Runs on Coffee and Cream

I've been trying to use up scraps that I have all over my craft room for pouches and cat toys. At this point, I almost need to order more zippers. I sold so many pouches last year and I have some major restocking to do.

January is almost over and I'm really not sure where the month went. It's been a really snowy month. Like, tons of snow. Winter caught up and we've been shoveling every couple of days. It's been a work out. The weather has kept us inside though. Snuggling, reading, watching TV and movies... it's been nice.

Seymore is especially fond of the new bed we bought him on boxing day. It's a small dog bed which fits him perfectly.


I read through the first Lumberjanes trade this month, along with a few other books. I have the second Lumberjanes volume in my to-read pile still too.



I found Star Wars: The Force Awakens Pop! Vinyls really cheap and just had to pick them all up!


I've been adding to my sprinkle collection as I come up with more recipes I want to try.


I couldn't pass up these Valentines and stickers when I was out shopping last week.

 
I also bought a few other things this month: my first Tsum Tsum pack, a ceramic dish, and two DS games.


January has been a good start to 2016. It's been snowy and I haven't left the house much, but it's been nice and relaxing.

How's January been for you?
xo Jen

Over the past month I have found myself obsessed with two new comic book series that I'd like to recommend.

Paper Girls
"SAGA writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN launches a brand-new ONGOING SERIES with superstar Wonder Woman artist CLIFF CHIANG! In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time. Stand By Me meets War of the Worlds in this mysterious young adult adventure."

When I first started issue 1, I instantly liked the comic - the time period, art style, writing. It wasn't until the end of the issue that I got hooked though. Things happen, hints are given, characters are introduced - all to set up the main story arc. That was it, I had to keep reading. I've devoured the first 4 issues. So far, I'm completely loving this series. 


Lady Killer
"Josie Schuller is a picture-perfect homemaker, wife, and mother-but she's also a ruthless, efficient killer! She's balanced cheerful domestic bliss with coldly performed assassinations, but when Josie finds herself in the crosshairs, her American Dream life is in danger! "

As soon as I saw the cover of this trade I knew I wanted to read it. It's such a great combination - a 50's housewife who's a trained assassin. It didn't take me long to get through all 5 issues and I really wish there were more. Josie is such a badass and I found myself just loving all the outfits, settings, and all the little details that made the story come to life. 


I'm currently reading through some trades that I found at a good price - Catwoman and Birds of Prey. What are you reading?
xo Jen

*All quotes are from comiXology, where all these comics are available in digital format*

January has been so cold and snowy. In the last three weeks I've become a hermit. And I'm ok with that. The Fall was super busy and I have sewing, TV shows, and books to catch up on. Plus, the weather outside isn't too friendly.

Winter

I had mentioned in my Reading Challenge post that I had started the latest Lunar Chronicles book, Winter, just before the new year. It was a long audio book at 23 hours. Long for me anyways. Typically the audio books I listen to range from 6-12 hours depending on the book. So 23 hours took me a bit to get through.

Once I got into the story I found myself listening constantly and flew through the last half. I won't give any spoilers but it was a good book. It wasn't my favourite book in The Lunar Chronicles series, but it was an entertaining book that wrapped things up nicely. I found myself rooting for certain characters and relationships, and I got a little teary eyed a few times too. I thoroughly enjoyed the 'Snow White' aspects throughout the book as well, since Winter is based on that fairy tale (like all the books in The Lunar Chronicle series).

The synopsis from Goodreads:

"Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana."


Supernatural

I decided to play catch up with Supernatural again. I always find myself binge watching this show and in the middle of cold Winter seemed like a perfect time. I started season 9 a couple of weeks ago and I only have a few episodes left. No matter how long this show goes on, the Winchesters, Crowley, and Castiel entertain the hell out of me. I think I might be tempted to head right into season 10 with how season 9 is playing out.

Also, look at my FBI Winchester Pop! Vinyl figures I got for Christmas! I just love how accurate they are, even the stance on both of them!

What have you been into lately?
xo Jen

Did you watch the season 2 premiere of Agent Carter? I really enjoyed it. I think the L.A. setting will provide a fresh setting for the show.

Jarvis was fantastic as usual and I just love Peggy's attitude and style. Honestly, she's a huge inspiration in every way. The way she handles situations, doesn't let intimidation affect her, and her passion for her job and justice is incredible. Let's just say I want to be Peggy Carter when I grow up.

