Not Now...I'm Reading!: July 2011

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Time To Show Off My July R.A.K.

For those of you not in the know (which leaves me flabbergasted by the way), the Book Soulmates (a.k.a Isalys and Vanessa) have this really cool community feature called:

(Click on the button for details)

Here are the gifts R.A.K.ed unto me:

Tyra from Tyra’s Book Addiction sent me:

I’ve heard great things about Julie James’ books. Can’t wait to give this one a try. Jess from Gone with the Words sent me:

Jess commented that this was one of her favorite reads this year. Looking forward to seeing what all the buzz is about! Joli from Actin’ Up with Books sent me:

I’m equally excited about this book. And look at that cover! If that’s not Goth chic I don’t know what is. Christie from The Fiction Enthusiast hooked a sister up with ARCs of:

Here are the gifts R.A.K.ed unto others:

Ashley R. received a copy of:

Tyra from Tyra’s Book Addiction received a copy of:

Amanda from On A Book Bender received a copy of:

Isa from Book Soulmates received a copy of:

Jess from Gone with the Words received a copy of:

Joli from Actin’ Up with Books received a copy of:

As always, a huge thanks going out to the Book Soulmates for coming up with such a great community feature.

Plinky Question of the Day

The Plinky Question of the Day is a weekly feature I added to the blog to get to know you guys better and vice versa. Sometimes the questions will deal with books or reading but, most of the time they won’t. Because, let’s face it, there’s more to us than what we read.

What were the must-have toys when you were a kid?

This one is easy. There were 3 highly sought after and coveted toys I remember wanting when I was a kid. They were:

Cabbage Patch Kids

I’m not sure what the obsession was. They’re super creepy looking and they had signatures on their butts. I hear my Mom almost got into a fist fight at a Toys ‘R’ Us over this doll. I’m not sure how true that is but, it’s a fun story to tell. Easy Bake Oven

I admit that I don’t like anything having to do with cooking. However, I’ve always had a thing for baking. I think the batter that came with the set didn’t taste all that great but, I didn’t care. It was the act of baking that I enjoyed the most. Snoopy Sno-cone Machine

I damn near had a conniption when I opened this gift on Christmas. Of the three this is probably the toy I wanted most. I made sno-cones until the damn thing broke.

So guys, what toys were must-haves when you were kids?

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Author Event: This Is Teen LIVE with Maggie Stiefvater, Libba Bray and Mag Cabot

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the Miami leg of the this is teen LIVE event over at Books & Books in Coral Gables with my aunt and some of bestest blog buddies. When I first heard about the event I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go. The whole not wanting to be the oldest person in the room thing was making me think twice about attending but, I’m extremely happy I did. For one it was a chance to hang out with the homies. For two my aunt was my date for the evening and this may or may not have been her first event. For three these authors were absolutely amazing. They’re smart, sweet and gosh darn it they were effin’ hilarious.

The night opened up with each author talking about their books and sharing some of their adventures (or misadventures) with us. Maggie shared her story about meeting real wolves. Meg talked about her journey to get published. Libba shared a very funny but, very embarrassing story about her 16 year old self trying to get attention from some boys. For the record I almost peed my pants.

We were then asked to participate in a very interesting round of Mad Libs with Libba. I will never think of Eat, Pray, Love the same way again.

A round of Q&A was up next.

We then got to see the authors compete in the this is teen LIVE version of the Newlywed Game. Fun times I tell ya. Fun times.

We finished off the night with book signings and posing with some blown up book covers that were set up in the courtyard.

It was a very fun night spent in the company of family, friends and three fantastic authors. By far one of the best signings I’ve attended to date.

Additional Author Info:

Maggie Stiefvater

Meg Cabot

Libba Bray

Oh and before I forget I wanted to give a quick shout out to Vanessa (so happy you were able to make it), Nely, their significant others who I would like to nominate for hubby/boyfriend of the year and Ash. You rock my socks off ladies!

SYTYCD Saturdays - Week 7

What do you get when you put Lady Gaga, some bad ass dancing and a shoe throwing incident together? Why, it's this week's episodes of So You Think You Can Dance.