Friday, July 26, 2013

Book Club Friday {July 26}

Hey y'all,

As usual, it's FRIDAY! Time to get excited for a weekend of relaxing (or packing in my case) and to share all the wonderful reads over the past week. I however missed last week so for the past two weeks I have read:


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One of the fiercest soldiers the Phrixians have ever produced, Maris Sulle has been an outsider the whole of his life. He grew up with a secret that cost him everything- His birthright, his family and his military career. In all his life, he’s only had one love and he has sacrificed his own happiness to see his best friend reunited with the woman he loves. But now that his good deed is done, he feels lost and adrift. Even though they do their best to include him in their new family, he’s once again on the outside looking in.

Ture has spent his life hiding from everyone around him while trying desperately to fit in. His family, the world, you name it. Badly hurt by everyone he’s ever known, he trusts no one except his own best friend. And honestly, he can’t understand why he trusts her. Nor can he believe her when she describes a loyalty between friends the likes of which he’s never seen.
But when he is in his darkest hour, he’s saved by a hero he thought only existed in novels. A man who is every bit as scarred and mistrusting as he is. One who has no interest in being dragged into another relationship with anyone.
Having spent his life as a living study of doomed relationships, Maris is well aware of the courtship and fiasco that invariably follows. Still, there is something about Ture he can’t resist. Something that won’t let him walk away when he knows he should.
But when old enemies return to threaten them both, they either have to stand together or die alone.
Part of the League Series of Sherrilyn Kenyon, which I fell in love with, I grabbed this on my nook the Friday it came out and was finished the following day. While much shorter than a typical Kenyon novel (171 vs 614 in Born of Silence) I loved the inclusion of a story of Maris and Ture. While not a typical romance novel I was glad to hear these guys story and was happy that Maris as the gay guy was not left alone forever.

The Georgetown Academy Series
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In the halls of Georgetown Academy, gossip and rumor abound. But when photographic proof shows up on the front page of The Huffington Post? Then it’s a national scandal.
While Ellie tries to put her life back together, Evan just might get everything she’s ever wanted—the perfect boyfriend and her dream career. But her loyalties will be put to the test when it turns out to be the very people she’s closest to who are standing in her way.
Brinley is determined to find out who is behind the photo leak, all while her own dirty secret spirals out of control. And California girl Taryn is sick of being walked all over and ready to start playing by the rules of D.C., for better or for worse.
In a world where reputation and appearances are everything, knowledge is power. But you’ll have to learn how to use it if you want to come out on top. 

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The frosty chill that’s settled over Georgetown Academy isn’t just from the winter weather—growing up in the D.C. fishbowl isn’t for everyone, but a break from the Beltway might just restore some sanity.
Ellie Walker’s suffered through a lifetime of scandal in a few short weeks, and now must watch her true love fall for someone else. But will a dose of fresh New England air—and an irresistible newcomer who plays by his own rules—provide the change of pace she so desperately needs?
Riding high after her smashing D.C. debut, Taryn Reyes hatches a plan to cement her relationship with Gabe. But she may get more than she bargained for when she enlists Brooks’ help.

Evan Harnett would do anything to protect her friends. But one moment of weakness, and now she’s on the outs with both Hunter and Ellie. Hot on the trail of a new story, she’s heartbroken to find it leads straight back to Ellie. Can she save her friend and their friendship?
Brinley Madison’s Clinton-esque downfall was bad enough, but between family obligations, protecting her friends, and managing local gossip, will she be able to regain her social standing without losing her peace of mind?
Privileged kids in a posh hotel with nothing to do but scheme and ski—and they thought D.C. was a pressure cooker? One thing’s for sure: what happens in Vermont definitely won’t stay in Vermont.
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When the vice president resigns and Ellie and Taryn’s parents emerge as the frontrunners, the girls find themselves back in the spotlight.
Ellie could not care less about becoming the Second Daughter, but she knows how much the opportunity to make history means to her mother – and women everywhere. With her family taking center stage, Ellie must decide whether she can put her feelings for Gabe on hold - again.
Taryn, so used to captivating the hearts and minds of everyone she meets, is unbothered by the increased media scrutiny. But an inopportune screw-up has her beholden to an unlikely – and unfriendly – source for help. 
Overnight, Evan has skyrocketed from social pariah to Miss Popular. As she and her reluctant parents adjust to her new lifestyle, the last thing she needs is a front-page scandal.
Brinley can’t stop thinking about her Stowe-bound hook-up…until her father’s intern, Patrick, starts flirting. Is it time to abandon her fling now that she has a more appropriate suitor?
With the second highest office in the land up for grabs, everyone is picking sides. But where does the heart lie when duty, truth, and love collide  

I was lucky to have recieved the books from NetGalley and the premise of a high school filled with the children of the politcal elite and Washington, DC  breadwinners is an interesting topic to examine, I felt that the books were filled with a lot of unneccessary drama. I think the series Georgetown Academy is ok but not a have to read. I think the pick your own story is interesting but I could have read them as the rest of the book with the change in perspective every chapter. I liked the characters of Ellie and Evan the best of the four girls but was never truly connected making it a page turner. They are really short reads (150 pages a piece) that I would have rather seen as one book rather than a series.

