Bloggiesta Spring 2018

I haven't done a Bloggiesta for a few years, but my blog is in need of some serious TLC. Mostly it's behind the scenes tasks, but I thought I would actually sign up for this one and tackle my to-do list.

To Do:

• Life blog drafts March, April
• Craft blog drafts March, April
• Upload craft photos to Pinterest
• Formulate TBR lists for April, May, and June
• Fix author archives
• Fix title archives
• Check broken links
• Create headers for reoccurring topics
• Update my potential blog posts file
• Check all my pages for relevancy/format
• Create a photos page
• Curate a library books list for April, May, and June
• Draft check-in posts, seasonal posts
• Look up upcoming Top Ten Tuesday topics
• Look up upcoming readathons 
• Check TBR Pile page
• Check Perpetual Reading Challenges page

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #8

As I look outside my window: The rain is moving out for at least a few days. Enjoying the sunshine today.

On my bedside table: Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell; The Philosopher's Flight by Tom Miller (BOTM February)

On my tv this week: J and I watched a few movies including The Mummy and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. So one very boring movie and one very good entertaining movie. 

Listening to: Just lots of podcasts. We haven't been in the car a lot this past week, so no really music listening. Instead, I've been listening to podcasts while the kids play/I cook/Q sometimes naps. 

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
• Tuesday - Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
• Wednesday - Honey Glazed Salmon
• Thursday - Sweet Potato Nachos
• Friday - Leftovers
• Saturday - Spicy Thai Noodles
• Sunday - Irish Whisky Stew

On my to do list: I have some school paper work to take care of, books to read (library due dates coming up soon), friends to check in with, a Costco membership to renew or cancel, books to sell at Half Price Books, and a ton of blog tasks. Next week is Bloggiesta and I have some behind the scenes things to fix on my blog. 

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home day/possible park day if the rain holds out
• Tuesday - Habitot Visit with BART ride (Arthur's super excited as he hasn't ridden the BART in months)
• Wednesday - Errand Day
• Thursday - Playdate at our house
• Friday - ???
• Saturday - Nothing
• Sunday - Book Club

What I am creating: I've been working on my 30 Days of Lists cards, Memory Planner pages for February, and my Week in the Life album. Hoping to finish at least the MP pages and WITL album this week. Also want to get to the April Project Life pages (from 2017).

My simple pleasures: Break n Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies; Peach Ginger Black Tea; the sound of the rain at night; sunny days; library holds list; my pretty planner

Looking around the house: I've been doing weird house projects all last week (cleaning above the fireplace [it's a weird cubby area that became a junk area], tagging the wine). I'm sure I'll find more weird projects for this coming week. I have my eye on doing a closet cleanup (for me), redoing the boys' closet, and cleaning out the hall closet. Guess it's going to be closet week around here.

From the camera: Someone finally figured out how to get in and out of the cars at the play place. 

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

Title: Darkfever (MacKayla Lane #1)

Author: Karen Marie Moning

Publisher: Bantam Books 2006

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy

Pages: 347

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (Fantasy Project); Reading Assignment

When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death—a cryptic message on Mac’s cell phone—Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister’s killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed–a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae. . . 

As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister’s death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho, a man with no past and only mockery for a future. As she begins to close in on the truth, the ruthless Vlane—an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women–closes in on her. And as the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac’s true mission becomes clear: find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book—because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of the very fabric of both worlds in their hands. . . .

This novel was quite a disappointment for me. I was hoping for a fun paranormal fantasy and instead I got an extremely unlikable main character, a confusing storyline, and way too many unanswered questions. I don't mind when the first book in a series leaves things unanswered. I do mind when it seems like all we get are questions and nothing more. Plus, MacKayla is a horrid character. Her Barbie doll exterior and seeming interior were of no interest to me. I hope that she grows through the series, but I don't really have an interest in following her journey. Probably an entertaining book for some, but not for me. 

