{2017 Reading Challenge}

It is that time of year again, folks. That's right. The time where I plan out what books I'm going to read, when we all know the likelihood of me not changing my book plans are pretty slim. :) 

My sister and a friend of hers came up with this 2017 book challenge. A lot of them were taken from another list, but that list was like 60 books long. Can anyone really read more than a book a week, on average? I definitely can't. But I think that the Challenge turned out great!

Here is a picture in case you want to steal it. :)

Basically, there are categories that prompt you to find a book you would like to read. There are 12 categories, which is averaging a book a month. Which is very doable! 

I am so excited for my book choices, and I have included a short synopsis of the book in case some of you want to steal my ideas. :) Enjoy!

A Murder Mystery

I mean. Who wouldn't want to read a book that is by JK Rowling, but for some reason is calling herself Robert Galbraith because she thinks she isn't the queen of all reading and people won't take her seriously?? 

I know, I know. I'm behind on the band wagon for this one. But, what can I say. I have an entire bookshelf of books that I haven't read. And then on top of that, I have a nook that has hidden gems, such as this one, in it, that I forget I have. 

Anyway. The Cukoo's Calling is a murder mystery where an investigator that lost his leg in Afghanistan is determining is a supermodel, "Cukoo" really committed suicide, or if it was murder. *insert ominous music*

A Book With A Blue Cover

I got addicted to "BookTube" this last year. And it is a dangerous place for booklovers to be. There are so many books out there that I didn't know even existed! This book happened to be one of them. It is about a blind girl that is living in Paris during it's invasion in WWII. I love historical fictuion and I was so happy that this book fit into one of the categories! :)

A Book About A Road Trip

I'm beginning to wonder if all of John Green's books have to do with road trips? I guess that this is a bit of an exaggeration, but I feel like the road trip saga is really in style lately. 

An Abundance of Katherines is a story about a boy on a road trip searching for a girl named Katherine that he can be in love with that won't end up dumping him in the end. 

I am excited for this one. I think that it will be super funny and be a light read. :)

A Book That's Becoming A Movie This Year

When I was thinking about this years book challenge, I knew that I had to include a Stephen King book. I wouldn't be Heidee if I didn't. 

I have heard amazing things about this book, but I have been worried about it's thick size. With a whopping 1,138 pages, it is kind of an intimidating read. But I think that I will really enjoy this story, and probably a lot more than the movie. (Which I happen to really enjoy as it is) 

For those of you that have lived under a rocks, It is about a group of children (The Losers Club) who see the deepest, darkest fear of each individual. "It" returns as they continue to grow older and they do everything they can to stop It. 

I decided that I would throw a second one of this category for a couple of reasons. Number one, could there ever be too many books? No.  Secondly, because It is forever long, I wanted to make sure that I had an option of a book in this category to fix. 

Coin Heist is raved as "The New Breakfast Club." An unlikely group of kids come together to steal money from the Pennsylvania Mint. It sounds like an excellent thriller and who doesn't love a good Heist story?

A Book Written By A Celebrity

I have heard so many good things about this book. I have read a lot of more "serious" books lately and I thin that a funny one would be right up my alley this year. Don't get me wrong, I definitely want to read some of those more serious books as well. But sometimes, something easy and funny is a nice change. 

This book mostly contains funny stories and some advise for when humor is apporpriate. I don't know anyone that could use that kind of advice. Do you? (Imagine me currently looking at the ceiling)

A Book Written 100 Years Before You Were Born

This category was actually kind of hard for me. Hahah. Mostly because I had my heart set on reading Dracula, but guess what? It is only 96 years older than I am. :( But, I did actually find  one book that was published in 1892, and that happened to be Wuthering Heights. It's funny, because I really wanted to read this book because Bella read it in Twilight when I was in Jr High. :) haha. 

Anyway, From what I understand, it's like many other classics, it's a tragic love story. :) 

A Book With A Cat on the Cover

Those of you that know me, know that I wouldn't buy a book with a cat on the cover on purpose. What is the point of cats anyway? But, I did happen to notice this lion on the cover of Zoo. That counts, right? I think it does. 

This book is about numerous, tragic deaths in major cities that appear to be related to lions. I think I am most intrigued by this book because part of me feels that this could really happen. Mankind has totally taken over the world, it is only a matter of time before all of the animals just, snap!

The First Book You See in A Bookstore

My Fascination with serial killers is nothing new. And when I saw this book in the bookstore, I knew that I needed to have it. It happened to be on one of the main displays, probably because it's a debut novel and it is sponsored by James Patterson. 

This book is about a girl who is leading a perfect, tea drinking life, but is also practicing forensics on murders. She comes a little to close to Jack the Ripper and maybe even falls in love with him. 

It's pretty much everything I want in a book and more. 

A Book with One of the Four Seasons in the Title

Finding a book in the category proved to be harder than I thought it would be. Mostly because I am not a huge fan of major romance novels. And my research has shown that most novels with seasons in the titles have something to do with major romance. I was a little discouraged and thought, "Maybe I'll just read A Mid-Summer Nights Dream" or something like that. And then I found this book. 

An old house with a mysterious death? Sure, why don't we just go and live in there.. I'm sure nothing weird will happen. Except, maybe history will repeat itself.  But not if the daughter can stop it first. :)

(Do you feel chills yet? I think this book will be amazing. I hope it doesn't ruin my dreams and expectations of how good I think it will be.)

A Book About Food

I definitely have a relationship with food. I just love it so much. And I also love Jim Gaffigan, so.... when this was one of the categories, I knew that this would be the perfect book. I would be a synopsis, but I think the concept of the book is obvious. haha :)

A Book that is a 2016 Bestseller

If you have been following my blog for a long time, you will know that one of the items on my bucket list is to read every book written by Mitch Albom. I just love his style of writing and his stories are always so inspirational! 

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is the story of a boy who is given magical strings for his guitar that rapidly change his life. As he grows older, he realizes that his talent and music can impact the lives of other people. 

A Book Recommended by An Author You Love

Ray Bradbury recommends John Carter to others. He actually says that it is his most influential book for him. It is definitely a kids book.. but I am really excited to read it. :)

Happy Reading everyone!

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings! :)

{It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year}

December Favorites
Here we are with another favorites post. It seems like the months get faster and faster. Which, I am told is common as you get older. So I suppose that I should just get used to it, huh? I found quite a few gems this month. And most of them happened later in the month. Sooooo here you go!

Favorite Eye Shadow Pallet
It should come as no surprise that the Too Faced Sweet Peach Pallet would make it to my favorites video eventually. I'm not going to lie, I've been trying to avoid this bandwagon for a while now. Part of me say "I NEED ALL THE MAKE UP" and then another part of me says "Heidee.. you don't need another eye-shadow pallet." Honestly, the colors in this pallet don't scream unique to me and I was skeptical that I wouldn't love it as much as everyone was yelling at me that I would.

well.. I bought it. And I do love it as much as everyone says. It is the strongest smelling of all Too Faced products (which I think is a plus). But even with that, the color payoff is amazing and the colors are really fun to work with.  I kinda still think that the colors aren't super unique, but because I am a makeup hoarder, I can easily convince myself that they are. It's nice to buy this pallet at this time because it isn't sold out everywhere anymore. 

Favorite Lip Stick
Apparently I was able to grab all of the "coveted" make up products that have been sold out since they were released and now all of the sudden are easily available everywhere.

Kat Von D Lolita everyone. You need this in your life. For me, personally, it is the perfect nude and is almost a my color but better. I love that even when the color begins to wear off that It isn't completely obvious on my lips. LOVE

Favorite Shirt
We had an ugly Christmas sweater at my work, and when I saw this I target I instantly said "GETTING IT!" It's probably the opposite of ugly. But I love it. Nuff said.

Favorite Pants
These pixie pants from Old Navy are a favorite of mine every December. I probably shouldn't hang on to them because I rarely wear them. But their color scheme is so Christmas appropriate that I can't make myself get rid of them. So another December rolled around and here I am, with these pants that I continue to love in December.

Favorite Shoes
For me, the season of boots is winter and not Fall. Fall in my neck of the woods is too unpredictable with the temperature. And my happiness relies so much on my temperature of my feet that I can't risk it very often.

I bought these boots at Target last year and I love them. They aren't grey or green or brown or any real color, so they match everything. Right?

Favorite Accessory
Santa Claus spoiled me with Diamond Earring this year and I am in love. What can I say? Diamonds are a girl's best friend.

Favorite Movie
Christmas Vacation. Need I say more? I think not.

Christmas Eve Miller family tradition. 

Netflix Binge-watch
Does a movie count as a binge-watch? Every time I turned on Netflix during December, I found myself watching the Santa Clause. What can I say? I LOVE CHRISTMAS. And Tim Allen. but that is a different story for a different day. :)

Favorite Extra Purchase
But, can you see how adorable this coloring book is? I LOVED Little House on the Prairie when I was a kid.

Don't get me wrong, I need another Adult Coloring book like I need a bullet in the head, but this was a must have in my opinion. :) (P.S. Let me know if you want me to do a blog post about my adult coloring books!)

Favorite Activity
If you know me, you know I am usually defiant with most activities that Mormons are "supposed to love." I categorize the Lights at Temple Square as one of these activities. But, I went this year with the siblings and I enjoyed it. I like I liked Amelia's reaction to the lights the best! :)

Also, Amelia in this picture! *Insert Heart Eyes*

Favorite Picture
Randomly during a lengthy work meeting, my boss had a stop and watch the room dance as elves in Santa's workshop. This pic is definitely my favorite this month! :)

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings!