Category Archives: reading

And the collection grows…

Posted on by

0

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know that I read–and loved–the Hunger Games last summer. You probably also know that I love nail polish. So, I was beyond excited when I read on my favorite nail blog that there would be a line of China Glaze polish based on the series.

For whatever reason, I never buy China Glaze. It’s around $7 a bottle, and I’m more of an OPI gal. I feel like if I’m going to be spending $7, I might as well spend $8.50 for a brand that I collect. Nevertheless, I do think China Glaze has a great formula, so as soon as I found out that the polish had been released, I headed to Ulta to grab some.

Since I swatched my polishes a few weeks back, I’ve tried to be more conscientious about buying colors that are very similar to those I already own. As soon as I laid eyes on the new HG collection in person, I was tempted by Foi Gras. I ended up deciding that it looked too similar (in the bottle at least) to You Don’t Know Jacques by OPI, so I put it back on its sad little shelf:[

The two colors I did grab, though, are unlike any currently in my collection: Fast Track and Agro.

Fast Track is extremely unique. It's a nude polish with gold glitter, which normally wouldn't be something I'm into. For whatever reason, it struck me, and I grabbed a bottle without hesitation.

Here it is in the bottle.

Here it is without flash. It's definitely not this gold/yellow in real life.

Here it is with flash (this is more true to life).

The other color I couldn’t resist was Agro. Last fall, I was obsessed with finding the perfect military green. I never decided on one to buy, but Agro will definitely fill that need moving forward. It has an olive green base with lots of gold/iridescent flecks.

Here's the bottle shot.

Without flash (color just above it is Ulta's The Jungle Look).

With flash. Here you can really see the iridescence.

Finally, in a completetly different vein, I’ve been looking everywhere for this polish and I was so excited to find the LAST bottle at Ulta! It’s another from the Nicki Minaj collection by OPI–this one is called Fly. As many blues as I own, there definitely isn’t one quite like this in my collection. It’s a true turquoise creme, and a rare find.

Here she is in the bottle.

Without flash.

With flash (more true to life).

Because I was so excited about Fly, I decided to use it first. As bright as it is, the finish is smooth and it applies well. Here it is on my lilly white skin.

I know nail polish isn’t everyone’s bag, so I’ll be back with more pictures of Henry dressed up later this week (because what draws in an audience like cat clothes?)

Kinsey

These are a few of my favorite things: Kinsey Edition

Posted on by

2

Hey there!
I know I’ve dragged out these favorite things posts for a while now, but today is the final post! I have a lot of favorite things, but again–I’m going to limit them to the top 10.
Kinsey’s Favorite Things
10. The changing of the seasons, especially Spring & Fall.
Spring in Austin, Texas (2010)

 Fall in Atlanta (2011)
9. Making jokes.
Joking (AKA Grinching) at Christmas.

Joking (AKA crazy) at Graduation.

Joking (AKA moustaching) with my sister-in-laws at my bachelorette.

Joking (AKA vomming) at Six Flags.

8. Coffee. Kind of ironic, especially after this post a while back. Since I’ve started drinking it, I just can’t stop. I like my coffee dark with one spoonful of REAL sugar and two ‘bloops’ of creamer.
 Check out this adorable mini coffee cup!

7. Nail polish. I’ve posted about it quite a few times, most notably here and here. I’m not a super ‘girly’ girl, but I do love me some nail polish.
 Check it.
6. Crafting and DIY. I like making all sorts of things, mostly because I’m cheap.
 One of my most recent crafts, the felt rose wreath.
 Another seasonal project, the fall leaf garland.
5. Baking. I have more baking supplies than is normal or acceptable.
 My pride and joy, homemade oreos.

Another favorite, rich chocolate brownies.

4. Reading. I mean, look at the excitement on my face when I received my Kindle. I’ve also posted about reading here.

 Actually, my look is more of pain and fear. Janie, however, looks excited.
3. Blogging/reading blogs/using the Internet. I have been called an addict. No shame.
 Aside from this blog, there isn’t a lot of proof of this one. There are a lot of pictures of Charlotte on my computer though.
2. Jack and Charlotte. I’m known for being an animal lover, and I like pretty much any animal I meet–but especially my own babies.

1. Thomas.
I hope you have a awesome Monday, and that you enjoy the little ‘favorite things’ that make life great:D

-T, K, J, & C

No friends to hang out with? Books are people too!