MacKayla Lane:

• #1 Darkfever
• #2 Bloodfever
• #3 Faefever
• #4 Dreamfever
• #5 Shadowfever
• #5.5 Fever Moon
• #6 Iced
• #7 Burned
• #8 Feverborn
• #9 Feversong
• #10 High Voltage

Next up on the TBR pile:

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

Title: The History of Love

Author: Nicole Krauss

Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company 2005

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 252

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (21st Century Women Authors); Modern Mrs. Darcy -- Recommended by Someone with Good Taste;  I Love Libraries

A long-lost book reappears, mysteriously connecting an old man searching for his son and a girl seeking a cure for her widowed mother's loneliness.
Leo Gursky taps his radiator each evening to let his upstairs neighbor know he’s still alive. But it wasn’t always like this: in the Polish village of his youth, he fell in love and wrote a book…Sixty years later and half a world away, fourteen-year-old Alma, who was named after a character in that book, undertakes an adventure to find her namesake and save her family. With virtuosic skill and soaring imaginative power, Nicole Krauss gradually draws these stories together toward a climax of "extraordinary depth and beauty" (Newsday).

I really really wanted to like this book. It's our book club selection and I've heard so many great things about it. I loved the final scene between Alma and Leo. I loved the mystery of the novel and the characters' pasts. And yet, I just couldn't find myself to love this novel. The format of pseudo-stream of consciousness and enumerated memories threw me off. I kept getting lost as to the multitude of characters and their perspectives. I even found myself confused by the time period on certain pages/chapters. I can see that this is a worthwhile book and I'm sure that there are people who love this one. That person is just not me...

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• I've had a couple of mediocre reads in a row this past week and I really need something great to read...
• I went a little crazy with buying beverages at the store this week. But they all look so good!
• Really enjoying listening to the sound of rain this week. 
• Berries are back at the store. Yeah!
• Q's been babbling even more this week. Maybe we'll get an English word or two soon.
• Itching to do a craft destash this month.
• I need to get back to time blocking to increase my productivity.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Demon Glass (Hex Hall #3)

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: Hyperion 2012

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 327

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; I Love Libraries

Hailed as "impossible to put down," the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted. Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that's what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn't as confident. Sophie's bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it's too late?

A fitting end to the series. I wasn't particularly surprised by anything that happened in this volume, but I did enjoy the ride. Hawkins writes in a very easy manner, pulling the reader along at a fast pace. I enjoyed the characters (especially Archer) and the storyline. And even though one particular death was devastating, I understand why it had to happen. Overall, a very good fun series. Now I can finally read School Spirits that has been sitting on my shelf for over two years.

Hex Hall:

• #1 Hex Hall
• #2 Demonglass
• #3 Spell Bound

Next up on the TBR pile:

One Week in the Library by W. Prince

Title: One Week in the Library

Author: W. Prince, John Amor, and Frazer Irving

Publisher: Image 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 96

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Welcome to the Library. It's here that every story ever written is catalogued and monitored by a single man, who's begun to notice something strange: the books are rebelling. Image Comics proudly presents this experimental graphic novella from writer W. MAXWELL PRINCE and artist JOHN AMOR, which recounts a troublesome week in the Library via seven short stories—one for each day—that use comics, infographics, prose, and poetry to play with the graphic medium and explore the multivalent world of living narrative.

Such a weird little comic that I picked off the library shelf. I loved the strange tales collected in this slim volume full of wonder and mystery. Plus, we get a serious love of books celebrated. I sped through this but it was a good one.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday -- Three Days Grace "The Mountain"

I do always love Three Days Grace

Life Right Now #7

As I look outside my window: Slightly overcast when the sun setting.

Right now I am: Waiting for bedtime for the kiddos... They're watching Star Wars Rebels before we do books and tuck-in.

On my bedside table: Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning; The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant

On my tv this week: J and I have watched a few movies and restarted Ken Burns's The Roosevelts. Only like 5 more hours to go for that specific documentary. 

Listening to: Attempting to catch up with a few more of my podcasts. Currently focusing on back episodes of Lore.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Crock pot black bean chicken with tortilla chips
• Tuesday - Honey Lime Tilapia
• Wednesday - Italian Noodle Soup
• Thursday - Ham and Potato Soup
• Friday - Leftovers
• Saturday - Hawaiian Pork Nachos
• Sunday - Blackened Salmon

On my to do list: I want to complete a few more craft projects this coming week including getting started on the WITL album. I've also got some random small tasks to accomplish. 

Happening this week: We have a very light week planned apparently... 

• Monday - Grocery
• Tuesday - Oakland Zoo visit
• Wednesday - ???
• Thursday - ???
• Friday - Hellyer Park Visit
• Saturday - Coffee and Cards
• Sunday - ???

What I am creating: 30 Days of Lists cards, cards for the next round of classes, and Project Life spreads (I'm still months behind).

My simple pleasures: Lots of new flavors of tea lately plus peanut butter pie and Q snuggles.

Looking around the house: I feel the need to purge some stuff...

From the camera: Arthur and the GGB

A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh

Title: A Summer to Remember (Bedwyn Saga #0.2)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Dell 2003

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Finishing the Series; What's in a Name - Season

Kit Butler is cool, dangerous, one of London’s mostinfamous bachelors—marriage is the last thing on his mind. But Kit’s family has other plans. Desperate to thwart his father’s matchmaking, Kit needs a bride...fast. Enter Miss Lauren Edgeworth.

A year after being abandoned at the altar, Lauren has determined that marriage is not for her. When these two fiercely independent souls meet, sparks fly—and a deal is hatched. Lauren will masquerade as Kit’s intended if he agrees to provide a passionate, adventurous, unforgettable summer. When summer ends, she will break off the engagement, rendering herself unmarriageable and leaving them both free. Everything is going perfectly—until Kit does the unthinkable: He begins to fall in love. A summer to remember is not enough for him. But how can he convince Lauren to be his...for better, for worse, for the rest of their lives?

A fluffy romance was just what I needed this week. I accidentally read the related series to the this one before so the ending was a bit spoiled (although most of these books are easy to predict the endings). I did enjoyed the story of Kit and Lauren. I especially liked seeing Lauren come out of her ice queen shell from the last book. This volume was quick and enjoyable. Just what I like in my Regency Romances. 

Bedwyn Saga

• #0.1 One Night for Love
• #0.2 A Summer to Remember
• #1 Slightly Married
• #2 Slightly Wicked
• #3 Slightly Scandalous
• #4 Slightly Tempted
• #5 Slightly Sinful
• #6 Slightly Dangerous

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Wicked + The Divine Volume 6

Title: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 6: Imperial Phase Part 2

Author: Kieron Gillen; Jamie McKelvie; Matt Wilson

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 168

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

When you're at the peak of your powers, there's only one way to go. The question becomes—how many people are you willing to drag down with you? The bestselling, critically acclaimed comic by KIERON GILLEN, JAMIE McKELVIE and MATT WILSON reaches its most dramatic arc yet. Collects THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #29-33

Oh holy cow that was a crazy collection of issues. I truly did not see the ending twist coming, but the earlier ones weren't as much of a surprise. This volume has me falling more and more for the remaining gods. So very interesting! I love how this series combines modern times and problems with ancient mythology. Plus the graphics are just absolutely amazing. I can't wait for the next volume. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

Demon Glass by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Demon Glass (Hex Hall #2)

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: Hyperion 2011

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 359

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Finishing the Series

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch. That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

I sped through this middle volume of the trilogy. It was fast-paced and action filled. We follow Sophie to England and to the Council and then lots of things happen. I enjoyed getting to meet her father and learn about the history of the Prodigium and specifically her family. I loved the inclusion of Cal and Jenna. And I especially enjoyed the continuing storyline between Sophie and Archer. But I must say that this volume left the readers on one hell of a cliffhanger...

Hex Hall:

• #1 Hex Hall
• #2 Demonglass
• #3 Spell Bound

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Passion of Cleopatra by Anne Rice and Christopher Rice

Title: The Passion of Cleopatra  (Ramses the Damned #2)

Author: Anne Rice

Publisher: Anchor Books 2017

Genre: Horror

Pages: 399

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (Anne Rice); Popsugar - By Two Authors; Finishing the Series 

Ramses the Great, former pharaoh of Egypt, is reawakened by the elixir of life in Edwardian England. Now immortal with his bride-to-be, he is swept up in a fierce and deadly battle of wills and psyches against the once-great Queen Cleopatra. Ramses has reawakened Cleopatra with the same perilous elixir whose unworldly force brings the dead back to life. But as these ancient rulers defy one another in their quest to understand the powers of the strange elixir, they are haunted by a mysterious presence even older and more powerful than they, a figure drawn forth from the mists of history who possesses spectacular magical potions and tonics eight millennia old. This is a figure who ruled over an ancient kingdom stretching from the once-fertile earth of the Sahara to the far corners of the world, a queen with a supreme knowledge of the deepest origins of the elixir of life. She may be the only one who can make known to Ramses and Cleopatra the key to their immortality—and the secrets of the miraculous, unknowable, endless expanse of the universe.

