December 2017 OwlCrate Unboxing

 I am a nerd, so I am like a kid on Christmas morning every month when my OwlCrate comes in the mail! I get so excited, probably a little too excited, and I just can’t wait to tear it open and see what goodies it has inside. Today I thought I would share with you what was inside my OwlCrate this month with you.

For those of you that have been living under a rock and don’t know what OwlCrate is *kidding*, it is a monthly subscription service that delivers newly released Young Adult novels (I’m almost 28 but that’s still young right!?) and other bookish treats to your doorstep. (Or in my case PO Box.) AKA: a box of awesomeness! Let’s dive in!

This is what you see when you first tear into the box! It took everything in my power to stop and get a picture of this rather than start tanking things out!

The first item I pulled out was this pin. You receive a different themed pin in each OwlCrate box that goes along with the book inside. I shall add this one to my collection of OwlCrate pins on my AWESOME Lord of the Rings drawstring bag that I received in a previous box. One day that whole bag will be covered!

The next thing was this gorgeous magnet designed exclusively by Ink & Wonder Designs. I have another magnet like this and let me tell you, they are very high quality. It actually holds my kids artwork on the fridge without slipping down. So that’s a WIN from this mama. I’m sure Percy Jackson’s mom would agree with me!

Next was this beautiful wooden ornament. It’s perfect because you can show your holiday spirit and your love for books all at the same time! Two birds with one stone. It was inspired by Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon and was created by Juniper & Ivory Designs.

Here it is on my tree next to my adorable little hedgehog. Hmmm…. I just realized he doesn’t have a name. The kids and I will have to change that! Let me know if you have any suggestions. We used to have a real pet hedgehog and her name was Miss Talullah Mae Pricklesworth. Back to the subject at hand.

The Dreaming Tree candle is a handmade soy candle inspired by The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord, and was created by Novelly Yours. It features a delicious crisp apple scent, mixed with a hint of magic. Sounds AMAZING! Who doesn’t like their apples with a hint of magic? I sure do. It says to “Light your candle and whisper a wish into the night!” I will be getting right on that when I get cozy with this candle.

I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan so I was so excited for this one. (Don’t tell anyone, but I have an entire Harry Potter shelf in my room. With all the books, movies, a wand, and a few other items!) This tote bag will definitely be going to the library with me. It was designed by Bookworm Boutique.

This double-sided bookmark was created by Little Inklings Designs and features quotes from The Serpent King and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The best thing about this bookmark is that it reminds me of my childhood room. Because my carpet was the green color and my walls were that same exact blue! It was b-e-a-u-tiful!

They also includes this bookmark type advertisement for another book. I’ll have to check into that.

Now this is pretty darn cool. It is a planner and reading journal it was designed in partnership between OwlCrate and Blue Star Press. I didn’t think to get a picture of the inside but it features quotes from past OwlCrate book picks, a place to keep track of all of the books you read throughout the year and what you rated them, and more. I will definitely be putting this to use.

Now for the book. Foolish Hearts By Emma Mills. Here’s what it says, “When Claudia is caught eavesdropping on a conversation she was never meant to hear, she gains a new enemy in Iris; one of the meanest girls in her high school. She doesn’t think things could get any worse, but then both her and Iris are forced to participate in the school’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Foolish Hearts is a laugh-out-loud story about first love, finding friends in the most unlikely of places, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. This book will definitely give you warm fuzzy feelings!” With this book you can an exclusive cover:

A signed bookplate and letter from the author:

And an embroidered patch:

And can we just take a moment to appreciate how frickin gorgeous this book is naked??

So that is all the came in my December OwlCrate. I am super stoked. If you love YA books this would be perfect for you. This would also be a kick@$$ Christmas gift for someone else who enjoys reading. They even have an OwlCrate Jr. box for kiddos aged 8-12. I’ve been thinking about ordering it for my daughter.

