What's Up Wednesday #14

Happy Hump Day friends! 

Today I am participating in another round of What's Up Wednesday! 
Once a month I join in the fun with Sheaffer, Mel and Shay answering some fun questions and sharing what fun things are happening.  Here's the questions we answer every month...

What We're Eating this Week

With Memorial Day two days ago, we started the summer season off by grilling some burgers and hot dogs and spending the day relaxing.  (I wish this is what our food looked like, but I forgot to grab a picture of it, so I borrowed one from Cooking Channel TV).  I am excited that summer is finally here so we can take advantage of our grill and cook out more often.

What I'm Reminiscing About

When I did the Show and Tell Tuesday last week we talked about all of our travels we've taken over the last few years and it made me realize that I've had so many opportunities to travel and felt so blessed at the places I've been to visit.  

What I'm Loving

The weather in Michigan has been SO nice lately so I've been enjoying as much time outside in the hammock as I can.

What We've Been Up To

I've been spending a lot of time reading books and hanging out at home lately which has been so nice. 

What I'm Dreading

We have to finish painting our Dining Room and I have been putting it off for months.  I'm hoping with a slow weekend ahead we can finally get it done.  

What I'm Working On

My friend, Caroline, is having a baby and her baby shower is next month so I have been working on her baby blanket! I really need to get a move on because it can take a long time to finish any homemade projects.  Hopefully I can get everything done that I was planning to finish prior to her shower at the end of June! 

What I'm Looking Forward To

Next weekend, I am going to partake in Goat Yoga with my cousins! We signed up to take a class on a whim and I actually am super excited to check it out.  I love animals, so any chance I can interact with an animal that I otherwise would not get to interact with, I am happy.

To learn a bit about Goat Yoga, check out this video on YouTube: Goat Yoga!

What I'm Watching/Reading

If you have been following along with the blog, then you likely came across my #HPReadathon2017 Updates! In May, I started reading all of the Harry Potter books + the companion books.  So far I have finished Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Quidditch Through the Ages.  I also read The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and started reading How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr.  I'm looking forward to reading more of the Harry Potter books! To follow along for the Harry Potter Readathon, check out my Bookstagram: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.

What I'm Listening To

Mostly I have been listening to the Harry Potter Books on Audible, but I have also been enjoying a few summer-ish playlists on Spotify.  Do you have a favorite playlist? I am always looking for a new playlist to enjoy.  Share your favorites in the comments below!

What I'm Wearing

I have been wearing my bright colored pants from Old Navy.  I love how fun their Pixie Pants are and would like to get them in every single color available {now to wait to get a coupon or on a sale}.  

What I'm Doing this Weekend

Absolutely nothing and I am super excited about it.  

Previous What's Up Wednesday Posts

What's Up Wednesday #4

What's Up Wednesday #5
What's Up Wednesday #6
What's Up Wednesday #7
What's Up Wednesday #8
What's Up Wednesday #9
What's Up Wednesday #10
What's Up Wednesday #11
What's Up Wednesday #12
What's Up Wednesday #13


Question of the Day: What's going on in your life? 

I'd love to hear from you!

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 This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

May Reads 2017

Happy Tuesday Friends! I hope your week got off to a great start and you have exciting things planned for this week.  

For 2016, I have decided that it is important for me to take the time to read books... I know, I know, I say this every year, but this year I promise will be different! 

The goal is to each month, read a random assortment of books and share a few thoughts about the book (but not too much as I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone).  I love reading and I love sharing books with you guys.

Plus, this is a great opportunity for you all to share some of your awesome reads with me! 

If you want to follow/friend me on Goodreads, click here.

And you can keep track all year long by clicking 2016 Books at the top of my blog.  I will keep a running list of books right there for you.

Books I've read // Currently reading in May!

Everything, Everything || Nicola Yoon

I received this book through the Book Dragon Gift Exchange and was so excited that she sent it to me! I saw the advertisement for the movie and knew that I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie.  If you like a book that is lighthearted and has some comedy, I would highly recommended this quick and fun read.  

The Secret Life of Bees || Sue Monk Kidd

My mom recommended The Secret Life of Bees to me a little while ago and it has been sitting on my bookshelf for way too long.  When I came across a read-a-thon, I decided that this would be the book that I would make this my one book for this read-a-thon.  The Secret Life of Bees is not a book I would normally read as I tend to stick to Young Adult Books, but I am so glad that I took the time to read this book.  If you are looking for a book to challenge you and make you think about critical issues, I would highly recommend this one.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone || J.K. Rowling

I joined the #HPReadathon2017 and it started in mid-May! I am so excited because I have never read through ALL of the Harry Potter books.  However, this is the second time I have read through this book and I loved it just as much the second time around.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them || Newt Scamander & J.K. Rowling

I really enjoyed reading this book and it came at the perfect time because I watched the movie shortly after I read the book.  It was fun to look up the beasts as Newt started mentioning them in the movie.  If you like the Harry Potter books, I recommend adding this quick read to your list.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets || J.K. Rowling 

Another great Harry Potter book! I'm looking forward to watching the movie this weekend.

Well that is all for my books for May! 

To check out the other books I have read this year, check out my 2017 Books tab at the top of my page or check out my reading list on Goodreads! If you have a Goodreads account, make sure to add me because I am always on the hunt for a good book recommendation.

Question of the Day: What good books are you currently reading? 

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

#HPReadathon2017 Reading Challenge || Week #3

Happy Monday Everyone! I hope you had a wonderful week and are looking forward to a long weekend upcoming! 

Welcome to Week 3 of the #HPReadathon2017! My second week was not as good as I thought it would be, but I did manage to finish Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets!  If you have not heard about the #HPReadathon before, here is a little more information!

About #HPReadathon2017 | May 15 - August 6

The #HPReadathon2017 is a chance for Potterheads around the world to read the Harry Potter series again interactively. It is a three-month long event that aims to get Potterheads involved in reading, watching the films and participating in a range of different activities.  These activities include things like a Photo Challenge, Quizzes, and weekly reading challenges.  The check out more about the #HPReadathon2017, check out their Tumblr Site here: https://hpreadathon.tumblr.com/details

 If you want to follow, check out my twitter: @RunwithJackabee or follow along at my Bookstagram: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  So see what other readers are posting,  check out the hashtag #HPReadathon2017 on Twitter or Instagram! 

Week 3

|| Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ||

Day 1: May 29
Book I'm Reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Chapters I've Read Today: 0
Total Pages Read: 515
Book(s) I've Completed: 

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone || J.K. Rowling  
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them || Newt Scamander, J.K. Rowling

Challenge I've Participated In: None today. 
My Day:  Today I hung out at home and relaxed all day.  It was a long weekend with my friend's bachelorette party and traveling out of town for the night.  I spent the day just relaxing at home and playing video games.

Day 2: May 30
Book I'm Reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Chapters I've Read Today: 3
Total Pages Read: 773
Book(s) I've Completed:

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone || J.K. Rowling  
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them || Newt Scamander, J.K. Rowling
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets || J.K. Rowling

Challenge I've Participated In: No challenges today!

My Day: Today I finished Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on my way into work! I am glad I finished the book and look forward to starting the next one :) 

Day 3: May 31
Book I'm Reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Chapters I've Read Today: 3
Total Pages Read: 821
Book(s) I've Completed:

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone || J.K. Rowling  
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them || Newt Scamander, J.K. Rowling
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets || J.K. Rowling

Challenge I've Participated In: No challenges today!

My Day: Today I started listening to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on my way home from work and managed to get through 3 chapters so far! I am so far behind on this book, but that's what happens when I have a long weekend.

Day 4: June 1
Book I'm Reading: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Chapters I've Read Today: 3
Total Pages Read: 805
Book(s) I've Completed:

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone || J.K. Rowling  
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them || Newt Scamander, J.K. Rowling
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets || J.K. Rowling

Challenge I've Participated In: Today I completed one of the #HPRGryffindorPride challenges and I did three of the Prisoner of Azkaban Photo Challenges.  To check them out, you can find them on my Bookstagram at @RunwithJackabee_Reads or at the bottom of this post.  

My Day: I honestly did not listen to as much of the book as I would have liked due to the fact that I was exhausted on my way into work and was afraid of falling asleep at the wheel.  Hopefully I am able to do a little better at listening to the book tomorrow.  

Day 5: June 2
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Day 6: June 3
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Day 7: June 4
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Photo Challenge

Another fun part of this Readathon is the Photo Challenge they are hosting! I am hoping to complete some {if not all} of the photos over the next week.  Want to follow along? Check out my Bookstagram: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  I will also be posting my daily/weekly updates there as well.

My Photos

Gryffindor Pride Week

I am so excited too because the #HPReadathon Team has come up with a fun Gryffindor Pride week event! I am excited to share some of these fun ideas! Want to follow along? Check out my Bookstagram: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  

My Photos

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Owlcrate May 2017: Comic Explosion

Hi everyone! Happy Thursday!  I hope you are having a wonderful week so far and are looking forward to a fun and exciting long weekend ahead.

Today's post I wanted to share my May 2017 Owlcrate! This month's theme is:

Comic Explosion

When I saw that this month's theme was Comic Explosion I was SO excited! I am a huge fan of all things comic book and could not wait to get my hands on this month's box.  Plus, they were sending a full-size Funko Pop with a Super Hero theme in every box!

 If you are not sure what Owlcrate is, it is a monthly subscription book-themed box that comes with a Young Adult Book and other fun theme-related trinkets.  Some of my favorite trinkets have been candles, bath bombs and jewelry, but there are all kinds of great items available in each themed box.

For May, our theme was Comic Explosion so of course the items are super hero themed and they managed to touch on a wide variety of super heroes.  Here is a list of the items I got in my box:

• Loki Funko Pop from Storiarts // I am a huge fan of Funko Pops so when I got mine I was super excited to add another one to my small {but ever growing} collection.  I got Loki in my box and I am excited to integrate him into my book shelves.  
• Wonder Woman Candle from Dio Candle Company  // The candle is red in color and has a nice sweet smell which will be perfect for summertime burning.
• Comic Attack Pen from Ooly // This pen is so fun with the bright colors and the option of six different color inks in the pen.  It is almost a throwback to my childhood because these pens were super popular in the late 90s and early 2000s. 
• AFAR Comic Chapter Sampler from Image Comics // I personally have never owned a comic book, so I am excited to try a comic book that is newer.
• Coffee Candies from Käfē // I have not had coffee favorite anything in a long time so I am excited to enjoy these while reading a good book.
• Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia // Ironically I added this to my to be read pile on Goodreads last week so I am excited to see what this book is about! Here is the synopsis: In the real world, Eliza Mirk is shy, weird, smart, and friendless. Online, Eliza is LadyConstellation, the anonymous creator of a popular webcomic called Monstrous Sea. With millions of followers and fans throughout the world, Eliza’s persona is popular. Eliza can’t imagine enjoying the real world as much as she loves her digital community. Then Wallace Warland transfers to her school, and Eliza begins to wonder if a life offline might be worthwhile. But when Eliza’s secret is accidentally shared with the world, everything she’s built—her story, her relationship with Wallace, and even her sanity—begins to fall apart

If you are interested in getting your very own Owlcrate, go to www.owlcrate.com and check out their subscription services. 

To see my past Owlcrate reviews, you can catch them here.  

If you are an avid reader and want to connect, find me on Goodreads! I am always happy to connect with other book lovers.  

Up Next Month...

   

Question of the Day: What are you reading right now?

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Show & Tell Tuesday: Travels

Happy Tuesday everyone! 

I hope you have had a great start to your week and are looking forward to some fun things this coming long-weekend! 

Today I am teaming up with Andrea for another fun round of Show and Tell Tuesdays.  Our topic for today is:

Travel 

For as long as I can remember, my mom and I have traveled in the summertime.  For most of my childhood we would go up north for the 4th of July and out to Massachusetts for a week every summer.  Until recent years, I have gone up north to Mullet Lake with my family for the 4th of July.  This usually included a long weekend filled with boating, swimming, hiking and lazing around.  I have so many fond memories of my summers up there.  

When I was in High school, my parents took the family on a trip to Vegas/The Grand Canyon.  We flew into Vegas and spent a few days walking around the strip and enjoying the pool before renting a car and driving to both the North Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  Looking back on it now, I am thankful my parents took us to the Grand Canyon for a week because we got to experience something I maybe would have never done before.  Plus, we had fun scaring my mom by climbing all over the rocks.

In 2010, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to France and Italy with my best friend, Sarah.  She had been studying abroad in Morocco and had decided to backpack across Europe for 10 days.  Her parents did not want her to go alone, so they sent me out there to meet her and we spent 10 days visiting several cities in Italy and sending a few days in Paris.  This was my first time leaving North America and I am so glad I got the chance to travel with Sarah!

In 2011, Justin and I made our way to Jamaica for our honeymoon and I have to say, this was my favorite "relaxing" vacation.  Typically when we travel, we are always on the go and it was nice to just spend a week relaxing by the beach and taking my time with everything while I was there.  We did do one or two excursions while we were there, but it was so nice to just not have plans and to relax.  

In October 2015, I went on another big trip with Sarah and Christina to Uruguay! This trip was a little less planned than the others because we had a smaller window to get to Uruguay (due to Sarah's parents only being in Uruguay for a short period of time).  I think this is one of my favorite vacations because of the amount of sheer fun and adventure the three of us girls got into while we were there.  Let's just say, we were clearly American girls traveling in another country and we had a lot of people laughing with us while we were trying to figure everything out.

 

Since Uruguay, I've been to Florida twice, California, Traverse City and a few other fun places! It's kind of funny because I feel like I do not travel often, but when you look back on it, I travel quite often.  I am hoping this year to get out to Bali to see Sarah, Massachusetts to visit family and back out to Traverse City again with Kimmy! These long-weekend trips end up being some of my favorite because they are so fun and exciting. 

Well that is all for my Show and Tell post this time! I hope you enjoyed seeing highlights of some of my favorite vacations over the years! 

Question of the Day: What is your favorite vacation you've ever taken?

Feel free to share your favorite vacation in the comments below or on my Facebook Page! 

Next time on Show and Tell: 

The Struggle is Real 

This will be a fun one I think! Or it could be really frustrating, but I guess we will see! 

Question of the Day: What is your favorite vacation you have taken?

I'd love to hear from you!

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

#HPReadathon2017 Reading Challenge || Week 2

Happy Monday Everyone! I hope you had a wonderful week and are looking forward to a long weekend upcoming! 

Welcome to Week 2 of the #HPReadathon2017! I think my first week was a success! I managed to accomplish everything I was hoping to do and I am excited to report that I have officially finished my first Harry Potter book ever! If you have not heard about the #HPReadathon before, here is a little more information!

About #HPReadathon2017 | May 15 - August 6

The #HPReadathon2017 is a chance for Potterheads around the world to read the Harry Potter series again interactively. It is a three-month long event that aims to get Potterheads involved in reading, watching the films and participating in a range of different activities.  These activities include things like a Photo Challenge, Quizzes, and weekly reading challenges.  The check out more about the #HPReadathon2017, check out their Tumblr Site here: https://hpreadathon.tumblr.com/details

 If you want to follow, check out my twitter: @RunwithJackabee or follow along at my Bookstagram: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  So see what other readers are posting,  check out the hashtag #HPReadathon2017 on Twitter or Instagram! 

Week 2

|| Quidditch Through the Ages || Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ||

Day 1: May 22
Book I'm Reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets || J.K. Rowling

Chapters I've Read Today: Chapters 1-4
Total Pages Read: 438 pages
Book(s) I've Completed: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone || J.K. Rowling  
Challenge I've Participated In: I took some pictures for the photo challenge today and managed to post them my Bookstagram Account: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  I will post those pictures below and will continue updating it as I go.

My Day: Yesterday was a pretty good day! I listened to Chapters 1-4 of Chamber of Secrets on my way into and home from work.  I was also super excited that my book mark from Made in Starburg came in the mail! I ordered it a little late, but they were so quick to ship it and it is SO beautiful! I cannot wait to use it for the rest of this event and forever.

Day 2: May 23
Book I'm Reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets || J.K. Rowling

Chapters I've Read Today: Chapters 5-6.5
Total Pages Read: 4
Book(s) I've Completed: 

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone || J.K. Rowling  
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them || Newt Scamander, J.K. Rowling

Challenge I've Participated In: I took another photo  for the photo challenge today and posted two new challenge pictures to my Bookstagram Account: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  I will post those pictures below and will continue updating it as I go.

My Day: I had planned to listen to the chapters on the way into work and on the way home, but I ended up getting too tired while driving in to listen to the chapters and on the way home, my husband and I ended up catching up from the day for most of the way home.  I also made sure to finally finish Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them before heading to bed last night.


Day 2: May 23
Book I'm Reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets || J.K. Rowling

Chapters I've Read Today: Chapters 8-12
Total Pages Read: 515
Book(s) I've Completed: 

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone || J.K. Rowling  
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them || Newt Scamander, J.K. Rowling

Challenge I've Participated In: I took another photo  for the photo challenge today and posted two new challenge pictures to my Bookstagram Account: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  I will post those pictures below and will continue updating it as I go

My Day: May 24th is my mom's birthday, so I spent the evening celebrating with my mom by going out to dinner and shopping for a few supplies for this weekend.  I listened to my chapters on my way into work and on my way home.  

Day 4: May 25
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Day 5: May 26
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Day 6: May 27
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Day 7: May 28
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Photo Challenge

Another fun part of this Readathon is the Photo Challenge they are hosting! I am hoping to complete some {if not all} of the photos over the next week.  Want to follow along? Check out my Bookstagram: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  I will also be posting my daily/weekly updates there as well.

My Photo Challenge Posts:

I'd love to hear from you!

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.