Snow?!!? What a week...or two!

I'm linking up with Stephanie and Amber for their Happies and Crappies link up. It's a fun way to end the week, summarize what happened and read how other blog friends' weeks went.  This happies and crappies post is mainly influenced by the snow.  Which was good and bad.  You'll see why below.

Happies

1. SNOW!!!  The past two weeks have been crazy insane with snow!  I'm in VA, although if you've been watching the news, it appears most of the south was hit with some amount of snow!  The crazy thing is that I've heard rumors of possibly another snow storm coming next week!  It has been a nice and relaxing time for me!  I've done minimal school work these past two weeks and I've been enjoying spending time reading and being a total couch potato!!

2. If you've been here before, you may notice something different on the blog.  I'm getting a makeover here thanks to the awesome Allie of Call Me Sassafrass!  She's wonderful to work with and she's a master of design!  The design isn't finished yet, but I had so much I wanted to post/work on here on the blog, that I couldn't wait!  Once the complete design is finished and installed, I'll post another post showcasing all the new features!!  

3.  To back up the snow in #1, we've been to school a total of 2 days in the past two weeks!  We had Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday off this week and last!  It's going to make our next, full first week of school brutal!!  :)

Crappies

1.  Back to the snow argument, missing all these days of school is fun, but not too fun in the long run!  It's the end of the nine weeks, we're smack dab in the middle of benchmark testing...not the best time to miss all this school!

2.  Because I've felt like doing nothing this week, I've also not gone to the gym.  I'll blame it on icy roads.  I guess I'm going to have to go today...  I weighed in this morning and I gained almost three pounds this week due to the laying on the couch and eating (a lot) this week.  Must. Work. Out!!  

3

Under Construction

Excuse the mess!  The blog is under construction as I'm getting some cosmetic work done!  Stay tuned for the final touches soon!

0

Smitten Book Club by Colleen Coble

Smitten Book Club by Colleen Coble

*I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review!*

Goodreads Rating: 4.16/5

My Rating: 4/5

Goodreads Synopsis: ""Consider that your beau is like a coveted novel whose compelling first lines you've just begun to read." --A Gentlewoman's Guide to Love and Courtship"

At a rummage sale, Heather, a member of the Fireside Book Club, discovers a turn-of-the-century romantic advice book written by a once-famous Smitten, Vermont, resident. When she shares the precious volume with her friends in the club, they find clues about a hidden treasure rumored to be buried in their tiny town.

As Heather, Abby, Lia, and Molly take turns reading the book, each projects onto it her own literary tastes. Heather sees it as a mystery. Abby discovers delicious dashes of Jane Austen. Lia sees in it the idealism of a bygone day. And Molly just wishes they'd made the book into a movie!

One by one, each of the women finds romantic love--often in spite of the historic book's advice. And in searching for the legendary gold, the friends discover the best kind of treasure. The kind that brings hope and healing to each of their hearts.

My Review:  Smitten Book Club is the third book in a series about a charming little town called Smitten, Vermont.  Written as a compilation by Coble, along with Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt, these ladies have woven together a wonderful story.  Four friends come across a book about old love and traditions that was written by a native of Smitten.  As the girls live their lives, dabble in romances, and search for a treasure, they use the guidance found in the book to help guide their lives and decisions they make.

I really enjoyed this story and it proved to be an enjoyable and quick read.  I thought it was interesting how each section of the book, which each focused on a different girl, was written by different authors.  They did a good job of writing in sync together and telling this story.  However, each section that focused on one of the individual girls sometimes seemed disjointed from the rest of the story (only in the respect that it heavily focused on the main character of that section).  I would have liked to see more of each of the four girls in each chapter.  This was a very romantic story where each girl was tested in love.  I didn't read the first two books in the series, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything.  Smitten Book Club can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel.  And this is one book that I will be sure to recommend to my friends!

0

I need your help!

If you are a teacher, I'm sure that you've heard of the website DonorsChoose.org.  If you are not, let me acquaint you with the site.  Teachers are able to request supplies and technology resources for their classroom, and people (just like you!) can go online to donate to the teachers' requests.

I have a project online right now for a document camera!  A document camera is such an awesome resource to have in a classroom and I'm hoping I can get one for my room!  I'd love for my students to be able to share their writings with their classmates by using the camera to show their work to the class.

Here's where you come in.  I'd love for you to make a donation!  Your help is greatly appreciated!!  If you aren't able to financially make a donation, please pass this information along to someone who may be interested!

Here's the best part!  If you donate within the next seven (7) days, and use the code INSPIRE, your donation will be DOUBLED!  Just by using the code INSPIRE!  How awesome is that!?!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY PROJECT!

My project is a total of $224.  JUST THINK!  If only ten of you donated $10, and used the code INSPIRE, that would be a donation of $20 each...which would almost fully fund my project!  Please take a moment to think about donating to my project.  Ten dollars, plus the code INSPIRE, would give a $20 donation.  That's just a few days of no Starbucks in the morning!  Can you do it?  Just think about the difference that you would be making in a classroom!

http://www.donorschoose.org/project/but-i-cant-see-it/1160018/?rf=email_system_2014_01_teacherid_1735497&challengeid=278169&utm_source=dc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=proposal_approve

And if you aren't able to donate, please pass along the information to someone who is able!  I thank you for your time!!  CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY PROJECT!

0

2014 Reading Challenge on Goodreads: My Selections

These may change throughout the year, but these are the books I'm hoping to read for the Full House Reading Challenge!  Books that I read for another challenge can also be used for this challenge, as long as it fits in a category.  Any sections that don't have an assigned book are just yet to be determined by me.  I'm waiting to find that perfect book!

2014 Book Challenge on Goodreads

One book must be read from each category.

- Read a "chunker" (more than 600 pages)
- Mystery - The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
- Young Adult fiction - A French Girl in New York by Anna Adams
- Accidentally watched the movie first - Julie and Julia by Julie Smith
- Relive the magic (read a book from childhood/youth you loved and haven't read recently) - The Giver by Lois Lowry
- Gathering dust (had the book for years and still haven't read)
- Loved by others (others are constantly praising this book)
- Second chance - Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
- Award winner
- Classic - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Biography/memoir - Three Weeks with my Brother by Nicholas Sparks
- Contemporary fiction
- Non-fiction - Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
- "Adult" fiction
- Fantasy - The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
- Horror - Joyland by Stephen King
- Lost in Translation (book originally published in a foreign language) - The Dinner by Herman Koch
- "Secret Santa" (book assigned to ready by another challenger)
- Short stories - Runaway by Herman Koch
- Graphic novel
- Banned book - The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
- True crime
- Current NY Times #1 Best Seller
- Cover story (a book you chose based solely on the cover image - you are not even allowed to read the description)
- Humor

0

Around the World in 12 Books: Selections

These may change throughout the year, but these are the books I'm hoping to read for the Full House Reading Challenge!  Books that I read for another challenge can also be used for this challenge, as long as it fits in a category.  Any sections that don't have an assigned book are just yet to be determined by me.  I'm waiting to find that perfect book!

Around the World in 12 Books ChallengeDepending on what level you wish to try and reach, you read a certain number of books from all over the globe.  I'm aiming for the Seasoned Traveler level - which is 12 different books throughout the year.  You are allowed to choose the books you read and the countries they are set in...but you should aim to read at least one book set in the following locations:

- Africa
     - Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
     - The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

- Asia
     - The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee
     - His First, Her Last by Jonathan Sturak

- Europe
     - Lake Como by Anita Hughes

- Australia/New Zealand
     - What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

- North America
     - The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
     - The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty

- South America
     - The Voyage Out by Virginia Woolf

- Middle East (bonus)
     - Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
     - Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson

1

Book Buying Spree: A Bout of Books Challenge

Let's be honest.  I was hooked when I saw the words..."book buying spree."  Bookish Comforts has a fun challenge going on, where you are to virtually 'buy' $100 worth of books.  Even though I know it wasn't really going to happen, and I wasn't really going to get these books for real, it was fun to dream. I found myself adding books to my cart, and taking books out.  I was replacing one book for another multiple times.  It was fun!  Here's what I came up with:

Now, go check out the challenge and get yourself some books!

1

The Full House Reading Challenge: My Selections

These may change throughout the year, but these are the books I'm hoping to read for the Full House Reading Challenge!  Books that I read for another challenge can also be used for this challenge, as long as it fits in a category.  Any sections that don't have an assigned book are just yet to be determined by me.  I'm waiting to find that perfect book!

The Full House Reading Challenge

One book from each category must be read, and one free exchange can be made if you don't like a category.

- From the local library
- Best read so far in 2014
- From your wish list
- Set in a different country from you - The Bungalow by Sarah Jio
- Published in 2014 - A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller
- Theme/issue you think is important
- Setting you'd like to visit
- Suspense or crime - The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan
- Contemporary
- More than 400 pages
- Re-read - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Review persuaded you to read it - The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarity
- Free choice
- Published before 2013 - The Chaperone by Laura Moriarity
- Book with animal in it - Dogtripping by David Rosenfelt
- Won or borrowed - Island Girls by Nancy Thayer
- Historical fiction - The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee
- Less than 200 pages
- Non fiction - Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis
- Author new to you
- Book from a series
- Free or bought very cheaply
- Published in 2013 - Second Honeymoon by James Patterson
- Paranormal, SF, or Dystopian - Divergent by Veronica Roth
- You love the cover

1

I just can't say no to a cheap book.

