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1. Will and I started looking for a dog: One day I’m just like LET’S JUST GO VISIT THE PUPPIES and the next day we are seriously looking for one. We put in an application for a 3 month old Staffordshire puppy at the shelter and then they called our leasing office (we thought the dog met the weight requirements and all) and they denied us and said we couldn’t have a Staffordshire because of breed restrictions and apparently they have some pit bull blood in them. I was so upset. We loved this dog. He was so sweet. I think breed restrictions are such crap and of course all the sweet dogs we fall in love with are that breed. So we are still looking..hoping we will find a dog to come home with us!
2. Will and I celebrated 3 years of marriage — I can’t believe it’s been 3 years but also it feels like we’ve been married way longer because we’ve been together since January 2007. We ate in Center City at one of our favorite places and indulged in donuts and ice cream and just generally walked around enjoying the beautiful weather.
3. We saw Matt and Kim, Atlas Genius, Saint Motel and Wolf Alice.: Another fun concert series!!
4. We tried a new local brewery– We went to a brewery that is basically right in our backyard (Conshhocken Brewery) and we loved it! I can’t believe it took us this long to go. It was really cool though because a bike trail is right behind it and soooo many people riding on the trail would stop for beers. MY KIND OF PEOPLE. Exercise followed by beer.
5. Will and I are starting the process of looking at houses: We are in the very very early looking stages and starting to figure out our range, what we want/where we want and need to inquire about loans and mortgages and all that crap BUT it’s starting. Any tips are welcome!!!
I put all my Monthly Rewinds in a Spotify playlist so you can listen to them here !
1. Alive Tonight — Grace Potter (super super love her stuff she does as Grace Potter and the Nocturnals but loving this new stuff!)
2. Deadwater — Wet
3. Never Ending Circles — CHVRCHES
4. Colors — Halsey (you know I’ve been obsessed with Halsey for awhile…MOAR MOAR MOAR PLS I JUST WANT MOAR)
5. Drive — Oh Wonder
6. Falling Faster — Andrew Ripp
Honorable mentions:
– Sorry by Meg Myers
– A Perfect End by Atlas Genius
– Mr. Rodriguez by Rayland Baxter
– Night Swimmers by Foals
– Space Song by Beach House
Check out the rest of my August playlist
I read 8 book this month!
1. The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler — I really enjoyed this one so much which made me happy because I’ve enjoyed this author’s past books but didn’t have good success with her most recent one before this.
2. Happiness For Beginners by Katherine Center: I read this book at just the right time when I needed to! It’s an adult fiction book and I highly recommend.
3. Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas: Best book I read all month and probably all year to be honest. Everything I had been hoping for and more.
My review of Amy Poehler’s Yes Please
“When one dream burns to ash, you don’t crumble beneath it. You get on your hands and knees, and you sift through those ashes until you find the very last ember, the very last spark. Then you breathe. You breathe. You fucking breathe. And you make a new fire.” — The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler
I loved this and it is kind of my new mantra when things aren’t working out.
1. Perception, Reality & Our Super Reader Community — I really really loved hearing your thoughts on this!! It was also really nice to hear from authors on Twitter and for them to (sadly) confirm a lot of what I’ve been thinking.
2. If We Were Having Coffee: Love getting to catch up with you guys!!
3. Retail Therapy: In Need of Cute Mugs: OMG I AM GOING MUG CRAZY.
4. Aussie YA 101: I love talking about the Australian books I love and I’m glad so many of you found recs!
5. Authors On My Auto-Buy list: I’ve realized I have a lot of auto-buy authors…good thing they don’t all publish books at the same time!! EEP.
My Whatcha In The Mood For? post! The first one of these I ever did got a lot of great feedback and I LOVED that people were posting their own recommendations for the categories because I thought it might be helpful! But each month it’s gotten less and less and this month was really sad! I LOVE doing these posts so I won’t stop but I really was hopeful it could be interactive where people could help others out with recommendations in the comments as well.
