Talking About
library e-book

Well, Masha is batshit crazy. This started out a bit slow, but the second half of the book was over the top in the best way possible! I loved the dynamics between everyone in the group while they worked through their issues alone and in speaking with the others. I also got some warm fuzzies from the epilogue. 

I'm only disappointed that I keep seeing reviews that this wasn't Moriarty's strongest work. I understand comparisons, but this was only the second thing I've read by her so maybe I'm biased, but I thought it was great! 

Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One- Raphaelle Giordano: 2.5 Stars
Category: BCBE 10.0 and MMD- Book in translation, ALF Book Purchased More Than  A Year Ago and Not Read, Popsugar Book that has an item of clothing on the cover, 52 Weeks Book Set Somewhere You've Visited
Netgalley

Part fiction, part self-help. This had a very interesting premise- a woman in a life rut runs into a "routinologist" who promises to help her- but fell flat. It was very repetitive and completely predictable. Claude (the routinologist) gives the woman tasks to retrain her to think happy thoughts, and she executes them. I was definitely wondering how one becomes a routinologist, and the ending answered that, so that was a saving grace for me. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Bookshop of Yesterdays- Amy Meyerson: 3 Stars

Category: BCBE 10.0 Friend/Family Favorite, MMD Book recommended by someone with great taste, 52 Weeks Book Picked Out By Someone Else 

library e-book

"There are three things in life that matter—your partner, your job, your place. One of those three has to be number one. The other two have to come second."

I really enjoyed the scavenger hunt aspect of this one, learning more about the mysterious Uncle Billy as clues unfolded, and the eccentric characters Miranda met along the way who were in some way connected to him. I realized the "big secret" about halfway through, but I was already invested and curious to see how Miranda would handle the news. Miranda herself was insufferable and I had a hard time imagining her as a (late) twenty-something because her actions and even mindset were so immature, but overall I liked enjoyed the story and the setting. 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower- Stephen Chbosky: 3 Stars

Category: BCBE 10.0 Book Turned into a Movie, MMD Book I've Been Meaning to Read, ALF Coming-of-age Book, PopSugar Book With More Than 1M GR Ratings, 52 Weeks Book About Mental Health

library e-book

So maybe I should have read this when I was younger, but I didn't and I haven't seen the movie, so I had no idea what this book was about. I generally like books written in letter-form, but I kept trying to figure out who he was writing to, and much of the dialogue seemed unrealistic which kept distracting me from the actual story. Charlie was SO quirky and emotional that I often thought he was somewhere on the Autism spectrum. I didn't feel connected to the characters or the story, but that ending was a real punch to the gut. 

Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living- Linnea Dunne: 1.5 Stars

Category: MMD Book By Author Who is New To You, PopSugar Book With Clothing or Accessory on Cover, 52 Weeks Book That Makes You Mad
library hardback

I think I read this too soon after reading The Little Book of Hygge, but this was a TERRIBLE example of how to introduce your culture and provide tips to help others embrace it. The author often introduced terminology, did a really poor job of explaining what it meant, and then used them over and over again. It was also a complete unorganized mess, with ideas mentioned briefly in the beginning popping up at the end like "hey remember when we talked about this word 100 pages ago?" .... uh no, actually I don't remember because you explained it poorly to begin with, didn't give any examples, and haven't mentioned it again until now. Not to mention, it wasn't even visually stimulating. Many of the color blocks on the pages clashed or were a black print against a dark background that was too hard to read. (And don't even get me started on the photos or "illustrations.") I found myself skimming about 2/3 of the book looking for some saving graces or something I could actually use. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. 

Currently reading: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer- Mark Twain
On deck: The Field Guide to the North American Teenager- Ben Phillipe

What are you reading?

Linking up with Steph and Jana!

What's New With Me

Hi friends! February seemed to whiz by and while I didn't feel like I did very much, I forgot to link up last month so this includes January fun as well. 

Let's see... 
The first week of January Blue and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary with Pretty Woman the Musical and a FABULOUS dinner at Da Marino NYC. It's the cutest little spot - like, literally it's small inside! and had some of the best Italian food I ever had. (Also, I only heard about it because Chris Noth [Big]  posted it on IG as one of his favorites and I certainly agree!) Also, Blue put together this framed piece with the Playbills from all the shows we've seen together. It currently resides above my couch and I love it! 

We met Lea DeLaria (Boo) from Orange is the New Black at the NY Rangers Pride Night, along with some old school players that I've never heard of but Blue had and was a bit starstruck. Side note, Boo is kinda bitchy and full of herself in person. 

We met up with our buddy Mark for a brewery day. We went to Cricket Hill and Hackensack Brewing Co., which  I've never been to before and an old favorite, Ale-mentary. Then we went home, ate a bunch of pizza, mozzarella sticks, garlic knots and sacked out. It was glorious. 

We checked out a new-to-us restaurant in Hoboken for Hudson Restaurant Week called Court Street. Blue got steak and I got a wild boar ragu because I thought I liked boar. Turns out it's not my favorite, but it was still a yummy meal. I even had dessert which is rare, and the double fudge brownie sundae did not disappoint! 

Valentine's Day found us at our very favorite Italian restaurant. I got her a bouquet of Reese's and NY Ranger tickets (which I bought right before we found out we were going to the Pride Night game- ugh!), and she got us these matching Wanderer bracelets with our initials on them.