Posted on by

4

Hi everyone!
After yesterday’s post, I got lots of sweet and encouraging comments that made me feel better! I appreciate all of them and it really does help to hear from people who can say that they’ve been there and that it will get better. It’s nice that so many of you read and can relate to what we’re going through, and everyone’s support alleviated all my fears of sounding whiny and annoying. So thanks for that! You guys are the best:]
I’ve posted before about how much I LOVE reading. I definitely got that from my mom, who is the most avid reader I know. We’ve always shared a love for books, and we’re always talking about what we’re reading at any given time. I’m also fortunate that my mother-in-law (abbreviated MIL from here on out) loves to read as well! She’s even in a book club, which I think is the coolest thing and I hope to join one some day. Here’s a hilarious yet true quote that I found about reading:
“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend.  Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.”  -Attributed to Groucho Marx
In elementary-middle school, I read a book every 1-3 days. While I was in college full time and working part time, it was really hard for me to fit in time for pleasure reading (go figure). Over three years of school, the only real time I found to read was during the summer, and I probably read less than 20 books over that time. Then, for graduation in May, my parents got me the best gift ever–a Kindle–and it changed my reading life!
Over the last couple of months, throughout our honeymoon and now moving, my Kindle has become one of my most prized possessions. I would absolutely recommend the Kindle (as opposed to the Nook–no offense Nookies) if you’re in the market for something non-book but don’t want to buy an iPad. I know some people aren’t ok with the idea of giving up the paper feel of an actual novel, but I have to say that I haven’t missed ‘real books’ for a second. There’s no awkward holding heavy books open, no dust jackets slipping off…and it just feels more ergonomic to me. The Kindle isn’t backlit, so it looks more like a book than some eReaders.  Since I read mostly at night, I got this awesome little case that is definitely a must. Soon you’ll even be able to check out books for your Kindle from your local library, which is super convenient. I’ve found the eBooks to be fairly cheap. Clearly, I’m down with the Kindle.
Since it’s summer, I’ve put together a Summer Reading List of a few things I’ve enjoyed reading recently, for those of you who might be looking for a good book. I know that some people might not have my taste–I’m always looking for a good story, some romance, and a bit of suspense. I love mysteries, post-apocalyptic stuff and quite a bit of fantasy/sci-fi. I don’t usually read non-fiction, but I do enjoy it on occasion if I’m interested in the topic. For vacation I usually prefer light reads, and I make no claims of having any type of standard for what I read (I very much enjoyed The Twilight Series, I have no shame). If it looks or sounds good, I’ll read it. Be warned: I’m no literature snob. So here it is.
1. I’m currently reading the third book in the seven book Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. It’s called Voyager, and so far it’s just as amazing as the first two. My MIL recommended the series and said they were some of her favorites. I can absolutely see why. Each book is between 800-1000 pages long. This might seem daunting at first, but I love it since it just draws out the awesome (and with the Kindle, I don’t have to worry about dropping 5 pounds of book on my face if I fall asleep reading). This series is an absolute must if you like time travel, history, war, suspense, romance, Scotland, and/or attractive (sounding) Scottish guys. Suffice it to say I’m in love with the whoooole thing.
2. After graduation, I started reading The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. I noticed it on the Amazon best seller list, and when I started reading I originally didn’t realize it was written for young adults. That being said, it has a lot of very intense content and it is an extremely interesting read, regardless of your age. It’s a futuristic story about love, sacrifice, and survival. It’s reminiscent of The Giver, 1984, and Fahrenheit 451, so if you like that type of book, you would undoubtedly enjoy this series. I convinced my mom to read the books, and she couldn’t put them down. Definitely a great read.
 
3. Before we left for our honeymoon, I researched good honeymoon reads. I was directed by lots of sources to Something Borrowed and Something Blue by Emily Griffin, which are two different perspectives on the same story. They are very easy reading, and I finished each one in two days. They’re entertaining, but I thought they were an interesting honeymoon recommendation because the books are written about infidelity and a called-off engagement (no spoilers…that’s in the first chapter). While that sounds like an off-putting honeymoon topic, the books are light enough that I never felt bothered. If you like fluff sometimes (I do) go with these.
4. On a completely different, non-fluffy note, a book that I surprisingly loved was The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I borrowed the book from Thomas’ dad (aka my FIL) who has very different taste than I do, and I expected to not really like it. I ended up finishing it after 3 days because I loved it so much. It’s post-apocalyptic, very dark, and a definite tear jerker at times. I liked it because it makes you think about and appreciate life, which is always a nice refresher. There’s a movie now, which I haven’t seen, but I would definitely suggest reading the book (everyone knows the book is always better than the movie).
5. Finally, I would suggest everyone read Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. Again, I know there’s a movie. I haven’t seen the movie (remember, we’re poor), but I hear it’s good. The book is surely better. This was another great suggestion from my MIL, and I couldn’t put it down. It pays off to know other readers! It’s set in the early 20th century and gives lots of interesting perspectives on life in the old school circus. There’s romance (a must), lots of adventure, animals!, and it’s a very touching story. In my opinion, it’s even a little reminiscent of The Notebook (which all the ladies love). Trust me, read it.
By no means is this a comprehensive list. I’ve read so many books, it’s hard for me to remember them all! These are the books I’ve read most recently, or that I feel the need to recommend to anyone who will listen. Since most of the books listed above are either a) really long or b) part of a series, the entire list (if not just the first series) would get you through the summer including any fun vacations you might be taking. I love book suggestions, so please leave me comments about some of your favorites!
Here’s a list of books I’m hoping to read soon:
-The Help by Kathryn Stockett
-In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson
-The Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris (who could resist after True Blood?)
-In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
-Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
Tell me about any other books you think I’d like, and I’ll tell you if I’ve read them!
 While I wrote this post, the nap committee held their bi-weekly meeting in the new bed.

