Tales of a Library Lady

What Shall I Call This?

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 24 May 2013 23:56:00 +0000

A blogging break?
The beginning of the end?
Time out?

It's been awhile folks, and it's going to be awhile. Life is full. My family is well, just busy. I think over four years of blogging has been a great run, but my heart isn't in it anymore. I'm struggling to find time to update my little slice of Internet Heaven. While I can't say this leave will be permanent, it's how it's going to be right now. Thanks for hanging out, checking in and being on my journey with me.

And you never know, maybe I'll get the itch to blog again, and well, maybe not. So be it.

Smooches!

Liebster Award

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:23:00 +0000

I've been nominated by Stephanie over at Life, Unexpectedly for the Liebster Award. Cool, right? I had to do a little research to find out what the award meant, but basically it's a way to acknowledge smaller blogs on the interwebz. That's me! So, Stephanie asked some questions of me, and I'm happy to participate!

1. What's your favorite fruit?
I like just plain old bananas. I'm so boring, but they're without a doubt, my favorite.

2. Do you get your "5 a day" on a regular basis?
Does this mean fruits and veggies? Nope. I get one or two..maybe.

3. Sweet or savory?
Load on the sweet, baby. It's all I need in my life.

4. Do you have a lucky number?
It's so cliche to say "7" but I've always had a special place for 7s. I like 3, too.

5. What do you order at Starbucks?
I don't. I very rarely go to Starbucks. Give me a Sheetz. I like their frozen mochas or iced lattes with sugar free caramel & vanilla and skim.

6. Share your comfort food?
Ice Cream. I could eat it for every meal.

7. Have you filed for your taxes already?
Yes, and we filed Married but separate because that was going to give us the biggest return. Then there was an issue where we didn't get all of our money because of something with childcare and we had to redo our file and now we're expecting another check.

8. What was the last thing you bought (except groceries)?
This morning I bought a French Vanilla Cappuccino from a local gas station. YUM!

9. What is your favorite animal and why?
Dogs. Except mine. But I really do love dogs because they're loyal and cuddly and make great best friends.

10. What is a color you would never wear?
I'm not a huge fan of the color red. I will wear it and have worn it, it's just not my favorite!

11. Are you happy with your name?
I mean, when you compare it with what my mom was going to name me (Autumn), Karen sounds drab and boring. I would have liked Autumn better! :)

Thursday Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:44:00 +0000

**I need Spring, like, two weeks ago. I've already broken out the flip-flops, so get with the program, weather.

**I have been using the My Fitness Pal app for almost a week now, and while it's a pain to track all of your food, it really does help. I'm not snacking at night anymore and I'm more determined to work out so I can get some calories back!

**I'm heading to Atlantic City this weekend for a bachelorette party. I'm hoping to stay up past 11:00. It's been fun dress shopping and buying penis straws, though.

**I've heard the rota-virus has been making it's way around the toddler world again. Knock on wood that it misses mine.

Anything to share? Link up with Ramblings of a Suburban Mom!

WW: Family Shots

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:52:00 +0000

Book Review: Requiem

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:08:00 +0000

Author: Lauren Oliver
Age: YA
Format: Kindle
Genre: Dystopian

Summary:
Lena is back the Wilds after saving Julian. The wilds are no longer safe, and Lena and her friends must find a look to join the resistance in order to find peace. Hana is still living in the city after her procedure and about to be married to the mayor. Only Hana remembers more than she should...

Since learning that Alex is alive, Lena has to learn to live with being in love with two boys, both who know her very differently.

Follow a story told from alternating perspectives of Hana and Lena. There are new characters, the fight for freedom from the "cure" and lots of action and dramatics.

Thoughts:
I had such high hopes for this final book in the trilogy. I could not put it down. I loved that Alex was back and Lena had to deal with her emotions now that she was in love with Julian. I absolutely hated the ending and wanted to scream when it was over. I need closure, and there was none in this story. Very disappointing, but I would still recommend it to anyone who loved some YA dystopian!

Catch The Moment: April

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:21:00 +0000

Linking up with Nurse Loves Farmer and Simply Stavish with a couple moments that I caught with my camera over the last few weeks.

We had a 80th surprise birthday party for my Nana. She was in shock!

Weston at one of our many egg hunts from this past weekend.

The boys going through their loot!

Sunday Social

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 14:29:00 +0000

Thought I would do a quick link-up on this fine Easter morning! We've been busy all weekend with egg hunts and stuffing our faces, so there's not a lot of time for much else! :)
1. What is your favorite type of workout to do? Anything that makes me move. I really like Jillian's kickboxing DVD. The workouts are exactly 20 minutes, it's constant moving and I feel great when I'm done!
2. What is your favorite guilty pleasure candy or sweet. Two Words: Ice Cream.It's doesn't matter what kind really, but this is amazing:
3. What is one thing you continuously forget to do? Remember where my keys are. Ask anyone, those things are lost all of the time. I continuously forget to keep them in the same place so I know where the are!
4. Do you prefer post-its or phone reminders?Post its. I can't get into using the phone for reminders yet...although I do...I just don't prefer it!
5. What is your favorite picture currently on your phone that always makes you smile.This was taken at Christmas and I have it as my main screen. I can't help but smile!

A Successful Construction Themed Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 23:47:00 +0000

We had Weston's 2nd birthday party last Sunday. You can see my original post here about what I was thinking about doing.

I ended up just going with a basic black & yellow theme {doubles as a Steelers theme, so WIN}. I actually had a hard time finding construction plates and cups, so it was easier to use a solid theme.

I did find a nice banner on Amazon. I didn't get any pictures of it hung.

We had a "build your own taco" bar. Get it, build? I used dump trucks for the chips.

My SIL made cake-pops, yum!

The cake was from a local grocery store.

It was a successful party and while I didn't go "all out" on the theme, I thought it was just right for Wes!

WW: Dying Eggs

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Ebates: Getting Paid to Online Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:36:00 +0000

That's right. You can get paid to online shop. It's for real. If you sign up for an Ebates account you can get cash back when you shop at certain stores.

Stores like Kohls, Carters, Target, Old Navy and Boscov's. I already got my first check and a $10 Target gift card in the mail! My only question was: WHY DIDN'T I KNOW ABOUT THIS SOONER?

Sign up here:

Weston's Second Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 23:50:00 +0000

My little buggy turned 2 today. I have no idea where the time went! Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we?

Newborn Weston. Your ute can thank me later.

Weston's 1st Birthday Party

Weston at 2.

He's the most cuddly, happy boy I know. He loves his brother, animals, and food. All food. I can't wait until he starts talking more so I can ask him the toddler 20 questions!

Thursday Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000

**I did a March Madness bracket with a friend at work. It's a total joke. I can't even remember who I choose to win it, but I based my picks on places I've been and where I'd like to visit. Legit.

**Weston's Construction themed 2nd birthday party is this weekend and I finally got a cake ordered {Thanks, Mom} and decided on a menu last night. I'm way behind on party planning.

**I think my school district is in financial trouble. Scratch that, I know they are in trouble. I'm not sure how all of this will play out, but I could end up teaching English next year. I'm sort of scared, sad and excited about all of that.

**I'm totally going to Kohl's this weekend to shop. I have some coupons and need new running sneaks. Also, Weston needs a shirt for his party.

**I've been pondering a gluten-free diet for a few days. Some close friends are gluten-free for various reasons. I've been doing research before I make any rash decisions. It's going to be hard, yo!

That's all I got for now. Want to play? Link up with Ramblings of a Suburban Mom!

Book Review: Rogue

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:08:00 +0000

Rogue is the follow-up novel to the book Exceptional. I personally know the author and had the privilege of being one of the first people to read it and help Jess edit her novel. Check out my review for Exceptional!

Age: YA
Genre: Dystopian
Format: Kindle
Author: Jess Petosa

Rogue picks up right where Exceptional left off. Ally is outside of the city, after having left Luke. She's still getting used to her Exceptional powers and learning how to harness them. The book begins with Ally traveling with some friends to find a southern city when she runs into another boy named Max. Max takes Ally's group back to his city, Champaign. Things there are different there than Ally is used to, but not necessarily in a bad way.

The major conflict in the story? Rogues. They are Exceptionals who turn into wild beasts, in a way, and they are threatening to attack the city. Ally and Max soon become friends and work together to beat the Rogues and warn Luke and the city.

If you haven't read Exceptional, by Jess Petosa, do not dive right into this one. You will be confused. Like any good trilogy, there is a pending love triangle and sure to be lots of drama in the third book. I missed Luke's character because I really loved him in the first book. You do get to hear some of Luke's perspective in the novel.

Buy Exceptional and Rogue today!

I'm also linking up with the.book.chat today!

I'm currently reading Requiem by Lauren Oliver.

Look for a review soon!

WW: First Day of Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:37:00 +0000

What? You aren't celebrating by wearing flowers on you head?

What I Wore Wednesday {The Pleated Poppy}

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:45:00 +0000

Jeans: BDG Cigarette Mid-Rise
Shirt: Kohls {it's Elle, but I couldn't find it on the site}
Scarf: Old Navy

Hey, I Like To Look Good Too

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:15:00 +0000

Just because I'm around books and children all day, doesn't mean I don't want to look my best or do what's right for my skin. I've been obsessed with beauty blogs lately and taking trips to Target and Walmart to try out new products. I'm scared to go into the mall to Sephora because I might end up dropping a load on things I've been longing for.

I receive Birchbox every month and am considering Ipsy, as well.

I thought I'd share with my reader some of the things I tried and I currently enjoying.

1. Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream: While it sort of smells a little...weird...it's great to help with fine lines around my eyes. I've been using it for awhile now. I'll be looking for something stronger, like Botox (lol), at some point, but for now, I like it.

2. Mabelline Dream Lumi Concealer: I've only used this a few times on some random spots on a my face, but liked the results. Use around the mouth, on the forehead, or anywhere you want to conceal fine lines/imperfections.

3. Put a Lid On It: This is an eyelid primer. It helps my eyeshadow stay on all day!

4. Mabelline Instant Age Rewind: Great for dark under eye circles. I swear by this stuff.

5. Mabelline Dream Fresh Beauty Balm: This is a great all over concealer to help hide imperfections. SPF 30, so you can't beat that!

6. Victoria's Secret Angel Perfume: Because who doesn't want to smell nice.

7. Frownies: These are an under eye gel pad that you wear under your eyes for 30 minutes for 3 days, then once a week after. They help to reduce fine lines and tighten skin!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 13:14:00 +0000

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Everybody Dies Famous In a Small Town

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:33:00 +0000

It's hard growing up in a small town.

A small town where everyone knows you're business, or thinks they do.

It graduated from a class of almost 200, and by most standards, that's fairly high. I knew a little bit about each person in my class. I may not have been their friend, but I knew who they were and there was usually some sort of connection to them or their family.

I didn't travel too far when I went to college. It was only about an hour away because I wanted the option to spend weekends at home, if I so wished. And I did. For the first year or two, to my mother's dismay, I came home.

I currently have a job that is only 45 minutes from my home town.

My entire life I have been surrounded by this small town, these small rumors, these small assumptions.

Will my boys be forced into this town?

While it hasn't been all bad, it's still makes me sad that I never lived anywhere exciting. I had a high school friend who sold her car and moved to NYC and I was so jealous. She got a chance to reinvent herself, find out who she was and is outside of our town.

Now that I'm older and settled, it's highly unlikely that we'll move too far away from this town. {I currently live 2 miles from the house I grew up in} We're close to our families, and they're important to us. We might move down the road into another school district, but this place will always be home.

While stories about Johnny's divorce, or Mary's DUI or Tina's love for women will always run rampant, I need to make peace with the fact that that is what they are...stories. Every town has them. Every town lives by them.

Everyone loves a little story now and then.

I'm starting to sound like a country song.

So the point of this is, well, maybe there is no point. Other than recently I heard a story about my husband and I. A laughable one. One that we shook our heads at and said, "Where do they come up with this crap?" And then we moved on with our lives and now make a joke about.

So don't always believe those stories you hear. Or, if you do, realize there's probably another side, one that doesn't involve the end result you might have heard.

Happy Wednesday, y'all.

Thanksgiving Casserole Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:25:00 +0000

SO YUM!
1lb ground turkey
1 bag stove top stuffing
1 can chicken broth
1 can whole cranberries (I used one cup of corn instead because we don't really like cranberries)
1 jar turkey gravy
Top with mashed potatoes
Layer in order shown in glass baking dish
Bake @ 350 for 30-35 minutes!

This was so easy to make and so good! I highly recommend for kids!

Social Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 13:04:00 +0000

1. What is one movie you are terrified to watch?
Paranormal Activity 2. I have seen the first one and still have nightmares about being dragged out of my bed by a demon. Once I saw the second one involved a baby, I knew I was out. NEVAH.

2. What is one TV show you have always wanted to get into but haven't yet?
I'm pretty sure I would love Pretty Little Liars. I've read a few of the books and know a bunch of my friends are obsessed, but I just haven't let myself watch it yet. Soon!

3. What is one daring activity on your bucket list?
I don't think I really have one! I've been para sailing and bungee jumping, {btw, NEVER bungee jump at a fair, I was young and dumb and surprised I'm still alive} and kayaked on the Colorado River. I really have no desire to fling myself off of something or do something daring.

4. Would you ever travel alone?
Yea, I'm not scared of flying. I actually enjoy being alone. As long as the destination involved seeing people and being social on some level, I have no problem traveling by myself to get somewhere!

5. What activities do you like to do alone?
I love to shop alone. I love to go to the Library alone. I love to sit on the beach alone. I pretty much like to do anything alone, but being with my boys is always better! :)

Book Review: Sweethearts

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 12:43:00 +0000

Age: YA
Genre: Romance/Relationship
Pages: 217
Format: Hardcover
Author: Sara Zarr

Jenna and Cameron have been each other worlds for most of their childhood, until Cameron disappears one day without a trace. Lead to believe that Cameron has died, Jenna has decided it's time to move on with her life. Her mom remarries, moves them to a new town, Jenna loses weight and ends up with a great group of friends and even a new boyfriend. Everything has turned around from her awful childhood.

Then Cameron Quick shows up in her life after eight years and threatens to ruin everything that she has built.

A story about relationships that sprout from the deepest love, when two souls that although have distance, will never stop loving each other, Sweethearts was a cute romance read for any YA lover. While I wasn't particularly attached to either of the characters, I could see why teens would enjoy this book.

Thursday Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:40:00 +0000

* There are only 64 mores student days this school year, not that I'm counting.
* I have become obsessed with eating Tuna. It's my go-to lunch almost every day. I'm not sure if that's ok or not, and frankly, I don't care.
* I need to start running again. As much as I love doing Jillian Michael's workouts, nothing helps me lose weight more than running. And believe me, I hate running.
* I had to spend the entire day indoors with my children yesterday. I wanted to rip my hair out by the end of the day. This summer will be tough. We are definitely getting pool passes.
* I'm in this weird in-between state with my hair. Do I grow it? Cut it back into a bob? BIG DECISIONS!

WW: Snow {But Really Rain} Day

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:36:00 +0000

I was hoping to take the boys out to get some fun shots in the snow...

...but it's raining.

School is cancelled so the boys are ~~driving me nuts~~ playing sort-of nicely together. Maybe we'll get some snow later on this afternoon, but it's not looking promising. Until then, it's hanging out, watching movies, and maybe some light cleaning for me. What a day!

Catch The Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:41:00 +0000

I'm linking up today with Catch the Moment...a photography initiative started by Sarah and Mindy. It focuses on capturing the moment and not necessarily the bright smiling faces of things going on around you.

I wanted to start with one from last year that I really love. Braydon loved his swing on our front tree and would just sit in it for as long as someone would push him.

This one is from this past weekend. If you're a follower of my blog, you've already seen it, but if not, we through a bridal shower my soon-to-be-sister-in-law and we played a game at the end called the "shoe game." She was a little surprised to see her fiance answer with her shoe to the question asked!

Hope you link up! Leave a comment so I can check out your Catch the Moment pictures!

A Country Themed Bridal Shower

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 21:26:00 +0000

The past few months, I've been busily preparing for a bridal shower with two other bridesmaids.

Disclaimer: most of the pictures that you will see do not include ideas that were mine. One of my awesome bridesmaids-in-crime came up with and executed pretty much almost everything you will see...and am I very thankful for her neurosis.

Our blushing bride is a country girl at heart. Her wedding will have a very "country" theme to it, so we decided to piggy back off of that theme, and bring it into the shower. Many of the decorations for the wedding include using mason jars, so we asked our guests to bring mason jars filled with well wishes or fun items that the bride would enjoy. The guests placed their jars on a special table and before we opened gifts, she opened those first.

The bridal party are all wearing cowboy boots for the ceremony, so we used cowboy boots on the tables as part of the centerpieces. You could also find bottles of champagne wrapped in burlap, mason jars, and flowers in all the boots. Oh, I forgot about colorrful handkerchiefs over the linens. Wish I had a better shot of the entire table!

The buckets that you see on the tables had cards with questions on them for a game we played at the end of the shower...more on that later.

Other decorations included a picture wall, cowboy hats {also used as favors}, and of course food and drinks {I made all signs for the tables, food and drink. I wish I had gotten pictures of them all!}

The clothes pins on the cowboy hats were part of another game to win the champagne bottles on the tables.

I asked all of the guests to get their pictures taken against on the brick walls. While I wasn't too fond of the electrical box that appears in most of the shots, we'll say that it gives them "charm."

For the last part of the shower, we had the groom show up to play the Shoe Game. Both the bride and groom sat back to back with one of each other's shoes in their hands. The tables asked questions that were provided {ie: Who is most likely to join the Amish Mafia? Who cleans the most? Who made the first move?} and the bride and groom raised the shoe of person they believed that answered that question. This was the highlight of the shower and the guests had so much fun answering all of the questions!

Of course our bride opened up a ton of gifts and instead of the usual paper plate with all of the bows on it, we decorated a cowboy hat!

It was a lot of work {again, so thankful for bridesmaids who are able to execute such awesome ideas} but everyone had a blast! We've got another one to plan for July and I'm really sort of excited for it!