"The China Garden" by Liz Berry (a journeyed review)

Fellow adventurers (for that's what us readers are),

Firstly, I know that I post books I love, and I will be posting about ones I couldn't get through/finish soon, and will be including books on this blog that aren't 5/5s. Just want you to know. Now, onto the review, my fine fellow friends!!!

My favorite cover for this book!

Summary: "When Claire moves with her mother from London to Ravensmere, a historic English estate, she can't shake the feeling that the residents already know her, especially Mark, a maddeningly attractive biker. Clare feels compelled to take midnight walks in Ravensmere's abandoned China Garden. Then her mother reveals that her own past is tragically linked to the estate. But when Clare discovers that Ravensmere is in grave danger, will she risk her future -- and Mark's -- to save it?" (Thank you, Goodreads!)

So, this is one of my very top most favorite books. Any time I meet a fellow female reader, I force this book upon them. I've worn out 2-3 copies of this book myself since I was 15. That's 17 years of love, y'all!

I don't know if many British men are like Mark, but because of this book, I've always wanted to head to London to find out for myself. Sure, he can be infuriating, but what male isn't?

This book is so great. There's a beautiful estate, a cute guy, as well as magic and history running through the ground beneath their feet. I love that the magic is kind of believable once you get to know the estate and everything, and that that's not the entire story, but just enough of a hint to keep things interesting. See, Clare didn't want to move to Ravensmere, but followed her mom anyways. Then she gets tangled in a mystery and story generations in the making. I mean, how does everybody already seem to know her and her mother? Why are people not surprised her mother is there, nursing a mysterious old man Clare has been strictly forboden to speak to? And why is a complete stranger on a motorcycle calling Clare by her middle name? What is she about to get lost in?

Verdict: If you want a book that is fantastic and can stand the test of time so you can reread it over and over, and has a fantastic plot and love story, read this one! I promise you won't regret it!

5/5 cats (even though I'm a dog person myself...)

XOXO,

Lexi

Great Holidays Happening This Week!!!!!!!! (an entertaining post)

Hello!!!

I know that things have been difficult lately. There are so many difficult things going on in the world, and you guys deserve a reason to celebrate. Here are this week's holidays...

Monday, August 10th

• National Spoil Your Dog Day (There's nothing I'd rather do more!)
• National Shapewear Day
• National Connecticut Day
• National Lazy Day
• National S'Mores Day

Tuesday, August 11th

• National Raspberry Bombe Day
• Global Kinetic Sand Day
• National Mountain Day
• National Presidential Joke Day (Ours is a joke every day.)
• National Son & Daughter's Day

Wednesday, August 12th

• National Vinyl Record Day
• National Julienne Fries Day
• National Middle Child Day
• Purple Heart Day
• Royal National Agricultural Show Day

Thursday, August 13th

• National Prosecco Day
• National Filet Mignon Day
• International Left-Handers Day

Friday, August 14th

• National Creamsicle Day
• National Kool-Aid Day

Saturday, August 15th

• Chant at the Moon Day
• National Leathercraft Day
• National Relaxation Day
• World Honey Bee Day
• National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
• National Back to School Prep Day
• International Homeless Animals Day

Sunday, August 16th

• National Tell A Joke Day
• National Rum Day
• National Airborne Day
• National Rollercoaster Day

Get out there and celebrate your butt off!

XOXO,

Lexi

The 4th of July -- Celebrating the Country Among So Much Chaos

Friends,

I never thought I'd ever live through a pandemic, and I bet many of you guys thought the same. Then, I never thought we'd then be going back to work, opening stores again, way too early. It's so dangerous outside my front door, here in Dallas, but I still go out to shop, to put my feet in the sand.

There is a protest every day here in Dallas, a protest for people to all be protected and treated equally. You'd think since it's 2020, people would not still be treating each other in such a despicable way. You'd think instead we'd not be facing the murder of a person, a prison term for a person, all because the shade they are. We'd think that, in 2020, there would no longer be interment camps, and that we wouldn't have to teach your child on how to be cautious around the people who should be keeping us safe. It's heartbreaking, little children and their parents having to, rightfully, be afraid of police.

So why celebrate today?

Because we also pull together. In the times of need, people pull together. After a hurricane, after the flooding of so many towns down here in Texas sparked an outpouring of help from people saving puppies in their boats to others driving down to lend a hand or the use of their trunk. There was such an outpouring that they had to turn people away. Even the Ronald McDonald House has to turn volunteers away because they have so many already. People hold strangers in their arms while they are sobbing, and some give all the money they can, even at $5, to help their fellow man.

This is why we celebrate our country: No matter how bad things are -- and they are definitely bad -- you can always feel and see the outpouring of love and help and compassion. You can know that, even when you're going through something awful, you're not alone, you don't have to be alone. And that's the very definition of living in the USA. We're not perfect, we're still defining and redefining what "freedom" means, and we still have A LOT to improve upon, a lot of change needing to (and is) coming our way, but we can and are working on things. We can each be a change agent, and we should be -- that's what being American means.

No matter what, you are never alone. Things will get better. And that's the USA.

Go celebrate. Determine what you want and need to help change, and put it into action. Be a true American, and help others get to that "American Dream."

Love,

Alexis

10 Weird Things You Can Buy On Amazon.com (a random Sunday post)

Hi, readers!

I've decided to come back, and write an odd post guaranteed to make you smile. So here are 10 weird things you can buy on Amazon.com! Happy Father's Day!

1. A creepy-ass sequin changing pillow of Dwight from "The Office"

Because you really want to snuggle this at night.

2. A 20-ft. inflatable dancing sky man

Who doesn't need this tied to the roof of your car?

3. Dog booster seat

I can't decide if this is extra stupid or if I need one.

4. Cannibalism game

Surprise your kids with this cheerful game while camping!

5. Humping animals coloring book

Because who doesn't want to color two bears going at it?

6. A flour tortilla blanket

With one, you're a burrito; with two, a quesadilla.

7. A poop emoji pen that farts

To show your coworkers that your boss really can't fire you.

8. A booger toy

Because kids don't have enough mucus to begin with.

9. A female urination funnel to pee standing up

Because sitting down is just too much.

10. An mp3 of goat yells put to music

For when you want to tear your eardrums to shreds.

Have a great day!

XOXO,

Lexi

There Are No Words...

My dear readers,

I have been silent this week, trying to think of what to say and do here on the blog. Here we go...

We are living in a time of great turmoil and sadness. Death from the pandemic created fear, but George Floyd losing his life senselessly has created anger, hurt, and even more fear. There truly are no words that can cover the disgusting, stomach-rolling feelings we're all experiencing. I can't even begin to talk about the unfair and horrible racist things that have gone on in the history of this country, things that continue today.

BLM

Keegan Michael Key they said it best, so let me paraphrase: There's no need to say "All Lives Matter" when somebody says "Black Lives Matter." It's like telling firefighters that there's a fire in one house in a neighborhood, but they need to spray the entire neighborhood, every house. Yes, every house equally matters to the firefighters, but they need to address the house that is in danger, that is experiencing hell.

I hope I've helped spread some understanding. Here's Mr. Key's amazing message from "The Late Late Show with James Corden."

So what can we do?

Spread love, and feel your power. Everybody has the power to end these hateful things. Stand up and show that you will not let hate spread any longer, no matter what. Don't let people ever feel "less than" in your presence. It's time to stop being scared of your own consequences (bullying, losing a friend, getting in trouble yourself). Show your strength, feel your power, and spread love to everybody, no matter the color of their skin, what they look like, what they're going through. You are to love others. That's it. No judgment is needed.

Here in Dallas, Texas, I helped paint messages, supported a protest, spoke to strangers about their beauty, and watched artists memorialize Mr. Floyd:

I hope this post has helped.

So much love to all of you!

Alexis

AMAZING Photographer Bella Kotak!!! (a sensational look)

If you've noticed our background picture, I’m sure you love it as much as we do! The amazing fairytale photographer Bella Kotak let us use it! How awesome is that!?!

So let's talk about Bella and her photography!

Ms. Kotak is a fashion, fine art, and portrait photographer who is based in the UK and the US! She's always known she's wanted to work in the creative industry, and photography called to her. She's inspired by fairytales and nature, and reminds us to find the magic and beauty in every place and face.

She's an ambassador for Phase One, SmugMug, Canson Paper, and Vanguard! Her photography has been exhibited in London, New York, and Paris!

She beautifully hands us a beautiful way to escape the mundane moments of life!

Though I love everything Bella does, my favorite was the "Labyrinth" photoshoot:

Thank you, Bella! You're the best!

XOXO,

Alexis

"Royally Lost" by Angie Stanton (a princely review)

Summary: "Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.

When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?" (Thanks, Goodreads!)

This book is such a fun adventure that I read and reread it! Every summer and spring, I pull this book out and read away, letting it take me away. I love that there's a runaway prince, a fun escapade, and a cruise. I mean, what's better than that for a beach read? I think the characters are great, and the story feels like an update of "Roman Holiday," which I adore.

Verdict: Read if you need a happy lift, and want to run away with a prince.

Rating: 5/5 maps

"The Angels Trilogy" by Lurlene McDaniel (an old-world review)

Summary: "Leah is not happy about being stuck in the hospital for the holidays while her mother is thousands of miles away on a honeymoon with husband number five. Until she meets her hospital roommate, Rebekah, and her big family. Cynical 16-year-old Leah has never known people like this before. From Rebekah’s handsome brother, Ethan, who can barely look Leah in the eye, to her kind older sister, Charity, the Amish family captivates Leah with its simple, loving ways. When Leah receives frightening information about her condition, her new friends show her that miracles can happen. And that sometimes angels appear in the most unexpected places." (Thanks, Goodreads!)

So these books I first read as a tween, and they touched my heart so much that I still reread them, and I got my mom to as well. Lurlene McDaniel is known for writing novels with terminally ill people in them, and making you sob so hard, your book's text gets smudged. These books will make you tear up, but the romance between Leah and Ethan will make you hold on while the plot takes some unexpected twists and turns in this trilogy. It's great for people who love reading and learning about the Amish, and for anybody who loves a good romance and a great storyline.

Rating: 4/4 Amish buggies

Top 5 Korean Dramas for Readers (a K-tastic blog post)

Hey y'all!

There are great American shows out there for readers (which we'll explore in a future post), but sometimes shows from other countries surpass our expectations. Korean dramas tell a story in about 18 or so episodes, and then ends. The whole story is told, and there are no stupid filler episodes. I love them so very much! Here are my top 5...

1.) Goong (Princess Hours)

A girl ends up in an arranged marriage to the prince everybody but her is drooling over. Then there's his handsome cousin. Who will she end up with, and how the heck is she going to reconcile a royal life when she grew up normal?

2.) Boys Over Flowers

A teen gets into a prestigious school after rescuing one of the students, and ends up facing the F4. Better than this description, I promise. lol

3.) Full House

A woman goes on vacation and her friends sell her house. When she gets back home, a celeb is occupying it. In order to have somewhere to live, she starts working for him as the maid. How will they stand each other?

4.) Love Rain

Seo In Ha and Kim Yoon Hee fall in love in the 70s while they're in college, but, of course, it's ill-fated. Then their kids fall in love in today's world. Are they going to be ill-fated as well, or will their love conquer all?

5.) My Holo Love

A woman who has face-blindness gets to know a human hologram modeled after its creator. She finds him to be the perfect companion.

Have fun watching these! Give them a try! You'll love them!

XOXO,

Lexi

National Fandom Day!!! (a shipping post)

Hey y'all!

Today is National Fandom Day! Yes, fandoms are strong and those in them can be strongly opinionated, but let's not forget that we're in these together. We're supposed to band together over OTPs and feels, and so let's not argue or say they can't be a fan because they haven't seen every movie/episode/book there is.

Okay, that said, I'll proudly declare my fandoms... I am a Whovian, Sherlockian, Loki-lover, Potterhead, Mad Hatter fan, Instant Star girl, etc.

Blast these videos, and let's ship our favorite couples, drool over our favorite Doctors, and celebrate!!!

XOXO,

Lexi

"Jenny Green's Killer Junior Year" by Amy Belasen (a murderous review)

Summary: "Hell hath no fury...

