Books, Books, Books

Words have always been a source of peace for me. 

From the minute I could read, I've had a book in my hand and two more (at least) at home waiting to be cracked open.  The same goes for music. I appreciate great lyrics, whether "great" refers to witty or thought-provoking or both.. although forgive me for my love of sugary pop melodies on occasion. Maybe it's an introvert thing- getting lost in the words and thoughts of others- or maybe it's just a Sarah thing. Whatever it is, there's hardly anything that moves me like words. 

To that point, and the fact that Christmas is coming up, I wanted to share a few of my favorite books and a few that are on my "to-read" list...

Okay number one is the American Girl book... I can't remember which year I got this as a gift but it has got to be one of the best gifts I got as a kid. It has all the original Christmas stories in a single book. It embodies Christmas for me and will surely be something I read to my kids. If you don't own it, I'd highly recommend you make the purchase! 

Currently Reading: the Goldfinch

Next "To-Read": How to be Parisian Wherever You Are

Extended "To Read":

Anna Karenina

the Silkworm

The End of Fashion

The Gospel According to Coco Chanel

Lolita

The Woman I Wanted to Be

Decision Points

See? And my list will continue to grow. Some may find a long list overwhelming, but I find it calming and exciting to be able to look forward to hearing from so many authors and characters. There's nothing more enchanting that I long list of books and a very cold winter forecast forcing me to stay inside and read. 

The 100

I just finished reading Nina Garcia's The 100 and I just had to write about it! 

It's 4 days into the New Year and I feel like a new woman. The book takes you through the top 100 items that every stylish woman should own- from the LBD to an iPod. Through it all, Nina emphasizes personal style and how each piece should be tailored to fit each individual closet. The information is fantastic, but I loved the quotes and bits of history one each piece as well. Which designer introduced the piece? Which year and House created the icon? And, who wore it best? 

At less than $15, I'm planning to purchase this in print sometime in the future (I read it on Oyster) to have as a reference guide for when to splurge, when to save, and when to look at my local vintage shop! For someone who loves fashion and is working to build her wardrobe with practical and stylish pieces, this was a great read that I'm sure I will go back to over and over again.

If you haven't read this book... or gotten the Oyster app, for that matter... 

I highly recommend both! 

Happy Reading & Shopping ;-)

21 Before 21 Update

I promised I'd periodically give updates on how my "bucket list" is progressing...

After completing a month without sweets, I'm proud to say that my sweet tooth has indeed diminished! I hardly feel the need for dessert and I don't really snack all that much. So, to everyone with a sweet tooth as bad as mine- go for a month off and see where you end up! 

Feeding off these healthier eating habits, I have been trying to live a healthier lifestyle and working out regularly. My goal is to run the Indianapolis Mini Marathon this coming May- something that I've wanted to do for the past few years but have always chickened out on. I have a short race lined up for Thanksgiving that will hopefully propel my training into the cold winter. 

Last update, I mentioned that I was working on accessorizing... and I think I've reached my goal! I've come to accept that I will never be a "jewelry girl", but I have definitely progressed. Instead of jewelry, belts, etc. being after-thoughts, they are defining thoughts in my outfit process. When I pick out what I plan to wear, I mentally go through my jewelry and what pieces I can wear. I recently bought a monogrammed ring that I have yet to wear- but plan to very soon! My mom bought me a lovely statement necklace for my birthday that I wish I could wear every day but it just would be too repetitive. While I may not have the most extensive jewelry selection, I'm slowly building my choices and really embracing the freshness that I new piece can bring to an "old" outfit... another goal crossed off! 

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This weekend I will be crossing off my #16- get into a cause! I will be participating in an 18 hour dance marathon at Purdue that benefits Riley. Yes, there will be dancing, but there will be games, theme contests, Riley stories, and so much more. Thousands of students come to the PUDM to have a great weekend and benefit an even better hospital! Our goal is to raise $1 Million, and I believe that it is possible. This Sunday we'll find out the total, which will be so exciting!

possibly even more exciting? going to sleep after 18 hours on my feet! 

Another goal that I might be reaching in the near future is to take a class for fun! I have 13 credit hours that I am required to take next semester, so it's a great time to take a class that I find to be purely entertainment. One of my best friends is going to take a ballet class. I was thinking a foreign language (francaise?) but I've been looking at all kinds of classes that I never would have imagined would even be offered! 

