Retail Therapy!

Books and Book~ish goods always make me happy! Even when I know snow is right around the corner! I've taken a little bit of time recently {ok, a lot} to indulge myself in some shopping :)

Here is what I bought!

From Amazon.com
Stitches: A Memoir by David Small
Love, Loss and What I Wore by Ilene Beckerman
Natalie Wood: A Life by Gavin Lambert
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Knit the Season: A Friday Night Knitting Club Novel by Kate Jacobs
The Best Gift by Wendy Markham
The Gift by Cecelia Ahern
The Red Shoes - Illustrated Edition by Hans Christian Anderson -- XMAS {Lily}
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl -- XMAS {Kyle}
The 39 Clues Book 6: In Too Deep by Jude Watson -- XMAS {Jake}
Priscilla and the Pink Planet by Nathaniel Hobbie -- XMAS {Grace}

From Etsy.com
Secret Garden Bookplates from niftyswank (so excited to get these!)

I like to get my cousins {and now my niece} books as part of their Christmas presents. I have to say that all of my cousins love to read and be read to {Grace is only 4, but she loves Pinkalicious!}. Now I am trying to find a place that does personalized bookmarks, but I am having no luck! Any suggestions?

{Alicia}

November 3, 2009: Her Fearful Symmetry

Book: Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

Product Description from Amazon.com:

Following her breakout bestseller, The Time Traveler's Wife, Audrey Niffenegger returns with Her Fearful Symmetry, a haunting tale about the complications of love, identity, and sibling rivalry. The novel opens with the death of Elspeth Noblin, who bequeaths her London flat and its contents to the twin daughters of her estranged twin sister back in Chicago. These 20-year-old dilettantes, Julie and Valentina, move to London, eager to try on a new experience like one of their obsessively matched outfits. Historic Highgate Cemetery, which borders Elspeth's home, serves as an inspired setting as the twins become entwined in the lives of their neighbors: Elspeth's former lover, Robert; Martin, an agoraphobic crossword-puzzle creator; and the ethereal Elspeth herself, struggling to adjust to the afterlife. Niffenegger brings these quirky, troubled characters to marvelous life, but readers may need their own supernatural suspension of disbelief as the story winds to its twisty conclusion.

My Thoughts: I had this book in my purse for about a week before I actually started reading it. I was scared of my high expectations for this book and I didn't want to disappoint myself, so I held off. I certainly was not disappointed! Yes, this book is extremely different from The Time Traveler's Wife....but at the same time it is very similar in that both are very original stories, that grip you immediately!

I love ghost stories and I love books set in London so it was immediately a hit for me. I kind of figured out one of the secrets early on in the book, but not to the magnitude that it was revealed - so I guess I only figured out half! Valentina's plan! Oh my, I was so worried about her and I almost yelled at her! I really was hoping that she could be talked out of her plan - I did not guess the twist coming though - and those who read it will know what I'm talking about.

Overall, I would say this book is amazing! I felt that each character was really detailed and I felt that I knew them! I really encourage everyone to read this book - it is on par with The Time Traveler's Wife (in my opinion). Will there be a movie?!

{Alicia}

What's In Your Handbag?

Do you always have a book in your handbag? If you can't leave home without something to read, then "What's In Your Handbag?" is the post for you! Every Friday, I will be posting what book is currently in my purse. I would love to know what books are in your handbag this week, so leave a comment below telling me - or if you post it on your site, leave the link in the comments so I can go read about it!

Ok, I'm bad! I'm still reading It Only Takes a Moment by Mary Jane Clark! I was reading Her Fearful Symmetry and this book at the same time, however, Her Fearful Symmetry got priority!

My sister and her boyfriend are going to the Marine's Ball this weekend so that means I get to babysit my beautiful niece overnight....so I doubt I will get much reading done! However, I do plan to read to her! It's never too early to start, right? My sister says her favorite book to read to her is Twinkle Toes by Karen Katz! I have to admit, I've gone crazy with the books and Miss Lily has quite the little library thanks to me :) So I can't wait to read to her!

So readers, what's in your handbag?

{Alicia}

Lock and Key

So I absolutely LOVE Sarah Dessen and I loved Lock and Key (my thoughts here), so I was really excited to see these necklaces by Tiffany & Co!

While reading the book, I kind of thought the necklaces sounded ugly, but after seeing these gorgeous creations I must have one! Unfortunately, I'm not rich, so I looked for some less expensive necklaces.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

Tiffany Inspired Sterling Silver Diamond CZ Key Pendant; $32.00

Created Ruby & Diamond-Accent Key Pendant; $119.99

Any Glee fans out there? If not, what is your problem ;) Anyways, I found this shot of the gorgeous Dianna Agron{seriously, I wish I was her!} wearing an awesome key necklace. Where is it from?!

Also, Fossil has some new necklaces featuring keys! I love this one, this one is kind of neat, and this one is fun!

Are you loving this new trend as much as I am? I would love to know of any suggestions as to where I could find more of these great necklaces!

{Alicia}

So You Think You Can Dance {Dance, Dance}

Does anyone here watch So You Think You Can Dance {Dance, Dance}? I LOVE this show so much! I just love to watch people dance, I even bought the workout dvd. Let me just say that my body does not do contemporary dance very well ;). Last week's episode really bothered me {Brandon Dumlao being treated so unfairly! No Billy Bell! Russell in the bottom!} Luckily for Fox, I am a slave to this show and always watch! Anyways, I thought I would post some thoughts on last night's show....ready?

1.) I hate the new stage 2.) I miss Cat saying "jidges" 3.) I'm annoyed by Nigel and his f***ing blank chair 4.) I love Adam Shankman, straight up hehe.

