'You're My Person' // A Galentine's Day Gift Guide

'You're My Person' // A Galentine's Day Gift Guide

Feb 13, 2018

Ever since our Capsule Library event, I'd been hoping for another chance to collaborate on something with Kelly from Belle of the Literati, Alexa from Alexa Love Books and Rachel from Hello, Chelly. Then, a few weeks ago, Rachel approached us with the fantastic idea for this post: a series of gift guides inspired by our favorite fictional friendships. We all loved the idea! Go explore each of their blogs to see who they chose. 

I'd initially planned to focus on a literary one, but then I realized that I had to choose a hate-to-love friendship for the ages: Paris Geller and Rory Gilmore! This classic duo from Gilmore Girls prove that even the bitterest of rivals can make the best of friends. They went from frenemies to roommates to BFFs, and I was there for every minute of it. Today, I've got 10 unforgettable quotes from the show that inspired each of my gift guide selections.

PARIS GELLER & RORY GILMORE

from gilmore girls

PARIS: "We're friends?"

RORY: "I'm not sure if there is an exact definition for what we are..."

1. Lost in Translation: An Illustrated Compendium of Untranslatable Words from Around the World by Ella Frances Sanders ($13) - Paris and Rory meet at Chilton, an academically rigorous prep school. Paris has always been at the top of her class there, and Rory's arrival in the first season threatens her position. Paris and Rory are both smart, driven, capable women, and they frequently challenge each other to accomplish more. So, what better gift for two nerds who can't define their relationship than a dictionary of untranslatable words? 

PARIS: "Sorry if you thought we had a deep Thelma-and-Louise thing, but we didn't."

2. Thelma and Louise Blu-Ray ($9) - Just when Rory thinks she's finally getting somewhere with Paris, Paris puts her in her place. They have a rocky relationship early on because they're academic rivals, but they both develop a begrudging respect for one another the more they spend time together. But with Paris, it's always two steps forward and three steps back. She isn't ready to take this show on the road quite yet...

RORY: "Oh my god! I'm gonna have to quit drinking coffee! And I love coffee! I really love coffee!"

3. Deluxe Thermal Travel Coffee Mug ($18) - I think this is the only quote on the list that doesn't involve Paris or Rory talking to each other, but I had to include it. Because if there's one thing Rory is known for, aside from making Terrible Life Choices and Not Reaching Her Potential, it's her love of coffee. And I think that after one day as her friend, let alone years, Paris would know this mug would make a perfect gift.

PARIS: "So, that's how you look when you've just woken up?"

RORY: "Yeah."

PARIS: "Nothing in my life is fair."

4. J.Crew Vintage Pajamas ($95) - Oh, secret societies! When Paris and Rory are kidnapped by the Puffs for a hazing of sorts, Paris can't help but notice that Rory looks practically perfect, even in the middle of the night. I can't gift Rory's natural beauty, but a cute pajama set is a step in the right direction! Rory would probably want a pair with coffee cups or junk food pictured on them, but I think Paris would prefer a menswear-inspired set like this one.

PARIS: "I'm going to Yale."

RORY: "You're going to Yale." 

PARIS: "And we're suitemates."

RORY: "Of all the gin joints."

5. Hillflint Yale Letter Sweater ($89) - Rory always saw herself at Harvard, but things changed by graduation and she realized that she wanted to go to Yale instead! Paris ended up at Yale after she was rejected from Harvard (which led to an unforgettable meltdown on C-SPAN), and she made sure to request Rory as a roommate. She knew their journey wasn't finished yet! Neither strikes me as the Yale-sweater-wearing type, but I couldn't resist.

PARIS: "No men -- just lots and lots of Chinese food."

6. Joyce Chen 10-Piece Wok Set ($80) - After breaking up with their boyfriends, Rory and Paris turn to one another for support, commiseration and eating their feelings. But the best part? When Rory's ex shows up,  Paris tells him exactly how she feels about him. We all need a friend who will be there for us when we're sad, deny those losers at the door and share our love for life simple's pleasures, like Chinese food. Take out is easier, but owning a wok set feels very grown up.

LORELAI: "Take the tickets, go to your seats, have the night of a lifetime - Bangle it up."

{later}

PARIS: "You know what? I think this is the best night I've ever had."

7. Greatest Hits by The Bangles CD ($7) - About halfway through season one, Paris and Rory attend a Bangles concert with two Chilton classmates + Lorelei and Sookie. I loved the episode because it marked a turning point in their relationship. You could see the tiniest glimmer of a possible friendship! I like to imagine one of them gifting the other this CD as a throwback to that night and dancing it out, as Meredith and Cristina would do.

PARIS: "I already wrote his name in my revenge notebook."

8. People On My Sh*t List Notebook ($22) + Quietly Plotting Your Downfall Pencils ($4) - Paris Geller and her list of enemies is the stuff of legends. I love to imagine her going home each day and writing in her revenge notebook. And listen, I saw her in that awful Netflix revival. You can't tell me she doesn't still have one! This funny journal + a perfectly coordinated pencils would be the perfect gift for a woman who knows she's the smartest person in the room. 

PARIS: "Journalism is an art form, and the best art is created under repression, like Stalin's gulag."

9. The New York Times Digital Subscription ($8/month) - Who can forget Paris' brief reign of terror as the editor of the Yale Daily News or when Rory replaced her? I'm sure both would already have a New York Times subscription, particularly in today's world, but I've included a digital one on my gift guide just in case. Rory might wax poetic on the beauty of print, but she'd appreciate having the news at her fingertips. 

PARIS: "Typical guy response. Worship Kerouac and Bukowski, god forbid you pick up anything by Jane Austen."

10. Jane Austen Penguin Classics Box Set ($112) - I loved Jess Mariano when I watched the show in high school, but rewatching the show as an adult has made me realize just how much growing up he needs to do. I loved that Paris had his number from the beginning! If a man can't appreciate Jane Austen, he needs to take a seat. I'm sure both Paris and Rory already own their fair share of books by Austen, I think this gorgeous set would be perfect for either of them.

What is your favorite fictional friendship?

Happy Galentine's Day, y'all!

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Buy the Book / No. 7

Buy the Book / No. 7

Feb 23, 2017

Buy the Book is a monthly feature where I share a gift guide inspired by something I've read. It's a little play on "by the book" since all of the gifts come directly from quotes or scenes in the book featured and, you know, since it's all stuff you can buy. I'm including a snippet from the book for each item so you'll know why I picked it!

The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

"Let me guess," said Mr. Quinlan, getting up and going over to the gramophone.
"'The Very Thought of You,' Al Bowlly?"
Laura smiled. "It was their song."
"Of course. Anthony told me the story."

1. Al Bowlly The Very Thought of You CD ($2) - Anthony and Therese's love story is at the heart of this book, so it seems fitting to include "their song." It's the soundtrack to Laura's plan to fulfill Anthony's personal mission.

This was definitely the job for her. She would chain herself to one of the filing cabinets if necessary to secure it. Fortunately it wasn't. The fact that she had seen The Great Escape and was a fan was apparently enough.

2. The Great Escape Blu-Ray ($24) - Eunice and Bomber bond over his love for this movie, and it's the perfect start to their professional relationship and becomes a shared passion in their lifelong friendship.

Charles Bramwell Brockley was traveling alone and without a ticket on the 14:42 from London Bridge to Brighton. The Huntley & Palmers biscuit tin in which he was traveling teetered precariously on the of the seat as the train juddered to a halt at Haywards Heath.

3. Huntley and Palmers Set of 3 Tins (£15) - This book has such a surprising opening that I actually read it twice to be sure I'd comprehended it correctly. The biscuit tin is one of the most important things Anthony finds!

"Right. Let's look at the clue again -- a pen in a biscuit tin."
"Not just any pen -- Anthony's best, beloved Conway Stewart fountain pen; red-and-black marbled shaft with an eighteen-karat gold nib," Laura added.
"Thank you, Miss Marple, but does that really help our investigation?"
"Well, it was the pen that Anthony used to write his stories."

4. Conway Stewart Dandy Burgundy Ripple Fountain Pen ($390) - The lost items inspire Anthony to write again, and I adored the short stories throughout the book. So, his pen had to be included in my gift guide!

"Perhaps she didn't realize that her story resembled someone else's. Perhaps it was simply an unfortunate coincidence."
It was a no ball.
"Nice try, Ma, but it's called Lady Clatterly's Chauffeur..."

5. Lady Chatterly's Lover by D.H. Lawrence ($17) - Bomber's sister is determined to publish a book... if only she had an original idea. I laughed so much at her different proposals (and at the one that finally sticks).

The little blue enameled clock had stopped again; 11:55 and no ticking. Every day it stopped at the same time.

6. Cartier Antique Enamel Silver Miniature Mantel Clock ($3,300) - There's a bit of a mystery and some hints of magic in this story, and the enamel clock is the perfect example. Why does it stop every day at the same time?

Anthony's fingers traced the edges of the jigsaw piece in the palm of his hand and he wondered whose life it had once been a tiny part of. Or perhaps not so tiny. Perhaps its loss had been disproportionately disastrous to its size, causing tears to flow, tempers to flare, or hearts to break. So it had been with Anthony and the thing he had lost so long ago.

7. The Hay Wain Jigsaw Puzzle (£15) - This is just one of the many things Anthony finds over the years, but I loved the way it caused him to reflect on a lost object's importance in the life of its owner.

She sat down on the wooden bench facing the park and breathed a sigh of contentment. A job well done -- almost. The final item on the wooden slats beside her was a bone china cup and saucer painted with gold and violets.

8. Violets Fine Bone China Cup & Saucer Set of 4 ($106) - This is another found object - and the story of how it was lost caught me totally by surprise! And keep an eye out for this character to reappear later in the book.

She was named after St. Therese of the Roses and so he planted the garden as a gift to her. [...] and when it was all done and they stood close together in the spectral drear of a winter twilight, she kissed him softly on the lips and placed something small and round into his cold-bruised hand. It was a picture of St. Therese of the Roses framed in gold metal and glass in the shape of a medallion.

9. Oval Sterling Silver St. Therese Pendant with Real Flowers ($22) - Anthony's love for Therese was so moving, and it's so heartbreaking that he loses her so early in their romance. It changes the course of his life forever.

"We should buy a souvenir for each of them," she said, holding up the striped bag.
In one of the kiosks on the pier, they found a key ring in the shape of a donut for Douglas.

10. Donut Keychain ($15) - And I had to include something in honor of Douglas, the most darling and protective dog with a deep love for iced buns. Baby Jane was sweet, too, but she didn't compare to Douglas!

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Return to Green Gables: Buy the Book / No. 6

Return to Green Gables: Buy the Book / No. 6

Oct 6, 2015

As Anne Shirley has said, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." While every October holds its own special charm, this one is all the more precious because it holds something I've been looking forward to for ages: Return to Green Gables. Alexa from Alexa Loves Books, Rachel  from Hello, Chelly and I wanted to celebrate this kindred spirit, so we've got some fun things in store for you! Be sure to visit all of our blogs during the next week as we pay tribute to the Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery.

For today, we're all giving an Anne-ish twist to features on our blogs! I'm highlighting the Anne series for Buy the Book, a monthly feature where I share a gift guide inspired by something I've read. It's a little play on "by the book" since all of the gifts come directly from quotes or scenes in the book featured and, you know, since it's all stuff you can buy. I'm including a snippet from the book for each item so you'll know why I picked it!

