Song of the Week

It's time for my very favorite Christmas song to take us into Christmas this week!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

-Rachael xo

Song of the Week

This week is a song that I put of purchasing from iTunes for a while, but I kept finding myself singing it in my head and finally caved this afternoon.  Enjoy.



PS.  Bare with the weird video for the awesomely catchy song and the pleasure of watching this kid start running! :)

-Rachael xo

EC Planner Weekly : Woodland Floral from Sunshine Planner

This week was a first - I ordered my stickers from an Etsy shop!  Most of the stickers shown in this weeks spread were from a mini kit from Sunshine Planner, the rest I made to go with the theme as needed.  Overall, I loved the ease of use with the pre-made stickers, but I found they didn't quite fit my need as well as when I create my whole late myself.  I do plan to try other kits in the future.  I LOVED the colors this week and used pastel Sharpie pens to match!

-Rachael xo

EC Planner Weekly: Kate Spade Theme

This week I was feeling a girly theme with some lovely illustrated images of stylish ladies....thus my Kate Spade inspired theme.  I really like this layout, but  in retrospect, I wish I had a left a little more space for last minute things that pop up throughout the week.

-Rachael xo

Song of the Week

For the past few days I've been using one song in particular to get me pumped up and ready for the day...especially bright and early in the morning.  I love the beat and the rhythm of the words but I also love love love the opening line: "I can move mountains, I can work a miracle."  Just the inspiration I need as I head into my second week of my new job!




You were dancing while you listened, weren't you??

Thanks for reading!
-Rachael xo

EC Planner Weekly: Sept 21- 27

This week's theme revolves around two fall colors I love together: burnt orange and plum!  Besides the red, pink, and orange washi along the bottom and the yellow motivational sticker in the top left corner, I created, modified, printed all this week's stickers myself.  Bring on fall!

Use this link to get $10 off your first EC purchase! www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/rachaelfryman0322

Thanks for reading!

- Rachael xo

Song of the Week

I heard this week's song as the background to a fan-made "preview" of what 50 Shades of Grey would've looked like with Charlie Hunnam as CG that I happened to stumble upon while browsing an article about Sons of Anarchy.  After finding myself humming the song to myself a few days later, I looked up the song online and discovered that it dates all the way back to Etta James!  Below I've included two versions I'm loving of the song "Damn Your Eyes".   The first by the Etta James, the second my Alex Clare.  Let me know in the comments which version you prefer!  Enjoy!






Thanks for reading!
-Rachael xo

EC Planner Weekly: Books/Library Theme

In honor of my first day as a librarian tomorrow (dream job many years in the making...), I decided to go with a books theme.  I'm excited to use this theme to keep reminding me how lucky I am to have finally made it to my dream job as I'm sure I'll encounter some stressful hiccups as I transition into my new role.  While overall, I liked last week's layout better, I am excited to have created my own layout this week that is unique to me!

If you are interested in learning more about Erin Condren Life Planners, check out my link to explore and earn $10 off your first EC Purchase: https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/rachaelfryman0322

Thanks for reading!

-Rachael xo

Top Ten Tuesday: Finished Series I Need to Finish

Today's Top Ten Tuesday is my list of series that have been completely published through to the last book, but I haven't caught up yet!  I will include only series in which I've at least read the first book to begin the series.  In no particular order:

1.  Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling

     I just couldn't get into this series when it was
     super popular.  The hype kinda turned me off
     actually.  Now that every single person isn't
     carrying around a copy of HP to read, I finally
     picked up Book 1 a few years ago and though
     "mehh".  So I wasn't psyched to move on.
      Last year, though, I was convinced to give it
      another try, so I read Book 1 again and this  
      time I loved it!  Now I am working on
     collecting and reading the entire series!


2.  The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

   At this point I've read the first two books in the series and enjoyed them.

   It has just been lack of time and too many good read that have prevented

   me from finishing this series.  I now own all five books at this point and

   hope to marathon the entire series this summer!

3.  The Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris

I had a difficult time getting into a new show called True Blood several years back, until I discovered Alexander Skarsgard! It wasn't until after I was into the show that I found out it started as a series with weird covers I'd been seeing at the library for years!  Regardless, I started collecting the copies at library books sales and now own them all.  At this point, I've read the first two books, but have gotten them mixed up with the show.  I plan to start from the beginning again and maybe do a year long (one/two book a month) marathon to get through these!



4. Divergent by Veronica Roth

I have read the first two books in the this series and plan to read the third and FOURth (see what I did there?) soon, definitely before the movies come out.  I have been dragging my feet with #3 a bit since the ending was spoiled for me.











5. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I have read the first two books twice and I set to read the third installment this month to finish the series before the last movie comes out!









6. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

One of my students last year INSISTED I get started with this series, so I read the first and bought the rest at HPB.  So I'm ready to go, just need to find the time to pick them up!  Anyone know if they are going to continue the series as movies?












7.  Matched by Ally Condie

I started this series with Book 1 and just didn't read the second two.  So, I picked up Book 1 again and re-read and have still not picked up the second two.  I'm not sure why, I actually liked this series.  I will finish it...eventually!









8. Hannibal Lecture

I read Red Dragon last year because I fell in love with the TV show and plan to read this series for sure.  Very interesting.  I think I own all but the last book at this point.  Perhaps I'll pick up Silence of the Lambs in October for a spooky read!

9.  The Maze Runner

I've only read The Maze Runner so far, but I'm hoping to read Scorch Trials before the movie comes out!  I already own the series (seems to be a reacquiring theme!) and hope to finish the entire series soon!





10.  Dexter

The last book in the book series was just published
over the summer so I hope to collect and read this
entire series over the next few years.  I have read the first book and picked that up because I was a huge fan of the show.
I'm hoping the book has a much more gratifying ending than the TV series did!

To see more Top 10 Tuesday posts (including the original blogger!), visit The Broke & Bookish!

Thanks for reading,
-Rachael xo

Song of the Week - Rivers and Roads by The Head and the Heart

I went to see a friend and co-worker playing at a local coffee shop last weekend and they closed with this song.  Since then, I've not been able to get it out of my head.  Enjoy!

EC Planner Weekly

I broke down, dished out the money and got an Erin Condren planner this year...and I LOVE IT!  I spend way to much time and money decorating it with stickers, but you gotta learn to enjoy the little things, right?  It took me away to get the swing of decorating my planner and keeping it functional, but I finally getting closer to what I want.  I have watched hours of Plan with Me videos online and, though I'm not ready to make my own videos, I do hope to start sharing my weekly layouts in this new weekly post!  Here are the last several weeks I've done and this week's!

First published picture of weekly layout:  Before and After.  8/10-8/16.

First week back to school.  8/17-8/23

Last week of Green/Yellow Theme of August.  8/24 - 8/30

First week of Green/Purple Theme in August.  8/31-9/6

THIS WEEK's!  First week I departed from the monthly color scheme!  9/7-9/6

I'm excited to share my weekly layouts with you here on my blog!!  Which one has been your favorite so far??

***If you are interested in a life planner from Erin Condren, use this link for your purchase to get $10 off! ***  https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/rachaelfryman0322

Thanks for reading!

-Rachael xo

Re Readathon TBR

I am once again participating in the Re-Readthon!  This readathon is about reading all your favorite reads and enjoying them all over again!  It runs from Monday Sept 7 to Sunday Sept 20.  Check out my TBR video for my list of books to pull from over this readathon!


What are your favorite books to re-read?

Thanks for reading!
-Rachael xo

August Wrap up and September TBR

I read a total of 14 books in August.  I'm pretty pleased with this amount because the lead up to school starting and after school started were both hectic times.  BookTubeAThon was in August, though and that did help!  Check out my Wrap up video to hear about 13 of those books.  (Totally left out Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee -- which I gave 2/5 stars).  This video also includes my September hopefuls!


\

What was your favorite book from August?  What do you plan to read in September?