Nigel said that Billy Bell and Brandon Dumlao will be able to audition again next year, after he spoke to the Fox executives....I should hope so Nigel!

Russell and Noelle - Hip Hop {Move Shake Drop Remix - DJ Lax, Flo Rida & Casely}
This dance had a tennis theme, and it was just alright. Russell was amazing in it, duh, but Noelle kind of sucked. Maybe I am just hostile that she got a free pass last week. Also, I hate her costume. It was just okay, I think if Russell wasn't dancing this routine I would have hated it! The judges agree that Russell is awesome. I hope Russell isn't in the bottom 4 again and FYI Nigel, the only reason Russell was in the bottom 4 is because you are crazy! He didn't "find himself" there, you put him there and he freaking rocked his solo.

Jakob and Ashleigh - Viennese Waltz {At Last - Etta James}
I don't like Ashleigh, I think she is very insecure about her marriage and it bothers me! I also think that Jakob will carry her to the Top 10 and that bothers me even more. ANYWAYS - I love the Viennese Waltz, it is probably my favorite ballroom dance. Oh my, they smooched....I bet Ashleigh freaked out backstage. I really hate her facial expressions....it may be clouding my judgement. I love Jakob though - he is a gorgeous dancer. There were some cool lifts in this dance, and I loved the ending twirly thing - so I didn't hate the dance, but I wasn't blown away. Adam thought it was too lifty....well I liked the lifts hehe. Wow the judges love Ashleigh and I don't know why.

Victor and Bianca - Broadway {Maybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Something - The Color Purple}
Laughing vomit does not sound good! Before we begin....The Color Purple was an amazing musical, so yay! Okay, so I'm pretty much over Tyce Diorio broadway routines. Victor is a dancer I never paid attention to, but wow he is very good. Bianca....her feet bother me! She looks so awkward and weird. I didn't really like it. I agree with Adam about the fact that they were just dancing. I wanted more feeling out of them, I wanted to feel like I should get up and dance, but I didn't!

Nathan and Mollee - Bollywood {Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah - Jodhaa Akbar}
Mollee makes me gag. I am very critical of the girls this season. Nathan is beautiful...is he legal? Anyways, I think they are being pumped up as Season Six's Power Couple and that makes me hate them. Is that sword real? Okay, so he did great and I only watched him so I can't comment on her. BTW - I love the Adam Shankman Mollee impersonation! Mary thinks they're outstanding. Yes she does.

Phillip and Channing - Samba {Maracatu Funk - The Samba Squad}
He looks kind of like a dbag and he just seems fake. I don't think Channing is fabulous, but Nigel loves his blondes so she is safe for awhile. Hmm....it's kind of boring and those two really have a problem with lifts, they always look labored. I wouldn't be heartbroken if they both went home.

Kevin and Karen - Hip Hop {Ice Cream Paint Job - Dorrough}
Whoa...Kevin has a ton of hair! I never realized it! These two crack me up! I think I like them. Whoa! Loved the booty shaking in his face - pretty sexual section there NappyTabs! This isn't the Canadian version! Hehe...I liked this dance. I think they both did really good and man does Kevin look good all greased up and in a mechanic's outfit. Hmmm, I think he needs a rubdown....oops! Forget my wandering mind - I loved it! Did Cat just call Adam a drama queen? hehe

NEW GLEE COMMERCIAL! I just peed my pants a little. Hi KURT!!!!

Legacy and Kathryn - Contemporary {2 Steps Away - Patti LaBelle}
STACEY TOOKEY! Wow! I really loved this! Legacy did amazing, as did Kathryn (but this is her style). I loved the part where she held him...truly amazing! This is a partnership that I never would have imagined liking, but they have had two fabulous weeks in a row!

Peter and Pauline - Jazz {Little Green Bag - George Baker Selection}
Peter is my favorite tapper - he is so adorable...and I love that he thinks he is a ladies man! Precious. Didn't understand the concept, but I really liked the dance! I love Wade and I think Peter did fabulous with this number. Wow, Mary was harsh on them. I loved it, they should stay.

Ryan & Ellenore - Argentine Tango {Violentango - Astor Piazzolla}
Do you think Ashleigh is freaking out because Ellenore said that Ryan is like her bodyguard hehe. I'm scared for their lift! Ellenore is scared of falling on her head and Ryan is scared of her landing on his face....okay then Ryan! Good priorities! Okay the lift was lame. Oh no, her dress is stuck on her heel! Do you ever wonder how the camermen shoot so close? How do they never get whacked? Oh! I just noticed Cat's amazing shoes! Great dance overall.

Bottom Four prediction: Phillip & Channing/ Victor & Bianca
DO NOT PUT RUSSELL IN THE BOTTOM AGAIN NIGEL!
Bottom Four actual: Noelle, Phillip, Victor and Bianca
I'm okay with this. I hope that Phillip and Noelle go home. I would hate to see Victor leave.
Going home: Bianca (should be Noelle but I'm okay with this); Phillip (holy sob story at the end...how sad)!
2/3 tappers, so much for the year of the tapper.

What will happen when the voting starts? I think Channing might be in trouble; but I doubt that Noelle or Mollee will ever see the bottom (unfortunately) due to their partners.

{Alicia}

Teaser Tuesdays

Grab your current read.

Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

Valentina wasn't properly awake and she saw it without really seeing. She thought it was the Kitten, but the Kitten was sleeping beside her on the bed.

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger, page 233 {I have the UK version}

Feel free to link to your post in the comments!

{Alicia}

Book Blogger Holiday Swap

I'm so excited to participate in this Book Blogger Holiday Swap! I love stuff like this! Sign up at the official website by NOVEMBER 12th!

{Alicia}