Hunger Games

Almost every time I go into Target, I scan through an aisle called "recommended reading."  And I always get ideas as to what book I should read next.

So, awhile ago I saw this one...

I quickly skimmed the back cover synopsis (I never read the entire thing because it always gives more of the plot away than I wanted to know) and decided this would go somewhere near the top of my mental need to read book list.

Then I started seeing it on my kindle top 100 list... and then on pinterest...

So, I decided it would buy it and take it camping at Higgins Lake.

And let me tell you...

It was so good.

I had to pace myself so I wouldn't sit down and read the entire book in one sitting.

There are a total of three books in the series, and I highly recommend them. I don't want to give away any plot points, so I'll just say it's an action packed series that had just the right amounts of sci-fi, action/adventure, and romance.

If you love to read, this is definitely a can't miss series.  Read it!!

Talent

So, I was introduced to a new singer/songwriter recently.  Her name is Jilian Linklater.

She's actually my cousin's cousin.

Have a listen...

Isn't she excellent!?!?

I was not expecting her to be so good.  I'm so impressed by her!

She has a gorgeous voice and I love the way her fingers flow over her guitar...

And you can just tell she's enjoying herself.  And that makes me happy  : )

Friday Night Extravaganza

So my Friday night started off pretty good.

Let me elaborate...

Yup... a mocha coconut frappuccino and walking aimlessly around target equals a very happy Rachel.

Whoever decided to put Starbucks inside Target was a freaking genius  : )

So, now I'm back from my excursion and my plans for tonight are wonderful...

Phil's at work so it's just me and the dog at home, enjoying some of the following:

• California Pizza Kitchen - Garlic Chicken Pizza

• SoCo and Simply Lemonade

• Endless episodes of Lost on netflix

• Pinterest, pinterest, and more pinterest

Sounds like a pretty satisfying evening to me.

Hope your Friday night is as relaxing as mine!

Liking This

So, during their visit, my sister and cousin introduced me to a new song.


"Oh Darling" by Plug In Stereo and Cady Groves.


Downloaded it last night. 


Super sweet and charming and I love the acoustic guitar.


Have a listen and see what you think...

I think I'm liking it.

Special Treat

My sister, her boyfriend, and my cousin all came out to visit last night and stayed the night with us.

We browsed pinterest together, watched some sweet youtube videos, ate sushi, made sopapilla cheesecake and cinnamon french toast, and went swimming at the pool.

It was nice : ) I'm glad they came

_________________________________________________________


In other news...

I went to the opening night of Harry Potter a few weeks ago.

It was amazing.

Listen to this quote --

"The stories we love best do live in us forever.  So, whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home."  --J.K. Rowling

Goosebumps.  Every time.  She is so cool.  And I am so glad she chose to share her amazing story of Harry Potter with us : )

Then I saw this on pinterest...

Pinterest is addicting.

That might be an understatement for me.  It is mind-blowing. hahaha

Look at all of this...

Butterbeer Recipe

And that's just stuff on my Harry Potter board.

Amazing.  There are no words...

Just a big smile on my face.

Have a beautiful Friday!

Long Day

Today was a Monday to surpass all Mondays.

Yes... it really was that bad.

But, now I am home.  Relaxing, eating, drinking, doing a little bit of cleaning, cuddling with the dog, watching old episodes of Lost, browsing through some pretty sweet blogs.  So... it's better now.

Just got home from a few days camping at Higgins Lake.  It's one of my favorite places.

Every July, we go up for 12 or so days with my Dad's family.  Grandparents, aunts, uncles cousins, etc. The first year I went, I was 3 months old.  And I've been every summer since.

There's just something about it that I love.

Another year has passed and I feel so thankful that my family is able to come together and enjoy each other's company.

They've been going for 30+ years... and I hope it continues at least another 30.

_____________________________________________


I guess that's all for now.  Have a beautiful evening.

Monday Night

Hello all.

Just hanging out tonight.  Phil cooked me dinner.  We went for a walk and then got some iced coffee.

Pretty good night.

Listening to this song...

I love it.  I'm not even going to elaborate at all because I think the song says it perfectly :)


_______________________________________________________________________




Other exciting things...

My little sister got engaged a few weeks ago : )

Super excited for her. The wedding will be next summer.

So, I've been looking at wedding stuff.  Dresses and decorations and wedding blogs.  I wish I could get married again...

To Phil, of course : )

Found a pretty cool site - greenweddingshoes.com

I especially liked this post.

I love weddings.  I love love. 

_______________________________________________________________________

And, to continue with the random theme of this post, here is my dog...

Yes.  He likes to dress up like a gangsta.

Ok... maybe not.  But I like him to.  

He lets me bug him... he's a good dog.  I love him.

Goodnight!!