All-in-all, I have been keeping these goals in the front of my mind so that I can achieve them all on time! Because I've been loving reading so much, I'm thinking about adding a #20.5 (so it'll still be a total of 21 things) that is to read 100 books! A huge goal, yes. But it's one that I am always doing and will give me the motivation to read read read! 

When I think of the 21 things that I plan to get done, it can seem overwhelming... a lot of my goals take time and energy, and planning. But, that's the beauty of having such a long time limit. A little under two years at this point, but I have so much to do that I can't take a break. I am constantly working towards at least one goal, but I don't get overwhelmed because of the long time limit. For a planning perfectionist like myself, this is working swimmingly! 

how are your goals going?

Take It Easy, Pick Up a Book

To me, chilly weather is the perfect weather for a cup of tea and a big stack

of books and magazines.

There's just something about the crisp air and a good story that's so inviting... making it a reasonable excuse for not doing homework helps, too. As always, I have a long list of books to read that grows faster than I can catch up. I currently have 32 books on my "To-Read" list and a growing stack of magazines, too! Being the list-maker that I am, I naturally have narrowed down my Fall Reading to a smaller, more manageable list. Making small goals like this gives me a perfect outside-of-homework activity that I can do between studying or classes and not feel like I'm being neglectful to my studies. Reading is good for you! It's also great motivation to study for however long and reward myself with a chapter... or 5 (it's a problem). If you're looking a for a good study-break read or just a fun book, here's my current narrowed-down list of books to read:

The Devil Wears Prada
Lauren Weisberger

Fun chick-lit that everyone knows or has heard of. I bought the book over the summer and finally have gotten around to reading it. As always, the book is better than the movie: so much more depth and emotion. And the in-book Miranda is much scarier.

Suite Francaise
Irene Nemirovsky
I ran across this book on one of my many hour-long trips to Barnes and Noble. I read the back, carried it around with me all around the store, walked towards the cashier, and realized that I didn't need to buy another book since I'm already reading two. But, the next book I buy will be this book about WWII and Nazi Occupation in Europe.

Outliers
Malcolm Gladwell
The questions brought up in this book are so intriguing.  I love books that make me think. This one considers stereotypes and how where you come from can determine your levels of success... crazy right? It looks like a relatively quick read, but I'm looking forward to it.

None of these books are really... fall-ish. When I think of fall books, for some reason I think of deep, intellectual reading. For some true fall reading, pick up some of the best Russian Literature of all time. Lolita and Anna Karenena are two that are on my reading list. Goldfinch has been getting rated the "Top Fall Reading Book" on Amazon and Goodreads... I don't really know what it's about but I've added it to my list for future enjoyment.

Whatever you're reading, grab a blanket & your favorite warm drink...
Take is Easy

Weekend Reading

Like I said, I've been really enjoying keeping up with the news lately.

It keeps me from being sucked into the "college bubble", yes. But it also has given me so many different aspects of the world to think about that I normally wouldn't. Flipboard has given me access to so many different news sources- many more than I would be able to look at if I had to go to websites individually- so I've discovered sources that I didn't even know existed. The best part? Everything is channelled to my interests, but it's also not the same news over and over.

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With the weekend arriving, I hope to have some relaxing time carved out to catch up on the articles that I saved for later while discovering even more. I know I'll never have as much time as I'd like to, but that's what next weekend it for... right? The past couple of weeks I've come across some articles that I've loved- some have made me laugh and some have made me want to travel. Some just seem unnecessary, but are interesting nonetheless. 

If you have some spare time this weekend, these are a few articles that I'd definitely suggest:

and if you don't have some time for reading in your weekend, I suggest you rethink your plans. 

Vogue's Fall Reading List

Elle's How to Take a Selfie

13 Everyday Phrases that Actually Came from Shakespeare 

Surviving Whole Foods

An Insider's View of 19th Century Paris

From to-do lists to satire, this list of articles really is very random and inconclusive. 

None of the articles are long or deep, but they all caught my attention enough for me to save them and look over a second time. For a college student with not a lot of free time, I'd say that's enough evidence for promotion. 

These articles would go perfectly with a relaxed morning and a cup of coffee. 

Doesn't that sound wonderful?

Apps to Love: Oyster

As I've talked about before, I'm not usually very relevant when it comes to iOS apps or anything like that. I have been loving Evernote, but I usually just stick to social networking and go to the internet for anything else. But, one tech startup has really caught my eve with their up-and-coming app.

Enter, Oyster.

It's a sort of Pandora or Nextflix, but for reading.

I know, it can't get much nerdier than that! But it's such an awesome idea. 

From what I understand, your ratings will give you feedback, as will social networking. You can browse books that you're interested in, read them, and then be right on to the next one! It sounds perfect to me! The only thing is I wonder how many books I could actually read in a month...

The price right now is $9.95 per month, which covers unlimited books. Whether it's worth it for you or not is completely up to your own reading habits. But, my thinking is that $9.95 is cheaper than almost any book, so even if you only read one it's worth it. And buying actual books costs me much more than $9.95... just sayin' ! And the fact that you can take the books with you anywhere that you take your phone is a huge plus, too!

The bad side of a tech startup is that Oyster isn't yet available on all platforms.

An iPad app is on it's way. But, Androids aren't yet supported. So there's a little setback there, but as the company grows and makes money I'm sure the support will come through!

If you're a nerd like me and love your books,

this may be your new favorite app! For the time being, only a certain amount of users are being permitted use to the app. You can visit the website here to see what it's all about.

What are you waiting for?

The world is your oyster- get reading!

Top 5: August 2013

It's crazy to think that today is the final day of August! 

I've been looking forward to this month of change for so long. College, new friends, new habits, so much has happened this month. It's all for the better, though. I think I've adjusted to independence and college life well! Recruitment is going great (bid night is Tuesday! eeee!), my roommate and I are a perfect match, I haven't ruined any laundry, and I've stayed on top of my studies. Not easy at all, but all this change has led to some favorites that I'd never expect to love. 

Let's re-cap my favorites of this month:

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5. Mio Energy

This stuff has been my life saver! I've been trying to drink more water, but just plain water doesn't do for me what coffee or tea does- I still drink both in my dorm room. When I'm out on campus, these mio bottles are really easy to carry around and add to my drinks. They make water a little more tasty, and I don't feel like I want to go to Starbucks when I have Peach Tea water. Yum!

via Instagram

4. Reading.

Okay I know I've said that I love to read before and you're probably thinking that this can't be a new favorite of mine. But, trust me, I've come to appreciate my books so much more these past weeks. They are the ultimate "unwind" material. They give me a break from the textbooks without feeling guilty, and I'm loving branching out and reading all different kinds of books.

via Instagram

3. Campus!

Purdue is seriously like a little town of it's own. Actually, it is. West Lafayette isn't really a very hoppin place if school isn't in session. It's definitely a college town.. but it feels like it's own little city. There are tall buildings, housing options, restaurants- the normal stuff you'd see on college campuses around the world. But then there's the Purdue stuff that makes it a little different. Because we have an Aeronautical Engineering major, we have our own Airport! We have no less than 5 beautiful fountains. And, my personal favorite, all of the malls around! Not the shopping kind, but the green, grassy, park-like malls. I love to sit under and tree and just imagine that I'm in Central Park.

2. Twitter

 As you may have noticed, this blog now has an anonymous and official "PurduePrep" writer. Well, along with that, there's a twitter. PurduePrep is no longer only on the internet. Keep up with my preppy life wherever you are by following @PurduePrep!

1. New Friends

Okay so I'm not the most... outgoing person. I'm not shy, but I'm an introvert. I enjoy time alone and don't really mind that I don't constantly have people around me. Usually. But, since I've moved to school, I've been trying to embrace the abundance of people. There are always kids to study with, workout with, go to the bookstore with, or just to sit with. The girls on my floor are awesome. My professors are approachable- I even went to lunch with one this past week! Recruitment has introduced me to new people and lots of girls, something I lacked at home.

College so far has been treating me well. While I'm sad to see summer go, having August over with allows me to breathe a sigh of relief. I made it through my first 3 weeks at school and I have so much to look forward to in September-

football, going home, and the coming of the best season!

Top 5: July 2013

It's crazy to think that, if I had't graduated last year, my summer would be over today.

July 31? That's insane! 