I love baking. I took cake decorating classes a few years ago and I'm always up for baking a batch of cookies or frosting some pretty cupcakes. It's one of my top passions in life.

This year I want to grow and challenge myself as a baker. I want to try new recipes and techniques. I want to experiment more with flavours and decorating styles. Lately I've found myself getting lost on Instagram and Pinterest looking at cake and cookie photos.

I haven't shared a turtle update since September so forgive me for all the baby turtle photos! We've had Tank and Koopa for about 7 months now and they've grown so much! Personality-wise too.

We no longer stress out over them not eating or about Tank burying his head in the rocks when we come near them. They're full-blown pigs. They race for pellets and will push each other out of the way for a shrimp. We've been feeding them different types of lettuce which they absolutely love. We find leaf stems at the bottom of the aquarium the day after giving them a couple of lettuce leaves. We also gave them a quarter of a strawberry which Koopa absolutely devoured.

They get super excited when I approach them because they think it's feeding time so it's incredibly hard to get clear, in-focus photos of them. Their little legs go crazy as they try to swim at me. I'm at the point where I stop to watch them numerous times throughout the day so they get used to my presence and hopefully they eventually won't necessarily think it's feeding time when they see me. I need to photograph them hanging out on their platform as they dry themselves. They stretch right out and their little legs lift right up while they balance on the bottom of their shell. It's so cute. But as soon as they spot me, they dive in the water.



The next photo is of both turtles... they climb on top of each other when they're in this container (while Adam cleans their aquarium) and try to get over the edge. They're so incredibly spazzy while in here.




You can somewhat see their size difference in the bottom picture. Koopa is at the bottom and he's quite heavy in comparison to little Tank, who's on top. But Tank was a picky eater for the first couple of months. He also wouldn't fight for his share of the food so Koopa grew quickly. There's nothing to worry about though. Tank grabs 3 pellets at a time now. He's learned to fight for his share of the food. Though, we still catch him digging through the rocks to hide.


I've been practicing using my Nikon DSLR camera on manual, so I've been taking photos like crazy. But these guys move around so much, it almost seems impossible to get a clear photo of them!

xo Jen

When looking at the 'Coming Soon' list for 2016, I realized there were too many movies that I was excited for to share in just one post. You can see Part 1 of my Movies Watch List here.

These are the movies I'm most excited for in the later half of the year:

Suicide Squad

"A group of super villains are forced to work together in exchange for reduced prison sentences."

The two reasons I want to see this movie: Harley Quinn and Joker. I'm super curious to see how this movie is and how Jared Leto portrays Joker. I'm also hoping Harley Quinn is done well since I'm a big fan. 


*All quotes and pictures are from Tribute unless sourced otherwise*

Last year I decided to do the Reading Challenge on Goodreads. I picked 25 books to read over the course of a year. I didn't exactly finish it. I read 24 books, though I started my 25th book before the year was over - Winter by Marissa Meyer. And no one wants excuses, but I started this book over the busy holidays and the audio book is 23 hours long so I haven't finished it yet.

For 2016, I've picked 30 books for my reading challenge. I think it'll be an easy enough goal because there are SO many books and comics I'm excited to read. I will be making a point of adding the graphic novels I read this year too. Last year I failed to keep track since I read a lot digitally and I just didn't think to add them.

If you want to set your own Reading Challenge or add me on Goodreads, please do! Goodreads has become one of my favourite sites and apps that I frequent often. I love seeing what my friends are reading or adding to their to-read list. I've come across so many books that I want to read this way. Plus, I can see what books are really popular when 3 or 4 different people who don't know each other have added the same book to their list.

I cannot even begin to list all the books I want to read here but these are the titles that I'm most excited to read:

Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas

"After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin."

I have heard about this series over and over again. I definitely want to finally read it this year. 


Every Day by David Levithan

"Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.
There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere."

I was a little behind starting Marvel's Jessica Jones on Netflix, but as soon as we started watching it, there was no turning back. Once we got home from our Christmas visits, we started the show. After watching two episodes, this was my reaction that I posted on Twitter:

We started Jessica Jones and she really does remind me of an alcoholic, grown-up Veronica Mars. Which means I'm going to love this show.

— Jen (@SparklegirlJen) December 28, 2015

Initially I saw Jessica as a badass. Not only is she physically strong, but she has a tough demeanor. She's a smartass, sarcastic, and has no use for stupid people. She also tries very hard to not ever ask for help, but to take care of herself. As the show went on, all of these traits also became her weaknesses too. She has to find balance, which the people around her help her find - Trish, Malcolm and Luke.

Between Jessica, Trish, Hope, and Jeri, the women in this show were shown as incredibly strong but also vulnerable. It was a wonderful thing to feel a connection with so many women in one show. Not only was I rooting for them to kick some ass, but I felt all their pain and anger and sadness too.


I think seeing Trish's character develop over the episodes was one of my favourite things. Initially, I didn't realize who she was in the Marvel Universe, and for those who haven't seen it I won't spoil anything. But my initial reaction towards Trish was that she was the pretty friend who has everything together which will play off of Jessica's chaotic and messed up character. Nope. Not even a little bit. Trish is tough and strong and has a rough past that has scarred her. You see glimpses into her life, past and present, and see her sadness and why she is the way she is. I found myself rooting for her as much as I did for Jessica.

Seriously, I'm completely in love with this show and how all the characters are portrayed and developed. I really need to rewatch it now and also get my hands on the Alias trades.

Have you watched Jessica Jones yet? What'd you think?
xo Jen

In January I always pull up the 'Coming Soon' section on Tribute to look at the list of movies coming to theatres that year. I get really excited when I realize how soon movies that I've been looking forward to will be out or when a movie is listed that I didn't realize was finished production.

This year, I added all the movies I want to see in theatre to my planner. Why? So when I look at a month I can get excited knowing a movie date is in my future and also to plan some themed-baking projects. And let me tell you, there are a ton of good movies coming out in 2016.

These are the movies that top my 2016 list from January to July:

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

"In this wild reimagining of Jane Austen’s classic tale set in the 19th century, scrappy martial arts specialist Elizabeth Bennet and the very wealthy Mr. Darcy are true opposites — however, equally prideful and prejudiced.
"The origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life."

Let's be honest, what comic book fan isn't looking forward to this movie?! Ryan Reynolds seems to be the perfect person to play Deadpool. I just hope I won't be disappointed.

Supergirl starts back up tonight and I'm very excited for it. I was hesitant to watch Supergirl this past Fall because I'm not much of a DC Comics person. I don't know much about their universe and their characters (unless they reside in Gotham). I'm so happy I gave the show a chance though.

I watched Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman growing up and Supergirl has a similar feel to that show - a light-hearted drama perfect for the whole family. It gets serious but not too serious, and the comedic parts aren't excessive. Kara Danvers is extremely likeable and so are most of the other characters. Even Kara's boss, Cat Grant (played by the fiery Calista Flockhart), is likeable once she lets some personal information or vulnerable moments slip with Kara.

I never thought I'd end up being a Supergirl fan but the show is changing that. I'm pretty sure I have the items in my wardrobe to pull off an Everyday Cosplay for Supergirl's look. I really love the darker colours for the new suit instead of the bright red and blue. And don't even get me started on Kara's everyday wardrobe... her work day outfits are adorable!


Have you watched Supergirl and if so, what'd you think of it?

xo Jen

December was the month of Star Wars for many. The month was filled with Star Wars movies rewatches, new and old merchandise being bought, DIYs and recipes being made - all to get ready for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Our household was no different. We rewatched all six Star Wars movies, I bought and made R2-D2 cookies, and wore all my Star Wars fashions in preparation to seeing the movie. It was fun and exciting waiting for the movie to arrive.





Once we saw the movie, the Star Wars craze didn't stop there. We found ourselves surrounded my Star Wars merchandise at Kool Stuff Toys in Hamilton on Christmas Eve.


I also have an amazing husband who ran out and picked me up this BB-8 Pop! Vinyl last minute because of my new obsession with him after seeing the movie.


I also received two new Christmas ornaments for the tree on Christmas morning. Needless to say, it was a Star Wars Christmas.


Now onto the movie, I'm sure you've read numerous reviews (with and without spoilers), interviews, and theories. So what's my take on the movie? I loved it. It felt like a Star Wars movie. The cast, new and old, were brilliant. I have no complaints. I have about a million questions that haven't been answered, but I know the future movies will answer and explain more. I'd like to say my newest obsession is Rey and BB-8, but Finn and Poe won me over too. They all made me feel so much.

Have you seen the movie yet? Did you enjoy it?
xo Jen