***2018 Goals Updates***

Happy near the end of the year! I just wanted to share my goals that I accomplished this year!

- Reading Goals

- Blog Goals

This year I wanted to be better at posting. My goal was to post 6 days a week. I feel like I did well. I posted either 6 or 7 days a week. There were a couple of weeks I dropped the ball, but overall I did pretty well. 

- Audiobook Goals

I blew past this goal! I wanted to listen to 2 audios and managed to listen to...39 audiobooks!

-Personal Life Goals

Lost a couple of pounds but nothing crazy. I have done well with working out. Either by walking or by using our elliptical that we just built a few days ago. I've also been SUPER artsy this year. Loads of painting and making some crafts. 

*Blog All About it 2018 Challenge*

Blog All About It 2018
Blogging Prompt Challenge (details)
hosted by The Herd Presents
January to December 2018
vvb32 brought this to my attention! I've been looking for a fun little challenge. :) I highly encourage you join and play! It is flexible and all up to your own interpretation. There is a word or phrase given each month and you make a post centered around it. You can post it whenever you want in that month. I think I'll post mine at the end of the month on the 31st. 

The Prompts:

January-- Winter 
February-- Red
March-- Favorite Scent
April-- Art
May-- Organize
June-- Growl
July-- Spirit
August-- Beginning
September-- Escape
October-- Trees
November-- Truth
December-- Shine/Sparkle

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Goals for 2018

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

Goals for 2018
Oooooooooooo goals. I am so bad at these!

READING GOALS: I know for sure I want to read 108 books this year. Don’t judge me on my odd number of books ;). My secret goal is for 110 books, but I don’t have faith in myself. I start the challenge SO strong, but I fall apart during the summer. Luckily I won’t have school or moving to hinder me. Hopefully this will be the first year where I literally have NO excuses to slack in my reading or posting on my blog. Which brings me to my next goal.

BLOG GOALS: I plan to try and post more frequently this year! Usually I would go through posting a lot to posting once a week. The goal for this year is to have a post at least 6 days out of the 7 days of the week. One day during the week I may take a breather and not post anything. Ideally I would like a daily post of my randomness…but let’s take some baby steps. Maybe 2019 we can up the goal!

MOVIE GOALS: I want to at least watch one movie a week and have a review for it. Last year I went through bursts. Watching a lot…then nothing for days. One movie a week is my goal! If I can get two I would take a shot of whiskey in celebration. 

AUDIOBOOK GOALS: Here is a rough one I have always struggled with. This year I want to listen to at least 2 audiobooks. So far I have already listened to one. This is a very doable goal for some, but for me? I struggle. I have a hard time finding audios and if the narrator is boring I for sure skip it and read the book myself. So we shall! I would faint if I listen to more than 2 this year!! Again..baby steps. Maybe 2019 I can push that number up a hair. We shall see. 

PERSONAL LIFE GOALS: I would like to say I want to lose more weight. But the number doesn’t bug me anymore. I just want to be healthier. Now that we have our own house, we are making our own little gym in the tool shed. So far we have weights, weighted-jump rope, and a punching bag. I’m currently saving money for an elliptical for me. My goal for this year is to work out at least 2 times a week. I don’t see this happening until I get my elliptical, so I will be nice to myself until I get that. For now, I’ll just walk and maybe punch on the punching bag and do a couple of weights here and there.  

Another goal I have is to be more artisy-craftsy once we are done unpacking and decorating the house (I need to see what we really need). I am inspired by my friend, Ciri (one of her painting is actually the header I now use for my blog). She is so awesome at making things for her house. She inspired me SO much that I actually went to a work function after work. We went to Painting with a Twist and we painted a portrait. Sure we were guided by a professional, but I ended up being SO proud of my work. It is currently up at my house. It is Christmas-y, so when I take down my decorations that will be packed away until next year. That experience made me I want to do more! This includes writing more too. Maybe I’ll share some of my stuff I make or stuff I write in the future! Below is the portrait that I did. #iamproud

Happy 3rd Blogoversary!!!!!!!

WOOT WOOT! BLOG BIRTHDAY! *throws confetti* 3 years old now! There will be a giveaway at the end of the week. It isn't necessarily a giveaway for the blog birthday, but a giveaway nonetheless. ;) I will be throwing another giveaway perhaps at the end of the month as well. We shall see. ^.^ 

FitReaders Week 2 & Blog News Update

This challenge is organized by Geeky Blogger's Book Blog & That’s What I’m Talking About
Saturday: Nada (I was too sore from the day before) Sunday:  1 mile walk  Monday: 3.5 mile bike ride & 10 mins weights  Tuesday:  30 mins Zumba & 1.5 miles walk Wednesday: 1 mile walk & 10 mins weights Thursday: Nada (Tired) Friday:  1 mile walk  Conclusion: An okay week. I lost some steam at the end, because of work and laziness. I am excited, though, to announce I have lost 4 lbs! I was super shocked, because I was convinced I gained a million lbs during the holidays. But this 4 lbs is the first weight I've lost in almost three months. EXCITED! For the next couple days, I am going on a water-only-to-drink diet. I want to flush out my system. So no milk, juice, or anything of the sort. Wish me luck! (Well, Court is coming over on Saturday with some wine...so I may drink some of that haha)
BLOG UPDATE: BTW, everything is done on my construction of the blog. However, I am waiting for my new banner from Court. It should be done today at earliest. *fingers crossed* I am dying to see it! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek! 

New Look & Updates

Hi all! I will be doing some construction today and if I don't get done today, I will be working on this tomorrow as well. Why? Well....I am bored and feeling an early spell of Spring Cleaning (could that be a sign of spring?). Regular posting and promised posts will commence on schedule, so worry not! I just have nothing really today to post. 

I am trying to get all updated and all techie, so things will be trial and error. hahaha. ^.^

As you can tell the background and some of the pages have been changed!! Next we are working on the banner. :D 

Happy September & 'A Song of Autumn'

Happy September! I know I'm a little late on posting this little post, but I just wanted to extend this happy occurrence. I simply LOVE fall. It's my favorite season and September is the beginning of it. Yesterday night I felt the first crispness of fall in the air. It was nice. However, I hate winter, so my happiness will dissolve sooner or later once winter comes.

On another matter...I failed on my Summer reading list...but oh well. I just got caught up in reading other books, which a lot of them took first priority. However, I've been itching at creating a side section on the blog on books to expect for the next couple of months. The problem with that...is that I'm sometimes books I pick to read are sporadic and random. It all depends on what I'm in the mood to read. Since I've been doing a lot of reading for authors/publishers, I think I may do something like that. Not sure. Any advice?

Anyways....
Here's a poem about fall that I adore:

A Song of Autumn 

by: Adam Lindsay Gordon

‘WHERE shall we go for our garlands glad 

At the falling of the year, 

When the burnt-up banks are yellow and sad, 

When the boughs are yellow and sere? 

Where are the old ones that once we had, 

And when are the new ones near? 

What shall we do for our garlands glad 

At the falling of the year?’ 

‘Child! can I tell where the garlands go? 

Can I say where the lost leaves veer 

On the brown-burnt banks, when the wild winds blow, 

When they drift through the dead-wood drear? 

Girl! when the garlands of next year glow, 

You may gather again, my dear— 

But I go where the last year’s lost leaves go 

At the falling of the year.’

Winner Winner!

Thanks everyone all the love and support and for joining in on the fun of my giveaway. I wish I could pick you all, but I can only pick one. Rafflecoptor as randomly picked me a winner and the winner is....................................

Carol from Carol's Notebook!




I just sent you an email, please respond in 48 hours or I'll have to pick another winner.

Again...thanks everyone for joining in on the fun! I'll be sure to host another giveaway someday in the future. Stay tuned!


===========================
<3CaroleRae

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY BLOG!

HAPPY (belated) 2nd BIRTHDAY BLOG!

Yayy! This blog has just reached two years old the other day! I just now noticed it. hahaha. Oh well, better late then never! Luckily I have some things I've been meaning to give away and since I was not 100% prepared for a giveaway, I'm going to give a bundle away as a thank you to you guys for being awesome and for stalking  following this lovely blog. In the bundle include two books by Jane Austen and two mini-random books. I'm trying out Rafflecopter for this giveaway. We shall see how well it works. The giveaway ends Feb 14th and I'll announce the winner on the 15th or 16th.

The Giveaway:

paperback

paperback

harcover

hardcover, in honor of Valentine's Day

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Music Monday: I'm Back Edition

I'm back! I'm back! Time to do a jig! Huzzah I say, huzzah! *dances* 

As you can see I have missed my blog and posting and my lovely stalkers, I mean followers. ^.^ I know I haven't been gone too long, but it FEELS like an eon since I last posted or visited other blogs. Since it is Monday, I shall post my Music Monday. Time to get back into the flow of things. ^.^ 

Here is a nice colleague of some of the characters from Once Upon a Time. Not only is the video lovely, but the song is fantastic. It's 'Ever After' by Mariana's Touch 

Never thought this combo would work, but it's rather good. Here's a video about King Henry VIII, song 'Whatcha Say', and the song 'Hide and Seek'. 

Haha, a nice way to remember the personalities of the zodiacs. My friend shared this with me. It's so true, it's funny. ^.^

Thanks all I got this week. I feel so GOOD posting again. ^.^ A nice stress reliving. 

==========================

<3CaroleRae

Life Is A Big, Big Butt

I know I haven't been on in quite sometime, but life has been a totally pain in the ass. Thursday is my last day of the semester and then I'm done for almost an entire month! Huzzah! Huzzah! Not only has school been slashing my free-time, so has work, and other random life things. For example, last Thursday I hit a sink hole with tire. It DESTROYED the rim. All weekend I was running around getting a new one and trying to figure out how to get to work and other places I needed to go. In betwixt this I had to go to the hospital and get a physical and some shots. Why? Well, starting in December I start a new job at the Henry Ford Hospital as a  food server. Huzzah! I proclaim again!

Regular postings will commence after Thursday after this week. ^.^ See you guys then!

Bookish Blog Hop Party & News

Hey everyone! I have a bit of news to share before jumping into the Bookish Blog Hop Party. ^.^

I was given the honor of being part of Tink's Place. Dottie, the owner and my friend, has handed me the reins for the famous Flash Fiction meme! For those of you that have never heard of this meme, then you have missed out! It's a lot of fun. Every Monday a picture is presented and by Friday you post a short story with the minimum of 350 words to go along with the picture It's a lot of fun. It defiantly gets the creative juices flowing.

Here's my cute little signature that I'll be using:

Yes, that is Fawn one of Tinkerbell's fairy friends. ^.^ Since I love Tinkerbell and themes, Dottie and I decided to keep the theme and I have my own little fairy avatar too. If you want to check out my first post click HERE and click THIS and be transported to Dottie introducing me to her followers.  

~*~

<center> <a href="http://www.charismamedianetwork.com/"><img src="http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee216/caroleroxxx/CMNlogobb_zps4e569330.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>

Welcome to Charisma Media's Bookish Blog Hop Party! Charisma Media supports authors, indie authors, book reviewers and bloggers alike! If you love to read, this is the perfect blog hop for you! Connect with fellow bloggers, book reviewers and authors! Discover new friends, authors, or books to read! Have fun!


Authors! Did you know Charisma Media offers a variety of tour packages? Click here to see what we offer!

Make sure to leave your book related link below in the appropriate area! We have a linky for book posts (ie book reviews, author interviews, etc), your Goodreads account (or any other book website), and a link to book giveaways.

 This is open for one week! 10/30-11/05
Brought to you by

News & Bookish Blog Hop Party!

Well, I have nothing to really post today, so I'll just post this today due to the fact that school starts today. Yayy *sarcasm*. I am excited, however, that I have first official teacher class! That means I'm a wee bit closer to my goal of becoming a teacher. ^.^ Here's a list of the class I'll be taking this semester:

~Intro to Education (woot woot!)

~Intermediate Algebra (last math class) 

~Prin Macroeconomics (...)

~International Relations (eh)

Wish me luck! I fear that this semester is going to kick my rump a wee bit. I shall apologize now...I fear my posting and reading free-time will be diminished slightly. Never fear though. I shall not abandon you all. 

<center> <a href="http://www.charismamedianetwork.com//"><img src="http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee216/caroleroxxx/CMNlogobb_zps4e569330.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>
Make sure to leave your bookish link below in the appropriate area! We have linkies for book posts (ie book reviews, author interviews, etc), your goodreads account (or any other book website), and a link to your book giveaway or a friend's book giveaway.

This is open for one week! 9/25 - 10/1

Brought to you by

======================================= <3CaroleRae

50th Follower GIVEAWAY!

In honor of this blog achieving over 50 followers, I'm officially hosting a giveaway! This giveaway is long over due, but it shall do. ^.^ It was so hard to decide on what I should giveaway as a gift that everyone could be eligible for. It's harder than you think! Anyways...I wanted to give thanks to all my beloved followers. Without you...this blog would have withered away. *hugs everyone*

Well, I'm giving away two gifts to the winner. One is a permanent sleeve from Tim Horton's. You just slip in on any hot beverage and it'll protect your hand from burning like a piece of bacon. It's very handy when you're holding your boiling hot coffee in the hallway and a co-worker is talking your head off whilst your hand is burning.

The second gift is an option gift. The winner can pick which ever book he/she wants. The options:

The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig

The Constant Princess by Phillipa Gregory

or The Garden Intrigue by Lauren Willig

RULE & GUIDELINES TO PARTICIPATE

1. Must be or become a follower to this blog
2. Open to anyone who can receive mail ^.^
3. Must respond in 48 hours by the time I send you an email, if you don't respond I'll pick another winner
4. The last day to enter is April 9th (one month time)
5. The winner will be picked randomly
6. Just leave a comment with your name and your email

Simple enough? I'll email the winner sometime April 10th. Good luck everyone!!

=========================

<3CaroleRae

Stumble Upon Monday (1) + Karma Media

 Instead of doing Music Monday this week, I'm going to be posting this meme. Why? Well, I have nothing really to share this week, music-wise. Sorry. :( Good news though! A few days ago I was asked to join Karma Media.

Karma Media is a group of women who love books and are trying to give new books and new authors some airtime. We are still in the beginning phases, but once the group takes shape I bet it'll be an AMAZING! I'm already having so much fun, playing with ideas and helping this group form. Anyways, Stumble Upon Monday is a weekly meme created by a fellow Karma Media chicka. ^.^

 [  <a href=”http://beautybrite.com” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h472/beautybrite/cf5f8255.png” border=”0″ alt=”Stumbling Silly Blog Hop”></a><br /> ]


When I get home from work, I'll post a post for the Oscars! You know, announce the winners and share some highlights and pictures. ^.^

===========================
<3CaroleRae

Sunday Ketchup

~'Sunday Ketchup' was inspired by The Muse in the Fog's 'Suddenly Sunday' postings. However, mine are going to be a little bit different. Also when I went to spell 'Catchup' I accidentally spelled it wrong and put 'Ketchup'. I thought it was cute, so I kept it. Also, I'm addicted to ketchup! I want one of those ketchup shirts that says "I <3 Ketchup". Wouldn't that be cute? Every week, or whenever I remember, I'm going to post events that happened this past week, things coming up next week, updates, and news. You can join in and post your own 'Sunday Ketchup' postings, just make sure to mention me...if you want ^.^ ~

Happy Sunday! How is everyone? I must apologize for the lack of posting this week. My schedule has been insane! I've been soooooo busy with school, work, working out, and all that jazz. Lately, I've had a couple things added to my plate, like, I'm helping host a Cystic Fibrosis bowling fundraiser for Anee's niece and Anee nominated me as her Maid of Honor *squeals* How exciting is that?!? I'm really nervous and I have no idea what to do! Any advice? 

Past Week Posts:

• Book Review: Easter's Lilly by Judy Serrano
• Music Monday
• Top Ten Tuesday (14): Books That Broke My Heart
• 6 Facts About Me, Tagging Game

What's Going to Be Posted This Week?:

I WILL have at least a book review and a movie review. I'll also try and get weekly memes posted around the two reviews. I'll try to have a post for everyday. ^.^

Blog News?:

Nothing major. I'll try and remember to update the 'Quotes' section.

Tim Horton News: 

On Monday we are starting Roll-Up-The-Rim. What is this? On our medium, large, and extra large (I believe they are on XL) cups you can roll up the rim of the drink and you have a 1-in-6 chance of winning. How exciting? The prizes range from free donuts to a new car! Exciting stuff! Throughout the week we, employees, are allowed to wear the Roll-Up-The-Rim t-shirts. This year they are bright red....uggggghhhhh....on Monday I'll take a picture of the damnable shirt. If I dye my hair green I would like a tomato. SAVE ME!

Sorry...

What Came in the Mail/Store:

I finally received the next two ebooks of the Lilly Series and Hollywood Stories by Stephan Schochet. I can't to read them! I also bought my own copy of Dracula by Bram Stoker, sooooo I'll finally finish it! Let's see...I bought some pants...huh. Well, that's about it. 

Anything Else Worth Mentioning?:

Mhhhmmmmmm, nope. I'm just really excited that I'm going to help Anee with her wedding by being her Maid-of-Honor. ^.^ The wedding is in 6 months and change. 

Us playing around with her new computer and it's webcam. 

==================================

<3CaroleRae

Where Did the Time Go: Blogoversary!

Today my blog turns 1 years old! *squeals and throws confetti* I can not believe I kept this blog for an entire year. Usually I get bored or frustrated with blogs and they last, at most, 7 months. Huzzah! Without you guys, this blog would have been trashed and my heart broken. Thanks so much! I promise to have a giveaway in honor of my 1st Blogoversary and for reaching the 50 follower mark. Just have to wait until pay day next Friday. ^.^

Isn't that a cute picture? 

Anyways, it's been a good year! I've accomplished a lot more than I thought I would. I've met a lot of amazing people in the blogging world, I've read a lot of books, seen different movies, met some really amazing authors, joined up as a book tour host, and so much more. I'm giddy for the future. 

Again...thanks so much for my followers! 

========================

<3CaroleRae

Sunday Ketchup

~'Sunday Ketchup' was inspired by The Muse in the Fog's 'Suddenly Sunday' postings. However, mine are going to be a little bit different. Also when I went to spell 'Catchup' I accidentally spelled it wrong and put 'Ketchup'. I thought it was cute, so I kept it. Also, I'm addicted to ketchup! I want one of those ketchup shirts that says "I <3 Ketchup". Wouldn't that be cute? Every week, or whenever I remember, I'm going to post events that happened this past week, things coming up next week, updates, and news. You can join in and post your own 'Sunday Ketchup' postings, just make sure to mention me...if you want ^.^ ~

Happy Sunday everybody! It's simply lovely outside. The snow is falling gracefully from the sky. It's oddly calming. Don't ask me why. How was everyone's week? Mine was fantastic! On Saturday, I went to the gym with my friend for the first time since High School! I mean yeah, I've worked out at home, but it's not the same. I feel very accomplished! It's called Fitness Anytime. The name speaks for itself. You can go there and workout at anytime. I went at 10 pm. It's only $30 per month or $40 per month if you want unlimited tanning. Not a bad deal! If you're not a member (like me) it's $5 dollars each time. I'm contemplating becoming a member. 


Sorry for the rambling about this awesome gym. ^.^


Past Week Posts:
~New Blog Look and Movie of the Week Announcement
~Top Ten Tuesday (13): FreeWrite
~Wordless Wednesday & Happy Chinese New Year
~Book Review: The Prophet - The New Brotherhood

Whats Going to Be Posted This Week?:
I'll try to get the usual posted, like Music Monday, TTT/Dusty Read, and etc. I may or may not have a book review and a movie review. The movie review depends on if my library get the movie in or if the movie comes on TV. We shall see. Other than that it's up in the air. 


Anything New for the Blog?:
Nothing major. I'll be updating the 'Songs Stuck in my Head' section probably on Monday/Tuesday. Also, sometime during the week I'll update the 'Quotes' section. Exciting, I know. Haha 


Tim Horton News:
I forgot to mention this...we have new Velvet foods. Like velvet muffins, brownies, and donuts. I've only tried the brownie so far and it was okay. We also have lasagna casserole and garlic bread, which was yummy. 

What Came in the Mail/Store?:

I got a couple things. One was my new skin/cover for my kindle fire. The other was a book I won from Allison at The Musings of a Book Junkie! So exciting. 

Anything Else Worth Mentioning:

The Blog has finally gotten over the 50 follower mark! Huzzah! I'm super excited! I'll be hosting a giveaway soon in honor of this victory. I'm not sure what I'm giving away, but once i decide on that I'll let you all know. Also...I've been made an administrator at the Ever After Pr Facebook page. Woot Woot!  

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

====================================

<3CaroleRae