Book Club Friday: The Hundred Oaks Series

The Hundred Oaks Series

By: Miranda Kenneally

Read: 1/3 -1/7/2014

I decided to review all of these books together because I had similar thoughts on all of them.  I really enjoyed this series.  The characters intertwined a little bit in each book which I really liked but you really didn't have to read one book in order to understand another (except maybe the 2nd to understand parts of the 3rd).  I really like how each main character grew throughout the book and their characters became more aware of themselves and who they are.  I also liked that while these weren't master pieces by any means they were enjoyable to read.  The issues the girls went through were relateable and the stories pretty much got to the point.  I don't feel like there was much fluff to them which I love in books.  All of them took me only a day or two to read.  They were nice light, enjoyable reads and I definitely recommend them.

I gave all of these books a 4/5 on my Goodreads.

Book Review: The Redemption of Callie and Kayden

The Redemption of Callie and Kayden

By: Jessica Sorensen

Read: 11/20/13

Pages: 336

"The dark secret Kayden has kept hidden for years is out. Worse, he's facing charges for battery. The only way he stands a chance against the charges is if Callie speaks up, something he'll never ask her to do.

Callie knows Kayden is going back to his dark place and desperately wants to save him. But saving him means admitting her secrets aloud. Callie and Kayden are stronger than they think, especially when they're together. Together they move forward, face their demons, and finally start to heal from their traumatic pasts."
{GoodReads}

Holy dramatic and sappy.  I almost couldn't make it through this book because I wanted to throw up.  Needless to say, I didn't enjoy it but I can't say I went into it with high hopes either because the first book was also sappy, I just needed to know what happened.  But I think the Kayden feeling bad for himself thing just went a little too far.  The one thing I did like is that Callie's character really developed and became a stronger character. Overall, definitely not a favorite of mine.

I gave this book a 2/5 on my GoodReads.

The Truth About Wedding Planning

I would love to come here on my blog and tell you that I love wedding planning and everything is fabulous, but I'd be so beyond lying.  Don't get me wrong, there are parts that have been a lot of fun and enjoyable, but when you're paying for it yourself it's definitely not all fun and I wouldn't feel honest if I came on here and said it was.

Everything is over priced, it's super stressful, and very time consuming.  We're doing a very simple and "inexpensive" wedding so I can't imagine what it's like for those who have bigger weddings!

Planning is not my strong suit.  I like to take things as they come and go with the flow.  With wedding planning, you just can't do that.   I am lucky in that we had an easy time picking our venue, DJ, photographer, and Officiant but picking a hair and makeup person and cupcake person has been a nightmare!

Also, I have had some major buyers remorse with some stuff even though I know it's what I wanted and it will be fine.  For example, the first wedding dress in these photos looks great photographed from the front but my Mom got no pictures of mine from the front, only from the side and back.  I love the back but I hate the side, but I always hate being photographed from the side because it's totally unflattering.  I know the dress I picked is perfect for me, but I had a minor freak out moment because of the side view.

Also, lets talk about how freakin expensive it is.  We are inviting only 110 people and praying that at least 15 don't show.  We chose a venue that includes catering and that is relatively cheap, same with the DJ and officiant.  But holy Jesus, the amount that we're spending on a day that last 5 hours is just freakin insane!!  Seriously, we could use all that money for a down payment on a house!!  The only thing we wanted to splurge a bit on was a photographer because pictures are the only thing from that day that we'll have forever (other than the actual marriage).

Honestly, more often than not, I want to say screw it and go to the courthouse then just have a big party back at our house afterwards. 

.... and that is the truth about wedding planning.


*just a note, after writing this my dress came in, in the right size and I tried it on and had my Mom take a front picture and I definitely feel much better about my life now.

Travel Tuesday: The Rest of Gettysburg

Now that I've talked about my two favorite places in Gettysburg (Little Round Top and Devil's Den), I'll show you the rest.

This is the Lincoln Address Memorial - the Gettysburg address was delivered here.

 

There are a ton of monuments all over Gettysburg - there are little plaques where you can read about each monument.

This is Bryan's House.  Bryan was a free black man and property owner.  During the battle - he and his family left and union soldiers occupied it and dismantled and trampled a lot of his property.   With little help from the government, Bryan was able to rebuild his farm and lived there throughout his life.

This is the area of Pettigrew's Charge - July 3, 1863

I believe this statue is dedicated to Major General George G. Meade.

This is the Pennsylvania Memorial which commemorates the PA soldiers who fought at Gettysburg.  It's huge (the largest on the grounds) and the views from the top are amazing!

If you are into history, I definitely recommend a visit to Gettysburg!  The town is really cute and they have some great ghost tours!  There is also so much more to the battlefield that we didn't get to because we just went for the day.  

Book Review: The Hunger Games Series

The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay

By: Suzanne Collins

Finished the Series: 2/8/12

I was a little skeptical about reading this series.  Other than HP, I usually don't get into the series with a big hype because they're usually a let down (ahem Twilight).   I ended up really enjoying the first two books.  I generally like stories which involve dystopian societies and I really liked the world she put together, it was definitely an interesting idea.  I thought the Hunger Games was a thrilling and suspenseful book and it really kept me interested.  Catching Fire was definitely not what I was expecting but I really liked the idea of the arena in that book, but I figured it was mostly a "transition" book.  However, I really didn't like Mockingjay much.  I wasn't a fan of the ending and I feel like it ended so abruptly.  I feel like Katniss had minimal involvement in the battles and therefore, we didn't get much detail on what was happening.  I really didn't like who Katniss had become, it seems as though she lost all her strength and determination.  Also, there is one death that I think was supposed to have a big impact, but I wasn't feeling it because the character wasn't a huge part in the story at all and the execution of it left much to be desired.  I just found it to be really anti-climatic and disappointing.  Of all of the books, I like the first one the best.  I feel like that is where all of the characters are their best and it's definitely the most entertaining and fast-paced book of the series. 

