The Ultimate Book Tag!

I love the idea of tags and I came across the Ultimate Book Tag on In Love & Words by Bree and I wanted to jump on! So, I won’t babble on, let’s get going.

Questions

Do You Get Sick While Reading In The Car?
I’m nauseous just thinking about it. Y.E.S. I can’t even play DJ in the car if I’m the passenger because I can’t scroll for songs.

Which Author’s Writing Style Is Completely Unique To You And Why
I’d have to say Dorothy Garlock. When I read Take Me Home, at first I thought I wasn’t going to be a fan because I’m not always a lover of older-set books, i.e. early 1900s. I like present day novels. Her writing had me hooked and made me dive right into the story as if I were the main character, living the whole thing. I actually hope to read it again. It’s a novel that made me feel the butterflies and jitters a girl feels when falling in love. I don’t think a book has ever made me physically feel anything like that.

Harry Potter or Twilight? Give 3 Reasons Why.
…two totally different things. But Harry Potter.

Do You Carry A Book Bag? If So, What’s In It (Besides Books)?
I do! I carry my laptop around, my tablet, always a book or two that I’m reading, chargers, my wallet, maybe a folder of schoolwork depending on the day, etc.

Do You Smell Your Books?
Ok, when I first read this question I thought “so I’m not the only one!” So there’s your answer.

Books With or Without Illustrations?
With is cool, but I don’t really care.

What Book Did You Love While Reading, But Discovered Later It Wasn’t Quality Writing?
Sarah Pinborough’s Behind Her Eyes. I thought the story line was great, but getting through it was tough at times because it was repetitive.

Do You Have Any Funny Stories Involving Books From Your Childhood?
Umm… I had way too many books by the time I was like 12/13 and my mom did a large book unhaul when I wasn’t home and I was devastated, for weeks, like, my young pre-teen life was over.

What Is The Thinnest Book On Your Shelf?
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. Classic 🙂

What Is the Thickest Book On Your Shelf?
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Other Classic Works.

Do You Write As Well As Read? Do You See Yourself Being An Author In the Future? 

I do write, but I keep it very private as of right now. I could see myself being an author, but I don’t think I’m confident enough in myself yet to take that leap.

When Did You Get Into Reading?
I started reading when I was 2. The first book I read was the Adventures of Curious George. I was reading 400+ page chapter books by the age of 7.

What Is Your Favorite Classic Book?
Catcher in the Rye

What Was Your Best Subject In School?
Call me crazy…. Mathematics, specifically Statistics and Calculus.

If You Were Given A Book As A Present That You Read Before And Hated, What Would You Do?
I’m always polite when accepting gifts. I’d thank them very much and say I appreciate it.

What Is A Lesser Known Series That You Know Of That Is Similar to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games?
That’s a toughie…

What Is A Bad Habit You Always Do (Besides Rambling) While Filming?
I’m not a vlogger (yet) so I can’t answer that one!

What Is Your Favorite Word?
Flabbergasted.

Are You A Nerd, Dork, or Dweeb?
Nerd.

Vampires or Fairies? Why?
Fairies. Not a vampire person.

Shapeshifters or Angels? Why?
I think shapeshifters are kind of interesting, but I’m into angels too, so both?

Spirits or Werewolves? Why?
Spirits – not a werewolf person.

Zombies or Vampires? Why?
Neither, but if I had to choose one, zombies.

Love Triangles or Forbidden Love?
I love a juicy love triangle, but it has to be written right.

Full on Romance Books Or Action-Packed With A Few Love Scenes?
Oh give me that butterfly-inducing romance all the way!

Tag… You’re It!

Take a whack at it! Let me know if you gave it a shot; I’d love to see!

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Time Management… Any Planner Tips?

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BOY am I HORRIBLE at time management.

Mostly attirbuting to my laziness or carelessness, but also greatly due to lack of motivation.

I’ve been obsessed with planners/agendas my entire life. My go-to planner for years has been the Day Designer for Blue Sky. I find it affordable for a planner (they can be upwards of, like, $70! I love planners, but I kinda love my bank account a little more). Not only affordable, but definitely has a lot to offer! There are sections for yearly goals, achievements, monthly plans and reviews, contacts, birthdays, and more. There are monthly calendar layouts and also weekly layouts. I’ve been using this planner since the beginning of college (circa, 2012) and love it!