The Anne Series by L.M. Montgomery

Once, when nobody was looking, Gilbert took from his desk a little pink candy heart with a gold motto on it, "You are sweet," and slipped it under the curve of Anne's arm. Whereupon Anne arose, took the pink heart gingerly between the tips of her fingers, dropped it on the floor, ground it to powder beneath her heel, and resumed her position without deigning to bestow a glance at Gilbert. | ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

1. Brach's Conversation Hearts ($15.76) - There are so many items you could pick for Anne of Green Gables, but I decided to go with a "hidden gem" moment. It's not the most memorable scene from the series, but I've always loved Gilbert trying to win Anne's affection (or at least her forgiveness) with a candy heart.

"Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?" 

"I'll warrant you'll make plenty in it," said Marilla. "I never saw your beat for making mistakes, Anne." 

"Yes, and well I know it," admitted Anne mournfully. "But have you ever noticed one encouraging thing about me, Marilla? I never make the same mistake twice." | ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

2. Tomorrow is a New Day Anne of Green Gables Print ($16) - Rather than highlight an item specifically mentioned in the first book, I wanted to feature a print of one of my favorite quotes. I love Anne's outlook on life because she's just so optimistic! She gets into a lot of scrapes, but she always learns from her mistakes.

Gilbert had finally made up his mind that he was going to be a doctor. "It's a splendid profession," he said enthusiastically. "A fellow has to fight something all through life . . . didn't somebody once define man as a fighting animal? . . . and I want to fight disease and pain and ignorance . . . which are all members one of another. I want to do my share of honest, real work in the world, Anne . . . add a little to the sum of human knowledge that all the good men have been accumulating since it began. The folks who lived before me have done so much for me that I want to show my gratitude by doing something for the folks who will live after me." | ANNE OF AVONLEA

3. Tuscany Leather Raffaello Doctor's Bag ($269.65) - It took some time to decide what I wanted to choose from Anne of Avonlea before I settled on a doctor's bag. I love when Anne and Gilbert talk about the future - and that they're both ambitious at school. Gilbert's profession is a big decision, so this seemed like the perfect pick.

"We shall be away for two years, perhaps three. We sail in June and we shall send you the key, and leave all in order for you to take possession when you choose. We shall pack away a few things we prize especially, but all the rest will be left." 

"Will you leave the china dogs?" asked Anne timidly. 

"Would you like me to?" 

"Oh, indeed, yes. They are delightful." | ANNE OF THE ISLAND

4. Pair of Staffordshire-Style Dogs ($35) - If you've read Anne of the Island, you know that the china dogs at Patty's Place are beloved members of the household. I loved they had names (Gog and Magog), and they are mentioned again in the series when Anne receives them as a very special wedding gift!

So I'm going to keep this hour sacred to writing to you. Though this won't be a love-letter. I have a scratchy pen and I can't write love-letters with a scratchy pen... or a sharp pen... or a stub pen. So you'll only get that kind of letter from me when I have exactly the right kind of pen. | ANNE OF WINDY POPLARS

5. Vintage Golden Brown Sheaffer Feather Touch Fountain Pen ($45) - My biggest complaint about Anne of Windy Poplars? Anne's letters to Gilbert are edited, and we don't get to read any of the romantic stuff! Either way, I loved the idea that she could only write that kind of letter if she had the right kind of pen.

Gilbert laughed and clasped tighter the girlish hand that wore his ring. Anne's engagement ring was a circlet of pearls. She had refused to wear a diamond...

"I've never really liked diamonds since I found out they weren't the lovely purple I had dreamed. They will always suggest my old disappointment."

"But pearls are for tears, the old legend says," Gilbert had objected. 

"I'm not afraid of that. And tears can be happy as well as sad. My very happiest moments have been when I had tears in my eyes—when Marilla told me I might stay at Green Gables—when Matthew gave me the first pretty dress I ever had—when I heard that you were going to recover from the fever. So give me pearls f or our troth ring, Gilbert, and I'll willingly accept the sorrow of life with its joy." | ANNE'S HOUSE OF DREAMS

6. Victorian Antique Pearl Engagement Ring ($312.21) - It's established in the very first book that Anne is quite disappointed by diamonds, and I love that the sentiment appears again in Anne's House of Dreams. But I particularly adore Anne's comments accepting the sorrow of life with its joy since both occur in their marriage.

"But one evening, when late winter was listening for the word of spring, she came over to the little house for a twilight chat; and when she went away she left a small, white box on the table. Anne found it after she was gone and opened it wonderingly. In it was a tiny white dress of exquisite workmanship—delicate embroidery, wonderful tucking, sheer loveliness. Every stitch in it was handwork; and the little frills of lace at neck and sleeves were of real Valenciennes. Lying on it was a card—"with Leslie's love." | ANNE'S HOUSE OF DREAMS

7. Infant's Two-Piece Christening Gown & Bonnet Set ($225) - I decided to include another item from Anne's House of Dreams because the birth of Anne and Gilbert's first child marks a huge turning point in the series and in their marriage. They go on to have six more children throughout the series, so it's always a full house!

The dawn of the fifteenth anniversary of your wedding day and all your husband could say to you was "Twins." He didn't even remember it was an anniversary... For the first time he did not mention it; for the first time he had no gift for her. Very well, he shouldn't get his gift either. She had had ready for weeks... a silver-handled pocket-knife with the date on one side and his initials on the other. | ANNE OF INGLESIDE

8. Antique Gorham Sterling Silver Pocket Knife ($125) - Since Anne of Ingleside is the last book where you really spend time with Anne and Gilbert together, I decided to pick an item representing their fifteenth anniversary. There is some miscommunication and misunderstanding that day, which seems pretty realistic to me.

"Why didn't you put on your shoes and stockings?" asked Una. 

"Hain't none to put on. All I had was wore out by the time winter was over," said Lida indifferently. 

For a moment Faith stated in horror. This was terrible. Here was a little girl, almost a neighbour, half frozen because she had no shoes or stockings in this cruel spring weather. Impulsive Faith thought of nothing but the dreadfulness of it. In a moment she was pulling off her own shoes and stockings. 

"Here, take these and put them right on," she said, forcing them into the hands of the astonished Lida. | RAINBOW VALLEY

9. Muk Luks Women's Black Cable Knit Over the Knee Socks ($17.99) - This might seem like a random scene from Rainbow Valley, but I thought it captured the spirit of the book. You see the kindness of the Meredith children, but it's also a moment that backfires and brings them under scrutiny. But I won't tell you why!

Rilla got the clothes–the cheap, sleazy garments the poor mother had made ready as best she could. But this did not solve the pressing problem of the baby's transportation. Rilla looked helplessly round. Oh, for mother–or Susan! Her eyes fell on an enormous blue soup tureen at the back of the dresser. 

 "May I have this to–to lay him in?" she asked. | RILLA OF INGLESIDE

10. Johnson Brothers Friendly Village Soup Tureen ($57) - I'm not sure if this soup tureen is large enough to hold a baby, but it was so pretty that I had to use it to represent this pick! When Rilla brings home a baby in Rilla of Ingleside, it's the catalyst for a big change in her character. I loved this part of the book!

Check out Rachel's Book Bags and Alexa's Bookish Style Files!

And come back tomorrow for three Anne-inspired discussion posts.

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Buy the Book / No. 5

Buy the Book / No. 5

Sep 4, 2015

Buy the Book is a monthly feature where I share a gift guide inspired by something I've read. It's a little play on "by the book" since all of the gifts come directly from quotes or scenes in the book featured and, you know, since it's all stuff you can buy. I'm including a snippet from the book for each item so you'll know why I picked it!

Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

"The cottonwood drinks much from the earth. Where their roots dive, water can be found."

1. Landscape Photography - Redrock Utah, Golden Cottonwoods, San Rafael Swell ($10+) - This photo wasn't taken in Arizona, but it's so close to what I pictured while reading! And the setting is a huge aspect of the book.

"They'd cleaned out his pocket and stolen his Colt right outta his belt. It were a beauty of a pistol - polished, white grip, engraved barrel, a finish so pretty, it shined. The weapon in my holster matches. Pa split the pair to give one to me, and now I can't even rejoin 'em."

2. Winchester® .45 Colt Nickel Bullet Head Stud Earrings ($24.95) - I loved the detail about Kate's Colt and how her father had the other one. Since there's a lot of shooting on her hunt for revenge, this item was a must!

"When prospectors first descended on Arizona Territory, they dug and drilled any which place till they struck gold."

3. Gold Nugget Bubble Gum ($12.98) - The search for gold, and the lengths people will go to when they're driven by greed, is central to this story. After all, it plays a part in why Kate's father was murdered...

"There's a mine and a couple of caches sitting in the Superstition Mountains, and we only found our way to it because of the journal."

4. Rustic Leather Journal ($53) - The journal is a pretty significant part of the story, and it's the catalyst for a lot of the conflict in this story. I know I'd be really stressed out if I had it in my possession!

"I turn my pace brisk and head for my horse. Soon as she comes into view, I swear."

5. 60s Metal Cast Horse & Saddle Figurine ($15) - I loved Kate's horse, Silver! Whether Silver was helping Kate escape trouble or hot on the trail of the Rose Riders, you could tell there was a bond between them.

"The Rose Riders don't care for nothing but money and riches."

6. LUSH Amandopondo Bubble Bar ($7.95) - Oh, these outlaws are bad news! They probably smell awful - like sweat, blood and alcohol - so it seemed only fitting to pair them with a rose-scented bubble bar.

"The cards get cut. Chips are passed out. The first hand is dealt."

7. Cowboy Print Playing Cards ($1.19) - This was one of my favorite scenes! I couldn't wait to see how Kate would do at poker and if she'd be able to accomplish her dangerous task. You'll have to read to find out!

"My letters ain't bad, and I can read just fine. Whole books and everything. He bought me Little Women when the first copies made it to the bookstore in Prescott. It were a gorgeous book, prettiest I ever seen - leather bound and thick."

8. Easton Press Edition of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott ($79) - Kate's voice was so authentic - tough and filled with slang. But I liked that this moment revealed another side of her character!

"Then I flip through the journal. Maps are sketched here and there, and other pages are filled with clues and instructions."

9. Arizona Easy to Read Map ($4.77) - If you're searching for something, you'll need to have a map handy! While you probably won't go searching for hidden gold, you could explore Arizona and imagine the Wild West.

"I ain't a boy, but I sure am dressed like one. Trousers and boots. One of my flannels. A flat-brimmed Stetson."

10. Stetson Austral Old West Cowboy Hat ($149) - I could totally picture Kate disguised as a boy! I knew I had to include a Stetson in this post because it's so tied to the way I pictured Kate and the outlaws she was hunting.

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Buy the Book / No. 4

Buy the Book / No. 4

Jul 13, 2015

Buy the Book is a monthly feature where I share a gift guide inspired by something I've read. It's a little play on "by the book" since all of the gifts come directly from quotes or scenes in the book featured and, you know, since it's all stuff you can buy. I'm including a snippet from the book for each item so you'll know why I picked it!

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

"I've been moving around a bit lately. I went to school in Boston. Then I moved to D.C., then Portland, Oregon. Then Seattle. Then Austin, Texas. Then New York. The city where dreams do come true. Although, you know, not for me. But I did grow up in Los Angeles. So you could say I'm going back to where I came from, but I don't know that I'd call it home."

1. Los Angeles Map Print ($12-20) - Hannah has spent a lot of time looking for the place that feels like home. Returning to her hometown marks a significant moment for her and acts as the catalyst for all that comes next.

"I mean, if you're going to go all over the country looking for where you belong, I could have told 

you years ago you belong in front of a cinnamon roll."

2. Cinnamon Roll Stud Earrings ($26.50) - There's no denying Hannah's love for cinnamon rolls! It's true in both stories - proof that she's still herself, even in two different versions of reality - and both guys know about her love.

I started using body lotion somewhere around the time she and I met. We would go to the mall together and smell all the lotions in all the different stores. But every time, I kept buying the same one. Orange Ginger. At one point, I have seven bottles of the stuff stocked up.

