2019 Reading Goals and January TBR

So it's a new year and once again, a new blog reboot. Oops. I've decided to just write about the main thing I'm passionate about...books. Will I throw some life stuff in there too? Maybe. But this is now a book blog. Because I love books, because I want to talk about books, and because its the one thing that I'm really passionate about. 

Going into the new year means that it's time to make new goals. This year I have one main reading goal - to read more books. I, again, have an overall goal to read 52 books. I want to read more in general though, I realized that I can read while doing other stuff. While watching movies or TV, I can read! While driving to work, I can read! When exercising (not that I do that much anyway), I can read! Reading doesn't have to be the only thing that's going on. Have I always known this? Yes. But I haven't always done that for some reason. So I'm going to read more. I also have an insane TBR, its out of control. I need to read all the books that are just chilling on my shelf. 

I would also like to read more variety, at least one book of various genres this year. Perhaps some literary fiction, some humor, a classic, books from diverse authors, etc. I don't think it'll be too hard, I have some humor, literary fiction, and a classic that I'm excited to read. I'm kind of hoping that running a blog about books will inspire me to read more and read more critically. We'll see what happens.

For January I plan on reading:

1. Strange the Dreamer, by Laini Taylor - I actually finished this a couple days ago. I've been wanting to read it for so long and happened to see Muse of Nightmares on sale for half off at Barnes and Noble so I can now binge read it.
2. Muse of Nightmares, by Laini Taylor - The finale in this duology. So I'm binge-reading both! I'm not going to let myself get behind on series this year. I'm not going to read one book and then wait three years to read the next book. So here we go. Stopping that habit.
3. Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth, by Rick Riordon - an easier book to read in-between and during Muse of Nightmares since Laini Taylor does write a little heavier.
4. The Hero of Ages, by Brandon Sanderson - The third book in the Mistborn series that I've been reading on audio during my commute to work for a little over a month now and I'll most likely finish it this month. I listen to this on 1x speed because I love this series so much and I want to savor every moment of listening to this. 
5. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams - I started this at the beginning of the month, but could not find my place in the world, so I stopped and plan on committing a reading sin...watching the movie first. Only because I'm really struggling to visualize the world. But I'd like to finish this this month.

Alright! I hope you enjoyed reading :) 

Kylie

2018 Reading Challenge

For the first time ever I am going to do a book and reading challenge. However, I have a little catch: I am not doing any of the pre-made challenges. Many of them have book topics I refuse to read (true crime), or just seem pointless (a book that has a color in the name); so I created my own. I looked at many different book challenges and picked the topics that I wanted and left the rest. I created this with the idea in mind that I wanted to challenge myself and try new genres and books that I normally wouldn't. I tend to stick with Fantasy, Science-Fiction, and thrillers that aren't set too firmly in real life. I picked out 26 challenge ideas with the majority of them being topics/genres I wouldn't normally read, some of them are topics/genres that I do read so they may not totally count.

1) A book of poems
2) A book you were supposed to read in school
3) A play
4) A book of non-fiction essays
5) A memoir or journal
6) A book of short stories
7) A non-fiction novel
8) A book of fiction short stories
9) A Graphic Novel
10) An Award-winning novel
11) A book in translation
12) A fairytale
13) A self-help book
14) A comedy
15) A mystery
16) A book more than 100 years old
17) A novella
18) A Romance
19) A Parady
20) A horror book
21) A banned book
22) A book published in 2018
23) A science fiction novel
24) An Adult fantasy
25) A book set somewhere you want to visit
26) A book with non-human characters.

I also made a goal to read at least 52 books this year so at least half of them will fit the challenge prompts. I would love if any of you wanted to read along with me; in every monthly ending post, I will talk about the books I read and will note which books fit which challenge number.

Do you have any reading goals for 2018?

See you soon :)
Kylie <3

February Reads

This month I read the same amount of books that I read last month; if you missed that recap you can check it out here. I’m still working on getting back into reading for fun. Hopefully, in the next few months I’ll get back to reading the way I did before I became an English Literature Major. Let’s hop in!

1) Invincible: Sherrilyn Kenyon //

This is book two in the Chronicles of Nick series. I’m trying to read these slow because I’m waiting on my mom to mail me the rest of the series that we currently own. Book two was better that the first! I loved how the book picked up literally right where the first went off. A lot of series pick-up either quite some time later or a little while after the last book ended. Not this one. Book two of this series just continues the scene that book one left off. It was wonderful. Nick is growing up throughout these books and it’s fun to see him grow in his powers and I still love his humor. His humor is definitely one of my favorite parts of the books. I really recommend this series.

2) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: J.K. Rowling //

I LOVE THIS BOOK! Of course I do, I absolutely love Harry Potter so of course I would love this. I saw the movie twice when it was in theaters and loved it both times. I loved the Harry Potter films of course, but I felt like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was more magical in a way. I loved seeing the use of magic and the creatures, it really deepened the world. This book was also my first pre-order EVER. I’ve never felt the need to pre-order books. However, I was at Books-a-Million to buy a birthday gift and just had to pre-order when they asked me about it. I’m so glad I did. I finally picked up the book and read it; I hesitated because I didn’t know if I wanted to read a screenplay. It was much easier to read that I thought…too easy in fact. I would have read it in a day if I didn’t force myself to slow down. I loved that the book is exactly the movie, which makes sense. A lot of the scenes that made me laugh in the film made me laugh in the book. I also cried at the end like I did in the movie :P. If you’re a Harry Potter lover and haven’t read this, read it. Also, can we talk about the cute Niffler under the dust cover :).

3) The Trouble with Magic: Madelyn Alt //

This was one of my first little mystery novels and is part of the Bewitching Mystery novels. It’s most definitely not one of those more realistic, leaning toward true crime mysteries. It was a super fun little novel to read and I’m so happy to have finally read it after carrying it with me on the plane as I traveled back and forth from Korea to the US. Basically, this woman feels unsatisfied in her job and is compelled to go to this certain area of town instead of heading straight to work. Here she stumbles upon and enchantments shop where she is offered a job. She then gets put in the middle of a murder that happened and she spends the rest of the novel trying to figure out who really committed the murder. I recommend this for sure. I thought it was a fun and quick read, especially if you just read a couple larger books it’s nice to read something small and light.

I hope you guys enjoyed this. Did you read any good books this past month?

See you next time, Kylie <3

Book Series I Probably Won't Finish

It’s been longer than I would have liked since I last posted, my bad. Mark has switched to a night schedule at work and since he works a couple days, is off a couple days, works a couple days, and so on. With him being a night, we’ve been trying to figure out how our sleep schedule and whether we should or shouldn’t switch back to days when he’s off and it’s just been rough. We’ve slept such weird hours and so much that not much has gotten done. But we’re finally adjusting…I hope.

Anyway, I was looking at all the series I’m currently reading, which are numerous because I have a hard time finishing series. I just don’t want the world to end! But I was also looking at the series that I don’t plan on finishing for whatever reason. I thought I’d come tell you guys, maybe it’ll help you decide what series to pick up or not pick up. Unfortunately, there won't be pictures because I don't own any of the first books anymore...oops.

1) I am Number 4 - Pittacus Lore //

This series seemed so good when it first came out, and it was. However, I just stopped caring. I never really had the desire to continue with the series. I even got the second book from a thrift store but I just never wanted to pick it up. Usually, with series, I think about them a lot but this one left my mind immediately.

2) House of Night - P.C. Cast //

I loved this series. I started reading it when only two or three books had come out. I laughed and cried with the characters. I truly loved it. I read it up to sophomore year of college. Why did I stop? Because there are so many books that I cannot remember where I left off. I have tried too. I’ve gone to the bookstore and tried to look at the books and figure out where in the last 4 novels that came out to see where it was I left off. I’ve googled synopses to get more detail. But I just can’t figure it out. So I’m just not going to finish the series. If you haven’t read it and enjoy vampire novels, it’s great.

3) Virals - Kathy Reichs //

I read book one, bought books two and three, and I just haven’t finished it. I remember enjoying books one. I remember a little bit of what happened in the book but I just don’t have a desire to finish it. If I was going to finish it, I would have read book two at least. But I haven’t and I probably won’t.

4) Divergent -  Veronica Roth //

Yes, I know. This is one of those series that everyone has read, even people who don’t read a lot. I read book one and enjoyed it before it became a big deal. Then I wanted to read the sequels for a while. But they never came out in paperback! I read through young adult books in a day or two, so spending twenty-plus dollars on a hardback that I’ll read in a day is not worth it. So I always wait for books to come out in paperback. Usually, it takes about six months to a year. NOT THESE BOOKS. Eventually, I had friends who bought them and let me borrow book two, My mom read it and I read it and we both thought it was okay. She finished the series but I never wanted to. I was disappointed as it was, I already know how it ends. I’m just not finishing it.

5) Maximum Ride - James Pattersom //

Oh, how I loved this series. But it never ends. I read it when the first book came out. And I’ve read every book since. I thought that it would end with Angel. But then two more books have come out. I may eventually end up finishing it because let’s be honest, putting it on this list kind of hurts; I really did enjoy this series. But I just don’t think I have much care to continue it. I wasn’t as in love with Angel as I had been with the others. So for the moment, I’m saying that I’m not going to finish it.

What are some series you aren’t going to finish? To be honest, I probably have more but I’m in the middle of so many series that I don’t even know all of them.

October Favorites

October is already over, it went by so fast! I feel like not only is 2014 flying by but college is going by in the blink of an eye and before I know it I’m going to be in the real world doing grown-up stuff. October is one of my favorite months and even though it flew by, I had a great month. Anyway, let’s get started on the favorites.

#1 theSkimm

I am not someone who enjoys watching the news. It’s so depressing, after my dad went to war I hate hearing anything about the war. It’s upsetting and brings back a lot of memories. Because of that, I tend to not stay up-to-date with current events, then I found theSkimm. theSkimm is an e-mail subscription service that sends short, interesting, summaries of the most pressing events that are in the news currently. I like that they don’t give any gruesome details but give the need-to-know information. It’s become part of my morning routine, I wake up and immediately read the daily skiimm. If you want to sign up as well, then click here.

#2 Milani’s lipstick in Sangria

I've talked about this before, but I love this lipstick so much. I love berry colors on me, but tend to stray away from dark, vampy lip colors because let’s face it…they’re intimidating. This lipstick can be used lightly to give a medium berry color to the lips or put on more heavy to give a deep berry color and I love it. I think it is so pretty on and it’s definitely going to get a lot of wear this season.

#3 Wet and Wild Nail Polish in So Berry on Trend

I’m obsessed with maroon/wine/burgundy colors this year and I want more! This nail polish is definitely in that color zone and I’m in love! It’s a matte nail color so it can be used as a matte (a matte top coat would help it last longer) or a normal top coat can be applied to make it shiny (as I like to do). It only takes two coats to get an opaque color (I used three just because) and it dries super quickly. I’m really bad about waiting for my nail polish to dry and the fact that this is fast drying is amazing. Just another reason to love it. I think I’m going to try more from Wet and Wild.

#4 Favorite Music: LIGHTS Little Machines

At the end of September LIGHTS came out with a new album! I had her other two albums and loooovvvveeee them. LIGHTS is my favorite female artist and the only female artist that I can listen to all the time and not get tired of her. I knew her album was going to be amazing but like with all new albums, especially from people I love, I’m always worried that their new album won’t be as good as their previous albums. Like with Chevelle, I love all of LIGHTS albums and loved this album right away. My favorite songs on the album are probably “Oil and Water” “Meterorite” and “How we do it”. I also pre-ordered so I got three bonus songs (unfortunately they aren’t on the actual CD :( ) I would put links to videos of the songs, but YouTube has removed the song all the videos I could find.

#5 Favorite TV-Show: Dexter

Have any of you watched Dexter? I’m on season 4 and I’ve been binge-watching every time I can. I love it. I got so mad a Dexter season 2 and then at Deborah season 3. I won’t say anything for those who have not watched it. But if you haven’t watched it, you need to. Like now. It’s amazing.

#Favorite Book: Vampire Academy or Harry Potter

I haven’t read any books that aren’t a part of a series this month, but I did finish the Vampire Academy series (gasp) and read Harry Potter Year 5. I never finish series so finishing the Vampire Academy series was a shocker to everyone who knows me. I’ve been reading that series for years, like since middle school so this series has been with me for a while and finishing it was kind of sad for me. The world has ended, but I loved the series. I enjoyed the ending and thought it ended well and I hope they continue making movies with these books. I quite enjoyed the first one. As for Harry Potter, I love Harry Potter but then who doesn’t. I haven’t read the books until now, but reading the books has made me love it more and my obsession has skyrocketed. I’m actually taking a Harry Potter class in the spring and I’m super excited for it. I’m going to read books 6 and 7 before I take the class.  

                               

And that’s everything for October! What were your favorites for this month? Tell me in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

Kylie

Book Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Long time no talk! Life is so crazy right now. I did not expect joining a sorority would require so much time, but it’s so fun! The last two weeks were test and essay week and it was so stressful, but guess what! I got an A on all of my exams, I’m starting this year off right :) If you’re in school, do you guys have weeks where you won’t have any tests or essays due and then all of a sudden in the same week you’ll have a bunch of tests and essays due? That’s what happens here. I need to get better at time management, maybe I’ll make a post about it so I can get myself in check. Well, anyway, let’s not babble on for forever. I am back today with a review of Cinder by Marissa Meyer.

Summary: Cinder by Marissa Meyer, is a book based on the Disney fairy-tale Cinderella set in a future, New China. The main character, Cinder, is a cyborg, a race that is discriminated against who works as a mechanic to help make money to support her step mother and two step sisters. Like Cinderella, the step father takes in an adoptive daughter and dies leaving the step mother to take care of this unwanted child. There are many similarities to the Disney Cinderella fairytale, but there are differences that I think will come into play when the author ties all of the stories together to help fight the Lunars. This is also a utopian/dystopian style novel, where we are in a future that’s supposed to be grand after a war but there are still kinks that need to be worked out.  

My thoughts: It was good but not amazing. I didn’t have that high of expectations so I wasn’t that disappointed in the novel. I am excited to see how the author ties all the books together but I’m not in a hurry to read the next ones. (I don’t binge read series. I’ll read a book in a series, buy the next one if it’s in paperback and then wait to read it until the next book is out in paperback. Does anyone else do something similar?) I did like how the book was loosely based on Cinderella, it wasn’t an exact replica but you could pick out themes from Cinderella. I wonder if the other books in the series will be in the same city or if they will be different…hmm.

Recommend: Yes, although I didn't think it was amazing, I do think it was a good, easy read. Being so busy with school, reading something that is quick and easy is nice to have sometimes. I also think that if you like futuristic novels, this might also be a good read for you; as well as if you like to read different versions of fairytales. Utopian/dystopian books are really popular these days and this novel would also go into that genre, so if you like those style books you may also like this book.

Have you guy’s read this book? What are your thoughts?

Thanks for reading!

Kylie

How to get good grades!

The new school year is in full force now. Most of us have started school within the past month and the work is already piling up and stress is reigning. I always strive to get the best grades that I can and over my 13+ years of school, I've found some tips and tricks that have helped me.

#1 Use a planner!

I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep a planner or calendar of some sort whether paper or electronic to help keep track of assignments, tests, dues dates and activities. I could not live without mine. I use a paper planner from Target that I write all of my assignments that I need to do in the weekly section along with due dates, tests, work schedule, and club meetings. In the month view I only keep due dates, tests, and club meetings so I can glance and see the most important things coming up. Without this I would probably miss meetings and forget about my tests and homework and I would be completely and utterly stressed…then probably fail. We can’t have that.

Whether you use google calendar, a Filofax, a store bought planner or anything else. Something to plan your days, weeks, and months is essential.

#2 Color-code

If you aren’t someone who likes color or someone who works with color well then this isn’t required but I found that it helps a lot! I don’t write my notes in color, I just use a black pen or pencil so that I can highlight and not have the pen color interfere with the highlight color. However, in my planner I love color! I love being able to look at my calendar and see that there are four days with pink, 6 with light blue, 8 with light blue etc. I don’t have to read everything looking for right item. I also have a highlight color-code for my notes so if I’m trying to find something I can look for that color and find it quicker. Here’s my color-coding system. You can take mine, alter it change it, create your own if you want to.

#3 Go to Class

I know this is obvious, but I’m serious. It’s so important to go to class even those dreaded 8:00 AM classes. If you don’t go to class you might miss important information, hand-outs, notes, or even syllabi changes. Make sure you also pay attention in all your classes and take notes. Plus, once you skip class once for no reason, you will continue to skip class and then you will fail. So even on those cold, rainy mornings make sure you get up and go to class.

#4 Utilize your syllabus

In high school, the syllabi you receive aren’t as important as they are in college. In college these tell you the weight of your assignments, due dates, tests and exams, the reading schedule, textbooks and other books you may need, the teacher’s office hours and e-mail and basically everything you need to know for the class. As soon as you get them for all your classes, plan out your semester. Write all due dates and exams in your calendar so you can see how much time you have to prepare for all of them. But after you do this don’t just not look at the syllabus again for the rest of the semester, make sure you continue checking back on it to make sure you are on track and not forgetting anything.

#5 Use a different notebook or binder/binder section for each class

This helps to keep things organized so you don’t mix up notes and handouts from one class with another class. I will later put up a post about how I organize my notebooks and binders. But whichever method works for you, make sure you have one or a section designated to each class so that you can keep track of your notes and handouts.

#6 Make sure to do the reading before going to class

This can be difficult, with so much reading for college it’s difficult to do all the reading before class. But doing this is important, it gives you an overview of what will be said in class, you will already know what topics you understand and what topics you do not understand and you can be prepared to ask any questions you might have. I also like to take notes on the reading and then take class notes in class so that I can see what the teacher though was important and have to different ways the topic was said. While talking about notes, I like to re-write or re-type my class notes after class to fill in any empty spots and get it engrained in my head.

I hope this helped! What kind of tips/tricks do you guys have to get good grades?

Thanks for reading!

Kylie

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson Review

Hello guys, I have finished Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson (I finished it a few weeks ago but I can still write a review, right?). Well this is my first book summary/review so bear with me, I’ll improve.  

Summary: Sanderson has created a world covered in ashes for as long as the population can remember, being ruled by an immortal ruler. There is extreme poverty along the general population and extreme riches among the nobility, the only common trait is a fear of the swirling mists that cover the world at night and of the Lord Ruler who as far as they know is immortal. One day, an unlikely hero stands up to rebel against the Lord Ruler with his team of Alomancers and hopefully they will succeed in overthrowing the empire.

My Thoughts: I loved it! It took about a hundred pages to fully get into, which is not uncommon when it comes to fantasy novels but once I got into it I was hooked. I fell in love with the characters, even ones who aren’t the “main characters”, I feel we could still learn more about all of them but the character development I thought was really thought out. Vin, the protagonist, grows immensely during the novel while the others characters do experience some development. I also really enjoyed the magic in this novel, it was unlike any that I have ever heard or read of and it really helped keep me interested as I wanted to figure out more about this new kind of magic. The world that Sanderson created is awesome, he gives you enough history to understand what is going on but not so much that it bores you and continues to develop the world as the book goes on.  There was not a single part that I was disappointed in. I am honestly not ready to leave this world yet.

Recommend: Yes, I definitely recommend this book! I loved that it was different from other fantasy and non-fantasy that I have read and recommend to anyone who loves, or has yet to try fantasy novels. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. I should state that this isn’t a full on action fantasy book; there is a lot of talking and a lot of political stuff throughout the novel but there is action, particularly until the end. 

This week I will...

So I decided this morning that I want to start doing a weekly post on Sundays or Mondays where I write about my weekly goals and possibly cool things about the past week along with how I did on my goals for the previous week. I know it’s Tuesday, but I still want to do it this week. Since this is the week before I head back to school I have a couple school related goals.

Goal 1: Clean!

Since I’m leaving for school next week, I don’t want to leave my room a mess. It also really helps to have a clean room to pack because then you have room to put your boxes and you won’t forget anything. Plus, who would want to pack dirty clothes to school so make sure to do your laundry. I know I have a lot, I have clothes from the past week or so and then my new sheets and bedspread to wash so I can just put them on my bed when I get to school and make my room start feeling like home. I have the cutest bed spread this year so I’m really excited.

Goal 2: Pack!

I am terrified of forgetting something I desperately need at home when I drive back to school, although my parents will be coming down the weekend after or the weekend after that but still…I want my stuff. I have found that every time I pack to go somewhere such as camp, I always forget something. One year it was a hairbrush, another year it was my towel! I created a packing list to help so that nothing will be forgotten click here to view the blog post to get a copy of your own!

I will be going through the packing list and reorganizing stuff to fit the most amount of things in the least amount of space as possible. I will probably do a packing tips list within the next week.

Goal 3: Finish my book!

I have been reading Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson for a while now and I love it! But I don’t want it to come to school with me because I want my mom to be able to read it too. I also want to read the second and third and I can’t do that if I’m still on the first one! Plus I want to write a review on it so other people might read it and enjoy it too :)

Quote of the Week

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” 

                                               -Mark Twain

Thanks for reading! What are your goals this week?
Kylie

(Beginning title picture was made on piZap.com)

Back-to-College Packing

     I don’t know about you guys but I am excited to go back to school, I absolutely can’t wait. I’m starting a new major this year, I’m living in an awesome apartment style dorm, and I’m joining a lot of organizations this yearJ.  This is my second year of college and after living in a dorm last year, I have a better idea of the things that are needed and not needed. I also know how stressful it can be to have to pack up everything and move it to your school; so to help keep the stress down to a minimum I’ve made a packing list. I cannot live without lists, I make lists for everything! If I don’t have a packing list, whether it’s for a week-long trip somewhere or a year at college, I will forget something; it never fails (one year at camp I forgot a towel! It was terrible)! I have attached my packing list to this and it comes in two sizes: Letter paper and A5. This is a list of things I need and it may not be the same for you (I have my own kitchen and bathroom) so feel free to take away and add as you believe is needed. I hope you enjoy!

     Here are my top 10 college essentials and are in absolutely no particular order, look at the end for a full packing list!

1) Composition Book                             

These are a classic. I didn’t use them much until I got to college but they are amazing. For one they are super cheap so they won’t break your bank…especially if you’re a broke college student. I also realized that I don’t spiral notebooks because they ALWAYS break! Mine always wrap around each other or get caught on things in my bag or start unraveling and it drives me insane! I love that composition books don’t have that issue and they last forever. I have one that I have all my calc 1, 2 and soon to be 3 notes in one, science notes in another and will continue this trend. I also use washi tape to mark which composition books are for which class. It really helps when I am in a rush.

2) Command Hooks and strips

We can’t use nails, push-pins, double-stick tape or anything of that matter on our walls at my school so instead I use the line of command products. I love them, I use the hooks to hold my purses and anything that needs a hook to hang (maybe an extra towel?). I also use the plain strips to hang up any posters and pictures on my wall. I tried using the regular 1 lb. tested strips to hang everything up, but learned when one of my frames can crashing off of my wall and almost impaled my roommate that I needed something stronger to hold everything up. So I went and looked and found 4, 6, 8, 12, and 16 pound tested strips! I got the 16 lb. just to be safe, I didn't want something to come crashing down again. Everything stayed up really well after that :) .

3) Over the door hooks and closet organizers

Dorms do not come with much storage or space in general. These save space and provide more much needed storage. I like these over the door hooks that I got from target for 3 dollars! I plan on using one for scarves and one for my purses. Also those hanging closet organizers that act as shelves add more space to hold shoes, folded clothing, or anything you think you would want to put in it.

4) Planner

I cannot live without my planner! I have been using a planner for as long as I can remember. In my middle school and high schools they provided planners for us to use. I never liked them much though so I would go purchase my own from Target, Wal-Mart or Staples. When I went to college, I tried a new format: Monthly and weekly but the weekly had a time format. I liked that for a while but then I realized that it wasn't what I was looking for. So my Mom told me about this thing called a Filofax and after watching a billion YouTube videos about them I decided to give it a try and I love it! You can do so much to customize it and you can keep everything in one book, it’s a lifesaver!

5) Colorful pens and highlighters

I love color-coding, I mainly use color pens in my planner to easily see when I have tests, or what homework I have etc. I use highlighters to color-code my notes. For example, in my math classes I use Yellow to highlight the chapter number and title, blue for definitions and important stuff, pink for formulas, green for examples and orange to highlight homework problem; I then use a variation of that for every other class so it stays consistent. My favorite highlighters are the BIC ones, especially since their 5 pack with blue and green is widely available. I am also lusting over the Staedtler Triplus fine liner pens.

6) Rain Boots

My campus floods, not like feet of water but enough inches that if I walk to class without rain boots my feet get soaked. It’s miserable walking through cold rain and having cold feet all day. A cute pair will keep your feet warm and dry but are also very cute! I would love a pair of Hunter Rain Boots, but I just don’t have the cash to afford some. So I am going to have to settle for some cheaper rain boots. Do you know that it is nearly impossible to find plain black tall rain boots that aren't over 80 dollars? Ugh.

7)  Flash-Drives/External Hard-Drive

Things go wrong with computers, it’s inevitable! I have a 16 gb flash drive that I keep attached to my key chain/wallet organizer I got from Barnes and Noble for 6 dollars. I lost a flash drive last year that had everything from all my years of schooling since freshman year of high school! I was devastated L so to keep this from happening again I got one that attaches to my key chain so I won’t lose it again. Remember when we had floppy disks that only held like 128 mb of date

8) Reading Novels

I love books (as I’m sure you can tell from my previous posts) so having a lot of fun novels is a must for me. I read a lot during my free time at school and go through books like nobody’s business. I also always have one in my backpack in case a professor is late, I have off time between classes but not enough to go back to the dorm, or if I go eat and I’m alone. Seriously, this is one of the most important things for me.

9) Water bottle

I drink so much water at school. Well I should drink more, but I do carry a water bottle everywhere I go. It’s nice for class after walking across campus to class, after going to the gym, after eating snack in class (only if your professor is okay with food in the classroom) or eating at the commons. I like ones that have straws, I find that I drink more when I can just sit and drink through a straw, I can even drink while writing notes. Haha, but I can’t live without one; I lost mine a couple weeks ago and I’m dying without one.

10) Laptop

This is my most used item in school and out of school. I have a Lenovo y510p and I love it. It does all I need it to do and never runs out of space. It’s also super powerful so I can play all of my games (The Sims and Skyrim). Now you don’t need a super powerful, expensive laptop but I would definitely say a laptop is a must have. I take mine everywhere on campus (even though it weighs like 6 pounds) and I do everything on it. I also have a wireless mouse because the touchpad mouse’s can get annoying, a laptop fan, a case and a lock. Those aren't essential but are nice to have. 

Here are the two packing lists, since I can't actually upload the files the link will lead you to the Google drive .pdf document. If you want the original or the A5 size in Microsoft Word (any year), comment and I will send it to you via e-mail!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B76oPrrrCybxTjRicmcwemVvMUU/edit?usp=sharing

I hope you guys enjoyed this. What are some of you college/school essentials?

Thanks for reading!
Kylie

Liebster Award

I was in the car with my family yesterday and decided to check on my blog and saw that I had been nominated for the Liebster Award! I had heard the name before but didn't know what it was but since it has “award” in the name I freaked out.  I found out after reading pinkb-lush’s post about it what exactly this was. It awarded to bloggers with less than 200 followers (I've only been blogging for a week, so excited) and whoever is nominated has to answer questions provided by the nominator and then nominate 11 other blogs and create your own questions. I love finding new blogs especially those who aren't very known; I mean I want to support bloggers who are starting out like me!

Here are the rules!

1) Answer all questions that are asked of you

2) Nominate 11 other blogs, comment on one of their posts or e-mail them and let them know. Also, link them in your post.

3) Create 11 new questions that your nominees have to answer

4) Don’t re-tag someone!

Before I get started I would like to thank pinkb-lush for the nomination! I really appreciate it!

1. What made you start your blog?

Honestly, I don’t know. I just changed my major to English and decided that I might want to try writing. I also watch a lot of YouTube and I enjoyed reading a lot of their blogs as well as reading blogs I found on Pinterest. I guess reading those blogs sparked something in me and I just wanted to give it a try and I am so happy I did. I love it so far!
2. What is your favorite beauty brand?

I don’t think I have one. I have a lot of products from different brands. But looking at my baby collection, I have a lot of Rimmel London products. But I have a wishful favorite beauty brand…Chanel. I love how beautiful their packaging is and I've heard great things.
3. What is your top make up tip?

Wear primer and practice! I have found that when I don’t use a primer, my foundation goes on TERRIBLY! Like seriously, it goes on so patchy and doesn't blend (this goes for all foundations that I have tried using without a primer since using a primer). Also practice! One will never become good at make-up unless they practice, I don’t wear make-up a lot (I’m lazy) so it’s taken me years to get to where I am now (which is still pretty basic).
4. What is one thing you could not live without?

BOOKS!! I cannot live without books, my room has books everywhere. My house has like 18 bookcases filled and overflowing with my mom’s and mines books. We always carry books with us, what if we get stranded somewhere and need to wait on a tow truck or wait in the hospital for something? It would be terrible to be without a book. They’re my best friends :D (Don’t judge)
5. Do you think you will continue to blog?

Yes! I will most definitely continue to blog. I've only done this for like a week now and I already love it!
6 'What is your favorite colour?

Purple and Blue!
7. What are your beauty bag essentials?

Lipstick or lip balm, mascara, concealer and oil blotting sheets. I always end up looking like a fry pan at the end of the day from my oily skin lol.
8. What is your favorite thing about being a blogger?

Being able to hone my writing skills and write content that other people I've never met before read and love. I like being able to make little differences in peoples lives just by writing. I also like that you can meet so many people being a part of the blogging world.
9. Where is your favorite place to go?

Bookstores and coffee shops! Especially those bookstore (not just chain but those small locally owned ones) that are connected to a coffee shop/sandwich shop, those are amazing. They always have the coolest books and the best coffee and food and always smell ahmazing! But really, I love any and all bookstores.
10. Other than blogging, what are you hobbies?

Reading, soccer, video games, travel. At least that’s all I can think of at the moment.
11. What is your favorite thing to drink?

That’s hard. Right now, I love lemonade but I always love a Shirley temple when available. I always love a cup of iced vanilla coffee though too.

My nominees!

Ally Gagliardo

thoughts. blogging. life.

Thrifts and Threads

Thrift and Style

Oh Mai Darling

A Blissful Haven

Life by a Ginger

Crazy Scarf Girl

Seeking Individuality

Gemstones & Cities

Brittany Leland

The Questions to Answer

1) Why did you decide to start blogging?

2) What is your staple fashion item?

3) What is your favorite song write now?

4) What is your favorite quote?

5) Tell me your favorite books 

6) What did you/are you majoring in and why? If you haven’t picked a major, tell me what your dream major is and why.

7) What are your purse essentials?

8) What are your hobbies?

9) Where is your dream place to live or travel to?

10) What is your favorite season?
11) If you could live in any decade other that the one we live in now, which would you choose and why?

July Favorites

     July is already over, I can’t believe it. Summer is already over. My baby brother starts his first day of Kindergarten soon (!) and then in a couple weeks I go back to school for my sophomore year of college. Time just flies by.

     This is my first ever favorites post so it may not be the best but hey, you don’t learn if you don’t practice 

1) Make-up Favorite: Covergirl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation in 825 buff beige. I was skeptical to buy this product at first because I heard that it oxidizes terribly and that it caused break outs on some people. But I heard so many other good reviews that I gave in and decided to buy it and I must say I love it. It kind of reminds me of Revlon Colorstay, which unfortunately breaks me out extremely bad, but the Covergirl doesn’t break me out! It has great staying power and doesn’t get oily until the end of the day (unless it’s very hot and humid, but even then it is not that bad) and I don’t use a setting powder or spray most of the time, I only use a primer under this foundation. This is now my top favorite foundation J

2) Skin Care Favorite: Garnier Moisture-Rescue gel cream in the original formula. I have used this for probably two years and have gone through about four or five bottles of this (it lasts forever) and have also tried the dry-skin version (didn’t like it as much but it’s still good) but after trying out other face moisturizers and being in the sun all the time, I have really noticed how much I really love this moisturizer. It does not leave me that greasy, oily feeling after applying that many face lotions do and it absorbs almost instantly (which I love), it has never caused me to break out which is important since I have acne prone skin. I have also noticed my skin is noticeably softer and has no dry patches when I use this. The only downside is that it does not have SPF, which sucks, but I have yet to find a face lotion with SPF that does not break me out and turn my face into a frying pan.

4) Hair Product Favorite: Coconut Oil. My mom got me this one from Wal-Mart and I use it as a deep conditioner for my hair, a body lotion, and an after-shave skin soother/moisturizer. It smells great, like a tropical coconut.  I love that it is super moisturizing; I’ve noticed great improvements in my hair texture and look when I use it and it makes my legs super soft after I shave. I don’t have much to say about this one, but trust me. It works wonders. I haven’t cooked with it yet, I may have to try to though.

5) Favorite Book: “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman. I loved this book, it was a very quick read but was very memorable. It follows the narrator as he remembers a scary, strange time of his childhood. It was a great example of how children perceive the world and how adults may not see things the same way as well as the frustrations you feel as a child not being able to control your life.  I honestly don’t know what I was expecting out of this book, but since I enjoyed “The Graveyard Book” by the same author I figured I would like this one and I did. It was an interesting almost fantasy style novel with otherworldly, creepy beings and interesting places. I really recommend this book.

6) Favorite Song One Ocean by Chevelle from their new album La Gargola. I absolutely love it, the whole album is amazing and is one of their best if not their best album and this is my favorite song off of the album. I love them all but this one just mesmerizes me. The first time I heard it I knew it would be my favorite, but I can’t describe my love for it. It’s relaxing and reminds me of the ocean and I can just visualize waves when listening to this song. It’s just amazing.

7) Favorite Show: Orange Is the New Black! I didn’t think I would like it but then one day my boyfriend and I decided to give it a chance and it quickly became one of my favorite shows. If you don’t already know it’s about life in a women’s prison and how these women get through their time. It’s interesting, funny and drama-filled. We binge watched the first 2 seasons of the show and I was sad to finish the second season because now I have to wait till next year for season 3, ugh! I highly recommend this show, unless you’re offended by nudity, language or same-sex relationships.

I hope you guys enjoyed this, please let me know what was good and what I should change for the next one and I hope you try some of these out! 

Thanks for reading!

Kylie

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