Lifestyle

Bookish Holiday Tag

- Bunny 9 Comments

Hi Friends,
Christmas will be here in just a few weeks, and I thought a holiday tag would be a great way to celebrate the holiday season! This one has some fun, bookish questions, so I knew it would be the perfect tag to do.

• What is your favorite book to gift during the holidays?
Is there any other answer than ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens? I know you are probably sick of hearing me talk about how much I love this book. So all I’ll say is that it is a classic holiday story, that you cannot go wrong with giving.

• What is the best book you have ever received as a gift?
Last year, I received a steam punk edition of ‘A Christmas Carol’, and the year before I got ‘A Christmas Carol: Book-to-Table Edition.’ However, I think the most meaningful book I have been gifted is ‘A Muppet’s Christmas Carol‘. The book is based off the movie by the same name. The film is very special to my family, so I was happy, shocked and blessed to receive the book adaptation.

• What book do you hope to get this year?
Honestly, I don’t really have a Christmas list. I am grateful to have people that love me enough to give me a gift, but I never really ask for anything. Still, if I am asked what I want I always say books. Also, I would like a brush hairdryer, which might seems a little random.

• What is your favorite holiday movie?
Don’t yell at me, but I have to mention it again. My all time favorite Christmas movie is ‘A Muppet’s Christmas Carol’. However, I will tell you the other two holiday movies that I adore. The first is the Grinch – mainly the 1966 ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’ cartoon. Yet, I also really enjoyed the 2018, The Grinch, animated version as well. Secondly, I am a huge fan of the ‘Princess Switch’ movies on Netflix. I like them all, but my favorite will probably always be the first one.

• What holiday song is always on repeat?
Can anyone just pick one holiday song? If I have to choose, then I’m going with my girl Taylor Swift. She released a small holiday album years ago. It was a Target exclusive album that I don’t think many people remember. On the album, she has a track called ‘Christmas Must Be Something More,’ which has such a powerful message. The song reminds us that Christmas isn’t about presents, decorations, or snow. It’s about so much more. As the Grinch said, “Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”

• What is your favorite holiday food to either make or eat?
It would be a tie between corn pudding and potatoes of any kind. We only have corn pudding on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so it is a rare treat. As for potatoes, I simply love them! I am fan of all potato dishes, from mashed to scalloped. Also, I do usually make the potatoes every year, so I maybe biased.

If you want to do this tag too, then go right ahead! Let me know in the comments if you do, so I can go check out your posts. If you don’t want to miss out on any posts, then give me a follow!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Pay It Forward // Thankful Thursday 2021

- Bunny 4 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today, I am going to be starting a small, ‘mini-post’ series on the blog. This month, I will be doing something called ‘Thankful Thursday.’ I got this idea from another blogger on Twitter (thank you Lit Lemon Books). I try to remember how grateful I am throughout the year, but I think it would be nice to share some thankful thoughts with you all. It is Thanksgiving month, after all, so what better time to give thanks?

In this post, I am going to tell you guys about times when strangers have shown kindness to me. Also, I wanted to share some ways that you can pay it forward. There have been a few times at Starbucks that the person in front of me at the drive-thru has paid for my order. I always pay-it-forward by paying for the person behind me. One of the most surprising times a stranger showed their generosity was at Old Navy of all places. A kind person in front of me paid for my things while I was checking out. I was stunned, but very grateful.

A few simple ways you can show kindness to others:

Paying For Someones Order: This doesn’t only apply to coffee, but all drive-thrus. You can pay for the person behind you at Starbucks, Taco Bell, McDonald’s and the list goes on. It might seem small, but it can really brighten someones day.

Donating: This doesn’t require any money at all. Giving to your local charity/donation center helps people that can’t afford basic things. Go through your clothes, kids toys, old electronics, and give them a new home by donating them. Somebody in need might be really grateful for your donation.

Sending A Gift: Make a friend, relative, or even an internet friend smile by sending them a small gift. If you can see the persons Amazon wishlist, send them something from it with a special note. You’ll be surprised how much one package can do.