Thanks for reading!
-Rachael xo

Top 10 Tuesday: Recently Acquired Books

1.  The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh  - Ordered from Amazon

2. Shiver Series by Maggie Stiefvater - Ordered from Amazon (new matching cover set!)

3.  Martian by Andy Weir - Bought at Half Price Books during 50% off day

4.  Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling - Bought at HPB.  Still need 6!

5.  Found, Sent and Sabotaged by Margaret Peterson Haddix - Bought first three of the series after    
                                                                                                    hearing her speech at the library.

6.  Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir  - Won in a readathon giveaway

7.  Incorrigible Children books 2 and 3 by  Maryrose Wood - Won at the library summer program



8.  The Wicked and the Devine by Gillen McKelvie and Wilson Cowles - Borrowed from library

9.  Make Good Art  by Neil Gaiman - Borrowed from library

10.  To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han - Borrowed from the library

Check out more Top 10 Tuesday posts here: http://www.brokeandbookish.com


Thanks for reading!
- Rachael xo

Song of the Week

In honor of Todd Frazier's victory at the HR Durby, this week's song is his walk up song.  Enjoy!

Did you see the awesome #toddfather tonight?  :)  #goreds

Thanks for reading!
-Rachael xo

Top 10 Tuesday: Hyped Books I Haven't Read (YET)!

Since going BookTube and rejuvenating my reading list a few months ago, I've noted several books that are all the buzz that I haven't read ... yet.  Here are my top 10 titles that I need to catch up on apparently.

10.  Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

I've seen this mentioned in multiple BookTube videos and it always is a listed as a favorite.  I plan to read this sci-fi novel this summer hopefully.















9.   A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

This is probably one of the most hyped books this year for sure.  I have it on my shelf ready to read, but I might wait until the hype dies down a little before diving in to this fairytale retailing.

I also plan to jump into the Throne of Glass series this year as well!











8.  Anna and the French Kiss By Stephanie Perkins

This book has shown up on a lot of lists as a favorite contemporary along with the companion novels.  I own this book and hope to read it this summer.  Contemporary always seems better in the summer for some reason.














7.  Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

This is another book that shows up on every BookTuber's favorites lists.  I love the title of this and hope to read it eventually.  For now, it is just waiting patiently on my bookshelf.














6.  Lunar Chronicles Series by Marissa Meyer

Just haven't gotten to this fairytale retelling series yet.  Cinder is on my shelf, ready and waiting.






5.  Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan

Oddly enough, I actually recommended this series as part of a mythology unit for our middle schoolers, but never got around to reading it myself.  Soon!















4.  Any Rainbow Rowell

I know everyone raves about Rainbow Rowell, but I haven't jumped on the bandwagon yet.  I read the first few pages of Eleanor and Park and just couldn't get into it at all.  I plan to give Fangirl a try though, then we go from there.





3.  Allegent by Veronica Roth

The ending of this book was spoiled for my by a student, so I've been in no big hurry to read it really.  I do plan to read it before the movie comes out next year.















2.  Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Although I found the Hunger Games super hard to get through at first because of the fact that kids were killing each other, I ended up a fan of the series and I have no idea how I've not read this final book yet...  I ended up rereading Hunger Games with a student this year, though, so I decided to reread Catching Fire (which I'm almost done with) again to prepare myself.  Mockingly will happen by the end of the summer!!  I have even refrained from watching Part 1 until I read it!











1.  Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling

I don't even have to explain the hype around this series...but actually that is what turned me off to reading this series earlier.  Now that Harry Potter mania has subdued some, I plan to read all the books and watch the movies.  So far, I've only read and seen the first book.  The rest are waiting for me to jump into.  Maybe after I finish the series, I'll head to the Wizarding World in FL.






Well, there are my top 10 most hyped yet unread books.  Any surprises? Any you would suggest I get to ASAP?  Any hyped books you haven't read yet?