I would recommend this series but just don't go into it with the high hopes that I had.  It's definitely not bad, but I think the ending kind of ruined it for me. 

I gave Hunger Games a 5/5

I gave Catching Fire a 4/5 

and I gave Mockingjay a 3/5

on my GoodReads

Book Club Friday: Mystic River

Mystic River

By: Dennis Lehane

Read: 6/12/2012

Pages: 448

"When they were children, Sean Devine, Jimmy Marcus, and Dave Boyle were friends. But then a strange car pulled up to their street. One boy got into the car, two did not, and something terrible happened --- something that ended their friendship and changed all three boys forever.

Now, years later, murder has tied their lives together again ..."
{GoodReads} 

Mystic River started out slow but when it picked up, it really picked up!  And the slow beginning was totally necessary to understanding the characters.  I had not seen the movie before reading the book so the mystery element of the book was there for me and I loved it!  I never would have guessed the outcome!   Also, I love the strong emotional connection between the three main characters.   I saw the movie afterwards and thought it was good but there is so much that goes on in the characters heads in the book that you really can't show it in the movie (especially Dave's character).   This is such a great psychological mystery and I highly recommend it.

I gave this book a 4/5 on my Goodreads 

Book Review: Fable

Fable

By: Chanda Hahn

Read: 1/3/14

Pages: 194 (nook)

"All that glitters is not gold.

When something precious is stolen from sixteen-year-old Mina Grime, she will do anything in her power to get it back, even if it means traveling to the dangerous Fae plane and battling one of the strongest fairy-tale villains yet.

However, nothing can prepare Mina for the dangerous obstacles she will face in the Fae world, or the choices she must make when love and life are on the line."
{GoodReads}

This is the third book in the Unenchanted series and I LOVE this series!   I loved this one just as much as the others!  I feel like Mina is growing more and becoming more independent in this book!  I also totally wasn't expecting the ending to this book, however, I feel like she set herself up for a great story for the next book.   The story was more fast paced than the other two and I really liked the Stiltskin story!  I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!  My only issue with this, as with the others, is horrible editing.  I found several spelling mistakes and grammar issues. 

I gave this book a 4/5 on GoodReads. 

*The first book is free on Nook and Kindle!  The second and third are no more than $3.00 on Nook! 

Wedding Wednesday: Lots of stuff

It is definitely time for some wedding updates!! We are currently 122 days from our wedding day! WHAT?!

The most exciting wedding news is that I have a dress!!! Annnd my sister has her maid of honor dress and my Mom and future MIL have both found their dresses.  Annnd one of my bridesmaids found hers!  annnnd today after training, I am going with Laurie to get her bridesmaids dress :)

Amy's - Mom's - Heathers.  Amy's dress is more the same color as mom's and Heathers and the rest of the bridesmaids will be wearing a lighter purple :)

I have 6 girls in my wedding party and 3 are out of state so we just decided to go separately for dresses.  The girls are all wearing different styles but they are the same color (DB Wisteria) and are all short dresses.  I love the ones my sister and Heather have picked!

Sunday (the 12th) my sister and I made the trip up to Davids Bridal in York, PA and met my Mom there (who was coming from her BF's house north of York).  The lady who helped us was fantastic!  I wasn't planning on doing a veil but after she put one on, I had to take it!  It also took a lot less time than I thought!  The dress I picked was the third one I tried on - I tried a few more after it just to be sure but kept going back to that one!

I am going to show the pictures of two of the dresses I didn't get but the first one is similar in style to the one I picked :) Also, don't mind my hair, I'd gone straight from working in a Kitchen all day.

The second one was just too much poof for me but I loved the top!

Also, our guest book arrived a few days before I went dress shopping so that was exciting :) I love it and it goes perfectly with our theme.  Here is the sample one shown on Etsy:

Annnnnd we got our invitations and reply cards - they arrived on Monday!  Also, I got the email that my dress came in on Monday, all it needs is a bustle  :)

 

I also got my garters a few months ago and can't remember if I posted the photos or not but here are the photos from Etsy.  Mine look exactly the same and I freakin love them!  and it gives me my something blue.

 So, this is what we have so far.  I have emailed a few places about hair and makeup and should have a trial in the coming weeks.  Also, we have been emailing about cupcakes and should be having a tasting soon!

Come back next Wednesday when I talk about the not-so-fun side of wedding planning. 

Devil's Den: Gettysburg, PA

Devil's Den is another of my favorite spots in Gettysburg.  As morbid as it may sound, it's fun to play on the rocks, however, this was definitely a bloody scene during the civil war.

Devils den is located just west of Little Round Top.   Devils den saw action on July 2, 1863 due to General Robert E. Lee's flank attacks, when Lieutenant General James Longstreet's confederate corps attacked the divisions of Major General Daniel Sickles' III Corps of the Army of the Potomac.
source

The Confederate's were victorious in this battle which left 800 union soldiers and 1800 confederate soldiers dead.

101 Quotes: Part One

One of my goals for the year was to make a list of 101 quotes that inspire me.  I'll be sharing these quotes randomly throughout the year.  Right now they are being kept on a private board in Pinterest, but once I finish them I'll make it public :)   Also, once I have chosen 101 quotes and shared them all with you, I plan to do a post on my top 10 and tell you why they are my top 10.  Enjoy!!