Seasonal Event: December Reads

[ Sophie hanging out in her new Gingerbread House + lights ]

Happy Holiiiiidays~!

It's December! I started my previous entry like this! Wow my memory blows! Anyway, I normally have some sort of weird theme in December. In 2010 I read The Hunger Games along with a bunch of other dystopia. I think in 2011 I read Anna and the French Kiss. It's always something random! I'm trying (key word trying) to stay within the spirit of Christmas this year. Sorta.

→ Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan (re-read, tradition)

→ The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

→ Winter's Kiss by Catherine Hapka

→ The Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano

→ Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu (re-read)

→ I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella (re-read)

→ The Rosemary Spell by Virigina Zimmerman

→ A Christmas Gift by Stella Wilkinson

→ Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses by Jenny Hale

→ The Magician's Nephew: The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

→ Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (audio)

REALISTICALLY I know I'm not going to get through ALL of these books. Or hell, even ONE of them. But I figure I'd give it a shot anyway. Trying is better than you know... not.

A few are re-reads and a few are books I've had on my TBR wish list (does anyone else do that?!) for awhile now so I figure why not. December only comes once a year!

Is there a book you re-read every holiday season? Or is there one you're hoping to cross off your TBR?

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Happy Holidays~!

Whoooo it's December!

Anyone else wonder why they call it the happiest time of the year when it's probably accurately more like the most stressful time of the year?!

This year I'm spending the holidays with Nick and his family. His tradition? A real Christmas tree. Which is currently sitting pretty with its app controlled blinking lights behind me. That's causing me a crap ton of allergies. And the house doesn't even have a ridiculously overbearing scent of pine. I feel lied to. Also it requires to be watered. And it leaks sap. But it doesn't shed like my mom always told me it would! It's pretty cool. Totally different. But pretty cool (see Nick setting it up above).

To get in a more festive mood, I dyed my hair a color I've never tried before... Teal. Well it's more Turquoise but I love how it turned out! Besides, I needed a change. Also, I got that dress off Amazon for like $15. I'm in love with it!

Got my gifts from my Secret Santa too~! I'm so excited to open them! But I'm waiting until Christmas. Like I do every year. I also mailed out my SS gift yesterday! Wish I had taken a picture of it. I put a lottttttt of effort into it. Also, Nick did a good job with picking the packaging box. So cute that he helped me every step of the way and he got really into it too.

So SS, my boyfriend picked out all the quirky chocolates for you and the pretty box it's coming in!

Also I think it's worth it to mention that after TWELVE YEARS I finally got my white Christmas tree with its pastel glitter ornaments. 

But then Sophie stole it.

It's okay, we'll share.

How are your holidays going so far?!

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New Layout!

TA-DA! 

After three years I've finally decided to give in and change my layout! I'm super excited about this change and I love my new layout! And okay I didn't step too far out of my comfort zone, but you know... baby steps!

Thank you so much to Stephanie over at Hopeless Romantics! She was an absolute pleasure to work with and was incredibly patient with me for asking her to change things around :) if you're ever in need of an amazing layout I highly suggest contacting Stephanie!

[ credit unknown ]

Happy December friends!

The holiday season is finally upon us and and that means BUSY!! I've finally concluded my last class for my current class and I'm on break for about two weeks, hooray!! For those of you who do online classes, you know my pain and frustration over the last few weeks when it comes to group assignments. Ughhh. So I am so ready for this break!

My apartment is inching closer to being decked out holiday style, I just have a bit of tidying up to do! And of course my usual holiday traditions --- cutting and dying my hair is coming up this week! I'm planning out some blog posts to get into the holiday spirit and I've got a line up of reads I want to get through this month before Christmas!

Also on my vlog channel I've decided to participate in vlogmas! Vlogmas is where you vlog every day until Christmas. I've vlogging day 1 & 2 but I haven't edited them yet. But they will be up shortly! Also on my lifestyle instagram account (@afairytalelife_ )I'm doing #adayindecember where I post a picture a day for the rest of the month! So please check that out and feel free to join in if you'd like!

What fun activities do you have lined up this month?

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Media Monday: Serendipity

It's almost that time of the year again....!

[ photo credit: Pinterest ]

And I'm kicking off prepping for the season by sharing one of my favorite holiday movies... Serendipity!