3. Orange Ginger Body Lotion ($13) - I loved that Hannah had a signature scent and that it was that was tied to her memories of her best friend, Gabby. Their amazing friendship was one of my favorite parts of the book! 

I throw the magazine to the side and turn the TV back on, the volume low. No surprise to find that Law & Order is on. I have yet to find a time when it isn't.

4. Law & Order: The First Year ($17.87) - In one version of her life, Hannah spends a quite a bit of time in front of her TV. This part made me laugh because it's just so true. This show is always on at least one channel.

I look at the piece of paper in front of me. It says "Buy a car." That's the first thing I wrote down. The only thing I wrote down. I quickly scribble "Get a job," and I waver about whether or not to put down "Find an apartment."

5. Papillon Acrylic Charm Keychain ($5.67) - I'm cheating a little bit with this item! Buying a car is the first item on Hannah's list to get her life in order, but she definitely didn't plan for the dog that steals her heart.

"Anything I can get you?" he whispers before he leaves."

I shake my head slightly. "Er, actually . . . maybe a hair tie?" I point to my head. My hair is down around my shoulders. I am lying on it. I hate lying on my hair.

6. Goody Ouchless Hair Elastics ($4.59) - I'm so happy that the model on the book cover has her hair in a bun on the top of her head because that is Hannah's go to look. (PS: This scene made me smile so much.)

"What's your favorite flavor of pudding?" he asks me.

"Probably chocolate," I say. "Or tapioca? And vanilla is good."

"So all of them? You like all flavors of pudding?" he says, teasing me. 

7. JELL-O Chocolate Pudding - While it probably seems random, there's a lot of discussion about choices in this book. Hannah is someone who is often unable to make a choice, and I liked that because I can relate.

First things first. Charlemagne needs a collar and a leash if I'm going to get her across town. I walk to Target, which isn't all that far from -----'s place. I have Charlemagne bundled in my arms. I expect someone to stop me here in the store, but no one bats an eyelash.

8. Boots & Barkley Canvas Collar ($5.99) - As I've mentioned, there's an absolutely adorable dog in this book! I fell in love with Charlemagne, and this scene where Hannah carries her into Target was one of my favorites.

"I was reading a book about the cosmos recently," he says, and then he looks around and goes, "Hold on, trust me, this relates. The crowd laughs again. "And I was reading about different theories about the universe. I was really taken with this one theory that states that everything that is possible happens."

9. The Hidden Reality: Parallel Universes and the Deep Laws of the Cosmos by Brian Greene ($10.35) - I found this concept so fascinating, and it's a moment that led to the most memorable quote in the book for me.

The 1998 movie Sliding Doors (starring Gwyneth Paltrow) takes a similar premise as Maybe in Another Life, and examines how one woman's life differs based on whether or not she catches a train. (From Book Club Extras)

10. Sliding Doors DVD ($4.79) - I almost didn't include this item since it's from an extra section of the book, but I just couldn't resist. The concurrent storylines made this such a unique read, and now I need to watch this movie!

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Buy the Book / No. 3

Buy the Book / No. 3

May 21, 2015

Buy the Book is a monthly feature where I share a gift guide inspired by something I've read. It's a little play on "by the book" since all of the gifts come directly from quotes or scenes in the book featured and, you know, since it's all stuff you can buy. I'm including a snippet from the book for each item so you'll know why I picked it!

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center

He turned and checked the backseat. "Yup. Duncan predicted you'd pack a cooler of snacks."

1. Stanley Adventure Cooler ($65) - You can tell what kind of person Helen is early on and learn that her brother seems to know her quirks. But you'll have to read to find out the other reason this item made the list.

This kid was not someone I could relate to. He adored my awful brother. He had ditched medical school for no apparent reason. And he was about to unzip his pants and relieve himself into an Evian bottle. In the passenger seat of my Subaru.

2. Evian Natural Spring Water, 24 Count ($29.38) - This moment made me laugh so hard! Helen sees Jake a certain way, but I could tell almost immediately that there was something intriguing behind all his teasing.

"The question is, do you want to play Scrabble?" He held out a box of travel Scrabble for me to see.

Of all things. My favorite game.

"I am way too tired to play Scrabble," I said. But he stepped closer and sat down on the bed. I let him.

3. Scrabble Folio Edition ($33.99) - The best part of this game of Scrabble is that there's a bet involved... and let's just say it's a scene you won't soon forget. You'll see a different side of Jake in this moment!

"Maybe you think you're a tough guy. But I'll tell you something: The only tough guy in the Absarokas is Mother Nature, and she is going to drag your ass up and down the block." / / "... I found I liked looking at contour maps. Everybody else seemed to see squiggly lines and patches of color. But I for some reason looked down and saw it all in 3-D."

4. National Geographic Absaroka - Beartooth Wilderness East Map ($11.95) - I absolutely loved the setting, so I had to include something for it. And Helen's unprepared for the wilderness, but her map skills come in handy!

"At Outfitting, I tried on several pairs of boots. Beckett said it was best to rent them unless you had your own well-broken-in pair, which I didn't, of course. The rental pairs were certainly well broken in -- by other people's stinky feet."

5. La Sportiva FC ECO 3.2 GTX Hiking Books ($175) - If you're going hiking, you definitely need some boots. While Helen rents her pair, I chose these with absolutely zero knowledge of hiking. Like Helen. (Beware of blisters!)

Windy also gleaned a lot of her wisdom about happiness, and what it is, and how to approach it, from a very thoughtful book by Richard O'Connor called Happy at Last: The Thinking Person's Guide to Finding Joy. Windy's idea of appreciating Three Good Things every day came from that book. {From the Acknowledgments}

6. Happy at Last: The Thinking Person's Guide to Finding Joy ($13.87) - Helen and another hiker discuss being happy and what you hold on to and remember about your life. It was one of my favorite parts of the book!

"Anyway, I brought you a present. To replace your lost list." He held out a folded piece of paper.

"What is it?"

"It's a poem."

"You wrote a poem?"

"No. It's Pablo Neruda. My favorite poem by my favorite poet."

7. One Hundred Love Sonnets by Pablo Neruda ($15.45) - You'll have to read the book to find out why Helen loses her list, what was on it, and what poem she's handed. But trust me when I say it'll make you swoon.

"Sorry I broke your glasses," I said, as we started across the rocks to the path.

"Nah," Jake said, sliding the broken glasses arm into his pocket. "It's nothing a little duct tape can't fix." (218)

8. Warby Parker Winston Glasses ($95) - I just love Jake and his little hipster glasses! They are mentioned several times and are particularly important in this scene, though of course I can't tell you why. READ IT.

9. Duck Brand Metallic Color Duct Tape ($3.39) - You never know when you'll need a roll of duct tape, especially when you're out in the woods. This isn't even the first time it's used in the book either! Survival 101.

"In fact, in that moment, I was Pickle: a mangy-looking mini dachshund with a tail that never wagged and a foul temper. Maybe that's why we got along so well." (82)

10. My Dachshund Keychain ($8.95) - Oh, Pickle! While the dog on this keychain might be a little cuter than its literary counterpart, I couldn't resist including a little something to commemorate this crazy animal.

"If it were up to me, he'd be crammed back there with his duffel, and I'd be up front, alone with all the music I'd collected for the journey: Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, Indigo Girls. The plan had been to sing my lungs out on the drive west, to team up with everybody from Annie Lennox to James Brown and belt out every emotion in the human repertoire. And then, hopefully, by the time I hit Wyoming, to be done with them all."

11. Joni Mitchell Hits ($5.99) - Helen has this vision for how her entire trip will go, and nothing turns out the way she plans. I liked that she had to let go of her expectations, especially since this was the least of the disruptions. 

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Buy the Book / No. 2

Buy the Book / No. 2

Apr 23, 2015

Buy the Book is a monthly feature where I share a gift guide inspired by something I've read. It's a little play on "by the book" since all of the gifts come directly from quotes or scenes in the book featured and, you know, since it's all stuff you can buy. I'm including a snippet from the book for each item so you'll know why I picked it!

The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan

"... the official picture of Nick and me. I love that picture, which is lucky, because it's for sale the world over on thimbles, wastebaskets, tea towels, paper dolls..."

1. Prince William and Kate Royal Wedding Mug ($7.95) - You've got to love the million items commemorating the royal wedding! I can't imagine how weird it would be to see your picture on so many random items.

"Its mystery, its age, its textures... Oxford is in all ways the opposite of Muscatine, my rural Iowa hometown (or even the bucolic North Atlantic beauty of Cornell), and for me it was perfect. I didn't come to England to fall in love with anything but England."

2. Oxford Radcliffe Camera Print ($25) - Rebecca's decision to study at Oxford changes the course of her entire life. The Radcliffe Camera is an iconic landmark, so it seems only fitting to include a print of it!

"Besides, I couldn't have guessed you'd show up without an umbrella. That's like going to the Bahamas without a bathing suit."

3. Kate Spade New York "Rain Check?" Umbrella ($38) - I absolutely loved Bex and Nick's first meeting! It sets the tone for their entire relationship, and it's easy to see why Nick falls for her - and she for him.

"Night Nick and Night Bex were equal parts compatible and self-destructive. One Devour episode led to another, and one shipment of Twinkies became three (Nick liked to stick his fingers in them and eat them like corn dogs, and also prod me in the face)."

4. Hostess Twinkies ($11.95) - Watching Nick and Bex's friendship develop was absolutely adorable. I enjoyed seeing the person behind the prince, and this scene was one of the most memorable examples.

"Nick fished around in his pockets and pulled out two small enameled pins, each one depicting an American and a British flag on poles that crossed at the bottom."

5. USA Flag and UK Flag Lapel Pin ($5.70) - This pin more significant to Nick and Bex than I'm letting on, but it would spoil it if I used that quote! Instead, I'm highlighting this moment - where Nick meets Bex's twin, Lacey.

"It was a new baseball season, and Dad and I were picking one Cubs game each week and video chatting right after, when, as he put it, the agony or ecstasy was still fresh."

6. Chicago Cubs Short Sleeve Practice T-Shirt ($25.99) - Bex's family plays a big role in the book, but her relationship with her father is particularly significant. It even affects what happens in her relationship with Nick!

"So your secret perversions are crosswords and coffee," I said, settling in beside him and taking the steaming cup. "Truly depraved."

7. The Times Cryptic Crossword ($7.18) - When Bex stumbles upon Nick working on a cryptic crossword alone one morning, it marks a turning point for them. He opens up to her, and it's the beginning of their friendship.

"Nick still claims I stole the wheelbarrow by announcing, 'No fence is bigger than I am,' before hurtling over one and then running out two seconds later screaming, 'Your chariot, my lord.' But I swear that the wheelbarrow found us, proffering itself in the middle of a random driveway, practically begging us to let it cradle the Royal Carcass."

8. The Walsall Wheelbarrow Company Barrow in a Box (£47.75) - I know this seems like a random choice for my gift guide, but this moment cracked me up. Plus, something important happens on this night!

"... there's Sir John Soane's Museum, my professional home and my refuge."

9. Sir John Soane's Museum Canvas Tote Bag (£9.95) - I really enjoyed seeing Bex succeed at work, and I felt sorry for her when I realized just how much she would have to sacrifice if she wanted to be with Nick.

"In my time, a woman never wore a tiara before her wedding day, because it represented the crowning moment of committing oneself to another," she said. "Traditionally, the bride wears one from her own family that day and then one from her husband's thereafter, to signify her transition. But..." She twitched her hands slightly, as if to say, No such luck here. "It is also custom for the Queen to provide something borrowed, so without an ancestral diadem of your own, that is what I shall offer."

10. Kate Middleton Royal Wedding Tiara ($139.95) - Of course I had to include a replica of the royal wedding tiara! I loved learning about this tradition and imagining the real-life version of this moment.

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Buy the Book / No. 1

Buy the Book / No. 1

Mar 26, 2015

Back in December, Cassie and I posted our Favorite Factor Gift Guide. I had so much fun finding gifts inspired by books that I'd loved, and I knew I wanted to do it again! After creating a gift guide for The Liza Palmer Party and a gift guide for The Orphan Queen blog tour, I realized that I wanted to make this a regular feature.

I'm calling it Buy the Book - a little play on "by the book" since all of my gifts will come directly from quotes or scenes in the book featured and, you know, since it's all stuff you can buy. I'm also going to include a snippet from the book for each item so you'll know exactly why I picked it! I'm hoping to share at least one per month, but we'll see how it goes. And if you like book-inspired gift guides, the lovely ladies at Rather Be Reading have also shared some in the past (this Nantucket Blue one is my favorite!).

The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

"The script occupied the small, secret spaces of my days, though I'd never planned to do anything with it. At least I hadn't until I discovered a summer screen-writing program at New York University."

1. Final Draft 9 ($169) - Paige wants to be a screenwriter, so I picked this software to help her pursue her passion! While it's not a huge aspect of the book, it's a central part of Paige's dreams for her future.

"It was my grandmother who taught me that TV shows start with writing. We were watching I Love Lucy when I was eleven, and I said, 'Lucy is the funniest lady ever.'"

2. I Love Lucy: The Complete Series ($142) - Paige's relationship with her grandmother is a huge part of the book. I love books that deal with family, but it was extra special to see Paige's love for her grandma!

"My parents just liked the name Paige, I think, but Elizabeth is because my mom is a huge Pride and Prejudice fan." I thought for a second. "I don't think I've ever told anyone that, actually."

His head jerked toward me. "Really?"

"Yeah. Guess it never came up. Elizabeth is a pretty standard middle name."

"No," he said. "I mean really 'Elizabeth?' You seem much more like a Jane Bennet."

My jaw dropped in offense. "That's kind of mean!"

"No, it's not! Jane is deeply underappreciated." 

3. Pride and Prejudice "Bingley" and "Jane" Earrings ($9) - When I saw the Pride and Prejudice reference, I knew Paige and Max were my kind of people. And I particularly loved Max's defense of Jane and Bingley!

"There were at least fifty paper airplanes that I could see, made from all different patterns of paper. They were attached to a string, suspended around the room, as if flying in neat lines. I thought of the note Max had passed me earlier in the week, folded into a tiny plane." 

4. Sterling Silver Paper Airplane Necklace ($70) - Max's love for paper airplanes is quirky and nerdy! I love that he proudly displayed them, and I can just imagine Paige wearing a paper airplane necklace for him.

"Why not Paris? My world had crumbled around me. Like your friend Mr. Chase, I found a place to dance."

5. Paris Is Always a Good Idea Audrey Hepburn Quote Printable ($9) - Paige's grandmother helps her to move forward from her grieving, and she's also the inspiration for several items on Paige's plan to begin again.

"Whatever happened next with my parents, my friends and I would still be here trading stories and sips of our lattes. Together, we made four walls, holding each other up even as the world around us shifted."

6. Starbucks Double Wall Traveler Gold Dot ($19.95) - I absolutely love the friendships in this book! Paige, Tessa, Kayleigh and Morgan are always there for one another, and it's so refreshing to read about friends like these.

"Morgan insisted on painting my nails every weekend while we marathoned TV shows. It seemed so silly, so pointless. Until I looked down at my mint-green or petal-pink nails in class: one beautiful, glossy thing in my life. My friends added the first colors to my black-and-white world."

7. Butter London Nail Lacquer in Fiver, Fruit Machine & Molly Coddled ($15) - I had to pick one more thing to represent Paige's friends. They add so much to the book and made me wish I had a group like this of my own!

"Although, when I was little, I thought I was named after Max from Where the Wild Things Are."

8. Where the Wild Things Are Bow Tie ($13.99) - While Max is not named after this character, I couldn't help but include something related to this classic children's book! I mean, maybe he could wear it to prom?

"When Tessa bought me the planner a few Christmases back, I knew she was kind of teasing me about what she called 'type A tendencies.' But I didn't care. It was love at first sight: lavender leather with my initials embossed in the corner and pages of clean white paper, segmented into weeks and months."

9. Filofax Metropol Lavender Personal Organizer ($34.95) - Although this is Paige's actual planner, I thought this one still worked. As a huge planner nerd myself, I just had to include this item!

"'Sure,' I said, snapping out of my tactless staring, and we stood there in the foyer for a moment as I glanced at his shirt - a black tee with some sort of spacecraft and the word 'FIREFLY' across the top."

10. Firefly Serenity Diagram Black T-Shirt ($15.79) - This isn't exactly the shirt Max wears, but it's close enough. I loved the nerdy references throughout the book - and the way Max and Paige tease each other about them!

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Princess. Spy. Threat. / Orphan Queen Blog Tour

Princess. Spy. Threat. / Orphan Queen Blog Tour

Mar 5, 2015

Earlier this year, Alexa let me borrow her copy of The Orphan Queen. It was my first experience with Jodi Meadows, and it definitely didn't disappoint. When I was invited to participate in the blog tour, I was thrilled. This has been one of my favorite reads of 2015 so far, and I'm so excited to celebrate its release! Rather than post my review (though it's coming soon), I decided to post a gift guide inspired by The Orphan Queen. I had way too much fun finding items that represented key characters or aspects of the book. Enjoy!

1. Calligraphy Starter Kit ($80+) - Wilhelmina is a talented forger, so it's seems like a given to include a calligraphy set. You've got to practice your handwriting if you want to start forging signatures and sending secret messages to your allies! Just make sure you don't get caught...

2. Filigree Metal Mask ($26) - There's a mysterious vigilante known as the Black Knife roaming around the city of Skyvale. The Black Knife's identify is a secret - hidden completely by a black mask. While this wouldn't quite do the trick, I had to pick something a little more stylish! You can fight crime and look fantastic.

3. Dagger & Blood Print ($5) - Speaking of the Black Knife, I had to include this dagger print that I found! This character becomes very important in the book - both to the plot and to Wilhelmina's development. I loved the scenes where they interacted, and I definitely couldn't wait to find out who was behind the mask!

4. Vintage Osprey Women's T-Shirt ($17) - Wilhelmina is a princess, but the Indigo Kingdom has conquered homeland. She's banded together with the other orphaned children of nobility and formed the Ospreys. Skilled at stealth and theft, they want to return Wilhelmina to her throne. Wear this shirt and pretend you're an Osprey.

5. Large Leather Journal ($57) - In addition to being a princess, Wilhelmina is a spy. She infiltrates Skyvale Palace with her best friend, Melanie, so they can study their enemy, take notes on what they learn and report back to the other Ospreys. If you're going on a covert mission, you better pack a journal for all your notes.

6. Antiqued Carved Disha Mirror ($184) - In The Orphan Queen, wraith is the toxic by-product of magic. Using magic has been forbidden, but wraith still pours across the continent, coming closer every day... It's believed that mirrors will prevent (or at least slow down) the wraith, so here's one to keep you protected.

7. 9K Gold Signet Ring ($220) - As I've mentioned, Wilhelmina is a princess who's been displaced from her throne. While she's currently in Skyvale undercover, there may come a time when she needs to prove that she has the right to rule. Thankfully, she's got a signet ring that leaves no question about her identity!

Pre-Order The Orphan Queen - out March 10th!

The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows

Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.

She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others.

Review/Fan Creations Blog Tour Schedule 

3/2 – Andi’s ABCs

3/3 – Hello, Chelly

3/4 – Book Emoji

3/5 – So Obsessed With

3/6 – Tune into Books

3/9 – Ticket to Anywhere

3/10 – Disquietus Reads

3/11 – A Backwards Story

3/12 – Writer of Wrongs

3/13 – Alexa Loves Books

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Liza Palmer Party: The Gifts

Liza Palmer Party: The Gifts

Jan 28, 2015

This week, Cassie and I are celebrating the release of Girl Before a Mirror by hosting a Liza Palmer party! We both loved this book so much and wanted to do something special to mark the occasion. We sent the invites out yesterday by sharing ten reasons your book club should read this book, and today I'm talking about the gifts and she's covering the decor with some awesome wallpapers. I've been dying to create another book-inspired gift guide after doing it for a few books last month, and this was the perfect opportunity!

1. Michael Aram Black Orchid Cheese Board ($129) - While Girl Before a Mirror is an emotional read, there are also a number of hilarious scenes in it. One of my favorites is early in the book when Anna first arrives at RomanceCon and makes an awkward comment about cheese. It told me so much about her character.

2. Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend Tea ($15.95) - Anna drinks tea like I drink Diet Coke. She's definitely addicted! I was originally going to pick my favorite tea, but I ended up with this one after Anna specifically mentions it in the book. Is it bad that I want to order it just because I love the tin it's in?

3. Azure Blue Teapot Set ($59.95) - I've had my eye teapot set for ages. I don't really need it, but it's got all of my favorite colors in it. While I don't know if this is Anna's style, that's too bad. This is the teapot that I wanted to feature! Plus, it matches the Fortnum & Mason tea tin so perfectly... It's meant to be!

4. Funko POP Wonder Woman ($11.98) and Princess Leia ($16.40) - There's a wonderful (and hilarious) scene in Girl Before a Mirror where Anna and Sasha attend a work costume party. Anna dresses up like Princess Leia and Sasha dresses up like Wonder Woman, so I had to commemorate it with these figurines!

5. Minimergency Kit for Brides ($16) - Anna is the account executive on a campaign for a shower gel. I almost included one in my gift guide, but I think this emergency kit made more sense. Anna is in need of one on several occasions, and she intends to tell the shower gel company that they ought to make one.

6. I'll Eat You Up I Love You So Canvas ($29.99) - This quote from Where the Wild Things Are has special meaning for Anna and her brother Ferdie. Their relationship was one of my favorite things in Girl Before a Mirror, and it's the storyline that actually made me cry the most. And I'd totally hang this canvas in my house.

7. The Most of Nora Ephron ($22.96) and The Complete Miss Marple Stories (Similar) - Anna and Sasha are inspired by a book that has ties to a famous quote from Nora Ephron, which is why I chose this book. And Anna's Marple Theory was genius, so this was an obvious gift (though this Folio edition isn't available anymore).

8. Ladyhawke ($9.99) and Sixteen Candles ($5) - Anna is critical of romance novels, but Sasha uses an example involving Anna's favorite movie (Ladyhawke) to prove a point. It was a great moment, and I loved Anna's enthusiasm for the movie. Sixteen Candles also gets a shoutout in the book, so I had to include it here, too.

9. Trafalgar Stretch Suspenders ($49.50) and Cutter & Buck V-Neck Sweater ($78) - I had to have something on here as a nod to Lincoln! While I bet he has expensive taste, these reminded me of him. The suspenders are for a scene where he takes them off and the sweater because he loans one to Anna in the book.

10. Frette Hotal Shawl Collar Robe ($220) - Anna spends a lot of time in the hotel... I'd say she spends time in her room, but that's not quite true. And if you're hanging out in a hotel room, you better put on the hotel robe (if it's a good one). While this is more than I'd pay for a robe, I bet the Arizona Biltmore has fancy robes.

11. Apolis Chelsea Market Bag ($68) - At one point, Anna goes to see Lincoln in New York. She lets Sasha talk her into a grand scene involving a romantic picnic - the works! While you'll have to read the book to find out what happens after she visits Chelsea Market, I loved imagining Anna carrying this cool bag

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