Jenny Green is a spoiled teen "princess" and the newest junior at Montreal's Molson Academy. Jenny wants a fresh start in her new school, and she's curious to see what Montreal has to offer, most especially in the boy department. Beautiful, charming, and sharp-witted, Jenny has no trouble getting the boys to fall for her.

But when she discovers just how despicable the male gender can be -- with the lying, the cheating, and the utter disrespect -- she decides to make them pay...with their lives." (Thanks, Goodreads!)

There is so much to this novel: a girl who murders jerks, yet you kind of root for her. I've read this book a few times, and it never gets less entertaining. As Jenny's "superhero" side takes over, this girl kicks ass, but then goes a little overboard, but somehow also keeps her cool afterwards and carries on life as normal, which is eerie.

Rating: 5/5 Knives

10 Songs Perfect for Readers, Female Artist Edition (a musical Sunday post)

Hello to all who ended up on this page of mine!

Okay, so, as readers, we love a great story. The imagination, the movie we picture in our heads, etc. I've noticed throughout my life that people know the lyrics to songs, but barely get the message or the story. This spans from country to jazz to rock to rap to anything. So hopefully I can change that up a little.

So here are some songs that tell a good story from all around different genres. (P.S. This list is based upon the lyrics, but I'll be posting about music videos that tell the best stories soon!)

Here's your music lyric history lesson for today:

1.) "You & I" by Lady Gaga

This is one of my faves. She goes back to a bartender/owner she can't get out of her head. Any little thing reminds her of him, from muscle cars to jokes. Now she goes to him, ready to taste the whiskey on his tongue.

2.) "everything i wanted" by Billie Eilish

LOVE this girl! So, Billie has a dream where she gets absolutely everything she wanted. But she says that it's not what she expected, and, after she wakes up, she realizes it was actually a nightmare.

3.) "Me & Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplin

First loves are the hardest. Janis meets a guy and hitchhikes with him in trains and trucks and everything. She knows that he's a free spirit, and he's not going to stay with him forever, but she treasures the time she has with him, living completely in the moment with him.

4.) "Valerie" by Amy Winehouse

This song is so fun and catchy, omg! It's about a woman who's pining for another woman, named Valerie. She talks about how she made her feel when she was there by her side, and how her longing is not only mentally, but how she truly aches for her.

5.) "All I Wanna Do" by Heart

This song is shocking when you pay attention to the lyrics. A woman finds a man in the rain, alone, needing a ride. She drives him to a motel, no words exchanged, and they have a one-night stand. Then, years later, they run into each other, her with a stroller and a baby whose eyes are his. She explains that she was married but they couldn't have kids, so she slept with him to become a mother. Really messed up of that chick, but I love singing it nonetheless.

6.) "Fancy" by Reba McEntire

I've sung this song loudly since I was a little kid. Then I understood the lyrics. And still sung it out as loud as I could. Reba really tells great stories in her songs, and this is no different. A woman's mother sent her away to be a prostitute as a teenager because she couldn't afford to take care of her, and they were just so poor she didn't know what else to do. Then that girl grows up, building her life up till she is famous and rich. And Fancy was her name!

7.) "Case of the Ex" by Mya

Mya sings to her boyfriend, asking him why he's still talking to his ex when there's no reason to. No kids, no mutual friends, and the girl's turning tricks since '96. She demands to know the answer. Great beat!

8.) "White Lines" by Alexz Johnson

Love. Love. Love love love. It was hard to decide on just one of Alexz's songs, but this one is my favorite. It's about a girl who is pining for a man she's been far away from for awhile. She is finally sure that she wants to have a relationship with him. She's counting the white lines on the road, trying to see how many are left till she's back in his arms.

9.) "It's Not Right (But It's Okay)" by Whitney Houston

Whitney catches her husband cheating, telling the story of the evidence she found. But in the end, she's cool with it because she'll be fine after she kicks his butt out the door. Great power ballad to sing while being the independent heroine of your story that you are!

10.) "Are You That Somebody" by Aaliyah

Cuz She's not just anybody. This song is a woman telling a man she wants him as much as he always has wanted her. She's telling him she wants a late-night tryst with him, but it has to be on the down low because she's a celebrity. 

If there are some you haven't heard before, be sure to click on them to listen and watch the lyric music vids on Youtube! They're all greats!

Lots of love,

Lexi