I finally got to read the long-awaited sequel to The Mummy. Overall I really enjoyed the continuation of the story. We get to see how the relationships between Ramses, Julie, Alex, and Cleopatra evolve. We get to see and hear the backstory of the elixir. We get to hear about the long-lost kingdom of Shaktanu. I even loved the inclusion of a few new characters from the past. When they first appeared, I was concerned that they would muddle the storyline, but in the end they were good additions. I loved traveling around the world with all the characters. What I wasn't a huge fan of was a few of the long philosophical passages about the soul that appeared towards the end of the novel. To me, they got a bit preachy in tone. 

Ramses the Damned:

• #1 The Mummy
• #2 Ramses the Damned: The Passion of Cleopatra

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #2

Reading: Demonglass and Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins. After some more adult reads, I'm taking a bit of a YA break to finish this series. 

Watching: J and I have been on a movie kick lately. I actually made a watch list in my bujo because I keep forgetting the movies I want to watch. Now we can look at the short list, pick something to watch, and cross it off! (I'm a huge lister and completionist over here.)

Listening: I downloaded some albums onto my Apple Music app and one of my selections was the new Black Veil Brides album. I love some metal every once in awhile!

Making: I'm trying to finish a month in our family Project Life album from last year. Currently working on April and May. Plus, I'm documenting Week in the Life this week so I'm mentally planning spreads and stories for the album.

Feeling: Last week, I felt very scattered in my tasks and plans. This week, I'm much much more focused.

Planning: I've got a few new craft classes scheduled for April and May. I need to prep the rest of the card kits. I've also got Spring Bingo scheduled. Now I need to plan out my make n takes and finalize the prizes. Finally, I've still got one project to design for March stamp club and I need to start thinking about April stamp club (last in this round).

Loving: My birthday was yesterday! We don't usually have anything big planned, but I do love commemorating it in some way. The retreat a few weekends back acted as my big present, but I also made sure to have a dessert and a few other little self-care items the day of.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday -- Black Veil Brides "Wake Up"

Random pick I found on YouTube while looking for others songs... Really digging it.

Life Right Now #6

As I look outside my window: It's been a rainy and gray kind of week. While I've grown accustomed to the near-constant sunshine here in California, I really enjoyed the sound and feel of the rain this past week. It was a nice change.

Right now I am: Writing this post waiting for lunch monitoring the boys trying to give myself a few minutes to listen to a podcast and write this post. I'm definitely looking forward to tomorrow morning's book club. A few hours without kids, car time without anyone, and some good food.

On my bedside table: Demonglass and Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins. I picked up the other two books in this trilogy to have a bit of a YA interlude to my reading. 

On my tv this week: The Magicians S3 -- very good! I can't wait to see what happens in the last few episodes of this season. 

Listening to: Not a lot. I did catch up on a few podcasts (NPR Politics, Pod Save America, The Simple Show, Hey Crafty Babes) that I've fallen behind on while at the retreat last weekend.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - It's my birthday, so... I have no idea. I put a frozen meal on the meal plan, but I don't know what I'll end up doing.
• Tuesday - Sweet Potato Nachos
• Wednesday - Ham and Potato Soup
• Thursday - Leftovers
• Friday - Black Bean Chicken
• Saturday - Blackened Salmon
• Sunday - Hawaiian Pulled Pork Nachos 

On my to do list: I'm sure a lot of little things but I can't think of a single one right now... I think I need to do a task list check-in.

Happening this week: I'm going to try and document my 2018 Week in the Life this week, so lots of pictures will be taken and stories being notated.

• Monday - My birthday! Nothing planned so far.
• Tuesday - Picnic at Ardenwood Farm (they have baby goats!!!)
• Wednesday - Bay Area Discovery Museum
• Thursday - Errands Day
• Friday - Home day?
• Saturday - Stamp Club
• Sunday - ???

