March 2018: Recap + On My Shelves

March 2018: Recap + On My Shelves

• Apr 5, 2018

I'm so excited for spring's return, though I haaaate all the pollen that's currently making it hard to enjoy being outside. But at least sunny days and warmer temps are finally here... if you're in the south, at least.

1. March Madness Wager – I never watch March Madness, but Kelly is legit obsessed. She convinced me to fill out a bracket, and we wagered on the perfect prize: the winner got to pick a planner product for the loser to gift them and got to "make" the loser read a book of their choice. And... I lost. Haha! But only by one game, so I didn't embarrass myself.

2. Puzzles & Playtime – It was a pretty quiet month around here. It was (mostly) too cold to be outside much, and Nick was traveling a decent amount. That meant lots of one-on-one time with my little boy! Whether we were putting together puzzles or riding the carousel at the mall (his latest love), we made precious memories. I love being his mom!

3. New Happy Planner Goodies – I've mentioned before that I've fallen in love with Happy Planners, and the obsession shows no signs of fading. I bought an undated Memory Planner and 2018-2019 Daily Planner + five new stickers books in March. Yes, I have a problem. I really do need to write a post about how I use my planners. Hopefully soon...

4. Adventuring in Athens – I wish I'd taken more photos from this day, but oh well. Nick and I both graduated from UGA (in Athens), and we live close enough that we occasionally go for a fun, nostalgic day trip. We went on a beautiful day and enjoyed walking downtown, reminiscing and eating at one of our favorite places there. 

Read 30 Books | Favorites:

Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi

The Devil Riders Series by Anne Gracie (my fave)

The Survivors' Club Series by Mary Balogh (my fave)

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Honorable Mentions:

Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Roomies by Christina Lauren

“She was a master of that prized Southern tradition of an insult so subtle you’d almost miss it.”
Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm

“Perhaps that’s what happens when you meet someone you really quite like,” Jamie said thoughtfully.
“You both feel a bit as though you’ve tricked the other person into liking you.”
Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm

 “When one had once suffered a great hurt, there was always a weakness afterward,
a vulnerability where there had been wholeness and strength before - and innocence.”
The Proposal by Mary Balogh

 “One should love from a position of wholeness.
One should have a firm and rich sense of self no matter what.
For there is always pain—it cannot be avoided in this life, more’s the pity.
But pain should not destroy the person who feels it.”
The Escape by Mary Balogh

 “We can never benefit today from the wisdom we will have gained tomorrow.”
Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh

 “The trouble with running away is that you must always take yourself with you.”
Only a Promise by Mary Balogh

 “We are made up of everything we have ever been, Percy.
It is the joy and the pain of our individuality. There are no two of us the same.”
Only a Kiss by Mary Balogh

“I was thinking," he murmurs. "There'a billion different versions of you out there,
in a trillion different universes. And I still can't get over how lucky I am that,
out of all those versions, you're the one that's mine.”
Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

“Good God, she really did walk in circles.
A pang of tenderness centered in Gabriel’s chest like an ache.
He wanted all her circles to lead back to him.”
Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

I didn't meet my blogging goals in March; instead, I spent almost all of my free time reading! I finished 30 books during the month, and I think that's a record for me. I just couldn't stop! I neglected my blog because I was too busy reading. Oh well! There's always April, right? I do love a good reading binge, and this month's was epic.

So, I only posted four times in March. The first was the last day of my UK Recap Fit for a Queen event, which I counted as a February post in my February 2018 Recap. Then, I got my February 2018 Quick Lit posted in a timely manner. Take a look at that if you're interested in mini reviews of what I read that month! And finally, I shared a full-length review for Still Me by Jojo Moyes, a book I had no intention of reading until Kelly convinced me to give it a try.

1. Behind the Screen: A Book Blogger Tag by Lauren from Bookmark Lit – I love how often Lauren introduces me to new bookish tags! I haven't done any in ages but saved this one because I think it would be fun to fill out. 

2. 10 Audiobooks So Good You'll Want to... by Anne from Modern Mrs. Darcy – I didn't save this one for the post itself but rather for all the recommendations mentioned in the 157 comments. I need to add some to my Audible wishlist!

3. 20+ Fun Activities for Kids While They Listen to Audiobooks by Janssen from Everyday Reading – My son isn't at this stage yet, but I hadn't thought about him eventually listening to a book while doing an activity. Saved for the future! 

Favorite Album: Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves
I've been eagerly awaiting this album, and it hasn't disappointed!
It came out at the end of the month, so it will be on repeat all April, too.



Favorite Song #1: "Chasing Fire" by Lauv
This was a Spotify recommendation for me, and I'm so glad.
I like a few other Lauv songs but always forget to look for new releases from him!



Favorite Song #2: "Good Kisser" by Lake Street Dive
I saw someone recommend this song in an Instagram story,
and now I'm obsessed! I can't stop listening.

Queer Eye, Season 1, starring Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski & Jonathan Van Ness –  I saw everyone talking about this show online, and I couldn't resist the hype. And oh man, it's so deserved! I don't watch a lot of reality TV, but this is exactly the kind I love to binge. It's funny, heartwarming and totally made me tear up a few times. I can't wait for the second season, and I've already pushed it on friends. Bonus? It was filmed in Georgia.

Felicity, Season 1, starring Keri Russell, Scott Speedman and Scott Foley – I almost didn't include this since it's a rewatch and I haven't quite finished the first season (since I keep picking up books instead of turning on the TV). But it still counts! I watched this show for the first time when I was in college, which was probably 10 years after the show aired. I've been so obsessed with it ever since! And I'm #TeamBen, OBVIOUSLY, forever and always.

Pre-Ordered: Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi and Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Used Bookstore: First Comes Marriage, At Last Comes Love, Seducing an Angel, A Secret Affair, Only Enchanting, Only a Promise, Only a Kiss and Only Beloved by Mary Balogh

Gift Card: Hand Lettering 101 & 201 by ChalkFullofLove and Hand Lettering for Relaxation by Amy Latta

Audible Credits/Sale: The Crown of Embers and The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson, The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson and Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

NetGalley (Berkeley): Someone to Care by Mary Balogh and Marry in Scandal by Anne Gracie

NetGalley (Macmillan): The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo and Sweet Black Waves by Kristina Perez

Edelweiss (HarperCollins): My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan