Plumdog

I thought this book looked so cute - it was an adorable design and was about dogs! It's a graphic novel/ journal type of book. It took no time to get through obviously because there's only a couple sentences on each page. The pictures were all pretty cute - I thought it was a sweet little premise. I wouldn't read it again, but it seems like it would be a great children's book, very easy to read and pictures to make it more interesting! I recommend it as a gift for a dog-lover, a child, or even if you want a beautiful book to sit on your shelf!

*I received this book from Blogging for Books in compensation for this review

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Reading Challenge Update

Well I have a little over 2 months left to finish up this reading challenge! I have most of my books selected at least, I have about 10 books left to go!

I just finished "The Secrets of Blood and Bone", this book was actually a sequel which I didn't realize until I got it. There were a few questions unanswered, but for the most part the author did a good job explaining what was going on. I don't like scary books, but I do like fantasy fiction, this was fantasy it pulled a lot off the vampire and werewolf legends, but it did get a little too into demons, for my taste.

This book also went back and forth between modern day and 16th century Italy. I don't feel like the Italy segments were as well thought out, there were also almost too many characters in those segments, it was difficult to keep track.

There are a lot of unfinished story lines, but it was very obvious there is another book to follow. I wasn't so interested in the story that I will be reading that 3rd book or going back to the first one.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for a review.

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The Martian & Other Reading

I have to say I'm pretty proud of how much reading I've done over the past few weeks. I am currently on my 30th book. 

I just finish the Emily books by L.M. Montgomery. They were very good, and I fell in love with Emily almost as much as Anne, I did read a lot of reviews that noted the darker writing, and I completely agree with that, but I still liked them. 

I also read A Thousand Country Roads - an epilogue to The Bridges of Madison County. I had always wanted to hear the rest of that story, this was a heartbreaking book, it didn't make me cry or anything, but I did hurt for every character!

I received The Martian from Blogging for Books for this review. I was so excited when I saw this was an option to read. I saw the trailer a couple months ago, and thought it looked so interesting. This book was so good! It was very intellectual and there were a couple parts I had to reread because of the science/math. I kinda looks books like that, I feel like they force you to use your brain, when so many books now-a-days are just fluff that you don't have to think about. While it was very intellectual it was very funny! There were quite a few times that the sarcasm and wit literally made me laugh out loud. They were just enough plot twists to keep it interesting and keep you reading well into the night! I would definitely recommend this, and I can't wait to see if the movie does it justice! 

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The Gracekeepers

Continuing on my Reading Challenge journey! I need to step up my game, that is for sure!

One of the best things I've discovered while doing this challenge, is the Blogging for Books program. I've received 4 books from them so far, their service is amazingly fast, and I think it's great that I get to read all these books that I wouldn't normally get.

The Gracekeepers was a very original and well written book. Often now-a-days you can feel like you're reading the same story over and over again. . . you know what I mean! This world setting was so interesting and made the story really intriguing. The two main characters were well thought out and very likable. I was very surprised the book ended where it did. I can't say I liked the ending that the author gave, but I didn't write it! I would recommend this book, but I probably wouldn't spend money on it. It was good, and I appreciated the new world the author created for us, but I don't think she developed that world as much as she could have.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books" for this review.

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The Mapmaker's Children & Other Reading

I'm just stopping in to catch you up on my reading challenge for this year. I haven't got as much done as I'd like, but I'm getting there! 

The Mermaid Chair - I read this after The Secret Life of Bees, I loved it so much I was excited to read something else by the author. It wasn't as good as The Secret Life of Bees, but I would still recommend it. 

The Tricksters Choice/The Trickster's Queen - I love Fantasy books, and Tamora Pierce was always one of my favorite authors in middleschool/highschool. These were both great! They were very easy reads. . . since they're technically Young Adult books. 