In the spirit of my summer not ending, here's my top 5 favorite aspects of July 2013

1. Traveling

I've been everywhere from a caribbean cruise to Tennessee to Cincinnati over the last month. I've had less than two weeks were I've actually been home. The thing is, I love living out of a suitcase! I think hotel beds are so comfortable. And I love exploring new places by going on runs. If I could make an income by traveling the world, I would do it in a heartbeat! What's even more fun is that now my friends and I are to the age where we're planning our own vacations and getaways! So fun!

2. Preparing for College

I've had lists a mile long and books full of coupons. Shopping for college has been something that I've looked forward to all summer. But, now that I'm in the midst of it, it's stressful! What if I don't get everything? Do I actually need some of this stuff? So many thoughts go through my head and I've been  a little on-edge lately. One of the weirdest things was coming "home" from vacation and packing up my childhood room. I came to the realization that this will be my temporary home.. kinda weird. 

3. Grey's Anatomy!

My mom and I started watching Grey's and we immediately fell in love! It's kindof a problem because we choose to watch tv rather than be outside... but we justify it because we won't be able to watch together when I'm gone. So I guess that makes it okay? :)

4. Reading

Is this anything new? But seriously, I've flown through 4 books already in just this month! I think it was all of the traveling time and just relaxing time that I've had. I'm nowhere close to catching up with my to-read list, but I'm loving every minute of getting consumed by the stories I'm reading. I'm currently reading Girls in White Dresses as part of the Lauren Conrad book club. But I've got a stack of books to take up to school with me and I just can't seem to stop ordering them on Amazon. I might have a problem.

5. Friends

I have spent more time with my friends these past few weeks than the whole rest of the summer combined, I think. Lots of bonfires and pool days, throw in some lunch or dinner dates and you basically have my past two weeks down. I know that people always say that keeping your high school friends is rare, but I can't imagine life without these kids. They're my rock. My foundation. Whether we beat the odds or not, I'm going to take full advantage of this time with them. 

I guess the common theme here is that I'm getting anxious for college. I'm so excited, but the changes and sad parts of moving away are starting to become more and more apparent. 

It's scary, but here's to a month of change!

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!

Top 5: March 13

It's that time again! A new month means looking back at what all has happened in my life the last month. Good and bad, March is one month closer to warmer weather so I can't complain. This month I got into a few new habits, as well as rekindling my love for a few new ones! Here it goes, my favorites for the month of March:

1. Lilly Pulitzer

I've been a Lilly fan for a while, but this month has taken my interest to a new level. I love reading the brand blog and looking at new arrivals- either I don't look close enough on a daily basis, or new stuff is added almost daily! I also began reading a biography on the one and only Lilly P., and have gained so much love and respect for the woman that is known so well in American culture! She was such an inspiration in the 20th century, and also seems very humble and kind. I'd absolutely love to meet her.

2. Country Music

As I've stated many times before, I've become a huge fan of country music! I love Rascal Flatts, Florida Georgia Line, you name it, I probably like it! On a completely different note, the new OneRepublic album is great too!

3. MacBook

This month, my parents bought me my MacBook- more affectionately called my baby- which could be one of the most convenient presents for the whole family! My stuff stays out of their way and they stay out of mine. perfection. One thing that I haven't quite gotten used to is the function of apps on the computer... I guess I don't have the need for them at this point. I am looking for some apps (preferably free for now) that may be useful! Send them my way!

4. Running

I've been a regular runner for the past couple of years. I run for enjoyment and exercise, but I haven't been running lately because it's been such a cold winter! I have outdoor running clothes, but I just hate being cold. Anyways, being on vacation has given me the opportunity to run in shorts and t-shirts on the beach, barefoot. Can't beat that, and it'll be way too cold when i get home if it's anywhere between 70 degrees! I've ruined myself. But, hopefully I'll get in shape to run a few half marathons this summer!

5. Soda Water

Yes, a bit random, but my dad went shopping and there must have been a great deal on Perrier, because he came home with 10 cases of it! I'm not the person to demand "fancy" water, but it's been enjoyable while we've had it! It reminds me of being in Europe- since water is more expensive than beer and so you might as well get the fancy kind- and it just puts a spin on the ever important staying hydrated. 

So, there we are. These are the top 5 new additions to my life since the beginning of the month. I've had a great month of school, which ended with two weeks of vacation! No room for complaints, and the best part of the year is quickly approaching! 

What will you remember from March?

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!