Lending A Hand: Giving up a few hours in a day to help your mom, grandparents, co-worker, anyone at all, is a simple gesture. Not everyone has people in their lives to help them when needed. You offering assistance could really ease their stress.

A Quick Note Or Email: I’m not going to lie, I know that technology is the norm right now. But I still enjoy handwritten notes. Sending a note to someone is a nice way to reconnect with them and give them your best wishes! If you are more on the modern day side of things, a kind email is a good alternative.

Those are all my tips to help you spread cheer to others. Share your pay it forward stories in the comments below. Follow the blog to get notified about all my ‘Thankful Thursdays’ (and other cool posts).

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Halloween Tag

- Bunny Leave a comment

Happy Halloween Friends!
I cannot believe that this is the last day of Spooktober 2021. I had a lot of fun creating 13 days of spooky content for you all. But I must say that I am a tiny bit happy we are on the final day. It was a good time, and I’ll probably do it again next year, but I need a blogging break. Don’t worry, my November TBR will still go up this coming week. Anyhow, for the last day of Spooktober I am doing the Halloween tag! This tag was created on YouTube, so I don’t know who originally created it. Before reading any further, don’t forget to enter my Halloween giveaway!

What is your favorite Halloween movie?
Is there any answer besides Hocus Pocus? It is a classic Halloween family film that never gets old. I do like other films, like Halloweentown and Halloween H20, but Hocus Pocus will always be #1 on my Halloween movie list.

What is your favorite Halloween costume you’ve worn?
When I was in third grade, I went as the Statue of Liberty. Funny enough, my teacher dressed up as the Statue of Liberty as well. However, my little elementary school self was very embarrassed by that. Also, I could argue that I looked more like a leftover than anything else. Thinking back on it, I would say it is my most memorable and probably favorite costume.

What is your fondest Halloween memory?
My wedding! I didn’t have an actual wedding, but last Halloween my husband and I got married. It was special, and spectacular.

Have you always been a Halloween lover?
Yes and no. I like the idea of Halloween, and have nothing against the holiday. But I wouldn’t classify myself as a die-hard ‘Halloween lover’.

What was the first scary movie you remember watching?
I remember watching the movie Faculty at a pretty young age, but I don’t know if it was my first scary movie. I know that me and my older sister went behind my moms back when I was like 10 years old to watch Wes Craven’s Cursed. Between the two, Faculty was way more scary.


What is your favorite Halloween song?
Calling All The Monsters by China Anne McClain! If only we had more pumpkin carols, (points if you understood that) then my answer would probably be more original. Still, if you are looking for a good Halloween party song, then this is it.

How do you get into the Halloween spirit?
By watching horror and thriller movies. But this year I read spooky books more than I watched movies, so I guess it would be reading the thriller genre.

Favorite Halloween decorations?
I have a little candy dish that looks like a skeleton’s hand is wrapped around it. Simple, but it still resembles Halloween, which I enjoy.

Favorite Halloween/Fall scent?
This year it has been anything apple and pumpkin. Usually, I love Leaves from Bath and Body Works, but it hasn’t smelled the same lately. I have gotten a lot of apple/pumpkin scents that give off those crisp autumn vibes.

What is your favorite Halloween candy?
Reese’s and Sour Patch Kids!

Vampires or zombies?
I have never been a big fan of zombies, and I just don’t get their appeal. Although, I do like the movie Zombieland, vampires are iconic. ‘Interview with a Vampire,’ ‘Twilight,’ ‘The Vampire Diaries’ – need I go on? They never get old, and can be kind of creepy. Come on, they can manipulate you and suck your blood. Talk about having someone for dinner.

What is your weird/odd fear?
Roller coasters! I don’t know if that’s a ‘weird’ fear, but roller coasters freak me out! I hate that I don’t have control on the roller coaster. Anything can happen during the ride, and there is nothing anyone can do. I blame Final Destination 3 for this one.

