Monday Musings...

The heat is back and it is even more unbearable than before. Ugh. And yet, I drag myself out of bed and make sure to walk in the early morning - hoping for some cool breeze, but getting stifled by the humidity instead. Oh well, needs must, right? I have to get my steps in - LOL!

The neighborhood is getting in the festive mood of Halloween. I see more and more decorations outside of each house - this year it's all about ghosts for some reason. We went the skeleton and spiders route instead. I did see the coolest Frankenstein - very tall (of course) in an autumnal plaid blazer looking like he was ready to dance it out. I loved it! Oh, and the other morning it was still dark outside when I went for my walk I thought I saw some other people walking towards me. I thought to myself who is that, and then laughed when I realized it was one of those giant garage poster decorations of zombies. It looked 3D in the dark and so I thought they were people walking out of the house. LOL! Talk about trippy. 

Oh, and I finished a book - a spooky one for the season, although it really wasn't that scary thankfully:

I'm still dipping in and out Ghost Stories by Siri Hustvedt. It's about loss, grief, and love - so it's taking me awhile to get through. I am loving it though, so I'm glad I'm taking my time with it. 

I'm not sure what I'll start next, but I'm loving that I have gobbled up two books recently - makes me feel like my love of reading is ignited once again. Hurrah!

The West Wing is the show I've decided to rewatch for the nth time. I love it and it makes me smile. Of course I need to watch the new Tracker episode that premiered last night - I can't wait! I love Colter!

Alright, I better get started at my desk. Wishing you all a great Monday. Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. Just finished reading...

2. Started a fresh journal for October and I am loving it. I'd been feeling stuck in my journaling, but a new month makes me feel like it's time for a fresh start. So, this is working out perfectly at the moment. 

3. I'm still rewatching Aurora Teagarden on Hallmark and enjoying the mysteries she gets herself caught up in. And, I finally finished A Different World (the new one) and loved it. I can't wait for the next season. 

4. The spiders my sister put up on her house for Halloween decor keeping falling - Yikes! We need to figure out how to keep them stuck on the house. 

5. I've decided to give up sugar again - ugh! I already miss it. LOL!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!

Monday Musings...

Eggs and potatoes for brekkie is seriously the best. Especially on a chilly morning. Plus, it provides me with the energy I need to tackle my day. And, today looks like it is going to be a long one. 

I finished the Lucy Foley/Agatha Christie book, Murder At The Grand Alpine Hotel. It was such a fun one and I felt great figuring out whodunit. I always like it when I can piece clues together before the big reveal. LOL!

The next book I gobbled up was:

This was such a fun treat. I loved it! I was right about some of culprits, but not the main one. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, which Hallett just mentioned over on her IG account. 

Also, I’m still watching the new A Different World and LOVING it. Such a great show! I hope they are renewed for several more seasons. It’s fun catching up with the original characters. 

And, I’m rewatching all of the Aurora Teagarden films on Hallmark - I love them and they are perfect for fall. I’m just about to start the third one - Three Bedrooms, One Corpse. 

Alright, I’m off to start crossing off items from my to-do list. Wishing you all a lovely Monday. Take care!

My Friday Five...

1. Still not sleeping well. Ugh.

2. Ordered a Halloween journal box from Archer and Olive, because I needed something to cheer me up. Also, I wanted a Halloween journal this year. 

3. Cronuts are seriously delicious. Yum!

4. I think I might watch the new American Horror Story since The Shards is over.

5. Still not sure what to read. Although I did order a new book, because I wanted something fall-ish:

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!

Monday Musings...

Anxiety is hitting me hard at night. So many intrusive thoughts invading my headspace and leaving me thrumming with nerves. I eventually fall asleep for a few hours and wake up exhausted. I feel like I am yawning my way through each day. It's getting old. 

My reading is at a standstill. I was engrossed in my last Shari Lapena novel, but can't seem to find any interest lately. I have other books sitting on my nightstand that I started and stopped. It's frustrating me, because I do want to be enmeshed in something. The question is what do I want to be reading? Hmm...

I have a routine that I follow in the morning- a journaling routine, to be specific. Except, I can't be bothered with it at the moment. So, my journals just sit on my desk mocking me. And all of those blank pages are depressing me. I need to get back no track with writing it out. 

The only show I can seem to stomach lately is Psych. So, I am rewatching it for the second time and laughing out loud each episode. 

Oh, I've been walking in the morning and that is good. I enjoy watching the sky wake up and being outside. I just need to make sure I keep it up. 

And now, I will go and figure out what to eat for dinner and hopefully I'll read a little bit. Wishing you all a lovely week. Hopefully you are gobbling up books and enjoying the idea that fall is near. Take care!

My Friday Five...

1. It's raining, it's pouring. Yep, rainy season is here and doesn't seem to want to let up any time soon. 

2. I've been walking every morning lately and it's nice to see the waking sky with blue and pink hues. 

3. I'm still reading the last Shari Lapena book on my list, but I'm already thinking about what to read next. Hmm...not sure what I'm in the mood for. I'm still reading Ghost Stories by Siri Hustvedt - it's a book to savor, not devour. I do have another Gwendoline Riley, First Love. Or should I re-read something, an old favorite? 

4. Smythson planners. I've bought the Soho weekly one for a few years now, but decided to use a different brand for 2027. Especially, since I bought the daily for this year and haven't been using it like I thought I would. And yet, I keep checking their website to see what colors they are using for 2027. Ack! What is wrong with me? 

5. Everyone seems to have started decorating for Halloween already. It's cheering me up, but also making me think I need to start decorating, too. Eek!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!

Three Things...

1. I placed a small order for a few things from Hobonichi and I’m excited to get them later this week. Of course the one cover I wanted is sold out everywhere, so that’s disappointing. Then again do I really need a green plastic notebook cover?

2. I keep hearing about The Whisper Man on Netflix. I have to watch it this week!

3. I treated myself to a Paper Republic trifold in the green leather for my birthday and it was finally shipped out. Unfortunately, I thought I had corrected my new mailing address for both shipping and billing - only billing was corrected. So, my order was delivered to my old address and looks like that’s a loss for me. So disappointing! I feel so dumb that I didn’t catch the mistake sooner. I tried getting UPS to change it and they got the correction, but it was too late I guess. And apparently, the woman who bought the old house felt the need to keep my order instead of return to sender. So, yeah, that rots. 

Anyhow, that’s three things so far this week. Wishing you all a great rest of the week. Happy reading!

Monday Musings...

It definitely feels like a manic Monday. Ugh. Woke up too early and now anxiety has settled in. I went for a walk thinking it would help, but it didn't. My brain is just too jumbled right now and I can feel the day slipping away from me and it's barely 8am. 

I cut my hair short. It's a bob and it's cute, but I'm still trying to adjust to it. I needed a change and I do feel so much lighter now. 

I'm on my last Shari Lapena book and so far, I'm not so sure about this one. 

Hobonichi planners go on sale later tonight. I already pre-ordered the Winnie the Pooh weeks on eBay. I'm still not sure if I will order anything else - I really do want to keep it simple next year. 

Since, I'm feeling anxious, I plan on taking it slowly today. I will put on my headphones and listen to something nostalgic like REM or Natalie Merchant. And, I will just try and get as much done as I can.

I keep trying to distract myself by my reorganizing my stickers and it isn't working. I have too many and wind up feeling overwhelmed. Ugh. 

I really should clean up desk - the mess is adding to my anxiety. That's probably why I'm thinking of starting a new planner for fall. 

Anyhow, wishing you all a great Monday. Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. I've just started this lovely:

2. Acid reflux is the worst. Ack! Stress is making my acid unbearable lately. Tums are my new best friend. Ugh.

3. Apartment hunting is fun-ish. I like to daydream about how I would decorate, but the price listings are ridiculous for the amount of space. Yikes!

4. Hallmark movies are getting more and more ridiculous. Like, unbelievable storytelling that has me rolling my eyes every few minutes. And yet, I keep watching. 

5. Dolly. She is missed and loved. May she rest in peace. 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!

Monday Musings...

I can't seem to stop reading Shari Lapena's books and have been stuck in one all weekend. 

Also, I'm rewatching Psych and cracking up each episode. Love a show that makes me laugh so hard I cry.

Too much anxiety and stress lately has me feeling low, so I am writing it out and really trying hard not to let it get me any more down. Ugh.

I'm off to run errands, but just wanted to say hi and wish you all a lovely week. Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. I'm on a Shari Lapena reading jag. For some reason they are what I am craving right now. So, I'm currently enmeshed in this lovely:

2.  I saw this post talking about how we all never seem to go outside anymore and spending nearly 95% of our time indoors. Yikes! So, I've started walking in the morning. And, I am loving it. Especially, because the heat doesn't seem to hit until after 9am. 

3. Last night I was watching a vlog and this woman was talking about a life/business coach she hired after turning 35 and canceling her wedding. She says it's helped her tremendously and she's now the happiest she has ever been. From what she shared, it sounded like a lot of the work was about her figuring out what she wanted for herself and also acknowledging her accomplishments each week. Oh, and journaling every day. Makes me think I need to be more intentional with my journaling and focus more on what I want instead of what I don't want. 

4. I love when I go out to run errands and the music being played in shops and diners is some of my favorite - Stevie Wonder, REM, Sade, Spin Doctors, etc. Feels like blasts from the past. 

5. I am a sticker hoarder and I am tired of it. I'm planning on going through all of them and only keeping my absolute favorites and getting rid of the rest. So, if that means keeping 20 stickers out of a thousand, then so be it. Also, I need to stop buying stickers. Ugh. 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!

Monday Musings...

Anxiety is high. Especially after a bit of family drama the other day. So, I spent the afternoon reading another Shari Lapena novel:

 

Today, I plan on running a few errands, tackling my to-do list, and dipping into yet another Shari Lapena book:

Hoping to write it out later today and get some of these anxious thoughts out of my head. Wishing you all a lovely week. Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. Reading this book that is confusing me so much, but I can't seem to stop reading. I have to find out what is happening and who done what.

 

2. Thanking God for helping my aunt through a terrifying moment. She was rushed to the hospital and it turns out she had a mini-stroke. She's back home and on new meds to help prevent anything happening in the future. She sounds great and I'm so grateful she's okay. 

3. Checking out the Hobonichi reveals for their 2027 lineup and deciding that all I want is a Weeks - the Moomin one in the green. That's all. No more, no less.

4. I bought another Gwendoline Riley book. I can't wait to read it!

5. Watched the Tiny Desk concert with Death Cab for Cutie and LOVED it. Reminded me how much I love their music. So good!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Happy reading!

Three Things...

1. I'm much better, just a slight cough. So happy to finally feel able to do all the things, instead of just wanting to lie down. 

2. Reading this gem, which I am LOVING:

3. Enjoying The Real Housewives Ultimate Girl's Trip that celebrates 20 years of Housewives - so much fun to see the women in a different group and different cities. It's crazy ridiculous drama, which I love. And, I am also loving The Real Housewives of London - such a great city and group. However, those are the only two I'm watching on Bravo. I just can't seem to watch any of the other shows - too much toxic drama. 

Wishing you all a lovely Thursday. Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. Finished Mothersick by Lottie Hazell and loved it to bits!

2. Continuing The Palm House by Gwendoline Riley, which my friend Meredith really enjoyed. 

3. Watched the first two episodes of The Shards and haven't decided if I'll continue to watch. I liked the book, but not sure I like the show.

4. I'm watching Paris is Always a Good Idea on Hallmark and find myself complaining about it, even though I love seeing Paris and Ireland. I'm just not liking Lacey's character, Chelsea. Also, why does Hallmark always try to age down actors when they should just let the actors play their age? I mean giving Lacey bangs to make her look like a grad student only makes her look older. Ridiculous! It's like that Christmas movie where Danica was portraying a 28 year old and she clearly looks her like a woman in her 40s. Seriously! Hallmark, what is wrong with being 40? 

5. I still have a cough, but am feeling loads better. Hopefully this flu is finally saying goodbye. 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!

Three Things...

1. Ice cream cake is my favorite type of birthday cake. Yum!

2. Mothersick by Lottie Hazell is turning out to be a favorite book. I am loving reading it and am taking my time with each chapter. The book will be released next year in January, but I am so grateful I was able to get my hands on an early copy. I am in love!

3. I ordered books for my birthday - hooray! 

Wishing you all a lovely rest of the week! Happy reading!

Monday Musings...

 This flu won't let me go. Ugh. So, I'm reading, or trying to. These are the two books:

I love the book covers and I love the writing. These two are turning out to be gems. 

And now, I am going to get a cuppa and see what I am up to doing today. 

Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. I'm still sick. Ugh. Go away flu! I now believe I have the flu and not a summer cold. Double Ugh!

2. I'm finally watching A Good Girl's Guide To Murder on Netflix. I remember reading the series awhile ago, but never watched the show. I like the music, but I'm hating Pippa. So, not sure I'll keep watching. 

3. I'm still reading. Right now it's:

I love Hallett's books, so I just knew I'd enjoy her children's book, A Box Full of Murders - it's the first in her series called, A Box Full of Murders. I'm halfway through and loving it to bits. I'm really having fun trying to figure out whodunit. It's so much fun getting to know Ava and Luke as they work together to solve the murder mystery that Luke stumbled upon in their dad's attic. Yep, he found an old box stuffed full of papers all having to do with a murder from decades ago and now the two siblings are determined to piece it all together and find out whodunit. And, it has been so much fun getting stuck in this case alongside these two sleuths - I am loving reading the diary entries, texts, documents, and illustrations. I keep thinking I have an idea of what is happening, but the next thing I know something new pops up and throws me off track - I love it! I'm exciting to read more later today.

4. My birthday is next week and I have no idea if I will even feel well enough to enjoy it. 

5. Wishing you all great health! Enjoy the weekend and enjoy some great reads!

Monday Musings...

Oh my throat. I'm sick. A summer cold. My sister got it first and now I have it. Ugh. 

I have been reading. The first book was Shari Lapena's latest novel, Getting Away With Murder. 

I was looking forward to this one, but it wound up falling short for me. I didn't like the ending and just found myself rolling my eyes the majority of the time. Plus, the characters were all despicable, with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Ugh.

So, of course, I read another Shari Lapena book. And thankfully, this one was way better. I gobbled it up in one sitting and absolutely loved chatting about it with my family. It was just too crazy and unbelievable not to chat about. A little girl goes missing in her small town and everyone is suspect. And, that is all I'll share. You have to check it out!

 

Up next, I'll be reading the new Lang Leav novel. I always enjoy Leav's poetry and her novels, so I'm excited for this one. 

Aside from reading, I watched the first episode of The Real Housewives of London - I love Juliet from Ladies of London and she's on this show. Unfortunately, she won't be on this show until episode 5. Oh well, it's still a fun watch. And, I started to watch Countdown with Jensen Ackles - it was canceled, but I'm a fan, so I'm excited to see this show. 

And that's all I have to share for now. I'm hoping to feel much better soon, so I can get back on track and catch up on everything. 

Wishing you all a lovely week. Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. Going away for a few days was just the ticket. I needed a break from the everyday chaos and my sister invited me and our mom for a mini-break in Orlando. She was there for work and we were there for rest and relaxation. I loved the hotel - felt like we were in a treehouse. Plus, it's always a great time when the three of us get to just hang out.

2. New Christmas movies on Hallmark are just not hitting the mark lately. I feel like the older movies were so much better. Oh well, they are still fun to watch.

3. The heat. It is HOT in FL and it feels stifling. UGH.

4.  I'm middle-aged and still getting guilt-tripped by my mom - how is that even possible? LOL!

5.  Iced coffees. I finally get the hype. I was never a fan and now I can't seem to stop craving them. 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!