The Mapmaker's Children* - I really enjoyed this book! It was the perfect mix of history and modern day. Sometimes I can't follow along very well when authors switch back and forth, but this book seemed effortless. Set in New Charleston, WV it follows an Underground Railroad mapmaker, and a modern day wife struggling with infertility whose lives coincide through a house that was part of the URR. Some of the story was based on truth, and she brought a lot of interest into it with her own imaginings. I will say it didn't end the way I wanted to, but it was still happy! I would definitely recommend this book to a friend.  

Bossypants - I got 2 free audiobook downloads a couple weeks back, and thought well I'll pick 2 for my Reading Challenge. I don't normally like talk radio, and so many of them were like 20 hours long! I was a little nervous about finding one I liked. This was read by the author Tina Fey, which I think really made the book for me! She is so hilarious, and hearing her read the jokes made it even better! Now I just need to figure out another audiobook! 

Chronicles of Avonlea - I've read this before, and it's just a small collected of short stories by L.M. Montgomery the author of Anne of Green Gables. 

Nobody's Cuter Than You - I loved this book, and cannot say enough great things about it! Go get it, I'll just leave it at that!

There are a few more I've read, but I'll probably review them later! 

*This book was received from Blogging for Books in exchange for a review

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How to Get Dressed

This is an interesting book to review, I don't have any strong opinions about it. Since it was informational I did think it went a bit slow sometimes, but the author did manage to make it a little interesting, considering there were no amazing photos. I was expecting a lot of photographed examples from a book about clothes, but o well. I felt like it was very practical, but I also thought I knew a lot of the information that was given. This women definitely knew what she is talking about though and gave so many awesome tips! There are some people I think that could definitely use this book! I am glad that I have it now for future reference, but I don't think I would have bought it myself. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wasn't comfortable with style and wardrobe choices.



*I received "How to Get Dressed" from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for a review*

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Grapevine Wreaths

One of my favorite things for a house is a good grapevine wreath! I feel like these beauties can be made to match any season, and you only need 1! I have had this grapevine wreath since we got married 2 1/2 years ago, and am constantly changing out the flowers for a new fresh look! Here are 4 of my favorites! 

1. Cotton Bolls - I love this one for late summer/ early fall!

2. Fall Berries - This one will last me from early Fall through Thanksgiving if I want. I put the berries through the entire wreath, but you could also just do a corner like I did with the other wreaths. 

3. Ombre Hydrangeas - This is always my favorite, it's so full, and you could do any color! I've also hung an initial in the middle for a personal touch. 

4. Roses - I did this one for Valentin'es Day this year, you can do as few or as many as you like! 

Do any of you have grapevine wreaths you use throughout the year? What type of decor/flowers do you put on them? 

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Five on Friday

1. My sister-in-law graduated!! I am so proud of her and had such a great weekend down there, it was much more relaxing than I thought it would be. My mother-in-law has better pictures, but this one will have to do!

2. For her graduation we got her a book called "Adulting" and I loved it, I'm tempted to go out and buy one for myself. It had such practical advice, but with some sarcasm and down to earth attitude!

3. As a thank you to our youth workers we got them succulents, and my sweet husband let me pick one out as well! Hopefully I'll be able to keep it alive!

4. A few friends and I found out that Tuesdays at our theater are $6 economy tickets! Our movie theater is so expensive, it's $11 for a movie, which is ridiculous. Now I see a lot of Tuesday night showings in our future! We went to see Hot Pursuit. . . I was literally crying from laughter half the time!

5. It's Friday!!!

I'm linking up with Caitlin, Amy, and April!

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Reading Challenge 2015 Update

Back here I wrote about the 2015 Reading Challenge I am doing. I will admit, I am a bit behind, but hopefully this summer I'll have a chance to catch up while I am not as busy! 

Here is my list so far: 

The 5 Money Personalities

Redeeming Love

Marley & Me

American Wife

Women of the Word

A Fifty-Year Silence

The Magicians

Little Women the Musical

Insatiable

The Secret Life of Bees

The Best Yes (in progress) 

The Spymistress (in progress) 

There are a few that I wouldn't recommend, and won't bother reviewing in detail since I am playing catch up those are: The 5 Money Personalities, American Wife, The Magicians. I felt like they were all too slow, or had over used premises. I also won't review Little Women the Musical, one of the challenges was a play, so since I was directing that show I read the script about 20 times! However, I don't think it will be going on your reading list anytime soon! 

Redeeming Love - I can't believe that I haven't read this before! This book was such a heart wrenching story, and a beautiful picture of sacrificial love. I definitely recommend it!

Marley & Me - Another one that is relatively old (I've been browsing the Goodwill racks for some of my 52 reads this year) and it was a tear-jerker! I love a good cry though!

Women of the Word - This was a very helpful and practical book. It did take me a pretty long time to get through considering how short it is, but I think that was because of her writing style. 

A Fifty-Year Silence - This was an interesting read. . . I wan't sure what to expect after reading some reviews of it. It was a very touching, and sincere story. It was very personal to the author, since it was about her grandparents. However, it didn't pull me in, and I can't say I would recommend it to many people. You may be interested in it if your grandparents went through a similar situation, or if you are very interested in history. But I know the story meant so much to her family so that made it a bit more endearing. 

Insatiable - This is one of the hundreds of vampire books that are currently out, I also picked it up at Goodwill. I knew it would be a quick, easy read, which I need for this challenge. It was better than I thought it would be! So if you're into vampires go and pick it up!

The Secret Life of Bees - I had heard plenty about this book because of the movie, and the popularity of the book. I couldn't put it down. This was a wonderful book that I would recommend to anybody!

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Five on Friday!

1. Outside Walks - Some friends and I have decided to start walking together every Tuesday, this past Tuesday was the first time, and the weather was so perfect! I am so excited about being able to be outside more!

2. The Best Yes - I started this book last week, and haven't wanted to put it down. . . unfortunately I haven't had many chances to read so it's going a bit slower than I had hoped. But if you haven't read it, you need to! This book is such an encouragement and a rebuke at the same time! I'm already seeing it make a difference in the decisions I make. 

3. Bonfire - We just recently started a small group in our church, and it has been going so well. This past Sunday we had a bonfire, and it was so wonderful to hang out with all of our good friends!

4. Audra McDonald - Tonight a friend and I are going to see Audra in concert. And this song. . . there are no words. . . 

5. Friday - I can't think of another highlight for this week, but that fact that today is Friday is highlight enough!! 

I'm linking up with Caitlin, Amy, and April!

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What's Up Wednesday

Well it's been quite a while since I've been on here! So what would be more appropriate than a link-up letting you know what has been going on?! 

What we're eating this week. . . 

Everything grilled! I am so glad to have the chance to eat outside every once in a while! I will be so glad when we can eat outside every night!

What I've been up to. . . 

I have been so busy the past few months! At the end of January I signed on to direct a local high school's spring musical! It was so much fun, we just finished mid-April and it was a great success! 

What I'm dreading. . . 

Working for 2 more days!!

What I'm working on. . . 

A blogging calendar that will keep me on track! 

What I'm excited about. . . 

A friend and I are going to see Audra McDonald perform on Friday night!

What I'm watching/reading. . . 

Well I'm still doing the reading challenge from earlier this year. I think next week I'll be doing a few posts reviewing the books I've done so far. Watching - I just started watching Parenthood last week, and am already in season 2 on Netflix, it is so beautiful, and heartwarming! I am also trying to catch up on the past 4 episodes of Grey's so I can watch the finale!

What I'm doing this weekend. . . 

The plan is to go kayaking with a few friends on Saturday (never been so I'm a little nervous!) I also think Aaron and I are going to try to see the Avengers at some point!

What I'm looking for to next month. . . 

I am so looking forward to consistently warm weather. Lately we've been anywhere between 40s and 70s.

I'm linking up with Sheaffer @ Pinterest Tole Me To for What's Up Wednesday!

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Weekending

I had a wonderful weekend and am so sad to see that it's over! 

I was so excited because on Friday, I had a surprise appointment, and got to leave early! I went to meet with a local high school, and I will be directing their spring musical! Little Women here I come! 