Favorite Halloween book?
I liked Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell. It is a cute friends-to-lovers contemporary graphic novel that takes place on Halloween night. It is set at a pumpkin patch filled with games, a corn maze, food, and more. I know that Rowell is a controversial author, though I must admit I am not sure about the reasoning behind the negativity towards Rowell.

What are you going to go as for Halloween this year?
Me! In all honesty, I probably will be wearing my comfiest Halloween PJs.

What are you doing for Halloween this year?
Staying in with some yummy treats and watching Halloween movies. It will be my one year wedding anniversary, so I will spend the evening with my love.

And just like that, Spooktober is done! Leave your Halloween plans in the comments. Remember to enter my giveaway before you leave, and follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Scarecrow // Halloween Tutorial

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Happy first day of Spooktober! I am excited to not only be doing the ’13 Days Of Spooktober’ but also share another Halloween makeup tutorial with you all. This is a simple and cute scarecrow look. However, I feel like I should be singing ‘If I Only Had A Brain.’

Products Used

L.A. Colors Truly Matte Foundation

L.A. Colors Translucent Setting Powder

Maybelline The Matte Bar Eyeshadow Palette

Revolution X Friends ‘I’ll Be There For You’ Eyeshadow Palette

Wet n’ Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner

Rimmel Ultimate Kohl Kajal Eyeliner (Black)

Mascara, Blackest Blackest

Wet n’ Wild Fantasy Makers ‘Smokey’ Paint Palette (Only used the black for outlining)

Wet N Wild Fantasy Makers ‘Pastels’ Paint Palette (Mixed both the blues to fill in the triangle)

Revolution X Friends ‘We Were On A Break’ Eyeshadow Palette (Used the bright orange shadow on nose and cheeks)

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick The Luscious Mattes (Shameless)

If you decide to do this look for Halloween or fun please let me know below. You can also share it with me on Twitter. Follow the blog to get notified about all my Spooktober post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

September 2021 Favorites // Toss-Up Tuesday

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I thought it would be fun to start doing favorite posts at the end of each month. I can’t guarantee that I will do one every month, but I promise there will be more of come. My favorites include beauty, fashion and lifestyle items. I didn’t talk about any books, since most of my posts are book related.

Beauty

Makeup Revolution
This is a new favorite beauty brand of mine. Their prices are on the same level as drugstore makeup, and the product quality is awesome. They have released some great collections recently, so I can’t wait to see what they’ll bring out next.

Purlisse Pumpkin + Ginger Detoxifying Charcoal Mask
To be honest, I have only used this product once, yet I instantly noticed a difference in my skin. I could be fooling myself, but after that initial use my pores seemed smaller and skin looked all together clearer.

Fashion

Bob’s
Back in the day, I was 100% a heels girl. Now I cannot live without some comfy flats. Bobs have been my go-to shoes for a while, and match almost any outfit.

Lifestyle

Walking
Normally I’m a yoga girl, but these days I’ve been enjoying a nice walk on the treadmill. I love that I can listen to music, or watch a YouTube video while getting my workout in.

Crisp Apple Pop-tart
Pop-tarts are my weakness! This flavor is mild but tastes like a warm apple pie. I find them to be perfect for the fall. Let me know in the comments if you prefer fruity or dessert pop-tarts.

Hot Coffee
This summer I switched to drinking only iced coffee. However, lately I have been reaching for a cup of hot coffee. There’s something about a warm cup of coffee on a chilly day that is screams autumn.

There you have my September favorites! What are your current favorites? If you want to support my blog, like and share this post. Also, follow the blog to get notified about new posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Self Care For Mental Health // Toss Up Tuesday

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
Earlier this year, I did a post called “A Little Bit Personal” – where I shared some of my mental health struggles. Today, I wanted to talk about a few self-care things you can do when anxiety and depression become overwhelming. Currently, depression and anxiety have been dominating my days. Some days, it’s hard to get out of bed, or find the simple joy in doing things that I normally do. So I hope these tips can help you, and me.

Give Yourself Permission To Be Sad

First, I am guilty of ignoring this rule, and I’d bet that some of you are too. For some reason, I think that everything should be happy and good 24/7, which isn’t healthy or normal. So stop putting all this pressure on yourself to be in a good mood all the time. The first step in dealing with mental illness is telling yourself that it’s okay to not be okay. Our feelings are valid.

Sleep The Day Away

Does everyone feeling stressed when they sleep all day? Or is it just me? I am trying hard to remind myself that sleep is good for the brain. When you’re depressed, sleep can help clear your mind. Living with a mental illness is hard, and can lead to negative thinking. So, fo ahead and sleep off the sadness and destructive thoughts.

Talk It Out

It can be hard to share your feelings when you have anxiety and depression. But I have always found it better to open up to people, rather than keeping my feelings bottled up. I am blessed to have some amazing people in my life that I can talk to on the rough days. However, I know not everyone has a support system. There are plenty of online, text, and talk help lines. Crisis Text Line is a 24/7 chat that helps people with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and more.

Find Your Playlist

Music is such a powerful healing tool. When you are dealing with mental health issues, having a ‘default’ playlist you can go to can really help. Just shut the world out, and simply listen to the lyrics. Trying having a mix of sad songs, mental illness related songs and songs that make you happy on your playlist. Or playlists for your individual moods. You know yourself, run with it.

The Little Things

We always forget to think about the little things in life. Whatever is weighing you down, when you see it come to the forefront of your thoughts, just stop for a moment. Think about all the little things in your life that lift you up. We all have a reason – no matter how small – to smile.

I’d like to think that this post has reached someone, even one person, that needed to see these words today. We may not be fighting the same battle, but we are all fighting a battle. Now wake up, take a deep breath, and ride your wave. Help this post reach that one person that needs to see it, and like, share, subscribe.

Until The Next Chapter,

Bunny

Sick Day Routine // Recommendations

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
For the past week I have been battling a summer cold. Unfortunately, I tend to get sick fairly often, which is never fun. I wanted to talk about my sick day routine in this post, but make it bookish. I will be recommending some books and movies that are great for when you are having a sick day.

Sleep: When I’m sick, I try to sleep as much as possible. Sleep helps you conserve your energy and nothing is better than sleeping off a cold. Sometimes, it’s hard to sleep when you are under the weather, but I try to take night time cold pills. If that doesn’t work, I take melatonin to help me wind down.

Shower: I don’t know about you, but I take hot showers on the regular when I’m sick. They are comforting, and help to open up my lungs. The steam is especially great for dealing with congestion. Showers are great for body aches and chills as well.

Warm Drinks: I try to stay hydrated as much as possible. I like to have warm beverages, since they soothe my throat. I wouldn’t go for something too sweet, particularly if you have a sore throat. I prefer hot coffee myself, but hot tea is a good option as well.

Roald Dahl: This British author has written many classic children’s books, like ‘James and the Giant Peach’ and ‘The Witches’. I have only read Dahl’s ‘Matilda’, but I think his work is very easy to read and perfect for a sick day.

‘Coraline’ by Neil Gaiman: You might be familiar with this spooky middle-grade. I think that the story is fairly fast-paced and a tame yet creepy read. It is a good book for when you are laying in bed all day and want to be entertained.

‘Heartstopper’ by Alice Oseman: I haven’t read this manga series, but I hear that it is cute and sweet. Honestly, a lighthearted, contemporary graphic novel series is a great sick day read. Mangas are pretty easy to get through and follow, so you won’t have a hard time picking up where you left off if you happen to doze off. Hey, it can happen when you’re sick.

Disney: When you are sick, nothing is better than watching classic Disney movies. You can watch you favorite Disney princess movies, or some Pixar films. Personally, I think Disney Channel Original movies are the best to watch when you’re not feeling great. Lounging in bed with some childhood nostalgia makes a sick day a little more bearable.