If you want to see more Top 10 Tuesday posts, check out the the original post here: BrokeAndBookish


Thanks for reading!
-Rachael xo

Song of the Week

I was looking around for a song to post this week, so I headed over to the Mahogany Sessions channel on youtube and played around...until I clicked on this.  I immediately recognized the song.  I've heard this on my Hozier Pandora channel and have been singing this ever since kinda of subconsciously and I didn't even know I new it...if that makes sense! :)  Anywho... enjoy this gem!



If you enjoyed this, I definitely suggest checking out the Mahogany Session channel - great stuff!  What are you listening to this week?  Any fun songs that might become a summer anthem?

Thanks for reading!
-Rachael xo

May Wrap Up and June TBR

Thanks to several readathons, I had my best reading month ever!  I read 19 books in May!  WOW!


The #ayearathon readathon that runs the first week of June is centered around Finishing Book Series, but this first week is kinda hectic for me, so I plan to work on finishing series this entire month. Here is my TBR for June!



How was your May reading-wise? Any series you are planning to finish in June? What is your favorite series?

Thanks for reading!
-Rachael xo

Song of the Week

Today was my last day of school...so obviously this week's song is...




Hoping to get a lot of reading done and some new posts up this summer!  Stay tuned!

-Rachael xo

Song of the Week

One of my favorite songs currently by one of my favorite new artists.  I find myself singing this song under my breath constantly any more.  Have a listen and see if you feel the same.



Between the magical humming background, the phenomenal lyrics, that voice, and that sweet man bun... this will likely be my favorite song of the year. You're welcome!

 Thanks for reading! -Rachael xo

Book Haul #3

I have a problem....a huge problem....a huge book-buying problem.  Check out my latest haul!



Have you read any of my buys?  What new books are you hoping to buy this month?

Thanks for reading!
-Rachael xo

Song of the Week

With two weeks left before summer break...I'm desperately in need of motivation.  I am planning to find it by way of an anthem for the next few days from my girl Florence via Florence + The Machine.


"And it's hard to dance with the Devil on your back...so shake it off!"  Amen, sister!


What is your favorite F+M song?   What are you listening to this week?

Thanks for reading!
-Rachael xo

Bout of Books 13.0 and #CrushYourTBR Readathon Wrap Up

What a reading month this has been!  I just completed my third readathon for the month and started my fourth today!  I'm loving on the motivation to read!!

With last weeks double readathon I did pretty well.  I got in several graphic novels (one of my goals this year) and finished two novels!   Check out my video to see what I read and hear my final (amazing) totals!


Yeah.  I'm pretty excited about my reading achievements this week.  And unbelievebly there is ANOTHER readathon that started today - RYBSAT aka ReadYourBookShelfAThon.   I had a heard time narrowing down my self and finally settled on my "borrowed shelf" - mostly library books.  Here's a look at it:

As you can see, I have several graphic novels and a few novels to choose from.  I don't anticipate finishing all of these as I am still working and just started my last college class for an endorsement program.  Also, I'd already begun reading two other books.  So....we'll play it by ear and see how this FOURTH READATHON IN A ROW goes!

What are you reading this week?  Have you enjoyed in on my tbr shelf?

Thanks for reading!

-Rachael xo

PS.  If you are interested in participating in RYBSAT, check out the info video here.

Song of the Week!

This week's song is one I've been hearing around more and more lately.  At first, I was not a fan.  The more I hear it though, the more I find it stuck in my head, the more I like it.  I'm not sure how I feel about this video, but I love the song!  The melody is great, the music is neat and the concept is sweet!  Enjoy!
Have you heard of George Ezra?  What do you think of his music?  What are you listening too?

Thanks for reading!
-Rachael xo

Bout of Books 13.0 Readathon!

This week (May 11 - May 18), I'll be participating in the Bout of Books 13.0 Readathon!  I didn't feel great about my reading for last week's readathon, so I'm ready to amp up my game this week!  Check out what I'm hoping to read in my TBR video!

What books are you reading this week?
-Rachael xo

ReReadathon Wrap Up

I had high hopes for myself last week during the ReReadathon...but feel short of my goals!
Check out how I did in my Wrap Up video!