I actually DID get my butt in gear this month! I filmed a video about what I’ve been reading, a tag video and a book haul (which you can also find here if you don’t do videos).
1. Why I Do Not Use Social Media Anymore – I thought this was interesting! While I definitely am not to the point where I want to give it up, because it DOES (well Twitter at least) add to my life in positive ways, I have cut back A LOT for the same reasons she talks about. Social media is great but I’ve realized being on it as much as I used to is not how I want to spend my days. I also loved her post The Phone People…something I’ve noticed before as well and found equally as distressing.
2. The Answer To Where Do You Get Your Time: Love this! I feel like people ask me a lot about where I get the time to read so much as well as blog about it and this is how I feel, too!
3. Slow Cooker Mango Salsa Chicken Burritos: Made them since bookmarking that post and YUM. And YES….Will cooks 99% of the time but your girl actuaaaaally made these. Heh well the slow cooker did but DETAILS.
4. 32 and growing up; what I know so far: I really enjoy this blog and I just liked the lessons she shared and found myself really agreeing with them as I’m approaching 30 this fall.
5. Why I Scrapped My Bucket List: I am a big fan of the bucket list but I REALLY liked this post. I liked her question: “If I truly only had 6-12 months left of my life, how do I want to spend that time? What could I realistically achieve in that time, that I would totally regret not doing? If I had one wild, final fling with life, how could I life it to the fullest?”
1. The last block party concert of the year: Panic! At the Disco, Joywave, The Wombats, The Front Bottoms + Good Old War.
Favorite memory you made this summer?
Pick a category (or 5… or all of them) and tell me what went on in YOUR life this month!! What sort of things were noteworthy for you this month? New obsessions? Any new song recs?? Best books you read this month? Great posts I missed on your blog? Answer to my question of the month?
Emmah says
Hmm, favorite memory of my summer? Probably nothing haha. This summer has not be momentous at all. But maybe finding out who my past round SS was and getting paired with my new one (that I send to) who is SUPER sweet and we have a lot in common. Oh, and it was technically Spring when I saw it, but as soon as the drive-in opens, it’s summer for me… seeing Cinderella (the one with Lily James and Richard Madden) and Avengers: Age of Ultron at the drive-in with my mum, dad, and my friend Jerrica… and the bats that accompanied Cinderella, screeching and flying in front of the screen haha.
Not really a new “obsession”, just a renewed crush lol, but… Sebastian Stan. He’s such a babe.
I don’t really know if you’re into girl groups, but… “Black Magic” by: Little Mix. It’s SO catchy and will get stuck in your head!!
I honestly didn’t read much in August (I’ve had a book slump almost all summer) :/ But I reread “Sisterhood Everlasting” by: Ann Brashares (as a buddy read with my long distance bff), and it was better than I remembered it to be (and I really loved it the first time)! Oh, and I started “Wanderlove” by: Kirsten Hubbard, and I’m about 70% done with that!
Jamie says
YAY I love the Secret Sister project!
Love Little Mix! NO IDEA WHO SEBASTIAN STAN IS THO. *googles man candy*
OOOH LOVE WANDERLOVE!!
Maryam Dinzly says
Favorite memory for this month? The last weekend in August. I was finally, after 5 years, cleared to play soccer because my leg was healing quite well. And I never knew how much I missed it until I actually played it last weekend. The adrenaline rush, the short breaths, and the wind blowing everywhere. And of course, the feel of kicking that ball straight into the post!
Oh, and Happy 3rd Anniversary! Both you and Will are really cute together 🙂
Jamie says
That is awesome!!! Must have been so hard for you to miss out on playing all these years! Must have felt extraordinary!
And thank you <3
Evelynne says
Aw, that’s a shame about the Staffordshire. My parents have had Staffies for over 45 years and they are a great breed. The sad thing is, a few less than responsible owners have left the breed with a bad name. It is a breed that needs a firm hand.
Oh, and you should definitely read the Game of Thrones books – the show is great, but the books add so much more, especially in terms of character motivation and development.
Jamie says
That’s what is so frustrating! It’s like…blame the OWNERS, not the breed!! UGH. We know a pit bull who seriously is the biggest sweetheart and he runs away from all the little dogs like a big baby haha.
And thanks for your GoT input!!
Kristin @ Simply Bookish Things says
Ahh you’re going to see Panic!At The Disco, I LOVE their music! XD Good luck with looking for a dog, once you do get one though it’s s so fun and obviously a little bit of responsibility but mostly fun. Also dogs are probably the most loving creatures I have ever met! Favourite memory for the summer? Can’t answer that sadly as here in South Africa we don’t have a summer holiday, and I have just been doing school school school. BLEGH Although Summer is on it’s way over on this side of the world! EEP 😀 Goodluck with looking for houses and dogs 😉
Jamie says
I always grew up with dogs and had responsibility but I will say I’m NOT looking forward to having to be the sole person to clean up bodily functions (HOPEFULLY WILL IS HOME IF THAT HAPPENS) and like take the dog to the vet and pay for that haha. But I’m more excited than anything sooo I’ll just have to get over that! I miss having a dog SO MUCH. When I was in a bad mood my dog was always there to cuddle up with me.
EEEE hope you will have a FAB summer when it comes to you! I forget sometimes when I write this on my blog that NOT EVERYBODY IS ENJOYING SUMMER LIKE ME.
Tiff @ Mostly YA Lit says
New CHVRCHES album!!! I really like the new songs they’ve released so far!
I need to check out that new Grace Potter.
I really hope you guys can get a dog (and a house) that you enjoy – stupid rental place! Re: house-hunting, try to make sure there is an inspection, and if not, I would pay for one. You don’t want to be caught unawares with a bunch of repairs. Also, look at lots of houses, townhouses, condo townhouses, etc – when we started, we just sort of wandered into open houses to see what we liked and didn’t like. It helps you figure out what you might need for the future. And I would definitely interview real estate agents – don’t just go with your friend’s or sister’s – interview them first, because you’re going to spend a lot of time with them and you want to not hate that time.
Jamie says
ME TOO. I’ve been so obsessed.
Yeah def would make sure there is an inspection! I feel like it’s mandatory here..IDK..or maybe I just watch so many HGTV shows that it SEEMS like it is mandatory. I know my sister is going today for her inspection. And haha the only person I would trust is my sis re: real estate agents IS my sis because she hardly likes anybody and we have similar annoyances when it comes to people haha.
And yes re: townhouses. We just started looking into those when before I hadn’t even considered it!
Ashley says
I’m SO INCREDIBLY JEALOUS!!
I desperately want a house and a puppy, but house prices are absolutely insane. We’d need a huge deposit to have any hope at all. But to make matters worse, all mortgage folks DESPISE people who are self employed. Most of them won’t consider my income at all. So although my husband and I could do well together (with our combined incomes) we won’t do so well on just his (you know, half as well..). So this just butchers EVERYTHING! *sobs*
Jamie says
UGH that is so annoying and frustrating!!! You are like UMMM I AM MAKING MONEY. DO YOU NOT SEE THE STEADY STREAM OKAY??! UGH hoping you guys will be able to find a way around that crap or save quickly for a down payment!
Iris says
My favourite memory is my runs with my father. We went on holiday to Sweden and there were these AMAZING running trails right through the woods and alongside the sea. I went running every morning and sometimes my dad would join me. Afterwards we’d just be a pile of sweat sitting on the ground watching the waves. It was perfect. (The terrain wasn’t something I was used to, the Netherlands is as flat as it gets and Sweden has hills and gosh it was hard, but it was so much fun to do together!). I’ll forever treasure that moment, I wish I had a picture that captured the peace I felt at those moments. 🙂
What’s your favourite summer memory? And good luck with the search for a dog! I have a dog and a cat and they’re my best friends (and give the best cuddles). They’re capable of giving so much love, I hope you find a dog soon!
Jamie says
I love your memory!! Thank you for sharing that with me!! That sounds so, so lovely! Also made me realize I need to call my dad so THANKS FOR THAT! 🙂
Ah I feel like I’ve had so many lovely summer memories especially just wandering with Will. I think our road trip to Michigan was a great memory because even though our butts hurt it was a fun adventure!
Jenn @ Books and Swoons says
My favorite memory of this summer? Getting married! After all the planning and stress, I finally got married and my be husband and I are together all the time after spending 2 years doing a long distance relationship. Now I get to read alllll the books I missed out on and find a balance of job hunting, blogging, and being a wife.
Happy anniversary to you and Will and good luck on finding a cute doggy and house hunting!
Jamie says
OMG congrats on your wedding!! And omg girl I feel you. I remember being such a lazy ass on our honeymoon because after all the planning and stress and crazy I was like I AM NOT MOVING JUST KEEP THE DRINKS COMING I AM GOING TO SLEEP AND READ IN THE SUN FOREVER. haha. Wishing you guys so much happiness! Marriage isn’t easy but it’s so great! I feel like the last 3 years have been quite the learning experience learning how to be a wife but I wouldn’t trade it!
Laura says
Breed restrictions are so stupid! We have a pit-mix (an absolute snuggle-bug) and it really just depends on each individual dog, regardless of breed. And I just went through the house-buying process last spring, so if you need an awesome realtor, let me know!
Jamie says
YES this so much. I have met little dogs I would NOT let around children or really any humans and big dogs that people deem dangerous (like pitbulls) who I would totally let romp around with my nieces. And like as an owner YOU are the one who knows your dogs tendencies and limits. It’s so dismissive of good dogs to have breed restrictions. And I heard that some homeowner’s insurance won’t cover you with certain dogs so I’m like GAHHH I HATE YOU ALL. JUST LET ME LOVE A DOG. haha.
And yes I might hit you up for that info! My sister gave us her lady’s number but i def want to meet with her to see if it’s a good fit first!
Kay @ It's a Book Life says
I can start Queen of Shadows in only a few hours, but it is still too bad that I have to work early tomorrow morning. So unfair! Sorry to hear about the puppy. 🙁 That breed thing is ridiculous! We hope to get one in a few months, but we just got our first house and we need a few months to settle in before we get a dog! As for house hunting tips, remember to have fun even when it gets stressful! Also, if you want a realtor to help you(we did) interview a couple first to find a good fit. Let me know if you have any questions. Enjoy!
Jamie says
UGH why can’t life coordinate with our TBR better!!!! I hope you enjoy QoS!!!
Right?? I hate breed restrictions. I mean, logically I know it’s probably more to do with insurance purposes because I know some home owner’s insurance will drop you with certain dogs but UGHHH.
I like your point: remember to have fun even when it’s stressful. I will say that is one of the biggest things that have gotten us through stressful times. Just having fun and almost laughing at the stress of it all.
Thanks <33
Jen/Geraldine says
OMG GOT!!!! Please, please, please text me when you’re watching because I need your thoughts. Also, please listen to “Burned Me Out” by honeyhoney if you haven’t already. Also, I just started the Throne of Glass series yesterday and am totally in love already. Also, love yo face and your vlogs <3333
Jamie says
I will DEF be texting you GoG thoughts!!! First thought after 4 episodes: JON SNOW HAVE MY BABIES.
Oooh haven’t heard of honeyhoney but def will check that song out!!
CANNOT WAIT FOR YOUR TOG TEXTS!! I just got my IRL friend into them and she sooooo doesn’t even remotely read fantasy and she is obsessed! Though she is a slow reader so it’s been months since she started HoF lol I’m like…man I read Queen of Shadows in less than 24 hours. I can’t imagine spreading a book out that long.
Kyra @ Blog of a Bookaholic says
Good luck with looking for dogs! We moved to England this summer (so I guess that’s the best moment of the summer, NOT SURE. I MISS HOME!) and we’ve left our two dogs in South Africa for now (they’re being looked after by a friend) and we’re looking to bring them over as soon as we’ve found a property and I miss them so much. Dogs are the best pets and amazing so I really, really, really hope you get one soon because they’re so lovely!
Btw, I LOVE your Instagram photos! 😀
Jamie says
Wow! What a move! Bittersweet I can imagine though! I have dreams of moving abroad but then I cry at the thought of not being close to my nieces. I MISS having dogs. Always grew up with them. They are such good companions and honestly I just loved when I was in a bad mood and it’s like the dog could sense it and would come cuddle.
And thank you <333 Mine are nowhere as beautiful as elsewhere on the bookstagram scene but I love taking them!
Trina says
I’m so glad to hear that The Summer of Chasing Mermaids was in your top 3 books of the month because I’m currently reading it! (well, until I get my copy of QoS at least!)
I loved the Game of Thones show so much, and I finally started reading the books this year. I started in March and I’ve gotten through 3 of those massive books already this year. They are huge and intimidating to think about but it’s so doable! They are much easier to read than I expected, and they really helped me understand all the ties between the characters that weren’t as obvious in the show. When I’ve finished a book, I go back and rewatch the show and this show – book- show approach has made me understand everything so much better and love it so much more! I listened to 2 of the books on audiobook and it’s a great format for them. You get all the details, but can multitask, and listening still made me feel like I was right there in the action. I’d highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Roy Dotrice. (although LOL the sex scenes he reads are quite awk). Even reading 3 of the books, I’ve still managed to read almost 70 books so far this year, so it’s really so doable and rewarding!
/end nerd ramble 🙂
Jamie says
Did you end up enjoying it??
Okay you are giving me motivation to read the books!!! Thank you!!
Trina says
Haha, I dropped Summer of Chasing Mermaids so fast when I got Queen of Shadows.
Kristen says
Love this post, you are my favorite book blogger!! I would, very, strongly suggest getting a basset hound as your dog. My grandparents bred them since before i was born, so I’ve been around bassets all my life and they’re some of the sweetest, cuddliest dogs in the world. Although they generally aren’t the most active dogs in the world, a basset will be your faithful companion and want to go with you everywhere. As with any dog though, spend as much time as you can with a dog before you get one. Also, basset puppies are always dragging their big floppy ears everywhere, and occasionally tripping on them (we had to put our girl’s ear behind her head like a ponytail!). It’s adorable, you just melt when you see their sweet, sappy wrinkly face! Putting your top two favorites of the month on my tbr list! Love this blog!
Jamie says
Aw thank you, Kristen!! <3 Basset hounds are adorable!! I love those cute ears! We saw a dog that was a mix of basset and something and it was the cutest. Unfortunately the husband only wants a medium to large size dog that will be energetic and run around everywhere with him. I'm like BUT LOOK AT ALL THE CUTE SMALLER DOGS TOO. I like both small and big and grew up having both so I appreciate things about both sizes of dog. Miss my little bischon who would curl up on my lap!
Tiffany (About to Read) says
Yay for puppies & house hunting! I’m definitely going to check out Bookwormboutique.
Jamie says
HOld tight to your wallet or you might just buy ALLLLL the things!!!
threegoodrats says
Oh geez, I just got a one-year-old pit bull about a month ago and I am EXHAUSTED. I cannot even imagine an actual puppy.
My favorite memory is from earlier this summer when I went on vacation to Russia. It was amazing!
Jamie says
Hahah! I can imagine! A lot of the dogs we have seen at the shelters and liked are 1-2 so I think we might end up NOT getting a puppy unless we see one and like it. Hard to find puppies in the shelter.
Oh my gosh! That sounds like an amazing vacation!