Blogger Life: Book Haul (#6)

I actually didn't get a chance to post this last week, but here's my book haul!

Look at those gorgeous titles! I got them last Saturday and at the time, I had 9 books (including those ones up there) to read.

I also got this lovely book in the mail from Epic Reads (btw, I never knew how much I was missing out until I actually watched their vlogs). 

And yeah, I got a lovely Epic Reads bag with *book shimmy* on it :)

AND this Friday, I got this book from the mail as well:

I currently have 11 books to read plus 5 ebooks. Yeah. 

I was going to read two of my library books this weekend and planned to finish one of my ebooks, but the problem is that I actually missed TWO DAYS of math and economics, and a day of English. And on top of that, I've been sick since Wednesday, and my fever started disappearing only yesterday. My weekend was busy (I had three days of math homework to finish, I'm currently crying over the fact that I still don't understand what I'm doing in economics, and I have to make study notes for my French novel study/essay). Oh, and I was so sick to the point where I couldn't watch Catching Fire. 

On the bright side: I watched the Day of the Doctor. It was a beautiful episode! :D I have sooooo many thoughts on what's to come and have soooo many theories! Unfortunately, I can't put gifs onto these posts using the Blogger App, but I can post pictures, like this end shot from the 50th special:

Have a good Sunday guys! :)

Happy 3 Month Blogaversary to Me!

Yup, it's official! I've been blogging for THREE WHOLE MONTHS! I find it kind of weird how time goes by so fast! I never thought I'd actually last a month, let alone three!

In the span of three months, I've found my love of reading and writing again, made lots of new friends from around the world, interviewed some pretty awesome authors and actors, and won a couple neat prizes here and there! :)

Normally, people give out prizes during these 'blogaversaries' but unfortunately, I am not financially stable enough to afford so many books that 95% of the books that I do borrow are library books. I probably will have my first book contest probably by JANUARY, after my parents let me go crazy during Christmas and do a gigantic book haul (this only happens at least twice a year) to restock my shelf. That's when I'll probably be able to clean out my shelves :) If I can't do a book haul this year (and to be honest, I'm not even a hundred percent sure I can this year), I probably WILL be able to do a book haul in FEBRUARY when it's my 6 month blogaversary :) 

But right now, I got some awesome news to tell you guys about, and all you Vampire Academy and Bloodlines fans better be coming back on the blog when I get it confirmed. It's at the early stages at the moment, but I can tell you this: I've interviewed someone that you all know, and she will be featured on Fangirl Friday! She will be the first girl featured on Fangirl Friday.

No, she isn't from the Blood Sisters cast (unfortunately, I don't think they'll ever recoginze anyone with a small blog like mine), but she is someone who took time out of her busy schedule to talk to me! 

So make sure to come back soon for the official announcement!

Have a wonderful Friday guys! 

Blogger Life: Book Haul (#5)

Hey guys! Hope you're having a wonderful Monday!

So today, I was fortunate enough not to have any homework! YAY! Which means, I can finish Incarceron & Chosen tonight AND still have time to write!

I also got these two awesome books to add onto my VERY long reading pile:

I got Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor and....

THE BEAUTIFUL AND THE CURSED! FINALLLLYYY! I put this book on hold in SEPTEMBER and just got it on Saturday! I'm also the first person to read the book :) Which makes me very happy! 

I also got these awesome e-books as well!

This one was actually for free and I have yet to start reading it. Someone recommended this to me on Goodreads, and after reading the synopsis, I just had to get it!

Synopsis: Even being dead isn’t enough to get you out of maths class.

Dying wasn’t on sixteen-year-old Riley Richardson’s to-do list. And now, not only is she dead, but she’s stuck in a perpetual high school nightmare. Worse still, she’s stuck there with the geekiest, most annoying boy in the history of the world, ever.

In a school where the geeks are popular and just about everything is wrong, Riley has become an outcast. She begins a desperate quest to get back home, but her once-perfect life starts to unravel into something not nearly as great as she thought it was. And maybe death isn’t really that bad after all…

Welcome to Afterlife Academy, where horns are the norm, the microwave is more intelligent than the teachers, and the pumpkins have a taste for blood.

I actually got this on NetGalley and fell in LOVE with the cover, but I have no idea why it won't appear on my Kindle :( What sold me was the way they spelled the characters name! :D

Synopsis: Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.

This is actually one that I've actually started, along with Cracked. It's taking me forever to read them because I have library books to read and return, and other things in the way! But isn't the cover just so pretty? The synopsis is even more amazing!

Synopsis: Jenny Kramer knows she isn't normal. After all, not everybody can see the past lives of people around them.

When she befriends Ben Daulton, resident new boy, the pair stumble on an old music box with instructions for “mesmerization” and discover they may have more in common than they thought. Like a past life.

Using the instructions in the music box, Ben and Jenny share a dream that transports them to Romanov Russia and leads them to believe they have been there together before. But they weren't alone. Nikolai, the mysterious young man Jenny has been seeing in her own dreams was there, too. When Nikolai appears next door, Jenny is forced to acknowledge that he has travelled through time and space to find her. Doing so means he has defied the laws of time, and the Order, an ominous organization tasked with keeping people in the correct time, is determined to send him back. 

While Ben, Jenny and Nikolai race against the clock - and the Order - Jenny and Nikolai discover a link that joins them in life - and beyond death.

That's it for me. Technically, I'm still on my mini break, but I will be posting again sometime this week! 

Also, check out my new story: the Privileged Select on Wattpad: http://wattpad.com/user/TheLovelyGrace:)

I've Been Nominated!

I don't even know if this tag is going on anymore, but I was tagged by Emily from Forever Literary a while back! It's not even midterms yet, but I had (and still do) a lot of work that just didn't seem to end! I'm so behind, that I am only getting caught up with emails, tags, and reading (I am now 3 weeks behind schedule!). BUT enough of my rambling (I'll post a Blogger Life post soon). I am so honored to be nominated by Emily for the Libester Award! (You can check out her post here).

The rules for this award are simple:

1. Link back to the blogger who nominated you.
2. Answer the questions he or she posted.
3. Nominate ten other bloggers who have fewer than 200 followers and inform them of their nomination.
4. Create a set of questions for those nominees to answer.

For more information on what this whole thing is about, click here! Now, here are my responses to Emily's questions! (Sorry in advance for my awful answers! I'm running on no sleep, caffine, and stress!).

1. What was your most recent read that taught you a lesson or made you think deeply about something?

I really wished you didn't ask me this question! You know that feeling when you think you've got the answer because you know the topic inside and out, but then just freeze last minute? Well, that's me right now trying to answer your question!

My most recent read was Yesterday by C.K Kelly Martin (my Canadian awesome possum moose), which is a dystopian/sci-fi read about a girl from 2063 sent back to 1985 Canada to live out her future? (Confusing, right? Well, hopefully my review on Tuesday will make it much clearer!). One thing that book taught me was that I really need to recycle more!

The whole reason why the main characters, Freya and Garren, were sent back in time were due to our very bad habit of polluting the earth and causing most of the earth to be uninhabitable. It made me sad to see that the people in the story were so desperate to stop things when such a bad situation was completely out of their hands. I was mad that the previous generations did nothing to stop pollution and unemployment and war, but it made me realize that the world the characters lived in were caused by us, people in our life time. It made me even sad knowing that we all might be living in the same conditions as the characters if we don't stop our polluting.

2. What was you number one goal going into blogging? Have you reached it yet?

Ironically enough, I started blogging to get my love of books and writing back. That was my number one goal: to rekindle my love for literature. I started my blog in August, and was fairly happy with it, but I still didn't fufill my goal. Until recently.

Back in September (LITERALLY a day before school started), my family and I had to deal with some difficult things. It was especially hard for me since I knew it stemmed from some bad decisions/choices that I made. I was ashamed, my family was shocked and we all had our world rocked from the truth. My family (especially my parents) have been able to recover, but I am still trying to find forgiveness for my actions and am still trying to live with the knowledge of what I did hurt my family so bad.

However, such a tramatuzing experience has rekindled my love for reading and writing, and having so many blogger friends with the same interest as me is so refreshing! (Seriously, most of my friends are the type of people to THROW AWAY books).

It's nice to read and write again- I've forgotten how much fun I had reading about different characters in different words with different backstories connect with me in unimaginable ways, and writing! Oh, how I missed writing! I missed making up fictional worlds where my characters don't have to worry about anything except for what I have in store for them next!

3. What do you look for in other blogs? Is there anything in particular that makes you want or not want to read a blog?

What I look for in other blogs is the reviews (because I'm always looking out for other books to add to my VERY LONG TBR pile) and the visual appeal. For me, I like seeing a blog with a nice format, and with nice colours that aren't to flashy/hurtful to the eye. And headers. I like a nice header. There's nothing in particular that will make me want to read/not read a blog, as long as the blogger is really nice, has nice reviews and will follow me on Twitter/and my blog. :D

4. How has blogging affected your reading habits?

Blogging hasn't really affected my reading habits, just my sleeping habits! I knew going into blogging that some bloggers have posts scheduled for the next YEAR but I never knew how organized one must be to have a blog with good quality. If anything, blogging has taught me how to read and get over my mourning period faster!

WHEW! Well, I'm glad that's over! Thank you to Emily for nominating me! And now, here are my nominee's!

1. Erin @ Stealing Pages
2. Sophia @ Loving Lit
3. Alexandra @ Sleeps on Tables
4. Christine @ Christiney Reads (Love your website btw, I really wish I had on like that!)
5. Chrissi @ Chrissi Reads
6. Jessica @ Just Another Teen Reading Books
7. Jessica @ Reviews Abound
8. My Spirit Animal @ Read Books and Live Green
9. Matt @ That Crazy Fanboy
10. Elena @ Brown Eyed Bookworm  

I am sorry if any of you guys have been nominated already, have 200 followers or over, and do not take any awards! I really didn't have any time to check if you guys have or have not have anything stated in the sentence above! (I'm realllly sleep right now guys!).

Now the questions:

1. What is one thing that you have discovered about yourself during your time as a blogger?

2. Have you had to make any sacrifices (so far) in the name of blogging?

3. How have you developed as a reader, writer and/or blogger?

4. What is one piece of advice that you would give to a younger, non-blogging version of yourself?

Have a goodmorning/afternoon/night :D

Blogger Life: Time Management/Book Haul (#4)

Hey guys! So it's been awhile since I've actually posted a review, but you guys no longer need to worry- I'm working on that!

As I stated before, I'm the new Editor-in-Chief of my school's newspaper, which means A LOT of responsibility. Despite having my good friend, Daria, as my Assistant Editor, I still have a million other things to do!

Last year, I could do everything that I'm doing this year, plus more and still make it home before 3:40. This year, I feel like I'm always running out of time!

Did you know along with the other books that I posted on my other Blogger Life posts, I also have THESE new books to read? 

That right there is a picture of my bed right now, and as you can see, I have my French homework out (I have a script due tomorrow & a presentation TUESDAY), along with Yesterday by C.K Kelly Martin (my Canadian awesome possum...I mean moose), which I'm currently reading at the moment. 

This past two weeks, I've been able to finish Clockwork Prince, The Pledge, and Chantress, and depending on how fast I can finish French, I can finish Yesterday as well (if, you know, I didn't forget anything). Even if I finish Yesterday, I still have Fury, The Lucy Variations, Incarceron (did I mention that's due WEDNESDAY?!), Sapphique and the two novels my librarian gave me to read. And now, I have the first three books of The Lost Books by Ted Dekker, and Blue Bloods and Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz.

I seriously don't have time anymore. I don't know why, but I just don't. It's like, if I do one thing, I'll forget the other, and there's a huge chance both are very important things. 

Any tips for time management? Usually I'm okay, and I do have a little mess up with schedule but it doesn't usually affect me so much. I do a lot of team leadership programs/ trainings at my school that gets me out of class, but I've been doing that for a year, so it shouldn't make much of a difference, right? 

But I think my biggest question is: should I take a little break from blogging (except for my little Blogger Life posts) to catch up on my reading, or is that a big 'NO NO' !?

Happy Sunday everyone!!

Blogger Life: Caught Red-handed

Like I said, I just have soooooo much going on that I didn't have time to make a Throwback Thursday post for this week! I just really wanted to finish all my homework and assignments before the break, but unfortunately for me, my teachers assigned MORE stuff for me to do during this Thanksgiving holiday! Yay!



But other than getting assignments and homework, my day was pretty okay. Till, you know, I got caught eating. TWICE!

I DO eat breakfast in the morning, let's get that straight first! I eat usually some toast with jam and butter, waffles (I LOVE waffles!), or something Filipino that my mom whips up when she has the time. I don't usually get hungry after lunch, but at school, I just feel so hungry by second period! The problem? We're not allowed to eat in class because it's against Sabrina's Law.

So, I chew gum to keep my mind of food or I eat a mint. A LOT of mints. But today, I just got so hungry :( So I started eating my apple slices. For anyone that wants to eat in class, DO NOT do what I did: eat when the teacher is looking straight at you and having a conversation with you. Seriously, don't.

In my defense, she wasn't originally talking to me in the first place- she just happened to look at me and ask me a question in the end. THAT'S how I got caught. So never, ever, eveeeeerrrrrr eat in class when the teacher is not focused on work.

When I got to Economics class, I was getting my books out and was reaching to pull out an apple, but my teacher suddenly walked in. So I was caught red-handed right off the bat and didn't even to eat a slice 3A!

You think I would've learned to be more covert when eating an apple in class, but apparently, I'm not really covert. I guess this is a sign to never eat again in class since it is against the rules. I should really just stick to mints, at least I don't get in trouble as much!

Happy Thursday!

Blogger Life: The Benefits of a Bookworm/Book Haul (#3)

As I write this, it's Wednesday night, nearly 10:45 pm. I am exhausted and just DID NOT have the time to do a Throwback Thursday post! I feel so bad because I said I would be more consistent with blogging, but I have my reasons:

1) I tutor 3 kids in science, all of which have a test Thursday

2) I helped my classmate with their essay

3) I had to do math homework *shivers*

4) I had to give the kids I tutoring some extra help when I got home plus some motivating words (it's very important!)

5) I have a French test Thursday...which I probably failed

6) I have an essay due next Wednesday or Thursday

7) My school board is giving us Friday off for Thanksgiving (YAY!)

8) EVERYONE has Monday off for Thanksgiving 

9) I don't go back to school Tuesday 

10) 4 day weekends = all your teachers schedule tests, quizzes and assignments the week before or after the break to get marks in before parent teacher interviews (WHICH IS REALLY SOON)

And 11) My family from Alberta is coming over, so my house is going to be crowded and loud for a week!

So you see, I have a lot on my plate right now. Also, as editor of the school paper, I'm responsible for setting up training days, the email, FB & Twitter page, and the next meeting, and reminding when others when deadlines are. 

And I'm also going to get my licence either during the break or next week. The problem? The driving book is my friend's, I have 397491839288392828 other things on my mind and I have 7 other books from the library to read and review. And I'm blogging.

I'm literally stressed to the max!

But, on the bright side, I went to the library today to talk to my favourite librarians! And guess what? I got some pretty cool books:

I got the Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev, Fall On Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald, and We Were The Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates.

They're currently 7-9 on my reading pile, but I'm seriously excited. I'm reading Eyes Like Stars first since it's a library book, and I'm saving the other two for last since they're the librarian's. Another reason why in saving the last two books for last is because my librarian told me I'll cry. I told him not to give me any books that will give me feels/ put me in mourning period, but no, he still gives them to me.

Bright side? I have a lot of books to keep me busy for at least 2 1/2 weeks. The benefits of a bookworm, huh?

What I want to know is, what's keeping you awake? Homework? Assignments? Coffee? Comment bellow or say hi to me on my twitter @missyallydums97!

Have a good morning/ night guys! Off to study for French :)

Blogger Life: The Pros and Cons of Books & Reading

So I just came back from the library again today! As you can see, I still have Clockwork Prince in the pile. It's been almost 2 (maybe 3) weeks since I got Clockwork Prince and I'm only on Chapter 1. I'm NOT done Chapter 1 & neither am I even close to being done Chapter 1. And it's due Monday, and as you can see above, I have 6 more books to read after Clockwork Prince.

Today's post, I'm going all Gallagher Girl and channeling my inner Cammie Morgan as I do a pros and cons list on books and reading. 

PRO: Having a lot of books is good, it can keep you busy for probably a little while

CON: You have due dates to worry about if you borrow books like me!

PRO: You save money :D

CON: Not having the book in hand means you write things on sticky notes on your favourite quotes and chapters for your blog. And those sticky notes pile up fast!

PRO: Having due dates on books actually gets you to organize your time better so you have time to read

CON: When your teachers all suddenly assign tests/quizzes/special lessons/projects the same time

PRO: You can always read at the library or during English (if you have English this semester) like me

CON: If you are in a bunch of in school clubs with responsibilities you can't. And if you have the no eating in class policy like my school you don't wanna miss lunch to read. Seriously, 75 minutes of no food can mess with you

PRO: You can always read at home if you get all your homework done before you start reading

CON: If your like me, the second the book is in your hand you can't stop reading (unless it's dinner) and by the time you finish, your exhausted and homework is irrelevant to your life, no matter how important it is

PRO: It's nice seeing your book shelf full of books :)

CON: Finding space

PRO: You still have a lot of books, so be happy!

Well, that's it for me! Now I have to start my French assignment so I can FINALLY start reading Clockwork Prince!

Blogger Life: Book Haul (#2)

I knew that blogging would be hard, but I never expected it to be THIS hard.

I knew that book bloggers not only had to balance their normal, everyday lives with their blogging life, but I never knew that finding that balance would be such a struggle.

For example, I just finished reading Shelter by Harlan Coben (expect the review really soon guys), but to finish that book I had to give up studying for the economics test that I had today (I really don't wanna know how I did on that test). And last week, I finished Daughter of Smoke & Bone but I had to read it EVERYWHERE just to get it done on Friday. So you see, it's really hard to find that balance at first.

But on the bright side, I have A LOT of books ready to read & review!

I got Seconds Away (the sequel to Shelter) by Harlan Coben (which I'm finishing tonight), Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare, Incarceron by Catherine Fisher, Fury by Elizabeth Miles and The Lucy Variations by Sarah Zarr.

I even got this e-book from NetGalley:

 
I have so much homework to do, so many books to read and review, but so little time. Hopefully I'll find a way to make it all work, especially since I'll be tutoring science every week starting next week.

Oh and I'll be posting reviews for The Almost Truth by Eileen Cook, United We Spy by Ally Carter (cue hysterical sobbing), and Shelter by Harlan Coben.

And this Friday, I will be starting Fangirl Friday up once again, and I will be featuring Jost Bell from the Crewel books by Gennifer Albin! Isn't that cool? (And if you don't know what Crewel is, you should seriously read it! It's amazing! I have a review of the book here in my blog, which you can find in the archive section!).

Now, to do my homework! Have a great Tuesday guys!