Other than that, I've been cooking more at home, planning, and reading. Oh, and working. Do you like my new work space? I don't, but thankfully it's only temporary. They're remodeling our floor so my whole department has been displaced across different buildings and while some get to work remotely, I am not one of those people. Not that I'm bitter or anything... clearly... 

Anywho, what's new with you?

Linking up with Kristen! 

Currently March

Happy March! I'm off to a slow start again this morning, and the winter air is hurting my face. Anyone else over winter yet? I swear that stupid groundhog lied. Work has been kicking my ass since we lost a team member and I don't see it getting any better until next month, but I'm pushing through. I'm still in hibernation mode, mostly going straight home and under fuzzy blankets the minute I get home and honestly I don't see that changing anytime soon. Here's what else is currently going on with me. 

Reading: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, and 4 others that came in from the library at the same time. (Why does that always happen?!) 

Listening to: LOLO- Wild

Watching: I just started Whiskey Cavalier with Scott Foley (Felicity!) and Lauren Cohan (from TWD) and I'm loving it! Also the usual suspects, Grey's Anatomy, This Is Us, A Million Little Things, Top Chef, Married At First Sight. Super excited that Station 19 is back tomorrow too! 

Scheming: Uhhh... nothing? But looking to my favorite couple showing me around their new hometown of Denver, CO after my work conference later this month! 

Making: my list of March Goals. 

Accomplishing: A few months ago I finally got a savings account, but I, um, forgot to put money in it and it closed. So I went back last night and opened a new one and actually added money, so yay! I also got my taxes done last week, and my return will go directly into the new savings account. 

Buying: I just finished Frugal February where I didn't buy anything for the month. However, here are my purchases from January. 

Glittery Washi Tape- Ok, I may have gone overboard with this one, especially since I don't actually know how to use this stuff, but it was pretty and I figured I could use it for my scrapbooking project and my planner. 60 rolls does seem a bit much though, so this might get returned. 

Rael Acne Healing Patches- I think someone mentioned these in the last linkup, so I decided to check them out. I love them! So easy to use, and they really work! 

3 ColorBlok Design Pads- These were an add-on item for $5/ea and I needed filler paper for the scrapbook I'm working on. 

Party Pong- Purchased this as a housewarming gift (along with a bottle of champagne)for a friend who loooooves her bubbly and games. 

Seasonal Stickers- I love adding stickers to my planner, and I figured I could use the bigger ones included in this pack for the scrapbook. 

Blue Sky Egg Press planner- After a whole month of waiting for Michael's to restock The Happy Planner, the one I wanted was no longer for sale, so I got this one. 

Crystal Flask Bracelet- Purchased 2 for my nieces who love concerts and booze. 

Snowglobe Picture Frame- Purchased 6 of these for the Mountain Mamas for Christmas. They are officially done! 

Zodiac Mug- I couldn't find a pic of my sign (Sagittarius), but this was on super sale so  had to have it. 

Critter Ring Holder (elephant)- Another part of an early Christmas present for my niece who loves all things elephant.

The Red Book of Luck- I bought one of these as part of my mom's birthday present (she loved it), and another one for my neighbor friend but my mom wants to read it together, so looks like I'll be keeping the other one. 

Linking up with Anne and Tanya! 

TBB Asks: Shop Til You Drop Edition

Hello and Happy Monday! As you can see I'm off to a slow start today. My company had a delayed opening due to snow and of course I did not have this post up and ready to go. Clearly I've been off my blogging game lately, but I'm back with another edition of TBB Asks and this month's theme is shopping! Honestly, I used to shop (and actually liked going shopping) a lot more when I was younger. Back to school shopping was my favorite, and going to the mall with friends was a weekend hobby. However nowadays most of my shopping is done online and out of necessity. My self-described style would be comfy-classic, and not at all trendy, so I definitely get the most wears out of all of my clothing. Anyway, onto the questions! 

1. Top 3 Shops? Old Navy, TJMaxx, and Nordstrom Rack, though I love the heat-tech stuff from Uniqlo in winter. 

2. Where is the majority of your shopping done? Online! I usually find the best deals there, and can use coupons and cashback (like E-Bates!) 

3. Favorite thing to shop for? Graphic tees, especially punny ones! 

4. Least favorite thing to shop for? Riding boots! I can never find ones that don't leave a gap between my calf and the boot and it drives me nuts! 

5. Favorite clothing I ever bought? My North Face fleece. When I was in college, EVERYONE had a North Face fleece except me. It made me feel beneath them because mommy and daddy bought them everything and we just couldn't afford it at the time. As soon as I got my first job out of college I bought one (in boys size- because I could!). I still wear it all the time. 

My coworker and I in San Diego

6. Do you prefer to shop alone or with others? Alone! I often feel rushed when shopping with others. 

7. Best bargain? Probably my original tall Hunter boots that I found at Costco (like Sam's Club) for half price. Oooh, or my tweed Guess jacket that I found for $10 in a thrift shop! 

8. Do you like thrift store shopping? Yes! I haven't gone in awhile but I love combing the racks for that hidden gem. I guess now the online version would be Poshmark?! 

9. Best cities to shop in? I don't usually go shopping when I'm visiting other cities except for keepsakes like magnets or ornaments, so I honestly don't know! 

10. Who are your style icons? Reese Witherspoon, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston... my style is comfortable and classic, and these ladies embody that with pizzazz :) 

Do you like to shop? 

Linking up with The Blended Blog!