-T, K, J, & C

Disclaimer: In no way did Amazon ask/pay me to talk about how awesome the Kindle is. I just happen to love it and couldn’t help but share.

Harry Potter Weekend

Posted on by

0

This weekend we got lots done! Yesterday marked the anniversary of three things:
1. One month since we moved to Georgia! It feels like it’s gone fast and slow in different ways. It’s not at all like I thought it would be, and I’m proud that I haven’t been as homesick as I thought. It helps that Skype, Facetime, and texting exist.
2. Three weeks since the tree fell! Less positive than the first one, but it does mean that we get to get a whole new roof, paint, and have lots of other things repaired.
3. One week since we got Charlotte! She’s snuggling with me as I write this and we couldn’t be happier that she fits so well with our little family. 
On Friday, we went with Mari, Holly, and their friend Myron to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Overall we really liked the movie, but it was bittersweet to know that there’s nothing left to watch or read in the series.
Albus Dumbledore said it best:“Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic, capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it.” Ever since I was a baby, reading has always been something that my mom really emphasized. We started reading the Harry Potter series together when I was 9, and we both loved it from the beginning. I continued reading on my own as I got older, but I still remember the day we first discovered the series and she read it to me before bed at my grandparent’s house on Lake LBJ.

It was clear from the beginning that there was something absolutely magical about J.K. Rowling’s writing. She created an alternate (and awesome) world for kids and adults alike. People who don’t typically like books love HP, and I think it was an amazing segue into the excitement of reading for those who might typically consider it boring. I truly believe that it changed my life as a reader, and the only thing that keeps me from being too sad about it being over is the fact that I will get to relive the magic through my own kids one day. I hope they love it as much as we do! Watching the final movie was very emotional–it literally gave me goosebumps a few times. I definitely saw the ending of the books (reinforced by the final movie) as the symbolic ending of my childhood, as I know lots of people in my generation did. I personally hope that J.K. Rowling will write more, but I think the Harry Potter series should be left just as it is.

On a lighter note, here are some pictures from our first Atlanta movie-going experience. I have to say, I was extremely impressed by the coke machines! They were so fancy…each drink came in like 10 different flavors. We shared a Sprite, and we had so many options ranging from peach, to apple, to cream. Of course, we just got regular Sprite. That’s what happens when you give me too many choices:]
IT ALL ENDS. Giving my boo Harry one final kiss.
Proof that I fixed my hair.
On the way home, we were talking so in depth about the movie that we forgot to exit and ended up driving roughly 45 minutes out of the way, all the way up past Marietta. It was ok though; it gave us more time to discuss things (as if we don’t have enough of that, ha).
Saturday we decided to clean out the Sun Room, which involved getting rid of more old furniture, organizing tools, and separating boxes so that we can put them in the right rooms once the house is fixed. I was going to show you what the Sun Room looked like before, but I realized that it looked emptier (and therefore better) until we moved in. Haha. So, instead I’ll show you what it looks like now. We’ve still got work to do, but it will be much easier to move things back into the right rooms now that we’re organized.
Here is the view from right outside the laundry room door.
This is from the other end. Jack is such a diva, he just couldn’t help getting in this picture.
Then, the most exciting news of all: the dumpster finally got here! That in itself isn’t super exciting, but it signals the beginning of the construction on the house. The contractor just left and the roof will be started tomorrow. Then demo will begin inside. We’re really excited! Turns out we get to paint the laundry room too, and our landlady is so awesome, she’s letting us choose everything:]
Charlotte watches in approval.
Next on the list of exciting things, the guys from DeKalb County FINALLY came to pick up the dead tree that’s been sitting there for 3 weeks.
It was bigger than this at the beginning, but you get the idea.
The animals watched from their perch.
Ahhh. It looks so much better!
You know I can’t leave you without a cute video. Here’s Charlotte playing with her new mouse toy. Norma, the woman who rescued her, gave her a huge package of cloth mice as a going away gift!
http://www.youtube.com/get_player
-T, K, J, & C