What are your favorite books to re-read?

Thanks for reading!
-Rachael xo

ReReadathon TBR

The #AYearAThon & the ReReadathon both run from Monday, May 4 to Sunday, May 10th.  This week is all about rereading books you've enjoyed already.  I choose a view of my favorite standalones and a few first books in favorite series (leading up to the #AYearAThon - finishing series in June).  I'm super excited to jump into these books again and see how I relate to them now, at a different point in life.  Here is my possible TBR pile (I won't get to all, but here it pool I'll read from!)




What books do you find yourself re-reading?  Which are you re-reading this week?  Any of your fave's on my list?

Thanks for reading,
-Rachael xo

April Wrap Up

This month I read ELEVEN books!  I know - I can't believe it either.  This has been my best reading month by far -- ever!  I really attribute this all to joining the BookTube community.  I've already received comments and support via Twitter and YouTube and have gained my first 5 subscribers to my YouTube Channel!

(Which, by the way, *shameless plug*, you should go subscribe too if you have not yet!

Check out the books I read and what I thought of them in my wrap up video.



What books did you read in April?  What do you plan to read in May?

Check back tomorrow for my TBR video for next week's #AYearAThon!

Thanks for reading!
-Rachael xo

Song of the Week

I first heard this song on Pandora (my Hozier station, specifically) and really didn't notice it too much as it played while I worked.  However, I found myself singing this song throughout the day and had no idea what it was.  Luckily, it reappeared on my Pandora station again today and I officially "discovered" it!  I've not heard this group before...but after this song, I'll be checking out more songs.  This week's song is "Unsteady" by X Ambassadors.



What do you think?  Have you heard of this band before?  What is YOUR song of the week?

Thanks for reading,
-Rachael xo

Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon Wrap Up

For firsts.... the readathon was SO MUCH FUN! If you are interested in participating in a readathon at all, I highly suggest it! There was so much support and encouragement from everyone involved and it was so fun connecting with other readers!

 Seconds - I did ok. I was a little under the weather and found myself napping on and off throughout instead of reading for the full 24 hours like I had initially envisioned, but... I still got in plenty of reading - more than I expected! I ended up reading about 2.5 books and about 560 pages! Here is my wrap up video and some things I learned from my first readathon experience.



In closing, I think I'm officially a readathoner now!  I can't wait until the Bout of Books readathon (a weeklong readathon!!) in may and for the next Dewey's 24 hour readathon in October.  So so so much fun!

P.S. I'm also very excited to announce that I'm already 60% of the way to making my goal of 25 books this year on my Goodreads 2015 Challenge! I might have to up that challenge total a bit! ;)

Happy reading!
-Rachael xo

Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon 2015 TBR List

In excited preparation for my FIRST Readathon, I'm sharing my planned TBR (to-be-read) list for my 24 hours of non-stop reading Saturday!  I'm pretty squeakin' excited!  Get updates on my progress  throughout the day Saturday on Twitter @TaylorAndKens!




Are you planning to participate in the readathon Saturday? What is on your TBR list? Feel free to share your reading adventures in the comments below or tweet me!

Song of the Week

It is going to be a stressful week at work and with several obligations outside of work, so I needed an up-beat, makes-me-smile-and-sing-and-dance kinda song to motivate me through this week.  If you listen carefully you'll be able to hear me whaling this song each morning as I start my workday!



 What song always cheers you up and makes you want to dance?

Thanks for reading!
- Rachael xo

Book Haul #1

Of course I ended up at Half Price Books after a long day of cleaning and purging.  I went to drop off two bags of books and ended up leaving with another whole bag.  Books (and chocolate) are definitely my weaknesses!  Anywho - with all my new books, I decided to do my first book haul video! Enjoy.



What new books have you acquired this month?  Which are you looking most forward to?  Have you read any of my newly acquired books?  Any I should add to my next haul?

Thanks for watching,
-Rachael xo

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon!

I just signed up for my very first Read-a-Thon and I'm pretty pumped!!!

Image from: http://www.willowpfa.org/uncategorized/read-a-thon/

So fair warning, I won't be answering my phone on April 25 because I'll be reading up a storm.  The goal of a Read-a-thon is to get people reading, give them motivation to read maybe a little more than normal, and get people communicating!  I'll be sending out updates throughout the day via Twitter and Instagram.  I'm inviting anyone who wants to participate to join!!  You can sign up officially here.  Or, if you have commitment issues, just read along and send out your own updates or simply comment on my updates!  Stay tuned for my TBR list of books I want to read in my 24 hours!

Song of the Week

I am obsessed with Steve Winwood's version.  Now I'm also obsessed with this.  If you are a fan of Bon Iver - you are welcome for introducing you to this little ditty.  Enjoy!



What are you enjoying this week in music?

- Rachael xo

In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick

This book was very "interesting" (as I end up saying about 10 times in my video review! haha).  The story that inspired Herman Milville's Moby Dick is retold by Philbrick using several first hand accounts of the final voyage of the Essex.  Once a whale attacks the Nantucket whaleship, it is a fight for survival for the crew, now forced into the three remaining smaller whaleboats.  What would you do to stay alive?  Could you live with your choices afterword?

I gave this book 3/5 stars and you can check out my video review below:

Keep an eye out for the movie version of this book, out this year!

Thanks for reading (and viewing!),

- Rachael xo

Book Series Status

It seems like everything has a sequel these days (if not a wholes series!).   After watching some BookTube videos on series that everyone is reading (or giving up on), I decided to take stalk of where I fall in the series I've discovered along the way.  Here goes!

Series I've Finished
Confessions of Georgia Nicolson Series by Louise Rennison
Conspiracy 365 series by Gabrielle Lord
Horatio Wilkes Mysteries duology by Alan Gratz
Jessica Darling series by Megan McCafferty
Queen of Babble series by Meg Cabot
Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers
Wolves of Mercy Falls (Shiver) trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater

Series I've Started
5th Wave trilogy by Rick Yancy (#1)
100 Cupboards trilogy ND Wilson (#1)
Al Capone at Alcatraz trilogy by Gennifer Choldenko   (#1)
Asylum series by Madeleine Roux   (#1 and currently #2)
Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth   (#1 and #2)
Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy by EJ Smith (#1 and #2)
Giver series by Lois Lowery (#1)
Hannibal Lecter series by Thomas Harris (#1)
Harry Potter series by JK Rowling (#1)
Heather Wells series by Meg Cabot (#1-5)
Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins   (#1 and #2)
Jenna Fox Chronicles trilogy by Mary E Person (#1 and #2)
Kinsey Milhone series by Sue Grafton (#1 and #2)
Maze Runner series by James Dashner   (#1)
Matched series by Allie Condie (#1)
Millennium series by Stieg Larsson (#1 and #2)
Missing series by Margaret Peterson Haddix (#1)
Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare  (#1)
Shadow Children series by Margaret Peterson Haddix (#1 and #2)
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares (#1 and #2)
Sookie Stackhouse (TrueBlood) series by Charlaine Harris  (#1 and #2)
Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich (#1-4)
Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson (#1)

Series I Haven't Started (YET!)
Caster Chronicles series by Kami Garcia
Delirium trilogy by Lauren Oliver
Gemma Doyle trilogy by Libba Bray
If I Stay duology by Gayle Forman
Legend trilogy by Marie Lu
Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Mara Dyer trilogy by Michelle Hodkin
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
Shatter Me trilogy by Tahereh Mafe
Throne of Glass series by Sarah Maas

Now that you've seen my list, I'd love to hear what series you are into!  What have you finished?  What are you enjoying?  Do recommend a series not on this list?  Is there a series I should skip?

Thanks for reading!
- Rachael xo

Song of the Week

The song stuck in my head this week is Elastic Heart by Sia.  Sia's a little strange, but her music is amazing.  This video is strange, but pretty amazing - very fitting.  Check it out.




What is your song of the week?  Share in the comments!

-Rachael xo