‘The Princess Bride’: This movie is full of adventure, laughter and love. It keeps you engaged, and isn’t too long of a film. Also, the movie is totally quotable. I mean who can forget lines a like “As You Wish” and “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die”.

‘House, MD’: When you’re sick nothing is more fun to watch than sick people. Honestly, House is interesting, funny, and completely different than most medical shows on the air today. I am telling you – getting cozy in bed on a sick day and watching a House marathon is great medicine.

I hope that you are all feeling well, and liked this post. I know everyone’s sick days look different, so it was fun sharing my routine with you all. Don’t forget to follow the blog to get notified about more post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Top Binge Worthy Shows

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hello Book Lovers,
I am not only a bookworm, but a TV junkie as well. I won’t say that I watch a ton of shows, still I do have some favorites that I enjoy and rewatch. I thought it would be fun to share my top binge worthy shows with you. I know that these shows can be streamed on one service or another, which I generally appreciate.

Gilmore Girls:This is probably my all time favorite show that I can watch time after time. I have the urge to say that I liked the show before it was cool. The WB original series follows mother and daughter Lorelei and Rory Gilmore as the navigate work, school, relationships and family drama. The show is set in the fictional small-town of Stars Hollow, and is still one of the most quotable shows ever, if you ask me. You can watch all seven season plus the 2018 revival on Netflix. I could go on about this series forever, so if you want me to do more Gilmore related post please let me know.

Grey’s Anatomy: Would this be a true binge worthy list without Greys? I think not! I have a season love, hate relationship with this medical drama. The show follows the personal lives of interns, residents and attending physicians at a Seattle hospital. Although, this is a medical drama most of the show centers around the physicians personal struggles with Dr. Meredith Grey being the main focus of the series. I must admit that I haven’t caught up with the past two seasons, and feel a bit like the show has run its course. I am a big fan of seasons 1 through 10, and gosh do I miss Dr. George O’Malley. You can watch past season on Netflix and the current season 17 on Hulu.

ER: Yep, another medical drama! I cannot be the only one that love and miss this series. Just like Greys, the plot centers on the physicians of County General Hospital in Chicago. However, the series focused more on the medical side of things than the characters lives. Not to say that the doctors didn’t play a huge role in episodes, but was more about the ins and outs of working in a hospital. We still got to see their relationships and struggles outside of the hospital, which was always nice. Also, before there was McDreamy, there was Dr. Ross. I personal was a Dr. Carter girl myself, but to each their own. You can stream all the seasons of this classic gem on Hulu.

911: This is the last medical show I promise. I don’t even know if I can classify this as a medical drama, but I am going for it. I would say this is more of a drama-comedy since there is a lot of lightheartedness to the episode, yet some of the medical “cases” are bizarre. The show centers on first responders such as firefighters, paramedics, police officers and of course 911 operators. I can truly attest to how binge worthy, and addictive, this series is because me and my mom binge watched the first and second seasons in just a matter of days. You can catch up on all the episode on Hulu.

Law and Order Special Victims Unit: I feel like this is another no brainer binge worthy show. The show follows the New York City police force that handles crimes of sexual nature. I cannot believe that it is on the 22nd season, but show is still kicking ass. Excuse my language. I think the plots haven’t been as interesting as I would like this season, but I am still watching. I watch old episodes when I get a chance and still enjoy them just as much as I did the first time around. Also, I have a major crush on Carisi. Sorry not sorry. It was available on Netflix, but I don’t know if that is still the case. I do know you can watch every season on Hulu.

Superstore: I am going to through this in here, because it is a show that I have been dying to binge. Yes, I haven’t seen the entire series yet, but me and my husband loved the first season of this comedy. This is a half-hour comedy about the employees of a “Wal-Mart” type store, and their hilarious work days. I want to say it is The Office, but set at a retail store. However, I have never actually seen the office so I cannot be sure. I will say that this is a very underrated series that I need to catch up on. The sixth and last season has already aired, so I hope to marathon series soon. I know that you can watch most, if not all, the seasons on Hulu.

I had a lot of fun taking about some of my favorite series. I hope you like this post and please feel free to leave me post recommendations in the comments. It would mean a lot if you liked and shared this post. Also, don’t forget to follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Top Binge Worthy Shows

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hello Book Lovers,
I am not only a bookworm, but a TV junkie as well. I won’t say that I watch a ton of shows, still I do have some favorites that I enjoy and rewatch. I thought it would be fun to share my top binge worthy shows with you. I know that these shows can be streamed on one service or another, which I generally appreciate.

Gilmore Girls:This is probably my all time favorite show that I can watch time after time. I have the urge to say that I liked the show before it was cool. The WB original series follows mother and daughter Lorelei and Rory Gilmore as the navigate work, school, relationships and family drama. The show is set in the fictional small-town of Stars Hollow, and is still one of the most quotable shows ever, if you ask me. You can watch all seven season plus the 2018 revival on Netflix. I could go on about this series forever, so if you want me to do more Gilmore related post please let me know.

Grey’s Anatomy: Would this be a true binge worthy list without Greys? I think not! I have a season love, hate relationship with this medical drama. The show follows the personal lives of interns, residents and attending physicians at a Seattle hospital. Although, this is a medical drama most of the show centers around the physicians personal struggles with Dr. Meredith Grey being the main focus of the series. I must admit that I haven’t caught up with the past two seasons, and feel a bit like the show has run its course. I am a big fan of seasons 1 through 10, and gosh do I miss Dr. George O’Malley. You can watch past season on Netflix and the current season 17 on Hulu.

ER: Yep, another medical drama! I cannot be the only one that love and miss this series. Just like Greys, the plot centers on the physicians of County General Hospital in Chicago. However, the series focused more on the medical side of things than the characters lives. Not to say that the doctors didn’t play a huge role in episodes, but was more about the ins and outs of working in a hospital. We still got to see their relationships and struggles outside of the hospital, which was always nice. Also, before there was McDreamy, there was Dr. Ross. I personal was a Dr. Carter girl myself, but to each their own. You can stream all the seasons of this classic gem on Hulu.

911: This is the last medical show I promise. I don’t even know if I can classify this as a medical drama, but I am going for it. I would say this is more of a drama-comedy since there is a lot of lightheartedness to the episode, yet some of the medical “cases” are bizarre. The show centers on first responders such as firefighters, paramedics, police officers and of course 911 operators. I can truly attest to how binge worthy, and addictive, this series is because me and my mom binge watched the first and second seasons in just a matter of days. You can catch up on all the episode on Hulu.

Law and Order Special Victims Unit: I feel like this is another no brainer binge worthy show. The show follows the New York City police force that handles crimes of sexual nature. I cannot believe that it is on the 22nd season, but show is still kicking ass. Excuse my language. I think the plots haven’t been as interesting as I would like this season, but I am still watching. I watch old episodes when I get a chance and still enjoy them just as much as I did the first time around. Also, I have a major crush on Carisi. Sorry not sorry. It was available on Netflix, but I don’t know if that is still the case. I do know you can watch every season on Hulu.

Superstore: I am going to through this in here, because it is a show that I have been dying to binge. Yes, I haven’t seen the entire series yet, but me and my husband loved the first season of this comedy. This is a half-hour comedy about the employees of a “Wal-Mart” type store, and their hilarious work days. I want to say it is The Office, but set at a retail store. However, I have never actually seen the office so I cannot be sure. I will say that this is a very underrated series that I need to catch up on. The sixth and last season has already aired, so I hope to marathon series soon. I know that you can watch most, if not all, the seasons on Hulu.

I had a lot of fun taking about some of my favorite series. I hope you like this post and please feel free to leave me post recommendations in the comments. It would mean a lot if you liked and shared this post. Also, don’t forget to follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny