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Preview to Summer Book Swap

Bloggers can be some of the most creative and fun people out there.  Somewhere, someone started the idea of a blogger swap.  Where and how it started, I don't know.  But, I do know that blogger swaps are genius ideas!  You have the chance to "meet" and get to know some really awesome bloggers in a really fun way!  I've seen blogger swaps at Christmas time, where ornaments are exchanged.  I've seen blogger swaps at Valentine's Day, where valentines are exchanged.  I'm sure there are many others that I haven't seen, also.  But, imagine my excitement when I came across the Preview to Summer Blogger Book Swap.  The first thing that came to mind - I must be a part of this!  And I'm so glad that I signed up!  I was paired up with the fabulous Rachel at Front Row Seat.  I have had such a great time talking with her via email and getting to know her via her blog.  I do hope that we stay in contact - because we have some many common interests.  If she lived closer, I bet we'd be great friends!

The whole point of this book swap was to get to know your partner a little bit, find a book (and some goodies, if possible) that were a perfect match for your partner, and "swap" packages!  Here is what I received from Rachel!


I even received a brief explanation for the goodies she sent - how fun and creative!  "A candle for your new place, a cute basket for your desk at school, and a wrapster for your workouts!"  She really did think of everything!

Now on to the best part - the book!


I'm so excited to read this!  We actually talked about this book during our email chats.  Rachel told me that she had just finished reading this and absolutely loved it!  I'd never heard of it, so I went to check it out, and it looks fabulous!  I was so excited to open the box and see Kate Morton's book staring back at me!  And since I've received this book, I've seen a few other bloggers who have mentioned that they are reading or have recently read this book!  I cannot wait to get into this book!  But, I think I'm going to save this for once school gets out!  These next few weeks have me so busy with school, that I won't have a ton of time to read - and I have a feeling this is going to be a book that I just won't be able to put down.  So, I'm going to read it when I have all day, everyday to read!!  Come on June 18 - I have a book to read!!

To see what the other participants received/sent in this blogger book swap, click here.

BloggerBookSwap

Have you ever participated in a blogger swap?  This was my first - and I'm sure it won't be my last!  I had such a great experience!
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Hammocks and Sunburns

Yesterday was definitely the best, most relaxing day I've had in a while!  My friend and I set up our hammocks and spent five hours, basking in the sunlight, reading great books, and just enjoying life!  It's been a while since I've had time to relax and enjoy the great outdoors and I was so excited to get the chance yesterday!  It's been a dream to have a hammock, and I can tell you where I will be most of the summer!  In fact, it was so great, we are going to do it again today!  Yesterday, I finished the book I was reading, so today I'm going to start a new story.  And my goal is to read an entire book today in the hammock.  That is currently a goal on my 101 Goals in 1001 Days list, so I'm hoping that I can cross it off the list today!  I've picked what looks like a great summer read!

Oh yeah - and summer is officially on the way.   We both got sunburns yesterday!  Hopefully we have learned our lessons and will lather up today before laying out in the sun all day!

Here are some photos of yesterday!  I'm so excited to see it all again today!  This is definitely going to be my new favorite summertime activity!  Do you read in a hammock during the summer?  Have you ever read an entire book in a day?









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Summer Reading

I've been a bad book club member lately.  I've been so busy with school, that I've just recently (like only this month) had the chance to finally find the time to read for pleasure again.  And I haven't participated the past couple of months with the book club.  However, once school is over in less than four months (!!!), I'm totally getting right back to the book club and will be a very active member! :)

Speaking of the book club, it's time for the monthly link up again.  And since I haven't participated in the book club lately, at least this is one easy way to minimally participate!!

1. What are you reading?  Tell us about it.
I'm currently reading Arranged by Catherine McKenzie.


Here's the GoodReads synopsis:

Anne Blythe has a great life: a good job, good friends, and a potential book deal for her first novel. When it comes to finding someone to share it with, however, she just can't seem to get it right.

After yet another relationship ends, Anne comes across a business card for what she thinks is a dating service, and she pockets it just in case. When her best friend, Sarah, announces she's engaged, Anne can't help feeling envious. On an impulse, she decides to give the service a try because maybe she could use a little assistance in finding the right man. But Anne soon discovers the company isn't a dating service; it's an exclusive, and pricey, arranged marriage service. She initially rejects the idea, but the more she thinks about it-and the company's success rate-the more it appeals to her. After all, arranged marriages are the norm for millions of women around the world, so why wouldn't it work for her?

A few months later, Anne is travelling to a Mexican resort, where in one short weekend she will meet and marry Jack. And against all odds, it seems to be working out-until Anne learns that Jack, and the company that arranged their marriage, are not what they seem at all.


I'm totally loving this book!  It's such a fun read and I just can't put it down!  I can't wait to continue reading and see how it turns out!!

2. Summer is just ahead and my fave thing to fantasize is laying in a hammock with a good book. What are your top 3 fave "summer" reads?
Let me start off by saying that this is totally going to be me this summer!  I just recently purchased a hammock and will definitely be spending some time there this summer reading some fabulous books!  But I don't really think I have a favorite type of read for the summer.  I just love my chick lit novels all year round!

3. What are your top 3 summer "to reads?"
Oh gee.  I've got so many books that I want to read this summer, and you only want me to list three?  I might pick a few more than 3 - cause it's gonna be hard to just narrow it down to that small number!
- The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
- Island Girls by Nancy Thayer
- The Best of Us by Sarah Pekkanen
- The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee
- MWF seeking BFF by Rachel Bertsche
So, there you have it.  My top FIVE summer "to reads!"

4. What book do you wish they'd make into a movie?
I'm currently wishing that Arranged (my current read) was a movie!  I'd love to see how they envision the story on the big screen!  Also, I'd be the first person at the theater to see On the Island by Tracy Garvis Graves.  Yeah, I'd love to see that in theaters!

5. Has your favorite author published a book lately or going to publish a book soon?  Tell us about it.
Oh My Gosh!  Talk about EXCITED!  Nicholas Sparks has a new book coming out in September!  And I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!  It's called The Longest Ride and here is an image he just recently shared on his website with the newly released cover!


What is your top summer "to read" book(s)?

Pink Heels Pink Truck


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044. Attend a concert.

And attend a concert, we did!  Hello Luke Bryan! 

Unfortunately, we were stuck in traffic for an hour and missed the opening acts (Florida Georgia Line and Thompson Square), however, Luke Bryan totally made it worth missing these acts! 

Man, can he shake it :)










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Running

Lately, I've been a fan of running.  Actually, I think it's not so much the running that I like - but the pushing myself to new limits that I like.  I love pushing myself to find that, hey, I actually can achieve these goals I set for myself!  And the effects of running have been super nice as well :)

Almost two weeks ago I shared with you this post about my first mile run.  On that day, April 29, I ran a mile in 11:01.  Today, May 8, I am so excited to share that I have shaved 1:12 off my mile!  Yes, you read that right.  I ran a mile in 9:49 today!!!!




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Dream Home Design

I'm a dreamer.  I dream of the future.  I'm also a lover of design.  Thanks to Pinterest, I've been dreaming of my future home.  I really love the house I'm renting now, but it's definitely not my dream home.  Everyday, my mind is flooded with ideas and designs for my dream home.  And I thought, what better way to share my dreams, than right here on my blog!  Maybe some of you will even be inspired to redesign your homes - or just be a dreamer, like me!

Today, I've designed a dream living room.  Now, before you criticize and critique the image below, please keep in mind that this is my first ever "design board."  I'm sure there will be many more to come, and I'm also sure that the design skills will increase (slightly) each time, as well!



And here are the details!

Wall Color - Sherwin Williams
Chair - Ikea
Sectional - Ikea
Yellow Flower Frame - Pier 1 Imports
Chandelier - Pottery Barn
Flooring - Lowe's
Rug - Natural Home Rugs
Bamboo Mirror - Pier 1 Imports

I have no connection to any of the stores or products above.  Theses are simply products that I found while "window shopping" online.



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