Joy is Between the Pages

I'm not sure there's every been an online image that I've found more true. It seems like I am always wanting more books, more time to read, and new shelves to put all of my books on! I 100% attribute my love of reading to my parents and their diligence in reading to me every night. Once I got to the age where I was only enough to really comprehend but not yet read on my own, I chose the longest books for them to read to me! Robert the Rose Horse is one that I especially remember... 

I don't know where I'd be without my books! They've taken me around the world, through numerous cultures and lives, and into worlds that would never exist had the book not been written (ahem, Harry Potter!) New technology has enabled me to never be without a book. Whether paperback, on my Kindle, or in my Kindle app, I'm never far from a book. Goodreads and Amazon keep me constantly on my toes for the next book to read! ...One thing I really need to take more advantage of is my library card, because books get expensive! 

The thing is, I've always dreamed of having a "home office" where there are floor to ceiling bookcases filled and filled with all of the books I've read. If I borrow from a library, while more economic, I'll not have it for my library. But, I guess that's the same with using my Kindle. I don't know, I'll work on it! Saving money now will get me my dream library in the future. :)

I'm the nerd who goes to Starbucks to read. Or can spend hours in Barnes and Noble. Some say I'm weird... or "boring"! But I would't change my love for the world. It is so great and so educational.

If only there was a 25th hour in the day set aside specifically for reading. 

Keep up with my reading on Goodnreads!

Going South: the Essentials

Spring is coming and whether you're going south for vacation or are just going to enjoy the northern sun, there are a few essentials for spring!

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1. The classic J. Crew chinos and VV shep shirt. The chinos are wonderful! They can be dressed up or down, and match almost anything. They're easily the best investment. The VV shirt is totally worth every cent! I love wearing these while taking night walks on the beach or while out at a windy pier. And these two together? The perfect spring outfit.

2. Caps! I used to never be a fan of wearing hats, but I've grown quite fond of them. I love big, flop hats for dressing up; ball caps I use to run in or while out at the beach to keep the sun off my face and the sand out of my hair. I love the cute colors of Ralph Lauren ones! 

3. For those at the beach, a cute beach bag is totally essential. This is actually the bag that I bought from Lilly Pulitzer and I'm in love (beach bag packing coming soon!) It's so big that it can hold almost anything and act as a second "carry on" type bag for traveling to and from the vacation destination. Next to it is a kindle. This picture actually kindof summarizes my beach time. Sunglasses, hat, and a good book. Can't get better than that! 

It's no secret that I'm so looking forward to spring break and warm weather! The closer I get, the more I want to just start packing right now! 

What are your spring essentials?

Reading List: Water for Elephants

After countless recommendations, WfE has received the coveted top spot on my Kindle and I couldn't be more excited! I went into this book skeptical- I had only heard that it was a good movie about a circus. Literally nothing more. It had really good ratings on GoodReads, so I figured I'd give it a try. I have been more than pleasantly surprised.

The book, while about a circus, is much deeper than just that. There is love, tragedy, and a real sense of loss due to the depression. There are struggles and fights, stress and tears. It's obvious that the author really took the time to research the time period and the circuses of the day. This book really sucks me into the time period, which is something that I've had a hard time finding since the beloved Harry Potter books. 

The worst part about finding a book so enjoyable is the lack of time I have to read. Between school, work, and extracurriculars, I've lost almost all sense to self. Any down time I have, I want to just be lazy and watch GG. I guess I could be reading during that time, but it's so hard when every GG episode ends with a cliff hanger (every SINGLE one!!!!!). But, I have been trying to spend more time reading and it's very enjoyable and relaxing. Water for Elephants is a great read to escape my crazy busy life and get caught up in someone else's world.

Even though it's taking me a while to read, don't let that scare you away. If you love a good read I'd definitely recommend WfE. You won't be disappointed!

Nanny Diaries

Okay so I'm not a nanny.. not during the school year, at least. But I have a few families that I babysit for at least twice a month and I definitely enjoy being a go-to sitter for families. It means a lot to know that they trust their precious children with me and that they find me the type of influence that they want their young ones influenced by. I try to be an involved sitter and not the kind that I grew up with: the ones who sat and watched tv while my sister and I played on our own. And, I like to think that I'm doing a good job; they keep asking me to come back!

I figured I'd help out other sitters or new sitters by letting you in on a few of my Sitter Must Haves and my all of the exciting things I keep in my "Marry Poppins" bag :-)

My favorite bag is my large LongChamp Le Pliage. It fits a multitude of things in it while still looking cute.

Sitter Secret: It can get dirty or spilled on and still holds up!

Inside my bag always hold coloring books, colored pencils (my favorite), some candy, and movies for the kids. Once you get to know the family and kids, you can maybe bring their favorite candy bars on a special occasion or rent a RedBox movie that you know they've been wanting to see. While it does require you to spend some money, these are small investments that keep the kids happy and the parents calling.

I mentioned that I don't like to be the kind of sitter who leaves the kids to play on their own. I have a few tips to make that easier. Within reason, do what the kids want to do. If they want to color, color with them. If they want to go ride bikes, offer to walk with them so they can go farther than they'd normally be allowed. Most importantly, leave the phone in the car! Unless you've really got to call someone, there is absolutely no reason to have your phone on you and all it will do is lower your babysitter rating. Being involved with the kids and getting their approval will almost always end up getting you the parents' approval, too!

Now, my bag isn't only full of stuff for the kids! I always plan for nap times, bed times, or any other down times I might encounter. I'm always prepared with my Kindle, a notebook, notepad, and pens and pencils (and maybe some homework if I'm feeling really motivated!). Unlike playing on your phone, I feel that it's totally okay to read or write during a movie or, of course, a nap. You aren't giving off the image of being unavailable like being on the phone does. Always have some fall backs for those moments when you need to get away from the kids for a moment.

While I work, I find babysitting a fun and stress-relieving way to make money and get a taste of motherhood (which always leaves me wanting to have kids at an older and older age). It's a wonderful experience and it's awesome to get close with other families. I'm constantly thinking about how old I'll feel if I'm invited to their graduation parties or anything like that! I love being able to be a part of these kids' lives. Quite honestly, I'd consider being a nanny full time if the opportunity arose.

What are your tricks to being an awesome Sitter or Nanny?

All That Glitters isn't Gold

I have a confession to make: I'm easily convinced that the "latest and greatest" is worth my investment. My weakness? Apple products.

I don't know about you, but I find all of their products to be so visually aesthetic that it almost hypnotizes me. Their goal, I am sure. It' s all so pretty that I want everything! So, I was surprised when they introduced the iPad and I wasn't really that interested in it.

I'm not sure if it's the fact that, between my MacBook, iPhone, and Kindle, I have the bases covered or if it's more that I just haven't used one enough to understand it's appeal. Either way, I wasn't thrilled when it came out. And then the iPad mini... I thought that was the least climactic release yet! (more so than the iPhone5, even.)

That is, until my sister asked "Santa" for an iPad ( the big one) this past year. She uses it for internet, movies, netflix, games, normal stuff. But I can see myself using it as a planner, a book (with the Kindle app) and as a way to carry my Mac without it actually being my Mac. I'm still being convinced, but I could very well be purchasing the iPad or iPan mini in the near future.

Your thoughts on their usefulness?

By the way, is this not the cutest picture? They might have sold me just on this!

I'm such a sucker for Valentines anything.