If I weren’t a broke college student, I would definitely purchase the Erin Condren LifePlanner. They can be purchased on Amazon or you can personalize one online on her website ErinCondren.com.

Now… some people might be thinking, “what about bullet journals?”

LOVE the idea of bullet journals, but my artistic skill level is subpar to that of a preschooler’s. I’m constantly scrolling Pinterest and looking at/re-pinning bullet journal pins and I’ll sit there and drool over them. Then I will make up this idea in my head that I will start one! The minute I begin to come up with an idea and put the pen to the paper, it’s game over. I can’t draw. I’m not creative. I may be creative and eloquent with words, but not artistically with drawing, painting, crocheting, none of that.

Physically, I was an artist my entire life. I was a dancer – I attended college for dance. So yes, I’m creative, but not when it comes to creating images on paper.

How many of you out there make and follow bullet journals? I’d love to see your ideas and hear your inspiration!

When it comes to my planner, I’m always really excited to fill it out, but I’m really bad at actually following what I wrote down. Any tips?

I sometimes become lazy and recently, since my surgery, I’ve become very isolated and lonely and my depression has kicked in. My motivation and time-management are totally depleted. Any advice?

I’d love to hear from some of you and see your ideas!

Happy Sunday!

xo – liv

Blogger’s Block… Am I Really Talking Politics Now?

I’m still new at this blogging thing…

and I’m already having writer’s block, or as some like to call it, blogger’s block.

What do you all want to hear about? What do you like to read about?

I could talk about books, health, fitness, beauty, mental health, food, school, anything!

…just not politics.

…alright maybe for a second.

I see MANY posts about this Kavanaugh situation. Moral of the story – if sexual assault or harassment is even on the table, his nomination and his job should be completely off the table.

I don’t understand the debate around it. NBC posted a tweet stating: “Even if it were all true, does this disqualify him from the Supreme Court?” YES IT ABSOLUTELY DOES! If he were to get the nomination and be placed into the supreme court, that just tells every other man in the world that they can get away with sexual assault, and still do big things with their lives.

Many people say, “Why so long for these women to come forward about their attacks?”

All I have to say to that is… #metoo.

I was sexually harrassed and assaulted by someone I thought I loved, for 3 years. I never said a word to anyone, until the day it went too far.

That same day, I was police shamed. I was told “it will be your word against his, you didn’t speak up for so long so it almost seems premeditated and false, and he doesn’t have a record so in the court’s eyes, he’s a good kid.”

The only thing they suggested and allowed me to do was get a restraining order, but if I had gone to trial, I “would’ve lost hard.”

THIS is why women don’t come forward. It’s ALWAYS the woman’s word against the man’s. Also, often times these women are threatened that if they tell anyone, they will be hurt, or worse. If you don’t have that threat in writing, the court won’t believe you.

This is a huge issue of justice in the US. How can you create laws that say sexual misconduct is illegal, but then brush it off a little because the accusee is a politician?

PLEASE. 

To all the women out there with a story they’re keeping inside, I support you. I understand why you have not come forward. I understand your fear.

To all the women out there with a story they have let out the bag, I commend you for your strength. I feel for you in my heart. I wish I had the strength and audacity that you do, but I know I can’t handle that fight that I may not even win.

#metoo

xo – liv

What Day is it? HUMP DAY!

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

We’re at that mid-week point (for those who don’t work the weekends) and getting ready to finish up the week!

I feel like hump day hasn’t existed for me for awhile.

Since I go to school online, assignments are due on Thursdays and Sundays. There’s no physically going to class, there are assignments due on the weekends… so hump day for me is… no where. I also used to work every other weekend since I work in the nursing field – so hump day, for me, changed by the week.

Now that I’m not working (due to my current medical status), every day blends together, I forget the date half the time, and I’m really not on any sort of schedule. I need to change that!

My post about my morning routine is one I revisit often for motivation and encouragement. Certain days, I wake up and feel like I have no purpose since I can’t work, can’t go out and exercise, so I’m basically a sitting duck. I’ll wake up and say “let’s try again tomorrow.” I’d say I’m getting depressed.

Something I’ve learned over the years is if you’re not happy, the only one with the power to change it is you.

So… I’m blogging, keeping up with my schoolwork and housekeeping, and trying to find new hobbies that will make me feel like I have purpose.

So, help a sista out! What hobbies do you all enjoy at home?

I love to read (as many of my readers already know), but even sometimes I say to myself, “I just can’t read another page.” You know, cause the words start to blend together on the page and you feel like you’re going blind…

I enjoy coloring, but I’m not too artistic so I can’t draw. My stick figures are questionable, so anything further than that would be kindergarten-grade work.

I own crochet needles, some yarn, and other crochet tools. I’m not crafty. I suck. Can’t follow anything, not even a YouTube tutorial. I’m a lefty (yup) and everything I learn, I have to learn backwards. When I was in dental hygiene school a few years ago, there were 4 girls out of the 36 in our class that were lefties. Those 4 of us had to learn separately in another clinic with another instructor. That’s how special us lefties are. Let me tell ya.

What other hobbies are out there?!

Talk to me!

Happy Hump Day!!!!

-Liv

 

What’s Your Library Like?

I don’t know about anyone else out there, but I’m a complete bookworm.

Most of my friends like to go out to the bars or clubs on Friday and Saturday nights, some would like to binge watch Netflix with endless snacks, while I like to curl up in a room with cozy lighting, a cup of coffee or wine, depending on my mood, and a good book.

Am I weird because without the right lighting I just can’t get into reading?

I like all different genres of books – Romance, Nonfiction, Fiction, Sci-Fi, Fantasy (to certain limits…….), Self-Help, Adventure, Mystery, the list goes on.

Am I someone who has read every classic novel known to man like Moby Dick and anything Jane Austen? No… But I’ve read a few and I do value certain classics, for example, Catcher in the Rye.

I like current novels. Novels written in the last 5-10 years, maybe 20 years. One of my favorite authors is Elin Hilderbrand. She is a Massachusetts native author on the island of Nantucket. Majority of her stories are based on the island and her writing is so ecclectic and detailed, it pulls you right into the story. You feel like you’ve been to the island and experienced what it has to offer after reading one of her books.

I’ve read 11. I’d LOVE to meet her. She, to me, is a writing icon.

Another author I favorite is Danielle Steel. She has SO many books and short stories, a lot of them being New York Times Bestsellers. She, like Hilderbrand, draws you right into her storyline. Some of my favorite books by her are Blue, Fine Things, andCountry.

I’m also a total chick, and I love Nicholas Sparks. I’ve read many of his novels including, but not limited to Safe Haven, Two by Two, and The Guardian.

I thoroughly enjoy reading series as well. Debbie Macomber writes different series based upon different locations. The character list grows and thrives through the stories and I love getting caught up in them.

I am currently exploring a new series (sort of like Debbie Macomber’s) by JoAnn Ross. I’m enjoying what I’m reading so far, but I’m not completely immersed in the story like I am with many other books I’ve read. I don’t like to stop reading a book unless I’m absolutely dreading it, so I will finish and see how it goes!

 

Share your bookworm lovin’ thoughts with me!

Introducing… My Puppers/BFF!

Do dogs make you smile? I know they make me smile.

I have a dog, who is basically my entire world. His name is Bentley, aka Mr. B, Bent, B, Beezo, and sometimes shi*thead, depending on the occasion.

This is my pupperino:

**featuring my handsome boyfriend as well.

But back to the doge. In 2013 I went into a pet store that sold dogs because I wanted to investigate where they came from and how they were treated. NEVER thought I’d ever get a dog, myself. I was 19 years old, still lived with my mom, the thought wasn’t even there. Then I saw this little guy…

I asked if he could come out and they let him out.. He was so sick, and so scared, but he laid right in my lap. His name at the time was “Russell” and he was 16 weeks old.

Yup. I took him home. He was traced back to a puppy mill which made me FURIOUS. I spent a couple grand to get him up and running like a normal dog.

He is my BEST FRIEND on the planet. He has really bad anxiety (I can only imagine why with his birth and early upbringing) so he’s very attached and territorial of his owners. But once he gets to know anyone he’s a love.

He’s now 5 and a half years old. He has done so many things… Such as…

flown on a plane…

been on a boat…

swam in an ocean, lake, pond, and many swimming pools (although I don’t have pictures because I’m usually with him).

He loves to hike and go for walks in the woods or exploring new nature walks. Yes that’s me in the picture!

To me, he’s the greatest.

Tell me what you think and share your pups with me! Or any animals. I love them all. I grew up with cats and I used to have hamsters, lizards, and a snake!

Bloggers everywhere! I want in!

So, I’m pretty new to this blogging world. I started my blog last September (2017), posted a few posts, and gave up. As I mentioned in my recent post about perpetual boredom, I had surgery in August and have been out of commission ever since. I’ve been home a lot, drowning in my own loneliness. So I started my blog again, just to be able to write and connect with others. I’ve been pleased with the likes and comments I’ve received thus far. Keep them coming!

I enjoy reading other’s blogs too. I have questions for all you bloggers out there!

• When did you start blogging?
• Why do you blog?
• Do you make money from your blog?
• How did you decide on a central topic for your blog?
• Do you ever blog with other bloggers or feature their posts on your blog?
• How many of you have other forms of blogs such as YouTube Vlogs or a massive Facebook/Twitter/Instagram following?

I feel like I have so many different things I could write about, just like there are so many different things I enjoy reading about – life, love, beauty, fashion, books/literature, education, home life, and more! If there’s ONE thing you most likely will never find me writing about, it’s politics. Pigs will probably fly before I ever write about politics.

Talk to me! I want to hear feedback! I love the blog community and want to be a part of it!

 

Organize, shmorganize

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I’m really good at organizing, and I mean like, really good. I place all my schoolwork in a binder and organize them by course and date. I organize my pantry by category of food. I organize my refrigerator kind of like a game of Tetris because my fridge is small for my needs.

My problem? I can’t seem to stay organized.

I’ll go on a hardcore cleaning spree and my apartment will be spotless and smell like candles and cleaning products.

2 days later, my laundry is strewn across the floor or over the side of the hamper, rather than in it, my refrigerator looks like a bomb went off, my pantry will look like my dog went canoodling in there when in reality, it was me, and my house just won’t smell fresh anymore.

WHYYYYY?

How can I fix this?

Well, for one thing, I can stop being lazy. I’m pretty bad about putting things back where they belong.

Secondly, I recommend a trash barrel in every room. I often will leave a cup or a bottle on the table because I’m too laaaazy to throw it away in the kitchen. Keep a small receptacle for trash in each room and when it’s full, dump it.

Third, I mean, back to the lazy thing. Just put the damn laundry in the hamper.

Next, I love these bins that you can purchase on Amazon. They’re great for smaller refrigerators that need a little more help in the organization department. You can find the link here – Refrigerator Pull-Out Bin

I love all types of bins and boxes and baskets. I also love lamps! I love this lamp that has a power outlet built in for charging a device, and also has compartments to keep things organized such as pens, coins, or whatever you keep on your desk or nightstand! You an find the link to the lamp here – Desk Lamp with Power Outlet

Also, to keep my apartment smelling fresh, since we aren’t allowed to have burning candles, I have this awesome wax melter that I’ve had for years. You can buy any type of wax cubes you want, any brand. Since it’s the beginning of fall, I am loving these Farm Apple Pumpkin wax melts from Better Homes & Gardens. I’ve provided a link for Amazon, but they can also be purchased at Walmart!

Do you find yourself being lazy too? Share your home organization ideas with me!

Boredom is a MIND REELING Machine

So… I had surgery at the end of August. I’ll eventually post about the how and why, but I’m just currently so done with talking about it.

It’s supposed to be this life-changing process, but so far it isn’t going as planned and I’m not loving anything.

I was supposed to be out of work for 2 weeks… Then that turned into 3… Then 4.. And so on. I’m stuck.

At first I didn’t mind. I thought, “okay, well I’ll be able to do my schoolwork and I can watch movies and binge on some Netflix series.”

As time went on, days felt lonelier, money began to run tight, and I felt like my apartment walls were closing in on me.

A couple days ago I found myself sitting in complete silence and watching the movie of my life play out in my own mind. So fed up with TV and schoolwork and reading and puzzles and coloring and scrolling Pinterest… You name it, I’ve done it. This movie of life I was playing in my mind was more of the life I wished I were living, not the one I’m presently living.

Ever been that down and out to the point you fantasize about what life could be, but isn’t?

I wish I were prettier. I wish I could take some choices in life back. I wish I were born in different skin. I wish my family weren’t crazy and separate.

I was so bored all I could do was dwell on the things I cannot change.

So I’m writing. And I will continue to.

**of course my puppers always cheers me up

Get Outta Bed and Outta Your Head!

Sometimes, we wake up in the morning and think, “nah, let’s try again tomorrow.”

Nope. No more. Life’s too short for that.

Plus this is me, like, almost every day of the week recently.

 

So, I’m listing 7 things that can help sit yourself up, turn, put your feet on the ground, and kickstart your day.

*This page does contain affiliate links.

1. Hit the bathroom first.

I’ve recently discovered that the most refreshing thing to do when I wake up is to go in the bathroom and have a few minutes of me time. Wash my face to awaken the senses, brush my teeth to feel fresh and clean, and whatever other morning duties you may have, but those are my two. I’m not one to wash my face in my sink because our town’s water is VERY chlorinated and it dries out my skin. I am ADDICTED to these face wipes. I’ll admit, I’ll even randomly use them to wash my face mid-day because I love the feeling and the smell. They get rid of ALL the oils and dirt from my face, they’re great at removing makeup, and they’re cheap! Who doesn’t love cheap?!

2. Drink water.

Your body has been resting for 8 hours (maybe more, maybe less depending on who you are). It is ready for some hydration and probably some fuel. I’m really bad, and I mean really bad at drinking water and staying hydrated. One of my favorite things to do is first thing in the morning fill up my Nalgene water bottle with ice cold water. The bottle has track marks on it that can show you how much you’ve consumed throughout the day. For me, it’s a nice little push that feels like an accomplishment at the end. AND it’s healthy so… let’s continue.

3. Breakfast.

Make a hearty breakfast. I don’t mean a big bowl of sugary cereal or a stack of pancakes. Cook some basic eggs for protein and some toast for carbohydrate energy and some fresh fruit. When I don’t eat breakfast, I get grumpy and ordinarily will be nauseous by the time lunch comes. If you’re in a rush, this Hamilton Beach Sandwich Maker for your quick-and-easy breakfast needs! I’ve had mine for 6 years (yes 6 years) and I STILL use it all the time when I need something quick on-the-go!

4. Make some coffee (or tea, or whatever you prefer… no cocktails).

I’m not a Keurig fan. I can’t just have one cup of coffee. Like, sorry, don’t bother me ’til I’ve had my 2, maybe 3 cups. Not healthy, I know, but when you’re an online student full-time and ALSO a full-time employee outside the home, well, caffeine becomes not only your best friend, but a part of you. I love my cheap little Mr. Coffee. I’ve had it for a year now and it’s still kickin’! If you prefer quality in a coffee maker and also some people prefer not to use a glass carafe, this Mr. Coffee Stainless Steel is a little more pricey, but a great buy!

5. Do something productive. 

I find myself saying, “I have nothing to do right now” a lot. FALSE! I HAVE PLENTY TO DO! I just don’t do it. Fill up those empty minutes of your morning folding that laundry you left hanging, or perhaps actually doing the laundry that’s been in the hamper for a week. Do your dishes, sweep the floor, clean your refrigerator (because really, who keeps their fridge perfect). If it sounds super un-fun, listen to some music or throw on an audiobook. I’m obsessed with Audible and if you sign up with that link, you get 2 audiobooks free!

6. Read something, anything! (Ok, not your social media feeds.)

I often find myself scrolling my Facebook and Twitter feeds like it’s the morning paper. Then I find myself really pissed off when I don’t know what’s going on in the world. I grew up watching the news and reading. Read a book, a newspaper, a magazine. Something to stimulate the mind! A great self-motivating book to jumpstart your day is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. She writes directly to her readers and uses raw, real-life stories integrated with humor. I read it twice. and I hate reading things twice.

7. Write!

Ok, I know some of you are thinking “really?” Really! When I was first told to start writing my feelings first thing in the morning, my response was “I have no feelings first thing in the morning.” Like I exclaimed earlier, FALSE! Everyone has feelings all the time. I free write. I love to doodle. So I’ll write about a dream so I don’t forget it, or I’ll write about what I feel like doing today, or I may write about why I feel like not doing anything today. My favorite notebook to keep my writing in is this one! It has thick paper, which is perfect for me because I love inky pens. It’s small so you can fit it in your purse and take it with you and it’s even got a pen loop so you’re always prepared. My favorite pens to write with are these finepoint pens. I love to doodle with them and make funky letters. I’m not quite at the bullet journaling level yet since my stick figures are even questionable, but maybe someday!

 

This is my morning ritual. It has helped me gain a sense of purpose other than school and work all the time. I feel like I have time for me and to discover who I am as a person. I have time away from the obligations and requirements of life and have that time to choose what I want to do.