I have too many books.  Too many un-read books.  See the before and after of my office and the shelves below?  Yeah, I've read maybe ten of those books.  Probably not even that many.

Why do I have so many un-read books?  And why did I go to Goodwill today and get more books?  I just can't turn down a great book bargain!  A friend and I rode out to the Goodwill Outlet (yes, outlet).  This is not your typical Goodwill store.  I wouldn't buy anything other than books at the outlet.  Hardcover books are $0.50 and paperback books are $0.25.  That, my friends, is why I can't stop buying books.  My purchase is below.  The best part is that I got all these books for only six dollars!

Here's what I can't wait to start reading...eventually!

Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner
Women's Running
Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson
Now You See Her by James Patterson
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
Lifeguard by James Patterson
The Land of Mango Sunsets by Dorothea Benton Frank
Julie and Julia by Julie Powell
Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
My One and Only by Kristan Higgins
The Tin BOx by Holly Kennedy
Tidings of Peace by Tracie Peterson
Sisterchicks Go Brit by Robin Jones Gunn
The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Winning the Clutter War

2

2014 Goals

I don't like to make resolutions for the new year. There's just something about that word that makes people not complete the resolutions they've set. I typically fail (miserably) at the New Years resolutions I set. So, this year, I'm setting some goals for 2014. I feel that goals are something you strive to complete, while resolutions are made to be broken. 

Hit the gym more and lose 30 pounds. 

2013 was the beginning of my weight loss journey. At the beginning of the year, I weighed 226 and I lost about 50 pounds this year. But, I actually haven't been to the gym in a while. So, I'm setting a goal to get back to the gym more, to lose 30 pounds, and get down to my goal weight of somewhere around the 140s.

Run 250 miles.
Last year, I ran two 5Ks.  This year, I'm hoping to run one or two more.  And I want to improve my time during both of these races.  Therefore, I need to step up my running training and I'm setting a goal to run 250 miles by the end of the year.  I will hopefully exceed this goal, but I'm setting it smaller just because I don't really know what to expect from this goal.

Read more. 

It's seriously no secret that I love to read. And reading has only become more fun since I've discovered the wonderfulness that is Goodreads.com. It's never been more fun to track the books I've read and find new books for my to-read list. Goodreads allows you to set a reading goal each year. For 2013, I set a goal of 25 books. I beat that goal, by reading 28 books this year (more on these books later on). Next year, I'm aiming to totally surpass this year, with a goal of 40 books. I'm also completing in three different book challenges this year - which I hope will help me stick to my new goal.

Act smarter with my spending and save more.
I went a little crazy when I bought my house and totally decorated the inside.  Now that it's pretty much done inside, I need to focus on enjoying the house and curb my spending habits.

Make 2014 the best year yet.

Yes, how vague.  Yes, it can't easily be measured.  But, it's my goal.  Every year seems to get better and better, so I'm expecting nothing less than last year!

That's it.  Five simple goals for the new year.  Did you set any goals or resolutions for the new year?

1

First Book of the Year

It's a new year - which means a new reading goal, a new list of books to read, and a new attitude.  In 2013, I read 28 books.  This year, I'm aiming for 40 books.  I've got a huge list of books that I want to read this year, and I'm participating in three book challenges to help me meet this goal of books for the year.  Also, these challenges are helping me step outside the box and read books that I otherwise would never have been interested in reading.  I can already tell that it's going to be a great year!

I considered a lot when choosing my first book of the new year.  I wanted a book that was highly rated and reviewed.  I wanted a book that would easily catch - and keep - my attention.  I wanted a book that would set off the new year on the right foot.

I've chose to read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn as my first book of 2014!  Quick backstory on this book: I started reading this story earlier in the year for a book club that I participate in.  Unfortunately, I didn't get very far before I stopped.  I didn't stop reading this book because it was bad/boring/didn't catch my attention, instead, it just wasn't the right time to read the story.  I was so busy and didn't have time to read anything.  Gone Girl was just the unfortunate victim that I had chosen for that time.  And, since a new year is a good time for second chances, I've decided to give it another go!  I've heard so many great things about this book - I'm sure it isn't going to disappoint.  There are over 3000 reviews of Gone Girl on Goodreads, and the book has a 3.93 rating (out of 5).  I can't wait to dive into this book!

Have you chosen your first book of the new year?  What special book made your list?

5