Runs on Coffee and Cream

The sun is shining, windows are open, Lana Del Rey is playing out of my stereo, iced tea is in hand. I really love this time of year. May has been going by quickly; a little too quickly for my liking. I'm ready to live out in the sunshine and go on adventures.

I found some great book finds at Value Village earlier this month. They were also in perfect condition.

A lovely online friend sent me some extra comics she had. It was a lovely surprise to find these in my mailbox since I forgot about them. I'm so pumped to have new issues to read!

When there's green apple and watermelon frozen yogurt you must add all the popping bobas and nerds!

I had to represent the Rebel Princess on May the 4th!

When I saw My Cat Is People was releasing a limited edition pin for Canada's 150th birthday I knew it was the purrfect time to buy one of their coffee pins!

I made myself an oversized pouch to hold all my planner stickers and washi tape. It's been handy to carry around.

We have some fun plans for the rest of May and some fun things coming up in June so I'm definitely enjoying life right now!

xo Jen

As I read more and more books I'm finding authors that I like and will stick with no matter what. There are a few books I'm really looking forward to finally reading in 2017 by these authors.

1. Marissa Meyer

The author of The Lunar Chronicles, Marissa Meyer is releasing the first book of her new series, as well as a graphic novel.

Wires and Nerve Volume 1


The graphic novel follows Iko, the adorable android from The Lunar Chronicles series. I'm SO excited to read this.

The Gatlon School for Vigilantes

"There are two rival schools in Gatlon City: the respected and exclusive Morris Academy that has turned many an evolved youth into celebrity superheroes, and the Gatlon School for the Gifted, which has a slightly less impressive reputation. Students of Gatlon tend to be relegated to minions, placeholders, or—at best—sidekicks."

This is the first book in The Gatlon Trilogy. Honestly, the synopsis has me thinking X-Men and this doesn't bother me at all. I want to read this series so bad.

2. Veronica Roth

Veronica wrote the Divergent series, and though the series took a nosedive towards the end, I still really enjoyed the universe she created.

Carve the Mark


"On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?"

Yet another sci-fi fantasy novel set in a dystopian future where people are born with 'gifts'. I'm hoping not to be disappointed with the first book of her new series. I loved how Divergent sucked me in and I flew through the book. I'm really hoping this series is just as enthralling.

3. David Arnold

So I've only read one other book by David Arnold, Mosquitoland. But I absolutely adored it. The story, the characters, it was all good.

Kids of Appetite


"Victor Benucci and Madeline Falco have a story to tell.
It begins with the death of Vic’s father.
It ends with the murder of Mad’s uncle.
The Hackensack Police Department would very much like to hear it.
But in order to tell their story, Vic and Mad must focus on all the chapters in between.

This is a story about:

1. A coded mission to scatter ashes across New Jersey.
2. The momentous nature of the Palisades in winter.
3. One dormant submarine.
4. Two songs about flowers.
5. Being cool in the traditional sense.
6. Sunsets & ice cream & orchards & graveyards.
7. Simultaneous extreme opposites.
8. A narrow escape from a war-torn country.
9. A story collector.
10. How to listen to someone who does not talk.
11. Falling in love with a painting.
12. Falling in love with a song.
13. Falling in love."

I'm super excited to read this book. Not only does the synopsis sound interesting but it's also vague to the point of mysterious. Hopefully there will be a character or two that I bond with in this book, like in Mosquitoland.

4. Lauren Graham

Yes, THE Lauren Graham. I just finished up Lauren Graham's autobiography, Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between, which I adored by the way. Because of this book I was informed Lauren had written another book.

Someday, Someday, Maybe


"A charming and laugh-out-loud novel by Lauren Graham, beloved star of Parenthood and Gilmore Girls, about an aspiring actress trying to make it in mid-nineties New York City."

The story sounds fun, especially since it takes place in the 90s and I can relate to all things 90s. I'm expecting it to be a fun, easy read.

What books should I add to my to-read pile for 2017? I will take all your recommendations!
xo Jen

*All quotes and pictures are from Goodreads*

December is a hard month to find time to read or catch up on television shows. There's always something to do to get ready for Christmas and if I have some time, I end up pulling out Christmas movies to watch.

Stars Above

However, I was able to finish up the Stars Above audio book between cleaning the house and baking cookies. It took a little bit to get into it since it's a compilation of short stories surrounding the characters of The Lunar Chronicles. But by half way through I was hooked on the short stories, especially the last one - Something Old, Something New. I actually teared up a few times during this story. I guess it's from the attachment I have with these characters from reading all the other books in the series.

