The Naughty or Nice Tag

Woo! Christmas is coming up fast! What better time to post a holiday-themed tag where we’re judged for our naughty and nice reading/book habits?? 😀 Big thanks to the awesome Random Melon Reads for tagging me for the “Naughty or Nice Tag”. There was no way I could miss out on such festive fun so let’s get to it shall we??

Received an ARC and not reviewed it

I’ve never done the ARC thing, actually, so I’m as innocent as can be on this one. Pure as the driven snow.

Have less than 60% feedback rating on Netgalley

Never used Netgalley. Apparently I am a lame ass nerd. 😛

Rated a book on Goodreads and promised a full review was to come on your blog (and never did)

Nahhh, I don’t think so. I’m lazy and don’t usually put actual reviews on there anyway. Why bother promising something I have no intention of doing? Now, on my blog, MAYBE.

Folded down the page of a book

Do I LOOK like some sort of monster to you?? My mama raised me better than this!

Accidentally spilled on a book

I don’t believe I have. The thought of it is enough to make me cringe. I’m one of those people who refuse to read in the bathtub because I’m too afraid of the possible water damage for my sweet little literary babies. ❤

DNF a book this year

Pffffft. I am the QUEEN of DNF Reads. It’s sad, but true.

Bought a book because it was pretty with no intention of reading it

Hmmm . . . I wouldn’t say “with no intention of reading it”. I’m shallow enough to be sold on a book by the cover alone, but I’m still planning on reading it at some point if I buy it.

Read whilst you were meant to be doing something else

Oh, yes. Far too often. It’s one of the best tools I have in my utility belt of procrastination.

Skim read a book

Not the whole thing, but yeah, I’ve skimmed parts in books before if I had a deadline I was behind on or if I was just not feeling it at the time.

Completely missed your Goodreads goal

Not yet! 😀

Borrowed a book and not returned it to the library

Eek! I have. Not in a VERY long time, mind you, but I am guilty of this one. It was a book on mythological beasties and I still own it to this day. I paid for it, so the library and I are squared away, but yeahhhhh . . .

Broke a book buying ban

Yeah, probably. I don’t think I usually ban myself from buying books, more so ban myself from spending money on things I don’t particularly need. I still blow that, too, though.

Started a review, left it for ages then forgot what the book was about

Yup! I also do this with a lot of my DNF books. I’ll start them, sit them aside for way too long, and then realize I don’t remember enough of what I did read and then have to start all over. My reading style is chaotic to say the least, but so are a lot of other aspects of my life so at least I’m consistent. 😉

Wrote in a book you were reading

Only books I’m using as a studying tool. I highlight, underline, and scribble notes in those bad boys. I still won’t dogear the pages though so I’m not a total lost cause. 😛

Finished a book and not added it to your Goodreads

Yes. I usually don’t realize I’ve done it until wayyyy later and then I still don’t end up adding it as read for some reason. I don’t think I’m a very good GR user. D:

Borrowed a book and not returned it to a friend

No, I don’t believe so. Borrowed for a very long time? Yes. Though I like to think I’ve always returned the books I’ve borrowed eventually. In all fairness I don’t mind people hanging on to my books for a long time either. As long as I know they can be trusted to return the books in one piece I don’t care how long they hang onto it.

Dodged someone asking if they can borrow a book

I don’t think so.

Broke the spine of someone else’s book

Holy shit, I would feel absolutely terrible. I’d be buying them a new book pronto and would expect nothing less than them to beat me with the damaged copy.

Took the jacket off a book to protect it and ending up making it even more damaged

Eh. I definitely liberated many of my books from their dust jackets but I don’t think I messed them up after they started free-balling it.

Sat on a book accidentally

Um, I don’t believe so? Maybe? I don’t know, not that I recall, so I’m going to go with NO.

FINAL SCORE – Naughty=8. Nice=12.

Aww, it was a close one, but I managed to squeak by and make the “Nice List”. Does this mean I get more books from Santa?? 😀 I certainly hope so!

Usually I’m far too lazy to tag people, but since it’s the holiday season, let’s do this!

I tag:

Mel To The Any

The Shameful Narcissist Speaks

Birdie Bookworm

Aaaaand anyone else who thinks this looks fun, consider yourself officially tagged!

In other news: I know I’m still way behind catching up on everyone’s blogs/comments right now, and for that I’m sorry! ❤ I’m currently getting over being sick and with Christmas coming up and work craziness I’ve been so strapped for time. I’m hoping things will calm down once the holidays are done, but for now I’ll do the best I can to catch up and stay (somewhat) sane! 🙂 I hope you’re all having a fantastic December and that the New Year will treat you all well. ❤ ❤ ❤

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The Eclectic Blogger Award

It is always an honor and literally brings a smile to my face whenever I get nominated for a blogger award or tagged for one of the many fun tags floating around out there. Despite how much I always appreciate being nominated for tags/awards, I must confess that I am a forgetful master of procrastination who is normally horrible about getting around to actually doing them.

Buuuuut, when the lovely Shameful Narcissist created, and was kind enough to nominate me for The Eclectic Blogger Award, well, of course I am going to participate in that! 😀

So, what is The Eclectic Blogger Award you may ask? And what are the rules, you also ask? Allow me to bestow you with the answers to those burning questions:

“The Eclectic Blogger Award is presented to those blogs that are both eclectic and engaging, where conversation flows freely, where new and different ideas are always welcome.  It’s to recognize blogs that always have interesting content to match the amazing, creative, and hard-working creators that make them possible.  These are the blogs that inspire you to read, watch, play, and/or create content to further enhance not only the blogosphere but also the general zeitgeist, because they themselves enrich it with their existence.”

THE RULES

• Nominate whomever and however many bloggers you want for the award.
• Share links from your blog for some of your favorite (or most eclectic!) posts.

So, that said, let the nominations commence!!

Read Rant Rock & Roll: Flower Fridays, Music Mondays, book reviews, Breakfast and a Book posts, adorable pets, this blog has a lot to offer and definitely falls under the category of eclectic. There’s always a fun variety of posts to enjoy and topics to discuss.

The Happiest Pixel: Tasty recipes, creative writing tips, and a variety of other types of posts, there’s a lot of different things going on at this blog. Speaking of their tasty recipes, this blog is a bounty of meatless recipes, so if you just so happen to be vegetarian or vegan you’re bound to find some delicious ideas for things to make at home and promptly stuff in your face! 😛

Imperial Rebel Ork: The passionate hobby of creating and painting miniatures is a big focus at this awesome blog, but IRO also presents a variety of questions and topics meant to get us bloggers talking, like his recent “Real Life Vs. Hobby Life” post. Creativity and hobbies are definitely the fuel that sets the blog ablaze and it’ll no doubt inspire you to make more time to enjoy your own hobbies as well. I’m always blown away at the variety and creativity in his work.

All the Trinkets: This amazing feel-good blog is just filled to the brim with inspiration, motivation, humorous and endearing writing, as well as tips for personal growth. She also shares her own struggles, triumphs, and creative endeavors with us in the process, making it extremely relatable and a great place for discussion among bloggers!

Invisibly Me: This is another inspiring blog that I just can’t help but admire. 🙂 Spanning topics like invisible illnesses and awareness, Frugal Friday posts, and product picks, there’s always something to be discussed. I’m also always impressed by this lovely bloggers openness and fantastic and inspiring outlook on things.

Aaaand even though I always tag these 2 ladies for things when I actually do tag people and even though one of them MADE this award, I gotta mention my BFF and partner in crime and general mayhem Cupcakes and Machetes along with the always-awesome and impressively organized The Shameful Narcissist. If you enjoy honest book reviews, yummy recipes, adorable pet photos, and only the cheesiest of puns, these blogs are for you! 😀

There are so many other blogs I could (and want to) nominate, but I’ll spread that love on another day because after this dreadfully stressful day I am amazed I’ve managed to keep my eyes open long enough to make this post. Sleep calls to meeee . . .

Thanks, as always, for reading. ❤ This is a snazzy new award, so if it looks like something you’d like to participate in just jump on in, and help spread this baby across the blogosphere. 🙂

 

 

 

Mystery Blogger Award

Lately I’ve been fortunate enough to be nominated for multiple blogging awards, and I am sincerely thankful for each and every one of them. ❤

 

“F-for ME? Really??” It’s soooo shiny! :O

I still have the others to fill out yet but I thought I’d get started with the latest nomination from Kate, the lovely blogger behind All The Trinkets. If you haven’t yet ventured over to her blog I do highly recommend it. She’s always so nice and her blog focuses on creativity, passion and inspiration.

THE RULES:

 

• Display the award logo on your blog.
• List the rules. Copy.
• Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
• Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well. Wait, who created this?
• Tell your readers three things about yourself.
• Answer five questions from the nominator. Okie.
• Nominate from 10 to 20 bloggers.
• Notify the bloggers by leaving a comment on their blog.
• Ask your nominees any five questions of your choice, including one weird or funny question.
• Share the link to your best post.

 

Three Things About Little Ol’ Me:

Hmmm . . . I’m going to try to think of three things about myself I have yet to talk about in this blog. This might be a bit tricky though since I think I’m pretty open about things here.

Thing #1: I like to do volunteer work. I’ve volunteered as a side walker at an equine therapy place for people with mental and/or physical disabilities, and at a farm animal sanctuary with Cupcakes and Machetes, and also for part of a tutoring group a few years back when I was taking classes toward getting certified as a PCT. I’d love to do more volunteering in the near future as well. My family was also really involved in foster care for rescue dogs when I was younger. I think it’s important to help out in the community. Never underestimate the difference it can make.

Thing #2: Most people have birthday cake to celebrate their birthday, but my mom always makes me banana cream pie with a shortbread crust. It’s sooo good.

Thing #3: I am, and always have been, a TERRIBLE liar. Which is kind of a good thing because I don’t like to lie anyway, but I mean my poker face is virtually nonexistent. In fact, I usually start smiling or laughing because it’s so uncomfortable for me. In the past year and a half I’ve started playing tabletop games and there are some that are just impossible for me to play, like Sheriff of Nottingham. This game involves the players having to bluff and lie and trick the player who happens to be the sheriff at that given time. Let’s just say, they always figure me out. lol

Kate’s Questions / My Answers:

Question 1: What or who inspired you to blog?

I think I’d say fellow blogger Cupcakes and Machetes really got me into blogging. We’re BFFs in real life and we tend to enjoy a lot of the same things and do them together. We’ve even co-written a few different older blogs together in the past. So you can blame her for my long-winded ramblings here. 😛

Question 2: What was the biggest obstacle you overcame last year? Or recently, really?

Well, this is a pretty heavy question for me, but I’m going to say depression. Just about two years ago now I went through something that emotionally gutted me. It seriously broke me. It’s difficult even thinking back on the low point I hit mentally after that. My mental health was dangerously low and it took some serious time and support to get through it. It really affected my confidence, my entire way of thinking about not only myself, but life in general. It definitely changed me as a person but I survived and got through it.

Question 3: What’s your every day mantra?

Take things one day at a time. Accomplish small goals that will add up to the bigger ones you desire. All accomplishments, no matter how small, are still moving you in the right direction. The best things in life don’t come easily so keep at it. Each and every day.

Question 4: If you’re allowed one impossible thing only you can do, what would that be?

Teleport! 😀 I think it would be amazing to be able to just see the world. Visit anyone or any place at any time you wanted. Think of all the amazing things you’d be able to see and learn and experience.

Question 5: What’s your spiritual mythical creature?

As of right now I’d have to say a phoenix. As cliche as it sounds I got burnt. Bad. And now I’m working toward rising from the ashes. It isn’t an instant rise, but most aren’t. I hope to keep at it and get there soon though! I’m on a path of self improvement and very determined.

My Best Post?

Um . . . I don’t know! lol I think the ones I do about writing in general tend to do the best as far as likes and new visitors if you’re speaking from a technical standpoint.

All The Fine, Classy Folks I Nominate:

Cupcakes and Machetes

The Shameful Narcissist Speaks

Gamers United GG

Precinct 1313

Pink For Days

By Hook or By Book

Forged From Reverie

Imperial Rebel Ork

The Necro Nom-Nom-Nomicon

The Brunette Bookworm Blog

Darth Toothpick

Unbolt

The Happiest Pixel

The Maniacal Book Unicorn

Little May Fly

Books and Hot Tea

The Book Corps

YA and Wine

Book Bum

The Comic Vault

There are so many wonderful bloggers I love here. It was actually really difficult picking just 20 to nominate!! I want to just nominate you all. 😀

My Questions For YOU!

1. Do you believe in any superstitions? Or practice any even though you think it’s silly?
2. What type of food did you hate as a kid but love now?
3. Can you name a person that you’ve never met but that has inspired you in some way?
4. What was the last movie you watched?
5. What is your favorite work(s) of fiction to geek out over? (We’re talking books, TV & film, comics, etc.)

Real Neat Blog Award

Woo! With so many outstanding blogs on this site, it’s always a pleasant surprise to receive a nomination for an award. 🙂

Many thanks to The Comic Vault for the nomination! If you love comics I can pretty much guarantee you will love his blog. I know I do! 🙂 With the excellent reviews, informative character spotlights, and creator spotlights featuring artists and writers in the business, what isn’t to enjoy? He even throws in other fun stuff like pop culture playlists centered around specific characters (I’ve seen playlists for the Joker, Thor, and Gambit so far since following).

THE RULES:

Thank and link the person who nominated you.

Answer the seven questions your nominator has provided.

Nominate 7 other bloggers and create 7 questions for them.

THE COMIC VAULT’S QUESTIONS:

Q: If you could be any kind of animal what would it be?

A: Hmmm . . . probably a dog or a cat. lol That might sound lame, but I know my cat’s got it pretty good, and that sounds like a way better existence than having to worry about predators, hunters, parasites, etc.

Q: Where is one of the best places you’ve traveled to?

A: I haven’t gotten to travel anywhere near as much as I’d like to. I’ve only been out of the US once, to Canada, and it was so long ago that I honestly don’t remember a whole lot about the trip. I’ve been to Chicago several times and have always had a blast there, so I’m going to say Chicago. It’s a fun city with countless things to do, wonderful museums, a fantastic aquarium, conventions, and I went to the Fangoria weekend of horrors there where I got to see Voltaire play and even meet him and get his autograph. I also got to meet the lovely Lori Petty in that city, so it definitely is a place full of fond memories for me.

Lori Petty (aka- Tank Girl) (aka- my childhood hero) AND Aurelio Voltaire (artist, filmmaker, musician, author, and other such things.)

Q: Who is your favorite superhero?

A: Sorry, Batman, you’re gonna have to sit this one out on the bench since you lack the superpowers and whatnot.

This question is just cruel! Cruel, I say! There are so many good ones out there and you expect me to pick just one?? (Not to mention the fact that I’m more of a villain/antihero kind of girl anyway.) 😛 Hmmm . . . I guess if I had to pick a single superhero, it would be Spider-Man. Or Rogue. Or . . . ah, hell. That isn’t keeping the number to one at all, is it? Well, two is about as good as it’s gonna get I’m afraid!

Q: What would your ideal home be like?

A: I love Victorian style houses, but as long as the place has a massive library and a jacuzzi bathtub for epic bubble baths I’m pretty easy to please! 😉

Minus the odd wording this is so accurate it isn’t even funny.

Q: What is one of your favorite books?

A: A Storm of Swords by George RR Martin. I don’t think I have ever simultaneously loved a book and wanted to throw it off the roof as much as I did this one. Oh, the feels.

What George giveth, George taketh away.

Q: Do you think there is such a thing as fate?

A: Honestly, I have no clue. I think life is for living in the moment and doing the best you can with the time you’ve got. It’s far too short for trying to figure out all the answers to things we have no definite way of knowing. Spend it loving people worth loving and doing the things that bring joy to you as well as those around you.

Q: What kind of music do you like?

A: I enjoy a lot of different types of music, but here’s a few of my favorite artists/bands: The Birthday Massacre, Falconer, Lindsey Stirling, Motorhead, King Diamond, The Misfits, Horrorpops, The Distillers, Emilie Autumn, Amanda Palmer/The Dresden Dolls, Voltaire, Creature Feature, Arkona, Slough Feg, Grand Magus. I also really like instrumental music like video game soundtracks and whatnot, Danny Baranowsky being a top name that comes to mind for that sort of thing.

NOMINEES:

Cupcakes and Machetes: a blog that juggles all kinds of fun topics like delicious recipes, entertaining book reviews (most frequently fantasy/science fiction-related), adorable critter pictures, and other miscellaneous goodies. If you think your TBR list is long now, wait until this book demon gets her clutches on you. 😛

The Shameful Narcissist Speaks: A bountiful cornucopia of reviews, fan fiction, fan theories, essays, and a mad amount of love for things like video games (she is the reigning queen of Final Fantasy related posts), ASOIAF/GOT, writing, and books galore.

Gamers United GG Blog: A new and highly entertaining blog with frequent posts on video games, Netflix shows worthy of binge-watching, reviews on hidden gem movies, games, or shows that you may have missed, collectables, and more!

Precinct1313: A blog brimming with exciting news, comic cover spotlights, recommendations, and reviews related to the fantastic world of DC comics and more! Very informative and fun posts, featuring fresh news as well as tributes to the older days of comics.

Unbolt Me: A collaboration of creativity between writers Tony Single and Tetiana Aleksina, this blog is full of their poems, spun tales, six word stories, and other creative endeavors. Like a surrealist painting spun into words.

Cheap Boss Attack: A friendly and informative social hub for gamers to enjoy reviews, chat about their weekend gaming plans, check out recommendations for current games on sale, catch up on related news, and more!

Forged From Reverie: A journey across several categories of content including: the beautifully written stories and lore from the Realms of Ayl’gard, adorable and hilarious posts of a man and his pug, and the current ongoing apprentice guide to Skyrim.

The Necro Nom-Nom-Nomicon: Horror fans won’t be able to help but marvel at the deviously delicious/deranged recipes on this blog. These morbid morsels  are so creative and creepy-looking that one has to wonder what nightmares they sprang out of.

(I know the rules say pick seven bloggers, but I picked eight cuz I’m a rebel like that!) 😉

MY 7 QUESTIONS:

1.) What is your favorite memory of 2016?

2.) If you could make a living in any profession (your absolute dream job) what would it be?

3.) Have you ever met anyone famous?

4.) If you could travel to any one place in the world right now where would it be?

5.) Who is your favorite author?

6.) What is your favorite mythical creature?

7.) What do you look most forward to in 2017?