My Book Outlet Birthday Haul

My birthday recently passed and I'm still taking advantage of some of the discounts. Bonus points to the companies that have a lengthier amount of time for redemption! One birthday discount I put to use was for Book Outlet. Combined with our reward points and cash back with Rakuten (my referral link), I got everything I ordered for under $70 CAD! There's three books I'm not showing because they are part of Larry's Christmas gifts. What a deal for 7 books!

They have a pretty decent selection. You may not find everything on your TBR list, but you won't step away disappointed. If you're anything like me, you actually end up adding more books to your wishlist from browsing. Oops! If there's one thing I do miss, it is the Book Outlet's physical location. Everything is now only online, but they do have both an American and Canadian website.

This haul showcases my love for romance and classics. Two of my favorite genres! I actually haven't read a classic in a while, so I need to rectify that soon. If you're on Goodreads or Fable, I'm happy to connect! I prefer Fable and that's where you can find my reviews. It's also great for tracking TV and is more social than GR. The breakdowns on the profile are fantastic. Highly recommend!

 

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Five Friday Faves

Tomorrow is my husband's birthday, so I'm making today's post short and sweet to get a head start on our plans and celebrations! I haven't even filled out his card or wrapped his gifts, so I've got to shift into gear. 

I hate wrapping and put it off as long as I can, which makes me especially my own worst enemy at Christmas. Larry, however, loves wrapping though he goes through tape like it grows on trees because he insists on no seams. I always joke I'd get him to wrap his own gifts if I could. I have grand hopes of always doing a better job than I do, but I just am not good at it. Are you a wrapping connoisseur? Someone tell me I'm not the only failure at wrapping.😄

On to the post! Here are five Friday favorites that have been on my radar.

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Five Friday Faves

It's been a while for this type of post for me, but here are a few things I've enjoyed this month from different categories. Let me know a few things you've been enjoying in the comments, if you'd like!

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Six Good Romance Reads - Age Gap

I decided to make a new ongoing book series on featuring favorite reads based on specific genres and themes within them. The books featured each time will be 4-5 star reads for me. This is also the perfect opportunity for me to also open the door for any recommendations you would like to toss my way within the featured tropes posts!

I'm starting the new series with one of my favorites- age gaps in romance. When done right, I swoon. It's often done wrong, in my personal opinion. It's a commonly used trope, but it can be hard to write about in a heartfelt and layered way and not just getting hot and heavy. Though yes, please give me that too as a side to the entree!

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My 2021 Christmas List

It's that time of year again? Already?! I've contemplated doing gift guides this year after taking last year off from them. I think I'll refrain from doing them again, but I've already seen so many wonderful ones on other blogs. Gift guide posts do really well with traffic, but it just doesn't feel right this year. If it is something you want, I could gather a master list of ideas instead of themed posts/guides or link you to some of my favorite guides I've seen.

I thought I would keep up with the tradition of sharing a few things on my Christmas list and maybe that will also serve as some ideas for you. That's what I love about posts like these! I always find at least one thing that makes me go, "Wow! How did I not know about that?" or something in that nature. 😄 I find the older I get, the harder it is to come up with a Christmas list. I feel like they were novels written in seconds in my childhood. Now, of course I have a running wishlist of sorts, but it always feels different when putting it into gift terms. If that makes any sense...

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March and April 2021 InstaMonth

Wow, I think the last Instamonth was actually January's. So I guess I'll just skip right over February. Oops! 😜 I just have to hope my perfectionism takes a backseat on that one and I can let the oversight go. It's just been a really loooooong year and I'll chalk it up to that.

So here are some highlights from my Instagram (@wendybanner) during March and April. I'm always down to follow back, so let's connect if we haven't. I'm going to keep this short, because it's Friday and I am so ready for the weekend. Just gonna make it more about the pictures and not the captions. I hope you have a great weekend!

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What I Got for Christmas 2020

This is the latest I've probably ever put this post up and I'm not sure if there is any interest in it this time, but I always enjoy seeing them. Just bringing it to you in a fashionably late way, let's go with that! I still have a few "What I Got for Christmas" videos on my YouTube playlist to get to. I'll watch videos or read any post I come across like this. I love seeing what people get for holidays, birthdays, etc. I feel like it's the curious side of me- the same side that loves seeing what is in your refrigerator, car, purse..I love finding out about new things that were not on my radar, as well.

I understand that these posts aren't for everyone. It's absolutely okay if you don't want to read this post! In this post, I'm going to share highlights and some gifts from this past Christmas. It's insane that it is already February, honestly. As I type this post, it just doesn't seem like Christmas was already over a month ago. I'd love to know some gifts that you got over the holidays, whether from others or gifting yourself!

Our 2020 ornament. We get a new ornament every year. My fave tradition!

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Top 5 2020 Books I Read

I haven't done a book roundup post in a good while, so I thought I would share my top 5 books I read last year. I read 178 books last year, according to my GoodReads reading challenge where you can see everything else I read. I was already an avid reader, but I guess lockdown really got me into a stride. Even this year I'm already at 18 books, so we'll see if I can top last year's count or not! If you have any recommendations, toss them my way.

These five books are in very different categories, which pretty much sums up my reading style. I read anything that sounds interesting or will captivate my attention. I probably do read more romance than anything else, because they are quick reads and easy escapes. They also serve as great palate cleansers after reading something heavy. I read a lot of books that were awful, wonderful, and everything in between. These fall in the wonderful category and I don't think you can go wrong with them. Completely and utterly 4 or 5 ⭐ reads, by my standards!

Someone We Know by Shari Lapena
A classic whodunit. I love these. I have a few on my list that I'm wanting to get through this year! I enjoy Shari's writing and I don't always guess correctly, which I like. This one kept me guessing and...whoa! Be prepared for psychological twists throughout. If you're a fan of a good ol' murder mystery, add this to your list.

Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
During this past year, I've tried to educate myself further like I'm sure many of you have. You will be uncomfortable. You will have to dig deep. And you should go into reading this and other books like it being okay with that. This one is done in a 28 day journaling type of writing, allowing you to reflect on what you read.

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
You will learn from this book. Like above, be prepared to dig deep. Be open to change. Be open to learning. I have other books on my list to get to and I think it's important to keep educating ourselves on the subjects of race, sexuality, humanity, and just everything to have better empathy, love, respect, and understanding. Give me an open mind over a closed mind any day.

The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold
We hear so much about Jack the Ripper and what he did and who he could be. What about the victims of the crimes? This book delves into who these women were, their backstories, and what lead them to their untimely ends. Their names were Polly, Annie, Catherine, Mary-Jane, and Elizabeth. There isn't much known about them, but Hallie still finds a way to humanize them and talk about what that time was like.

Look the Part by Jewel E. Ann
Easily my favorite romance novel that I read last year! This is written incredibly well and has a beautiful story line without being over-the-top and cliche. It starts with a love-hate relationship and blossoms, heavy with emotional and lighter moments. I can't say enough good things. This has more to it than just being a romance novel.

I often add a book or two to my Five Friday Faves posts, as well. If I read a good book, I love talking about it. Let me know if you're on GoodReads (my profile is linked above). Do you have a reading goal set for this year? Good luck on reaching it! It's not how many you read, it's that you are reading. 😊

Five Friday Faves for September 2020

It's been a while since I've done one of these posts. I was going to do my InstaMonth today, but I figured I'd save that for one day next week. It's Friday on a holiday weekend, so why not share a few things I've been enjoying? You can share what you've been enjoying in the comments. I'd love to know! Any book or music recommendations you'd like to share? Lemme have 'em!

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Birthday Fun - Gifts, Sales, and Clearance

My birthday was two weeks ago and I thought I'd share some of the things I got as gifts and just gifting myself - haha! I'd like to say my latest Addition Elle, H&M, Reitmans,Torrid, and Taylor Swift orders that aren't in this post fell under that category, but maybe I can get away with blaming it on "Christmas in July"? Yeah, let's go with that. Technically, Reitmans and Torrid fall under the birthday category because I used my birthday rewards. I just don't have them yet and want to make sure they arrive before I share what I got. Perhaps, I'll post a collective haul on those purchases - minus the Taylor Swift items, because they said it might be two months before they ship.

So in this post, we have Addition Elle, some of my gifts, H&M, Shoppers beauty haul, Juvia's Place, and a few birthday pictures! Just typing all of this out makes me realize just how done I am right now. Like DONE. July was a fun month with a little getaway, my birthday ,and some retail therapy but I'm good to get back to normal and reining back the spending again. Though points, rewards, and gift cards made this feel a little less daunting on the wallet. (Except for the Taylor Swift order mentioned above. That one hurt. Don't even get me started on the shipping to Canada, but darn it Folklore is amazing and I just wanted the album and some of the merch to go with it. Who knows when we're all going to get to experience live shows again?!)

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Black Lives Matter

Like many other creators, influencers, brands, etc., I stepped back in promoting and creating my own material and such over the past week. Instead, I've been sharing Black-owned businesses, helpful info, Black creators, and more on my Instagram Stories and Twitter. I created a "Support" tab on my Instagram to start sharing more support to BLM, but also to other causes close to my heart. It's not much, but it gets the word out and that's something.

While doing and talking about things in real life, I don't really show that side of me online aside from likes/faves/saves/reshares. Still, I can be louder. I just haven't truly talked, mainly because my channels are mostly about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Somewhere along the line, I forgot that this is very much under "lifestyle". I'm still not vocal about everything, but I'll be working on doing a better job at showing that side of me a little more and using what platform I have for supporting and spreading awareness. On this blog, I'm going to make more of an effort at making sure BIPOC brands are showcased when I can.

I've spent this last week putting together a list to share. This isn't about me, but the latter part was very difficult for me to write and open up about. I'm usually pretty private about those things. I have been putting in the emotional work and it shouldn't be easy for any of us. And I really hope you have been looking at ways to help, ways to change, and ways to grow. We each have room to grow and no one promised it would be easy.

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Five Friday Faves for March 2020

These times have my anxiety kicking into high gear, my OCD flaring up, and has me all up in my feelings. That's why this is the perfect time to bring back my Five Friday Faves and lighten the mood and allowing me to focus on sharing some good things. It's so easy to focus only on the negative! So here are some things I've been loving recently and I would be so pleased to see you share something that has made you happy in recent times in the comments. I hope this finds you all safe and healthy.

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What I Got For Christmas 2019

Let's get this out of the way first! If you don't like this type of post, that is okay. I understand if you keep scrolling down your feed! I've been doing these posts for years now, which you can see on my "Christmas" label and I know they are not everyone's cup of tea. I personally enjoy seeing what people get as gifts for any occasion. And a lot of the time, my eyes are opened to books, films, and other things that I didn't even know existed. If the gift has a story behind it, even better! I adore hearing about sentimental items and memories.

Speaking of which, this Christmas was so incredibly special and I know that I will always look back at it with fondness. It was my first time home for the holidays since 2011 and that was my absolute best gift this holiday season. Hands down! Spending Christmas Day playing games with my brother? That is everything I needed! Hugging my uncle that is on hospice care and my 84 year old grandfather, seeing family members I had not seen in years, having my grandmother's Christmas cookies again, dinner with my closest and oldest friends...I could just keep going. And I might in another post, if any of you are interested in hearing about my South Carolina life. My heart is so full right now and I haven't come down from the high yet!

Because I went home, it was a bigger Christmas than usual. We were home in SC (and I have a big family) and then back up here for a belated celebration with my husband's side of the family. And I learned the hardships of trying to shop for a teenaged boy (my brother). I realized that I am officially so removed from the teenage years that I was having to Google teenager trends, though TikTok also helped just by watching videos. The next time I'm down will be Thanksgiving and his birthday is the same week, so I guess I better go ahead and start my research now! Haha!

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Five Friday Faves for December 2019

Last Friday Faves of this year (strike that) this decade! What?! That's insane! I'm getting this post up right before I go lose more of my sanity while trying to get everything done and ready for the holidays. This post and a short and sweet one on Christmas are the only ones I have planned until I return from holiday break in the new year. I just want a true break this year to the point where I'm even taking the week off from my Instagram (but will probably have a few Stories here and there). I very rarely do this and I'm looking forward to it!

I love doing these Friday Faves because it allows me to talk a little more about my life favorites and not just my beauty ones. I'll have my beauty faves as one of my first posts when I get back! Beauty faves, yearly faves, and all of that jazz. I'm hoping to come back refreshed and ready for take off!

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Holiday Gift Guide 2019: For the One Hosting

I don't mind hosting, but I'm kind of excited to not be doing so this year. Going home this year, we just didn't want to go all out with decor and worry about party planning. Next year is fair game, though! It was a smart move on our part, because it's been something else trying to get everything ready for the trip to South Carolina.

If like us, you're going elsewhere for all of your Christmas gatherings, perhaps this will give you a few ideas on what to take as a gift for the ones opening up their home to you. I also highly recommend food to add to the offerings, because who isn't excited when more food shows up?! As always, I kept it to a budget. All of these ideas are under $50!

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Five Friday Faves for November 2019

I missed last month's version of this post, but I'm back at it this month. I couldn't very well miss this month when I'm all about the festive vibes! Next week is my Thanksgiving and we're celebrating by having dinner with my MIL that Friday to celebrate the holiday and her birthday. For the actual day, we have plans to watch the parade, football, and just making the day low-key. My husband is taking both days off (and the Monday!) to celebrate with me. Already looking forward to that long weekend!

I treat these posts like a way to share some favorites that don't really fit my monthly favorites post where I focus more on beauty, skincare, etc. Some of the categories change and some carry over each month. I'd love for you to share something you've been loving this month or recommendations. I always love that!

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My 2019 Christmas List

I've taken the last week off from blogging, because I have hit a creative block. To be frank, I'm still in the middle of it. I'm also a perfectionist, so it is a struggle. To try to get back into the game, I'm going with something simple like sharing some things from my Christmas list. I've been wanting to start on my gift guides and still hope to get those up with some time to spare.

I love seeing and hearing about what is on holiday wishlists, so please let me know something that is on your list! What's the most extravagant thing you're asking for? What fun is making a wishlist if you can't throw in some dream items?!

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Five Friday Faves for September 2019

Time for my random Friday faves that I am trying to do monthly! Frankly, I enjoy doing these because it allows me to share favorites that don't fully fit in with my monthly beauty faves. I love beauty, but obviously I like a whole heck of a lot more than that and this allows me a good place to talk about some of those things that took the spotlight that given month.

This month is brought to you by autumn, it seems like. I know it is not official until Monday, but the temperatures have been dropping here. Pumpkin spice has invaded your local coffee spots and bakeries, Halloween decor is taking over the stores, and sweaters are out on the clothing racks. So yes, I've basically hit full fall mode and I am not ashamed of it. It's my favorite season with all of my favorite holidays! If only it lasted longer. Granted, every season seems to be flying by this year. Somehow we're nearing the end of September already? How did that happen?!

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Birthday Wishlist for 2019

It's really just a wishlist, but my husband asked me for ideas for my birthday (it's Friday!). I had a hard time coming up with anything after having the most perfect trip home to South Carolina in May. I do usually have a running wishlist on my phone, so I resorted to that and here's a few of the things from it. There's no beauty items on it, because I just couldn't think of anything. Plus, I know I'll be getting my birthday freebie from Sephora to fill that void! Man, I live for birthday freebies.

We're planning a few outings over the next week or two to stretch out the celebrations, the Terre Bleu Lavender Farm for one. We also had a movie date this past weekend while finally seeing Shazam! You guys, it's so good. I know I'm late on the train. I love Zachary Levi (Chuck and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, especially) and he did not let me down. I went in knowing nothing about the superhero, but loved the entire story and adventure. It was even better that the seats were fully reclining...if only every theatre had those.

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6 Friday Faves for June 2019

I'm trying to do these random favorites posts once a month or every other month where I focus more on the things that aren't necessarily featured in my monthly beauty and skincare favorites. Books, music, etc. I hope you enjoy them and I absolutely love when you throw recommendations my way, as well. It's also just a really fun post to put up on a Friday. So here are my 6 Friday Faves!

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