Book Binger

I don't know why but when I decide to read I tend to binge on it. I won't read for a few months because life, but then all of a sudden I can't put books down. Does this happen to anyone else or just me? 

I ended up reading six books in July. Part of this binging I think happened because I ended up getting a refund of about $50 from Barnes and Noble from some settlement they had with regards to their nook books. I took full advantage and purchased a boat load of books for free that I had been wanting to read. Here are my thoughts on each of those books that I finished in July without spoiling anything. 

Me Before You - If you enjoyed A Fault in Our Stars then you will enjoy this. I had planned on reading this months ago but didn't get around to it until recently. I would definitely recommend reading the book either before watching the movie or even in place of watching the movie. The movie left some important details out about why Lou stayed so close to home which I really think helped explain more about her. You definitely will get much more from the book and you will almost surely need a box of tissues to finish this.

The Nightingale - Definitely my favorite read of the month. Such a beautifully written story about two sisters and how they survived and lived during WWII in France. I tend to really enjoy historical fiction so this was right up my alley. It was pleasant to get the viewpoint of how women were able to live, survive, and sacrifice during such a turbulent time. Great read and yes, another one that will require tissues. I am excited to see if this would be turned into a movie.

Big Little Lies - I just wasn't impressed with this book. I've seen reviews and heard people say they loved it but it just bored me. The end was the only saving grace as there is a bit of a twist that I didn't see coming but other than that the book just wasn't that great. 

Night - How I never had to read this in college or high school I don't know. It's super short, you could probably finish within an hour or two, and really gives a stark reminder to how terrible the conditions were for Jews in concentration camps. I will make sure that Brandon reads this when he is a teen as I think it's so important to share with future generations.

Everything I Never Told You - This is another 'eh' book for me. I just couldn't get invested in the characters. Nothing about then made me want to care. Also, it was pretty obvious what happened. The story was just mundane and sad and read more like a pity party than anything else. Maybe it was supposed to read that way but that just isn't what I want in a novel. 

All The Light We Cannot See - Loved everything about it except the end. This novel is very well written and you definitely want to know what happens next. I just think the end kind of dragged on and just didn't give me the same feeling that the rest of the book did. This is definitely a must read though as the story itself is amazing. 

Consignment Sale Time

So, another sale down. I am so glad that I found out about these sales while I was pregnant. This is such a great way to get clothes and toys for Brandon without having to break the bank. It's ridiculous how expensive baby stuff is, especially when they only wear/play with things for such a short amount of time.  

This is the 3rd sale that I have been to and I have been able to get some great finds at each and every one. For this search, my main goal was to get an exersaucer, high chair, books, toys and some winter clothes in 12 and 18 month sizes. I was able to get everything I was looking for, and more, except the high chair (there just weren't any there that I liked). 

If you haven't been to a consignment sale before then you should. Especially for baby and toddler stuff. I have even decided to consign some of the stuff that Brandon has outgrown (swing, bouncer, clothes, etc). This is such a great way to get rid of used baby stuff without throwing it in the garbage or having to worry about doing a yard sale (not my cup of tea) and to recoup some of the money that I have already spent.

All in all I spent right at $200 for everything. It I would have tried to purchase all of this at retail value then I would have spent well over $600. I cannot wait for the next sale!

Check out my finds below:

So, I found this with the diaper bags but it's not a diaper bag. I got a Kate Spade purse for $35.00. This has no stains, no tears, nothing. It is in great condition and I didn't have to spend the $200 plus that it would normally be. I found myself a new purse. Haha

Kate Spade Red Nylon Shopper

Since our entire house is tile, I went searching for the foam mats for Brandon to play on. I was able to get this for $10 bucks. One this size normally retails for around $40.00

Alphabet and Numbers Foam Puzzle Mat

This was one of the main reasons that I wanted to go to another consignment sale. I lucked out in finding this one which is the exact same one that is at his Me Maw's house. He loves this thing. Paid $40 for this one. It normally retails for $75.

Evenflo Exersaucer SmartSteps ABC

Brandon won't be playing with this yet but for only $15, it was a steal. This will be great to have once he starts standing. Retails for $45.

Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Fun with Friends Musical Table

Oh, the fun we have already had with this penguin. We played with him this morning. If you hit him he makes funny noises and can't fall over. Brandon was have a blast with him already. Great use of $5.00. In a store you could expect to pay about $20.

Fisher Price Bat and Wobble Penguin

We are a reading family so every chance I get I like to try and buy books for Brandon. All of these books were at or under $1 a piece. One of my favourite finds is in the picture. The 11 foot ABC puzzle. Brandon is obviously too young for this now but this will be great to have when he gets older. This had never been opened and was only $3. Couldn't pass it up. There are some other toys that I purchased also but were already put up when I started taking pictures.

Assortment of Books and Other Toys

Below are some clothes that I purchased. It is a random assortment of stuff but most of it cost between 4-8 bucks. Well below what it would cost to purchase these at a store.

Mudpie Shark Short-all, Baby Gap button down Onesie, Mudpie Sport Short-all

Ralph Lauren Polo, Baseball Short-all

Guess long sleeve shirt, Ralph Lauren Sweater Vest, Gap Long Sleep Button Up

Gap Sweater, Ralph Lauren Polo, Gap Corduroy Pants

My Little Bookworm

Books Read to Prepare for Baby

I thought it would be interesting to post about the books I have read since being pregnant.  Some of these I borrowed from friends and other's I heard about through the grapevine.

I actually read this right after I found out I was pregnant.  It was a quick and easy read and was absolutely hilarious.  She really does talk about things that you don't get from other books.  Not a whole lot of medical jargon.  She covers it all: the good, the bad, and the ugly.  This isn't a book that you would need to be pregnant to read.  I would have enjoyed it either way.

 I feel like this is something that everyone recommends and probably reads while pregnant.  This isn't a book that you read cover to cover but is used more as a reference book.  It breaks down each month really well and what to expect.  There is an abundance of information, probably more than anyone really needs.  I probably open this up and read it every few weeks just to see what all is going on with the baby and me.

For a pregnant woman, this is probably the book I would highly recommend for anyone to read.  I truly thing that you get the most information about being pregnant from other pregnant women which is exactly what this book is about.  The author covers everything from morning sickness to sex and really tells it like it is.  

This was a recommended reading from a friend who has recently had a baby.  This book goes over how getting baby in a routine right away will make not only your baby's life easier but, you own.  I decided to read this one instead of a similar book called "The Contended Little Baby Book," because this one seems to be more flexible with regards to a schedule.  I am planning on using the techniques in this book because I do think it will work and will make my life a lot easier once Brandon gets here.