December: A Photo a Day Challenge

Happy first day of December! I am officially ready to revel and participate in all of the holiday excitement and craziness! I saw that a fellow blogger, Emily, was joining in this photo challenge, and I decided to do it too. I've never done one before and I figured that December would be the perfect time to start. Everything about this time of year is so incredibly photogenic!

Today's photo is of something you're reading:

This is only a small portion of what I'm currently reading. Not only do I work at two libraries, but there's something about December that makes you want to be in a constant state of reading with a hot cup of tea in bed. Is that just me?

The Madman's Daughter is a pastiche based on H.G. Wells' Island of Dr. Moreau about a madman/scientist who "operates" on animals to make them more human. It's pretty good so far- cruel, grisly, and disturbing which is different. I like different!
The Returned is a crazy story about people who are dead suddenly returning to life (but in a very non-zombie way). Imagine if every single dead person reappeared and began living again? Talk about unsustainable.
And finally, I'm reading Questlove's autobiography, Mo' Meta Blues. I don't know much about him, but I love him on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, aaand the cover looked pretty awesome.

What are you reading these days? Happy December!!

What's on My Bookshelf?

I'm taking a moment out of my ultra-crazy week to share what I'm currently reading! I've had four interviews in the past three days (and I'm currently waiting on a phone interview as I write this) and I'm graduating college in less than a month so... life is a little busy. But I'd be lying if I say I didn't prefer it that way. 

So. What am I reading? Starting from the bottom is the new issue of bon appetit magazine. This month is especially good because it focuses on "traveling America" and experiencing new and exciting food trends and restaurants across the U.S.A. 

Next up is a cook book I received for my birthday in March, Gluten-Free Cooking from Betty Crocker. I am liking this particular cookbook a lot because they tackle difficult (yet everyday) meals that you sometimes have to leave behind because of your gluten intolerance; things like chicken fingers and pot pie. They really make it easy for you to embrace your old comfort foods. I recommend this as a staple to anyone considering going gluten-free. 

While I still haven't finished this book, Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn, is amazing. That's all there is to say about it. 

Murder Below Montparnasse is a book we're doing for a book club at my local library. I'm actually really enjoying it. The author, Cara Black, writes mysteries that take place in the different neighborhoods and streets of Paris. Plus, the protagonist is kick-ass. 

The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde, is one of those classic novels whose story I'm intimately familiar with, yet I've never actually sat down to read it. I'm glad that a literary book club I've joined is prompting me to do so; Wilde is a brilliant, beautiful, masterful writer. Seriously, the man could weave words.

You can always follow along with what I'm reading by checking out my Goodreads profile. Warning, this website can become addictive... I'd love to hear what you may be reading! I'm always in the middle of five books or more. Feel free to send recommendations my way. 

*I'm in no way affiliated with any of these authors or books. I have not been asked to review the aforementioned books. This post is based entirely on my opinion and preference.

Meandering Mondays: Around Here

This week was both a slow yet rejuvenating time for me and my blogging process. I reached over 1300 page views and five followers, which, for me, is pretty exciting!  In the wake of marking new territory, I decided to visually update my blog a little, which is what you see now. I loved the header that the amazing creators of A Beautiful Mess have for their personal blogs, so I decided to make my own rendition in Photoshop.

I've noticed that the longer you blog, the more your interests and focus changes in terms of what you actually want to post. I started this blog with the initial attempts at writing articles about things I know or love, but it ended up turning into something else entirely. Therefore, a blog name change was necessary (and I also figure it's more universally pronounceable...). 

All that being said, I hope that it is more visually pleasing than before (it is for me, certainly) and that your times passing through here are well spent. I now give you my new weekly post: Meandering Mondays.

On my reading pile: Still reading Pride and Prejudice and other biographical works on Jane Austen. I'm also reading Modern Vintage Style, a decorating book that helps guide your journey through vintage styling (it steers you away from campy decorating). 

On my tv: Going to finish Twin Peaks at some point this week. That show is beyond frightening; I'm talking creepy people staring back at you through mirrors, their faces contorting, dark woods, insane spouses, and murdered high school students... I can't look away! My best friend and her hubby are watching Mad Men so I might start that show over. It's been a while.

On the menu this week: Monday: Leftovers. I might be called in to work tonight.

Tuesday: Probably pizza. I work until 9 on Tuesday...

Wednesday: Fourth of July cookout with the in-laws! 

Thursday: Chicken Lettuce Wraps with peanut sesame noodles

Friday: I might be heading to Arkansas for a wedding this weekend, at which point I won't be cooking.

On my to-do list: Get some more thesis reading done. That's my first priority this summer. Also decluttering some parts of the kitchen, working on Etsy jobs, and packing for Arkansas.

What I am creating: Continuing to work on DIY map cut-out of Zion to hang somewhere. I also had two customers purchase my wedding program design so I have to work on those.

Tips and Tricks: As s student whose degree is not really specific to any job other than teaching (I will have a degree in English) it's hard to know what I truly want to do professionally. This article from The Everygirl helps you start making those small steps to finding purpose to your life.

Looking around my house:  I cleaned everything yesterday so our little apartment is looking pretty darn tidy. My camera sits next to me, and my cat sleeps silently on a chair across the living room.

From the camera:  I noticed that my terrarium is doing really well. I potted this succulent in March and it has grown quite a bit. It loves that I keep it right under the lamp in our living room, so the constant light has been very beneficial to it. When I first potted it, it barely came out of the top.