Next month’s theme is:

If this sounds like something you or someone you know would enjoy I will leave a link for you to go check it out. OwlCrate Website

I will also link the OwlCrate Facebook book club for anyone who is interested in joining who is already subscribed! OwlCrate Official Book Club

Do you receive any book related subscriptions? Let me know what you think in the comments!

*This post is not sponsored by OwlCrate. All opinions are my own and all products were paid for myself.

I am back!!!

Wow y’all! It’s been about 3 years. I never intended to stop posting but life just kind of took over. I was working a ton and then ended up moving. I had 2 more children and was working full time and barely had enough time to shower let alone blog! Recently there have been some changes in my life and it has allowed me to have a little extra time. I’ve been wanting to get back into blogging for awhile now so I just need to make it a priority again. My kids are now 14, 8, 6, 1 1/2, and 10 months. So with two under two you can see why I have my hands full. I hope you all will stick around with me. Thank you so much for your support, I appreciate it immensely. If you have anything you would like me to post about feel free to let me know! I would love your suggestions. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and look forward to chatting with you soon!

Run To Ground: Review

Run To Ground
Author: D.P. Lyle
Publisher: Oceanview Publishing
Pages: 384

Summary:

What would you do if someone brutally murdered your only child, served only months in jail because of a technicality, and continually taunted, even threatened, you from behind bars? Could you hide your growing rage from family and friends? Could you gun the killer down as he left prison? Could you change your ID and leave behind your entire life - family, friends, jobs, house -and just disappear? Could Tim and Martha Foster do this? Forensic evidence and criminal behavior expert Dub Walker, along with best friend and homicide investigator T-Tommy Tortelli and ex-wife and TV reporter Claire McBride, employ all their skills to track down the Fosters. But the murder of Walter Whitiker is not as simple as it seems. Tim and Martha are not the only ones who want Walt dead. Someone has twisted the evidence to keep the hot light of suspicion on the Fosters. Will the real killer please step forward? Sorry, Dub, you're going to have to work hard to solve this one. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

This was a book that I really enjoyed. I had a hard time putting it down because I just had to know what happened next and I felt for the characters so much. The author kept you in suspense and kept you guessing through all of the twists and turns. It wasn't always predictable like a lot of mystery/thrillers out there so I was really happy about that. I like to be surprised. Run To Ground was definitely a page-turner.

I loved the Fosters. They are such great people who were put in a situation where they had to make a hard decision. This decision was against their morals and everything they believed in and would forever change their lives. If I were in their situation I would have probably done the same thing and I'm sure plenty of parents would. As a parent I can't even imagine what they went through so I really could relate to how angry and heart broken they were.

You can tell the author really knew a lot or did a lot of research to write this book. I highly recommend this one. Check it out!

*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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If You Were Me and Lived in Norway: Review

If You Were Me and Lived in Norway
Author: Carole P. Roman
Publisher: CreateSpace
Pages: 30

Summary:

Join Carole P. Roman on a trip to the Northern Hemisphere and learn about Norway- The Land Of the Midnight Sun. In this exciting series, children are able to read about the many things we share in this great, big world of ours. If You Were Me and Lived in...Norway describes many things that make that country unique and fun. Readers will be able to learn about the capital, common names, a beloved holiday, as well as favorite food and other fun facts. This book is an excellent introduction for those beginners who want to learn about the many thrilling places and great people who share our planet. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

This book teaches children what life would be like if they lived in Norway. They will learn the capital, what continent they would live on, what their name might be, and what they would call their parents. They will also learn about currency, how to say "You're welcome.", where they would go on vacation, what kinds of things they would do for fun, what they would eat, and so much more.

My kids and I have read many books in this series and are loving them. It is such a great way to teach your children about other cultures and how others may live differently or the same as them. We are looking forward to the next one!

*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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The Juice Lady's Remedies for Stress and Adrenal Fatigue: Review

The Juice Lady's Remedies for Stress and Adrenal Fatigue
Author: Cherie Calbom
Publisher: Siloam 
Pages: 144

Summary:

Don’t let stress ruin your health.
Fight back with these all-natural juice remedies.
You don’t have to suffer with the effects of stress and exhaustion. By simply adding more raw food to your diet, you increase your intake of essential nutrients and decrease the harmful effects of stress and adrenal fatigue on your body.

With recipes and recommendations for healing teas, juices, and smoothies, this quick-reference guide helps you naturally repair, rejuvenate, and reclaim your health. You also get valuable tips on stopping stress and adrenal fatigue at the source, including:

·          The connection between chronic stress and adrenal fatigue
·          Practical ways to lower your stress levels
·          Nine common symptoms of adrenal fatigue
·          Seven steps you can take to combat stress eating, and more! (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

This was a very interesting read. It gave you a ton of tips and recipes for juicing and healthy eating. It also taught you which foods you should buy organic, what kinds of food or ingredients you should avoid, what different foods do for your body and it also talks about adrenal fatigue, symptoms and how you can go about fixing it. The author's story in the beginning was touching, emotional, and inspiring.

I can't even list all the information in this book but I learned a lot from it. This is a book that everyone should check out to start living a happier and healthier life with more energy. Now I just need to get a juicer so I can try out some of the recipes.

Do you juice? If so, what are your favorite things to juice? Share your recipes!

*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Lucky Phoo: Review

Lucky Phoo
Author: Stacia Deutsch and Rhody Cohon
Publisher: Imajin Books
Pages: 182

Summary:

LUCKY PHOO by Stacia Deutsch and Rhody Cohon

When luck and the magic of friendship combine, anything is possible…

Seventh graders Caylie Jiang-Kahn, Lauren Blindell and Sabrina Robinson are making a movie about their friendship when a dirty stray dog shows up and ruins the day. In frustration, Lauren mutters, “Oh phooey,” which leads to the girls naming the dog “Phoo.”

When Phoo is caught and taken to the animal shelter, the girls agree to foster him until he can be adopted. They immediately notice something strange. Every time the dog is around, lucky things seem to happen. The moment he’s gone, the luck disappears.

What happens when they all need the dog’s magic at the same time? It’s up to Caylie, Lauren and Sabrina to decide once and for all: Is Phoo truly a lucky dog? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

Sabrina, Caylie, and Lauren were making a movie about their friendship when a dirty dog comes along and ruins their shoot for the day. Little did they know that when Phoo, as they named him, was around he seemed to bring luck with him.

When Phoo ends up at the animal shelter the girls agree to take turns fostering him. When they realize that he's a lucky dog they all start demanding more time with him. Will this situation bring them closer together or tear their friendship apart?

This was a cute little story that I'm sure kids will love. Kids will be able to relate to the girls and the problems they have whether it be crushes, mean kids at school, pressure form their parents, or a difficult home life. These problems make it all the more realistic. My 4th grader is reading this book at the moment so I'm excited to hear his thoughts on it, especially since the main characters are girls. I think tween girls would like this book the best.

*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Once a Witch: Review

Once a Witch
Author: Carolyn MacCullough
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Series: Witch #1
Pages: 292

Summary:

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search - and the stranger - will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

Tamsin was supposed to be the most powerful witch in her family, according to her grandmother's prophecy, but her magical Talents never appeared. She spent her life feeling like an outcast in her family because they could all do great things with their magic and had their own special Talents, but she didn't.

A mysterious man comes to the bookstore, mistaking her for her Talented sister, and ask her to locate a missing item. He claims that this missing item is a precious family heirloom but little does she know, it is so much more. This request sends Tamsin on a mission to prove herself that will forever change her life. She learns things about herself and her family that were meant to stay secret.

Anything that has to do with witches, I'm in. I love reading about them and have been fascinated with witches for as long as I can remember. So when a book like this comes along I have to get my hands on it.

Tamsin is enjoyable because she's smart and not afraid to do what she wants or thinks is best. She's rebellious and has a "perfect" older sister. She's the black sheep of the family so you just want to root for her. You get to see the mystery unravel and the secrets be revealed right along with her so it keeps you reading. This one did not disappoint. I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

Have you read this? What are your thoughts?

*I purchased this book with my own money.

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