I rented this movie in 2001 in the Fall/Winter time after a really bad break up. Kept it (along with Bring it On) for a week and watched it literally every single night. I didn't get to finally visit a Serendipity until the weekend of my wedding in 2009 and finally got to have a Frozen Hot Chocolate.

This movie symbolizes a lot for me. It reminds me of Fall/Winter. It reminds me of Christmas. It reminds me that I'm stronger than I think I am and the journey I was going through when I'd drown myself every night in the story of Jon and Sarah. 

Every time I'm upset or stressed out, my husband puts this on for me. He doesn't complain on the weeks I play it over and over and over again. 

It's a bit of an older movie and it's kinda cheesy but it will always have a special place in my heart!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

It's that time of the year again --- where we give thanks even though the root of the holiday is a pretty tragic one.

Back in high school I use to write out this elaborate email to everyone and write a special paragraph to why I was thankful for them. I know, kinda lame right? I stopped doing that though, I stopped leaving comments on peoples walls about how thankful I am for them from time-to-time just because. I don't know, I feel like it's kind awkward now that we're adults. Or whatever. 

This year hubby and I are across the country from our families for the first time ever. And it kinda sucks. Except family holidays have never really been my thing but still, my brother makes a mean Thanksgiving dinner and I'm sad I'm missing out on all his delicious food! 

But despite that, I do have a lot to be thankful for! 

I'm thankful for this delicious dinner we're finally having after prepping and cooking all day long. Our turkey is juicy and flavorful (which is surprising for a first try!), watching my Thanksgiving traditional movie --- A Christmas Story and that hubby surprised me by attempting to replicate my favorite restaurant appetizer --- Fried Artichokes! 

For a mother who pours nonstop support, love and guidance. She makes it a point to take care of me even when I'm across the country. My furball girls I can't wait to see, there's a sense of comfort in cuddling with a cat who looks at you like you're their world. For books, because let's be real... I had to. Blogging, pretty desserts and glitter because life's too short to be simple.

I'm thankful for the family and friends who show me support when I'm at my lowest, especially when it comes to my OCD. I'm thankful for friends who can pick up where they left off no matter how many days, months or years pass us. The brothers from another mother who've always had my back. I love and miss you guys ♥. I'm thankful for the people who've watched me grow up and still think I'm pretty okay through it all :)

I'm incredibly thankful for a boy who use to booty bump me in doorways, joke about suicide with me, tried talking our teachers into thinking I sold drugs and would threaten to kill me with clicky pens. We've grown a lot together in the last 11 years and you went from that hot crazy as shit friend to my husband. And I am so thankful for you everyday, you mean the world to me. Even if you piss me off every other hour. It's cool. You sat through Wicked with me 12 times without (too much) complaint and plus you're still hot ;)

Happy Thanksgiving friends, I hope it's one filled with laughter, love and family.

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Happy Valentines Day!!

Happy Valentines Day from Oswald & Ortensia!
[ credit here ]

Ah, it's Valentines Day. The day of love! I don't know about you guys but even when I was single I loved Valentines Day. There's too much red/pink going on to not be in a good mood. I don't know, maybe it's just me. But it's a day I get an excuse to spoil the heck out of myself (which I usually do, except this year because well... there's nothing I want. Shocking right?)! Also shocking is that me and the husband have zero plans (to go out or get each other anything) this year and we're both totally okay with it. 

Today I'm going to share some of my favorite romance lovey lovey reads with you all!

Let's start things off with Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan! One of my favorite reads of 2012, Unspoken is about a girl named Kami who has an "imaginary friend" who isn't so... imaginary. The friendship between Kami and Jared is one that's hopeful but heartbreaking all at the same time. Okay, so this is sort of a pinning/sad romance but hey, I advertise this anywhere I can, deal. LOL.

For more on my thoughts and intense feelings on Unspoken, check out my review here.

What's a post like this without mentioning Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins?! I'm sure by now 90% of the blogging world has read this book so I don't really need to go into detail about it right? Right.

But I will say that if you haven't read this book yet and you're looking for a slow paced, butterfly-in-your-tummy read that takes place in only one of the most romantic cities in the world with a boy with a very sexy accent then you need to pick up this book. Like, yesterday.

For more of my thoughts on Anna and the French Kiss, check out my review here.

Stepping a bit away from YA, I want to mention The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst also another one of my favorite 2012 reads. 

The Marriage Bargain (which is a bit of an erotica) is about Alexa and Nick. Once childhood friends now adults that both need a favor from each other that includes a fake marriage. 

While Nick can be frustrating, I loved watching him unravel and allow himself to feel for Alexa. Seeing now that they're both adults and re-visiting their childhood feelings is enough to make you swoon!

For more of my thoughts on The Marriage Bargain, check out my review here.

If you haven't heard of Wallbanger by Alice Clayton you are seriously seriously missing out! I wouldn't really consider it an erotica but there are a bit of sexy times and missed sexy times in the book. 

Caroline has lost her "O", yes that "O" and it seems her next door neighbor Simon doesn't have any problems finding his "O" or you know, other women's "O". Which is good for him if Caroline didn't have to hear it every night lol.

Simon is the character. He wasn't really who you thought he was through-out and he was really interesting to get to know. As well as funny and charming and swoon-worthy... just saying.

For more of my thoughts on Wallbanger, check out my review here.

Last but not least, I can't write a post like this without mentioning my all time favorite romance novel... The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. My favorite book and my husband's favorite movie (I don't even know why, neither does he, but whatever lol). 

The romance and the missed romance between Noah and Ally is one that I think stays with you for a long long time. Noah is a silly boy who likes having fun and Ally is more serious and thinks about her future. Seeing their romance as kids and what to do with that when they get older is an experience to witness.

I unfortunately don't have a review on this book (I did read it back in like 2004? 2005?) but even if you're not into N. Sparks books this is one I would still totally recommend. The characters are some of my favorites!

What are you plans for Valentines Day? What are some of your favorite romance reads?

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Stacking the Shelves (1)

All of this weekly book haul meme stuff is so hard to... deal with lol. I decided to go with Stacking the Shelves which is hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

So I finally got around to opening my Secret Santa gift which was part of the Holiday Book Swap hosted by Squeaky Books & Emily's Reading Room which was from the lovely Christi at Christi The Teen Librarian. Guys, I get the best Secret Santa's, I swear! It's 330AM and I don't feel like tagging my pictures so... here! lol

Look at all the wonderful goodies!! I really like the tree ornament, it lights up! And it's funny how she included a lip balm from Rudolf and something from A Christmas Story since those are two of my must watch holiday movies since I was a kid! And yay! Lots of peppermint bark!!

I also thought this note was sweet. I was super confused when I opened this one until I read the note. I've flipped through it so far and it looks like a really entertaining read! I can't wait to get started on this. Thanks for including it Christi! And thank you for everything else! I love everything!! (:

I also got myself some stuff for Christmas. Does anyone else do that? Buy themselves gifts for Christmas? I got myself the Kindle Paperwhite (which I played with yesterday and I'm kinda ehhh about it) so I have something to read my ebooks on while I'm on the bus to work in Orlando next year. I also got myself a lip/nail Butter London set because I've been wanting Butter London FOREVER (but I refuse to pay $14 for ONE effen nail polish)! And funny story, I'm one of those people who hate chocolate and peanut butter but I've been craving Reese's like crazy all month!! Ugh. What is going on?!?

Also not pictured I got The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente (wow that's a really long and complicated title) from the wonderful Beth at Living a Goddess Life! Thank you so much Beth! That was really sweet of you :) and I also got a finished copy of Splintered by A.G. Howard from the publisher! So thank you! I'm not sure who to thank since it was sent from Hachette but the publisher is Amulet *shrug*.

Annnnd that's pretty much all I got related to books this week and for Christmas. What did you get this week? Or what did you get for Christmas? 

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☃ Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Wishing all of you a happy holiday and a Merry Christmas! I hope your holiday season is filled with love, happiness, life long memories and lots of books! (:

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Review: Let it Snow by Maureen Johnson, John Green & Lauren Myracle

Let it Snow by Maureen Johnson, John Green & Lauren Myracle
Release Date: October 2nd, 2008 by Speak
Details: 352 pages, paperback
Genre: Young Adult > Contemporary
Source: Bought for Kindle
Summary (Goodreads):

Sparkling white snowdrifts, beautiful presents wrapped in ribbons, and multicolored lights glittering in the night through the falling snow. A Christmas Eve snowstorm transforms one small town into a romantic haven, the kind you see only in movies. Well, kinda. After all, a cold and wet hike from a stranded train through the middle of nowhere would not normally end with a delicious kiss from a charming stranger. And no one would think that a trip to the Waffle House through four feet of snow would lead to love with an old friend. Or that the way back to true love begins with a painfully early morning shift at Starbucks. Thanks to three of today’s bestselling teen authors—John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle—the magic of the holidays shines on these hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and breathtaking kisses.

Amazon* || Goodreads || BookDepo*

Let it Snow is one of those books that are complied by three authors into one single story. Though they all get their own sections. Meaning, three mini stories within the same situation that's suppose to all tie in together. Whew, that sounds tough! But these three authors did a wonderful job of weaving it all together! That's for sure. It all starts when a train breaks down in a small town a little ways away from a place called Waffle House. From there, all sorts of crazy things and feelings and adventures ensue! 

The first story up is The Jubilee Express by Maureen Johnson (yes they get titles too, awesome right?) and it's about a girl named Jubilee whos parents are thrown in jail for some really really silly. Because of this she's sent to spend Christmas with her grandma in Florida. Away from home and away from her long term boyfriend. On the train, she lends her phone to a boy named Jeb who's trying to contact his is/was girlfriend and though this may be a little insignificant at the time, I assure you, it isn't. She meets Stuart who has a really sincere heart and invites her to stay with him while the train is being fixed and who has a really really creepy mom. I mean, I thought this was going to be some Hansel and Gretel shit and his mom was going to fatten Jubilee up and eat her for dinner. Then I thought Maureen wouldn't do that in a Christmas novel.... would she?! So yes, the whole time I was expecting it. Because you never know what Maureen has up her sleeve! Anyway, Stuart opens her eyes to her current romance situation and I was right there with him! Jubilee deserved a bit more than what she got!

The second story A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle by John Green was cute. But that situation that these three friends (Tobin, JP and Angie aka Duke) was a little frustrating. One of their friends work at the Waffle House and demanded they come by (while it's snow storming out) to hang with him and make out with cheerleaders (where do guys get these ideas from?) so they go and Duke really isn't into the idea of it all (and I agree) but goes anyway since they promised her hash browns (I'd go too for some hash browns...). But on the way there, and trust me, it's a long way... things between Tobin and Duke start to revel itself. I don't see how Tobin could be so blind, but then again when you're friends with someone for that long... I guess it's not that hard. 

The last story The Patron Saint of Pigs by Lauren Myracle is going back to Jeb but based on his is/was girlfriend Addie. They were together for awhile and Jeb wasn't who Addie wanted him to be (very PDA and gift giving and all that other you-have-to-show-the-world-you-love-me stuff) so they had some sort of miscommunication and Jeb needed some time to think or something... I don't really remember it all lol but Addie was getting really worried about how people kept saying, "it's not all about you" basically telling her she's self absorbed and selfish without actually saying it. But in the little snippet that we saw her in... well she was pretty self absorbed and only cared about her own problems and had a big thing for letting people down. Also, the way she treated Jeb because he wasn't how he wanted her to be was crap! Total crap! And this is where the story wraps up.

If I had to pick a favorite I would say it would be the first one. Maureen's quirky sense of humor really shows in Jubilee and I read through it giggling really fast. Overall, this is a really entertaining book to get you in the holiday spirit!

Also, I remember Maureen talking about this when I met her and Stephanie Perkins for a signing in Oakland late last year and how they were writing it and they kept throwing weird things in it like the cheerleaders and blizzards and pigs to make it harder on the next writer lol.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

It's warm today, which is strange since it's been freezing and raining all week! I can't believe Thanksgiving is here, that means that the holiday are just around the corner and then it'll be 2013. I swear the older you get the faster the year goes!

This year has been a struggle and especially with my OCD. But there is still much to be thankful for. 

I'm thankful for my husband who drives me insane but makes sure I'm fed, happy, smiling and safe. Who stays by my side no matter what and no matter how hard I push him away. Who drives me to book signings rain or shine no matter how far or near, who'll stand in line with me for hours, who'll hold my books and take my pictures. Who always thinks of me even when I think he doesn't. Who never forgets to tuck me in, put away my glasses when I fall asleep with them and kisses me every night. I'm thankful he's literally my best friend. I would be lost without him!

I'm thankful for the 3 little fuzzy faces that drive me crazy every night with their crying and their unknown demands! But I'm thankful to come home with them and cuddle and kiss them even if they cry and try to claw their way out. I'm especially thankful for Snow (the one on the left) for trying to cheer me up when she knows I'm stressed out. She's literally our baby!

I'm thankful for my puppy who will always be my sunshine on a cloudy day.

I'm thankful for books for being my escape and for keeping me inspired. They definitely make my life better and provide the perfect escape on those nights you just want to get away! Books, I love you!

I'm also thankful for my family (my brother especially who came home from work at 3am this morning and has been cooking an amazing meal since 6am. I can't wait for dinner!), my friends, my health (the fact that my ear infection is gone, yay!), being able to go to college, my next adventure! I'm thankful for life and everything it has to offer and take away. It can be a struggle but it can be beautiful if you want it to be too.

I and thankful for you, my readers and wish all of you readers a happy thanksgiving filled with family, friends, happiness, laughter and I wish you a relaxing night after the festivities to curl up with a book too!

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Holiday Book Swap 2012!

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Christmas however is not my favorite holiday. I like setting up and getting ready for Christmas and all the Christmas-y stuff that goes on but I've always felt like the holiday itself was always a bit of a let down.

I almost always participate in holiday swaps since I started book blogging and this year is no different. I've signed up for the Holiday Book Swap 2012!

I seriously look forward to this :P anyone else signed up or want to sign up? It's fun! And you'll know at least one gift under the tree holds books!

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Happy Easter!

[ credit here ]

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter filled with egg hunting, good food and chocolate! 

It's my Friday! After another six day week I'm ready for my days off! Thankfully my schedule is back to two days off so I'm hoping to get back to reading and reviewing! I miss this blog and the book blogging world so much! It just sucks that while you guys are excited for Spring Break, I'm not. The parks have been crazy busy lately! Magic Kingdom had 70,000 people there on Monday! But I do hope that all of you who are on Spring Break are enjoying it!

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☃ Holiday 2010 Survey!

Jess at Jess Hearts Books started this and I stole it from GReads :)

1.) Favorite holiday destination?

I've never been anywhere on Christmas before but I have been places for Christmas. If I had to pick one I would have to say Disneyland! When they dress that place up for the holidays it's extra magical!

2.) Favorite ornament or decoration?

I don't really have one... my mom use to have these "singing bells" when I was younger. I loved those! I'd follow the lights under the bells when it was their "turn". I don't know whatever happened to those...

3.) What are you doing for the holidays?

Same thing I do every holiday. Stay home, wait til Midnight, open gifts with my family then head over to my husband's mom's house and open gifts over there!

4.) Are you a late or early Christmas shopper?

Early! I'm like my mom when it comes to things like this... I have to get things done early!

5.) Who usually cooks holiday dinners?

We're not big on holiday dinners. But if anyone does cook anything, it's my brother.

6.) Do you live where it snows?

No :-( and this makes me very sad.  People who get snow tell me I'm crazy & to be lucky that I don't have it.  Having an actual winter would be nice though!  Wearing short sleeves & flip flops on Christmas just doesn't seem right to me & never has. << OMG! Same here! People always tell me I'm crazy because I want snow. I've never seen real snow in my entire life! I think I'm entitled to want to see it!

7.) One thing that makes you happiest at christmas?

Being with my family. Especially when my cat decides to stay home that night too :) and my husband being there. I don't know why, sounds cheesy but it makes me fuzzy.

8.) What do you want most for Christmas?

Nothing really. I have pretty much everything I want :)

9.) What's your favorite holiday drink?

Remy Martin and Coke :) it reminds me of the holidays for some reason... other than that... I never had a Peppermint Mocha til this year (I know right?) and I'm obsessed with the ones from Seattle's Best!

10.) Favorite Christmas song?

"Baby It's Cold Outside" the Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey version!

11.) Favorite Christmas film?

A Christmas Story! My all time favorite Christmas film. And also Serendipity.

12.) Favorite Christmas book?

I don't have one :( I was hoping to do a little mini challenge with myself but that didn't work out. I got the books but not the time lol. There's always next year!

13.) What is at the top of your list this Christmas?

Isn't this kinda like the other question? Am I missing something?

14.) What is most important to you about the holidays?

Family. Getting all my holiday-ish stuff done on time (I'm constantly trying to beat time). I'm hoping next year I get to actually enjoy the holidays instead of stressing over things! Last year was my wedding, this year is moving across the country. Booo.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!

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