What I am creating: Trying to dive back into the Family Project Life album from 2017. I'm stuck in April, but have printed the photos for April - July. Just need to buckle down, do the journaling, and embellish a bit. I'm hoping to get at least April and May done with coming week. 

My simple pleasures: Hot tea, all the hot tea!

Looking around the house: Things are picked up pretty well, but that means I need to pick a room and do a deep clean. Oh joy.

From the camera: Picnic at the park before the big rains came...

March 2018 Life Goals

Let’s check in on February's goals and my progress:

• Read 15 Books -- Success! I read way more than 15 books.
• Gather documents for TK registration -- Fail? So much crap I need to pull but a ton of documents have be a from a specific time period. Seriously very confusing...
• Make Dentist Appointments -- Fail. Never got around to this one.
• Make Eye Appointments -- Success! Arthur and I both got exams. His eyesight is great for his age. Mine is not, but that's not a surprise. I ordered my new glasses and am just waiting for them to be ready (takes longer due to my ridiculously high prescription).
• Buy flowers for the house twice -- Fail. We acquired some flowers right before Valentine's Day so I did have some flowers in the house.
• Paint my nails twice -- Fail. Didn't even do it once.
• Make three new recipes -- Success! I made a dinner, a new side dish, and a new cocktail this month.
• Make donuts twice -- Fail. 
• Blog drafts for Feb and March -- Success!
• Have fun at the retreat!!!! -- Major success! It was such a great weekend!

March's Goals:

• Read 10 Books -- I'm lowering my expectations for next month.
• Catch up on BOTM books -- I'm running a book behind right now but want to catch up.
• Focus on and complete Week in the Life this month -- This may be a crafty goal, but it will take a bit of life planning also.
• Do something for my birthday -- It's coming super soon... what should I do?
• Check in with a few friends -- There are a few friends I definitely want to check in with this month.
• Keep up with Lunch planning -- I was doing well and then I fell out of the habit.
• Restart MommaStrong (exercise in general) -- I need to do this.
• Make Quentin's 18 month appointment -- Just a reminder

Next up on the TBR list:

As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner

Title: As Bright as Heaven

Author: Susan Meissner

Publisher: Berkley 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 387

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsugar - About Death or Grief; Share-a-Tea

In 1918, Philadelphia was a city teeming with promise. Even as its young men went off to fight in the Great War, there were opportunities for a fresh start on its cobblestone streets. Into this bustling town, came Pauline Bright and her husband, filled with hope that they could now give their three daughters--Evelyn, Maggie, and Willa--a chance at a better life.

But just months after they arrive, the Spanish Flu reaches the shores of America. As the pandemic claims more than twelve thousand victims in their adopted city, they find their lives left with a world that looks nothing like the one they knew. But even as they lose loved ones, they take in a baby orphaned by the disease who becomes their single source of hope. Amidst the tragedy and challenges, they learn what they cannot live without--and what they are willing to do about it.

I really enjoyed the other book I've read by Susan Meissner, so I had high hopes for this Book of the Month selection (from January, but shhh.... I'm a bit behind). This book had a very different field, but I really did enjoy this story. Taken as a whole, the story is a beautiful exploration of death and grief within one family. The story takes us on a journey that I wasn't quite expecting. The level of tragedy surprised me, but I was completely on board. The switch between chapters narrated by the four Bright women added another level of interest. At times I was drawn out of the story by the youngest daughter's voice, but for the most part I was right there with all of the characters. 

I enjoyed this book while drinking multiple cups of Stash's Acai Berry Herbal Tea. It has a very strong berry flavor, but was a good choice before bed. No caffeine to keep me up all night, but warm tea to comfort me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• For my monthly photos, I'm going to take daily selfies. Trying to be brave, but honestly this ideas scares me. 
• Bought three pieces of clothing at Target this week. Two actually fit! Very excited at the results.
• Need to decrease my simple carbs, but damn bread is so good...
• Today feels like a good day to restart an exercise program. 
• I currently have a glut of tea in the house and am loving it.
• Quentin is on the verge of talking and it's so exciting!

Next up on the TBR pile: