Top 5 Favorite Books

Firstly, I want to apologize for my absence over the past week. I had to cover for my coworker on my days off because it was her spring break, so blogging had to take a back seat to life in the real world for a little while.

Secondly, I just noticed that I've never really talked about reading or writing on the blog; two of my favorite things. As an English major, I should definitely be ashamed and astonished. For a long time, I didn't have the time to read books for fun or write anything other than class required essays, and while I miss college life terribly, I'm thankful for the free time that post grad life has granted me. Especially to do the two things I love more than just about anything...including shopping :)

Enough of my babbling! Here's a list of my top favorite books of all time, or at least so far.

1. The Book Thief is a book about the power of books. If you haven't already read this masterpiece, then I highly suggest you do sometime soon. It's set in Nazi Germany and Death is the narrator, a surprisingly compassionate narrator at that. It's been one of my favorites since the first time I picked it up way back in high school. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I definitely plan to do so soon.

2. Stargirl  has also been one of my favorite novels for a very, very long time; probably since middle school. This book celebrates nonconformity, but also addresses the perils that are associated with being "different." I think this book is an important read for adolescents as well as adults. Parts of it will tug at your heartstrings, but it really is a great read. 

3. Boy Still Missing is a truly heartbreaking story. It's a coming of age story with plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Searles paints the portrait of a teenage boy growing up in a world full of secrets, loss, love, and tragedy. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. Searles has such a way with words. He's able to suck you in from the start and then leaving you wanting more when it's over.

4. The Catcher in the Rye is a classic. I know it receives a lot of criticism, and some people don't understand the "big deal" with it, but I love it. I first read it junior year of high school, and I fell in love. I've re-read it several times over, and each time I feel such a connection with the characters and the writing. As cliche as it sounds, I identified with Holden, and he will always remain one of my favorite protagonists. 

5. I'm a sucker for Sarah Dessen novels, and Just Listen is definitely my favorite. I love the rollercoaster of emotions Dessen puts the reader through. The angst, the humor, the happy ending. I just eat it up. If you haven't read it, it's the story of a high school girl who has recently fallen from graces in high school hierarchy, and she befriends the bad boy loner. I just made it sound like a major cliche, but Dessen is so good at portraying emotion in a believable manner. This is deeper than just a high school romance work of fiction, and I highly suggest you give it a try.

Whew! That was difficult narrowing it down to just five. Maybe I'll do a top 10 or 20 list one day. What are some of your favorite reads? I'm always open to book suggestions.

February Favorites

How is it that February is almost over?! I swear, this month has flown by! I know it's a short month and all, but still. Oh well, we are that much closer to spring, and I can totally deal with that. Here's some things I have been loving this month.

1. The Walking Dead 

Yes, my beloved show returned this month, and I am loving it! I'm just waiting for some more Daryl action ;)

2. Coconut Oil

I've been using this stuff for a while, but only ever as a hair mask. However, this winter my skin has been horribly dry, like worse than normal. I'm talking alligator scales dry, and most moisturizers break my skin out, so I haven't had many options. Then I remembered I had this, and oh my gosh I swear this works miracles. I put it on my lips every night as well as on any dry patches I have, and the next morning my skin is so much more hydrated. It actually sinks into my skin instead of just sitting on the surface like other oils I've tried.

3. Philosophy Body Wash

This scent is my favorite of the Philosophy Body Washes. It smells ahhmazing! Do you remember that L'Oreal Kid's Shampoo shaped like a fish? The watermelon one? Well, it smells like that but better! And this body wash doesn't give me bumps, and it's actually pretty hydrating, which I could always use.

4. MAC Lipstick in Twig

This satin finished lipstick has been my go to lipstick this past month. It's the perfect pinkish brown. It looks kind of like my natural lip color, only darker. From all the swatches I've seen, it appears to show up differently on everyone. I also love that it's a satin finish so it doesn't dry my lips out!

5. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle

I love, love, LOVE this highlighter. It's amazing. I can't believe I haven't used it before now! This champagne gold highlighter is perfect for cheekbones, brow bones, cupids bow, inner corner of the eyes, bridge of the nose...it's just perfect! And it's subtle enough that I can use it everyday, and I not look like a disco ball. 

What were some of your favorites this month? 

xoxo