Source

Green Tea

I've been trying to incorporate at least one cup of green tea a day. I figure this month is full of sweets and alcohol so I should squeeze in extra fruits, veggies, and healthy drink alternatives when I can.

Source

Right now my favourite green teas are:

• The Spice is Right 
• Movie Night
• Mom's Apple Pie (which is now discontinued)

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

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 find that my love for reading and listening to audio books comes and goes a bit. When I'm watching a really good TV show, maybe a nostalgic one (like Gilmore Girls), then I'd rather have the TV on when I'm sewing than listen to an audio book. It's the same in the evenings. I might choose Animal Crossing New Leaf or to play a video game with Adam than read a book.

Then I'll start a book that grabs my attention and sucks me in and all of a sudden I'm back into reading and listening to audio books again. This happened to me with Mosquitoland last month. With that being said, I'm so excited for a bunch of novels.

These are the books that are at the top of my pile to read or listen to:

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
"In her new book, FURIOUSLY HAPPY, Jenny explores her lifelong battle with mental illness. A hysterical, ridiculous book about crippling depression and anxiety? That sounds like a terrible idea. And terrible ideas are what Jenny does best."

When I get an email from my best friend about this book and how amazing it is, I know I need to read it. This book might be moving to the very top of my pile. 


All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
"Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.
 
Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death.
 
When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink."
Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up."
Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend–the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long."

Lately I've been flying through audio books again. Probably because I'm working on sewing projects often while I get ready for comic conventions and also because I've switched to some lighter YA reads which tend to be shorter in length.

Fairest

I've been looking forward to more books in The Lunar Chronicles series ever since I finished Cress. The first three books were great and I loved all of them. Fairest is a prequel that tells Queen Levana's back story. It was a great read and I found myself glued to this book. I honestly didn't think I'd ever feel bad for Levana but there were a few moments throughout the book where I felt for her. But I also could see her manipulative monster come through. This book has re-sparked my love for The Lunar Chronicles and has me very excited for the new book, Winter, which comes out in November.


Once Upon A Time

I just finished up Season four of OUAT. I started the show late in the season and marathoned the entire thing over the last couple of weeks. I really enjoyed the first half of the season with the Frozen storyline. Elsa and Anna were great characters on the show. The actors were perfect too. The second half of the season, Queens of Darkness, was good but I didn't love all of it. I don't want to give any spoilers but Cruella got on my nerves and I disliked Gold more than normal. I did get a decent dose of Captain Swan this season though, so that was always enjoyable.

What have you been reading or watching recently?

xo Jen

In the past couple of years I have started reading a lot more. My renewed love for reading came from all the new comic book series that have come out and that I was introduced to (Runaways, Lumberjanes, Ultimate Spider-man, etc.). As well as being introduced to audio books. Because of these things, I read every day.

I came across the Goodreads site through IGGPPC. I didn't use it much at first but it's become one of my favourite sites (and app!) over the last few months. It is the perfect site to search for books, whether by genre, author, most popular, etc. and it's ideal to keep to-read lists. I used to keep a note on my cell phone of books to check out. Now I just add them to my Goodreads account.

Over the last month I've noticed friends on Goodreads making reading challenges for 2015 so I decided to set a goal as well. I set my own reading goal for 25 books. I considered doing the 50 book challenge but because I don't log the individual comics I read, I thought 25 books or comic trades would be attainable. So on top of the books and graphic novels I keep track of on Goodreads, I'll also be reading 5 individual comics on average weekly.

I appreciate all book recommendations and I'm open to a lot of genres, though I've been partial to Young Adult over the last year or so.

These are a few books that I'm looking forward to reading this year:

Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews

I picked up the first four books in this series at a thrift store this past weekend. My Mom has always talked about this series and how she really enjoyed reading it so I thought I'd give them a go and then pass them on to her to read again.




What book are you enjoying or looking forward to reading?
xo Jen

What are you loving lately?

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!
xo Jen

The Mindy Project

It's a little sad all the TV shows are over for the season. Most of them anyways. The Mindy Project season finale was so perfect! I won't go into detail in case you're not caught up, but it was such a sweet and adorable episode. I just adore this show and Mindy Kaling. I want to own all the seasons so I can watch it over and over again.


Mickey Mouse Nails

So I've never attempted any sort of nail art, but if I were to try it out, I'd try this one first. How cute is it?! It's perfect for summer, simple, and it's such an adorable design!

Cougar Town 

So many television shows have already finished for the season and the rest are a couple of episodes away to ending for the season. Since I didn't have as many shows to watch recently, I ended up power watching Season 5 of Cougar Town. The show is so quirky and funny. I really love some of the characters. And there was some good story lines and character development in this season.