That night everything we were supposed to go to got cancelled because of weather, so we went to see American Sniper - such a good movie! It was very sad though, and I cried during most of it. I am so thankful to live in this country, and have men that are protecting us even when it hurts them (mentally, and physically)

Saturday, and Sunday were so productive, and relaxing! It was wonderful! 

We went for a walk up to out mail box (it's about a quarter of a mile away)

I made a Valentine's Day(ish) wreath, 

and watched a lot of The Office! 

I would definitely say that last thing was the most profitable part of my weekend! 

Happy Monday!! 

I'm linking up with Meghan!

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Five on Friday

I am so glad it is finally Friday! Honestly All day Wednesday I though it was Thursday, so I felt like the last half of this week just drug by! 

1. There are ladies that take turns doing the flowers for the front of our church. Well this week she gave them to me, they were the most beautiful roses, with a ton of greenery! They also happened to match our new room! If you can't tell from the name of this blog I love roses! (Rose is my middle name) They've added such a beautiful element to our room, and I hate that they're already fading. . . 


2. Our church cancelled services on Wednesday (because school was cancelled, the light dusting that we had was gone by noon) So we went out with some friends to a sushi/Asian restaurant. I don't eat sushi, but their fried rice is absolutely amazing! Anyway we had so many people we were able to get a sushi "boat" I wish I had taken a picture, but just believe me it was awesome! 


3. 2/52 I've finished my second book so I'm one step closer to finishing my Reading Challenge!

4. Aaron started grad school again . . . ugh! This isn't necessarily a happy moment in the Five for Friday, but o well! It's definitely a major part of our week now, and I did get a lot of reading done last night when I took this picture! This was our attempt at quality time! Ha!


5. My parents are coming up tomorrow for a little bit, and I'm hoping we'll get a few projects done around the house!



I'm linking up with Lauren Elizabeth, Meet @ the Barre, Carolina Charm, and The Farmer's Wife, and Coffee with Caitlin! Check out these awesome ladies, all of their blogs will keep you entertained for hours! 

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2015 Reading Challenge

Last year you may remember that I chose 10 books to read for the year. I failed. . . not that I didn't read books, I would just buy different books than were on my list, so I read them instead! But going back to the fact that I only had 10 books on my list and only finished 7 in the year is pretty sad. 

I found this list (also pictured below) about a week ago on Pinterest, and thought to myself, that looks like so much fun! I love a good challenge, but obviously I don't finish them all that often!

I was sitting around playing a game with my husband and friend, and mentioned a few books I was going to fit in my challenge, and was asking for recommendations. I was met with some skepticism (they are aware of my lack of devotion in the past!) My husband bet me $52 ($1 for every book) that I wouldn't finish, I countered with $104, and we had a bet! Then my friend hopped in saying she would bet a show ticket (we're both musical fans) So with $104, and a ticket to a musical (honestly it's more like 2 because obviously whoever loses will also be going to the show) on the line I am pressing through my list of 52 books!

Fortunately, it isn't a strict list, they give you a qualification: a book more than 500 pages, a book published this year, and you get to choose the books you want to read that fit in the description! 

  It basically equals out to 1 book a week. . . right now I'm on my 2nd book so 50 & a half to go!!!

Wish me luck! And join along if you would like! I'll be doing a review post at the end of each month for all the books I'll have read! 

P.S. any suggestions for a book with a love triangle, a book originally written in a different language, or a book that has bad reviews? 

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Five on Friday

It's time for Five on Friday!!! 

1. Date night - Last Friday night consisted of dinner at a coffee shop, meal planning, and grocery shopping. It was a low key night with my honey, but I loved it so much! It was definitely one of my favorites from this past week. We have been so busy the past couple months, and it was so nice to just relax together! ♥

2. Treat yo'self Day - Every once in a while you need one of these, am I right, or am I right? We don't go as crazy as Donna and Tom, but it's always a fun time! I got a new dress for my anniversary, we went out to eat, and a movie! Love these girls!

3. MyAgenda - Martha Stewart discontinued her planner, and I didn't realize this until this week, when I went over to Staples to get it! So I spent the entire next day researching planners. . . before I had settled on Martha a few years ago I was leaning towards this MyAgenda. So far I am in love! (Did I mention I got it the day after I ordered it? No I didn't get overnight shipping, but I guess thats a perk of the warehouse being less than an hour away from your house!) I'll be doing a review on this soon! 

4. Anniversary Roses - Technically I guess they're "Just Because" Flowers, my husband and I promised we wouldn't get presents for each other this year! We would go out for a nice dinner, and exchange cards. . . well on our anniversary he conveniently decided to get me a "just because" necklace and flowers! Ladies, he's taken : ) 

 5. Anniversary Dinner - We went out to a Brazilian steakhouse for our anniversary, it was pretty good, I wasn't the biggest fan of my entree, but Aaron loved his. (I'm just a picky eater) And I was so excited to wear the necklace Aaron got me, it worked perfectly with the dress I found on Saturday!

I hope that you all have had a wonderful week! I was a little nervous about it being my first full work week in almost a month, but it flew by! Let's keep our fingers crossed that the weekend moves a little slower!!

I'm linking up with Lauren Elizabeth, Meet @ the Barre, Carolina Charm, and The Farmer's Wife! Check out these awesome ladies, all of their blogs will keep you entertained for hours! 

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2 Years Later the 5 Best Things I did, and you should too!

Today I have been married for 2 years. . . this seems crazy to me! How can it possibly be that I've already spent 2 years with the love of my life?! Sometimes I feel like it's been 10, and more often I feel like we just got married a couple months ago.

I made a lot of mistakes about my wedding, my photographer was awful, I should've spent more money on certain things, and less money on a lot of things, I'm sure there will eventually be a post about that, because I don't want anybody to make the mistakes I did!

Today, however, I want to think about my wedding day, and even though I would have done things differently, it was absolutely perfect! I wasn't nervous, and everything seemed to go smoothly, and even when it didn't, I could not have cared less! There are so many things that made up this perfect day, but I wanted to share some things, that I am so glad that I did, and hey maybe you should too! These are in no particular order, but I hope they will help some bride out there!

1. I just said these are in no particular order, but this is probably my favorite thing that we did! We got married January 5, just a little while after Christmas, so for our Christmas presents to each other we decided to get perfume/cologne for our special day! I cannot recommend doing this enough, every time I wear the perfume (normally just on special occasions) it brings waves of emotions, and memories! It was also very important that we picked them out together (I'm pretty picky) and that way we knew each of us liked the choice, and wouldn't hate the smell of our wedding day! In case you're curious we got Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme for me, and The One for Aaron.

2. Get a coffee with the Bride written on it - I just thought this was adorable, and loved the photo op! My husband loves Starbucks, so he has this picture hanging in his office. This is the only day you get to have that written on your coffee so go for it! 

3. Do a First Look - I cannot even imagine then inconvenience of waiting to see Aaron until the ceremony. I suppose it may be different if you have an earlier wedding, but this day is about you and your love, why wouldn't you want to spend it with them? Just my personal opinion, but everyone is different! I loved being able to spend time with Aaron, before everything got hectic, it also helped with pictures!

4. Question Guestbook -  I still look over our guestbook, because it's sweet, sentimental, and hilarious all at the same time! I took our engagement photos, and put questions on different pages for the guests to answer! It was so much fun, and there were some answers from people I would have never expected! It's much better than a list of names in a blank book I'll never look at again!

5. Have fun - I know this is completely cliche' but it's true! If anything goes wrong you are going to be the only one to notice it! Don't spend your day focusing on the bad! Remember all the fun moments that make your wedding day yours and yours alone! Like when you have a surprise visitor at your first look, or you have to switch shoes with your Maid of Honor because your heels are sinking into the mud, and how many times the recessional song was messed up in the rehearsal, but it worked out perfectly when it really counted!  

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