Books, Books and More Books #blogtober14

As an avid reader, I use Goodreads to track what I've read and whether or not I liked the book or not.  I have bookshelves dedicated to books I have read, want to read and one shelf just for books I couldn't get through.  Life of Pi, kill me know.

I wouldn't say I have a specific type of book that I typically fall into, but since creating a book club with some girlfriends I'm definitely learning more about and reading books from all different genres.  We've read memoirs, classics, historic fiction and best sellers.  I've even blogged about some of the books we've read (here, here and here) and enjoyed if you're looking for a couple suggestions! 

Picking just one book for today's #blogtober14 prompt is just hard.  I have more than 20 books that I have given a five star review of...  So I'm bucking the rules and listing more than one!  Rebel without a cause, right here.

In no specific order here are just a few of my faves:
Marley and Me: Life and Love With The World's Worst Dog.  I was a mess of tears finishing this one!
Orphan Train
Tuck Everlasting
Attachments
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption. Wow.  Just wow.
The Hunger Games Trilogy
Still Alice
The Help
Water For Elephants
Harry Potter, #1-7.  It's true, I'm a Potterhead!
To Kill A Mockingbird
Half Broke Horses
The Forgotten Garden

What are some of your favorite books?  Do we have any cross-overs?

Linking up with Helene and Taylor.

One Beauty Product I Couldn't Live Without #blogtober14

So the product that I don't believe I could live without now that I've tried it... DRY SHAMPOO!  Yes, I'm totally guilty of rocking two, three, sometimes four day dirty hair with the help of this ingenious product.

Currently, Suave is my brand of choice.  It works well for my hair and you can't beat the price! 


Most mornings I workout with my hair in glorified 'top knot' and when I'm done (and typically pressed for time) I'll shake out this mess of a mane I have, blast my locks with the blow-dryer and finish it off with a few shots of dry shampoo.

Okay, it's really more like a cloud of dry shampoo!

And now you have to spill!  Are you guilty of heading out of the house masking dirty, greezy hair with dry shampoo?  What is your favorite brand? 

Linking up with Helene and Taylor.

That Peeves Me #blogtober14

Wanna know what grinds my gears? 

-Leaving dirty dishes in the sink when the dishwasher is empty
-Open cabinet and dresser drawers
-Anything that isn't put back in it's 'place'
-Piles
-Getting in to drive a vehicle and the gas gauge is on E

-Finger/toe nails that stab me in the foot because someone doesn't take the time to collect them after they've trimmed their nails (cough, cough... Husband!)

And the worst offender?  The One Upper.

There's no doubt in my mind that we've all experienced this lovely person at some point!  While I typically give a slight eye roll as The One Upper starts their story, I generally am a smile and nod'er.  But that doesn't mean I'm not thinking...

 

Linking up with Helene and Taylor.

Fall La La La La'ing and a Birthday

When Lisa announced she and some pals were going to have a Holiday Link-Up, I knew I had to be on board!  I'm a compulsive over-decorator for all holidays, but no more so than Fall and Christmas!  You may have seen the pictures last month that reiterate just how much stuff I have for Halloween and Fall??  And I'll tell you that my Christmas decor has it's own closet...

Today's post is designed to show off our front porch, which has been all spiffed up for Fall, and to show off some of the hand-made 'touches' I've put together! 

Oh, and is a post complete without a pic of the prettiest Black Labrador on the planet??  You're right.  I don't think it is either!!! 

Whats more... Today is sweet, sweet Bella's BIRTHDAY!!  She is four years young and is still as playful as a pup!  She still tears around the house with her toys in her mouth and her tail tucked.  Gets into things she knows aren't hers.  And fills our home with so many laughs and lots and LOTS of love!

"I'm only laying here to get the biscuit in your other hand..."