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Marriage can be a real killer.
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
I will preface this with the fact that I don't like psychological mystery thrillers and I thought the book was good but not one I would ever read again or really recommend to friends as a "great" book or a "must-read." The characters themselves are awful people and if I cannot relate to anyone I am never really connected to the story, plus most of the characters were CRAZY!

What are you currently reading?

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

WILW & OHP {July 24}

Hey y'all,

So I move in less than two weeks so posting will be kind of sporadic since most of my free time is going to be spent packing, then moving, and settling in but I promise by the second week of August all will be well and by September I promise to put up my home decor posts since I have finally decided on a bedspread! As usual, today is the middle of the week and time to share some things I have been loving and some things that have caught my eye on Pinterest. So let's start, I'm loving....


....having a very relaxing weekend. This past weekend, I went down to my parent's house to hang out, cuddle with their cat Max, and spend some time in the pool. It was a perfect time to get away before the chaos of moving and the best part was catching up with one of my high school best friends, my twin, jHl. I haven't seen her since last July when I visited her in Wilmington. It was sooooo great to catch up over a glass of wine floating around the pool. 


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...my new gym. So I finally decided on a gym to join and picked their second location (about 10mins from my new place) and they opened last week. I went on the first day and swam some laps in the pool and it was great to be back in the water. If y'all didn't know I have been swimming since the age of two and was a competitive swimmer up until High School. I have yet to go to one of the many classes they offer (I got sick last week) but I spent some time on the elliptical watching HGTV Monday and I must say, watching House Hunters while you work out keeps you there until they pick out the house.
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...Jif to Go in Natural! I was at Target on Sunday night and saw the natural version of Jif to Go and thought I would try it! I think these are great and I have been eating them with both celery and apples and love it as my morning snack at work. Just know that the serving size is more than two tablespoons so I tend to grab a lot of celery (1-2 cups) for every to-go cup.

...Speaking of Target, I am loving the maxi dress I got there on clearance! It is no longer on the website but I promise to upload a picture of it soon.

...This J.Crew Sweater
Factory Intarsia Charley Sweater in Big Dot Navy Saddle

...looking at DIY projects and prints on Etsy for my new room/apartment. It is a lot of fun looking up projects and I think this weekend between packing I might have time to paint a few canvases. 


...and these Pinterest finds:
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What are you loving/pinning this week?

Ps. Shoutout to my Bestie's(aMl) little sister turns 21 today! 
My baby sister (kDi) and the birthday girl (KM) back in high school!
It is so weird to think that these to are adults. My sister turns 21 in two months!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Christmas in July.

Hey y'all,

It seems like I disappear during the week and appear back Thursday/Friday. I apologize but last week I got a cold/flu thing and was out of work and mostly slept all day Tuesday. So no fun. I am back to feeling better and as promised, I will share my Christmas list as it is right now. Last year I posted my list about the same time in July and it is strange to go back and read it since it was before I had moved out of my parent's house. Looking back I actually have bought or gotten most of the items from birthday presents or treats to myself from great deals. This year's list is mainly focused on entertainment since the last time I looked at my movie selection I was kind of lacking options. Also, now that I have my own job and place I would rather outfit it with my own cash and make Christmas filled with fun things I want versus things I necessarily need. 


I wouldn't mind finding the following movies under the tree:
How to Train Your Dragon
The Big Bang Theory Seasons 1-6
Scandal Seasons 1& 2
Castle Seasons 3 & 4
Rizzoli & Isles Seasons 1-3


For my apartment I am in need of a nice vacuum and I don't want to splurge on myself so I am currently eyeing the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Bagless Upright Vacuum.

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Another Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T is on the list since I am obsessed with mine. Since I have a berry colored one I am looking at all the nice blue/purple/green jewel colored ones.
Intertwined Large Monogram Sweatshirt
I love sweatshirts for casual wear around the house and would love this one in a navy color with a white monogram.
Dooney & Bourke "Triple Zip" Nylon Crossbody Bag
For when I am running errands and don't want to carry around everything....

I also have pjs on the list since I think you should always get pjs for Christmas as well as I am looking for some light brown colored riding boots since I love my dark brown pair. 

Stocking Stuffers
Embroidered Whale Preppy Chevron Keychain Finger Key Fob


Tervis Molly Z Pink Mum 24ounce Water Bottle Tumbler


Gift Cards to:
LOFT
J.Crew
Banana Republic
GAP
Barnes & Noble
Target
Old Navy
T.J. Maxx/Marshalls/Homegoods

I am sure my list might change a bit here and there but that is the bulk of what I currently am asking Santa for this year....

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Sunday Sayings

Hey y'all,

Sorry I have been out of the blog-o-sphere lately but I saw this on Pinterest and it was a perfect representation of me.


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Happy Sunday!

Friday, July 12, 2013

Book Club Friday {July 12}

Hey y'all,

As usual, it's Friday meaning time for the weekly roundup of books I devoured this week. I am kind of upset I didn't finish Awaken this week but I blame finishing watching season five of Gilmore Girls for that. I mean, Rory leaves Yale and Lorelei proposes. I had to get to the finale episode. Ok, onto the books:

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Fans of both contemporary romance and women's fiction will love this smart, witty, and beautiful novella from national bestseller Sharla Lovelace. If you like Susan Elizabeth Philips, Susan Mallery, or Sarah Addison Allen you're going to fall in love with this author.
She has nothing but time . . .
Twenty-four hours. That’s how long Andie Fremont has to say yes—or no. At forty-four with a daughter in college, she’s no young kitten with starry-eyed ideas of what love is. Still, when the man who is everything she should want pops the question with a ring he knows isn’t her style, during a party she didn’t want to have, Andie balks. Something tells her that it isn’t right. 
Looking to clear her head, Andie hits the Texas highway in search of an answer. And when she stumbles upon an old roadside diner she decides waffles might be it, at least for now. What she didn’t expect to find was Jesse Montgomery. The man who stole her heart and broke it all in one day, two decades earlier.
As a Texas-size storm takes shape outside, the electricity between Andie and Jesse builds inside. Suddenly Andie is faced with more than just yes or no. As the storm clears there are two men who will want answers.


I grabbed this story from NetGalley since I liked the synopsis and I was not disappointed. I liked this story of past loves,while the relationships were expected the various events in the story were not including the damage of the storm. I though it was a cute and a really fast read/novella.
3 of 5 stars.


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If you can grill it, smoke it, or fry it, Nora Henderson knows all about it. She’s been basting baby back ribs and pulling pork at her father’s barbeque joint since she was tall enough to reach the counter. When she’s accepted to Taste Test, a reality-television teen cooking competition, Nora can’t wait to leave her humble hometown behind, even if it means saying good-bye to her dad and her best friend, Billy. Once she’s on set, run-ins with her high-society roommate and the maddeningly handsome—not to mention talented—son of a famous chef, Christian Van Lorten, mean Nora must work even harder to prove herself. But as mysterious accidents plague the kitchen arena, protecting her heart from one annoyingly charming fellow contestant in particular becomes the least of her concerns. Someone is conducting real-life eliminations, and if Nora doesn’t figure out who, she could be next to get chopped for good. 
With romance and intrigue as delectable as the winning recipes included in the story, this debut novel will be devoured by all.


I received this book from NetGalley as well as an advance copy since the book itself comes out next month. I loved the mix of Top Chef and a boarding/high school. I also connected to Nora since she was a North Carolina girl who knows her BBQ. Nora seems like a real person with a lot of strengths and weaknesses and I could imagine knowing Nora. The book is not all about romance I often find teen novels heading but there was a focus on other relationships and the food itself.
3.5 of 5 stars


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The heat is on, and a new threat to humanity has risen…
Nick has his driver’s license and he’s not afraid to use it. But turning sixteen isn’t what he thought it would be. While other boys his age are worried about prom dates and applying for college, Nick is neck deep in enemies out to stop him from living another day. No longer sure if he can trust anyone, his only ally seems to be the one person he’s been told will ultimately kill him.
But life spent serving the undead is anything except ordinary. And those out to get him have summoned an ancient force so powerful even the gods fear it. As Nick learns to command and control the elements, the one he must master in order to combat his latest foe is the one most likely to destroy him. As the old proverb goes, fire knows nothing of mercy, and if Nick is to survive this latest round, he will have to sacrifice a part of himself. However, the best sacrifice is seldom the sanest move. Sometimes it’s the one that leaves your enemies confused, and you even more so.
And sometimes, you have to trust your enemy to save your friends. But what do you do when that enemy  is you?

Ok, I have to preface this with the fact that Sherrilyn Kenyon is one of my favorite authors and I consumed her Dark Hunters Series a few summers ago and have been obsessed since. I loved the idea of a spin-off series focusing on Nick Gautier since we never really got a story from him. I know the Chronicles of Nick will eventually reconnect to the series but who know when that will happen. This is the fourth book in the Chronicles of Nick and none of them have disappointed me yet. I read the first three last summer and I have been waiting for this book ever since and it has been patiently waiting on my self until I had time. This book finally explained some of the charachter's backgrounds and motivations as well as helped to set up who Nick really will become. I missed Ambrose in this book and I was very surprised at the ending to say the least but now to wait for the next book, Illusion in 2014 (or the next book in the League series, Cloak & Silence that came out this week!)
4.5 of 5 stars

What have you been reading? As always suggestions/recommendations are always welcome!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

OOTDs

Hey y'all,

So I have no original thoughts for today so I thought I would share a few outfits from the past few weeks. Enjoy!

Off to Church
Dress: Just a Little Panache
Shoes: Target
Bag: Kate Spade
Bangle: Target
Watching Carolina in the College World Series
Tank: Aeropostale
Jeggings: Target
Scarf: Lightyears
Monogrammed Bow(not pictured):Marley Lilly
Bangle: Taget
Watch:Anne Klein.
Work
Cardigan: New York and Company
Top: Banana Republic Outlet
Pants: Old Navy
Shoes: Lauren by Ralph Lauren
Bag: Oscar De La Renta for Target
Ring: Gift
Watch: Anne Klein
Work
Top: Old Navy
Camisole: Aeropostale
Pants: Old Navy
Flats: Target
Watch: Anne Klein
Work
Cardigan: New York and Company
Cami: Aeropostale
Skirt: Old Navy outlet
Necklace & Ring: Gifts
Watch Anne Klein
Shoes: Jack Rogers
Casual Friday
Cardigan: New York and Company
Top: Target
Jeggings: Taget
Shoes:Target
Work/National Wear Your Lilly
Dress: Lilly Pulitzer
Bag: Oscar De La Renta for Target
Scarf: JC Penny?
Watch: Anne Klein
Shoes: Jack Rogers

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

WILW & OHP: July 10

Hey y'all,

The whole day off in the middle of the week last week has thrown me completely off. So, today is Wednesday and I will hopefully be back to the swing of blogging. This week I am loving....

...Despicable Me 2. On the 4th, I spent time with friends going to see it and then a fun cookout. It was the perfect way to spend the day (I even got to sleep in).
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If you love Minions I think you should read this Buzz Feed article on 15 Reasons We Wish We Had Minions. Or this pin that helps showcase the various Minions.
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So now you all know that I love Despicable Me/Minions and yes I am excited that next December the Minion movie comes out!

...I have another planner now in the mix for decisions. I found the 2013 & 2014 Planners by PlumPaperDesigns and I think I will end up with them in the great Lilly/Erin Condren planner debate. The Plum Paper planners have the option of format similar to the EC Life Planner but they have lines! I am one of those people who loves to write on the line. They are also personalized and only $30! Less than the Luxe Lilly I was eyeing or the Life Planner.
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...the countdown to move in day is 24 days! I am still slowly packing but I visit my parent's next weekend to grab some more boxes (and see Max the cat) and really get in packing mode. It is so strange to think that I move so soon!

...speaking of packing, I have been watching my Gilmore Girls season DVDs and I am almost done with season 5! I really hope I can stretch them to move in day but they are great to put on and watch while cleaning/packing. I just finished the episode where Luke & Lorelei break up and the ribbons are around the town. It is also Logan time now which I don't love.
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...making my Christmas list. Y'all might think it is strange, but when you have relatives on both coasts, you get used to making your Christmas list early so that it can be sent to them and the gifts shipped. We used to draw names in July so I am used to having the list made by August. I will share the list soon!

...reading. I am back on the reading bug bad, and good considering according to Goodreads with my goal of 113 books I am about 8 books behind. However, thanks to NetGalley I have found some really great books and so far this week I have already read two books and I am half way done with two others!

...If you didn't watch Jami's episode of Extreme Weight Loss last night I highly recommend it! Jami's story had me crying and I recently found that she started a blog.

...these pinterest finds:
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What are you loving?