My Latest Obsession: Ben 10 (Reboot), Candles and more

It's October!

The official start of the spooky season and we can start celebrating the 31 days of October. Aside from obsession over this spooktacular month, here are some other things that I can't stop thinking about.


Ben 10 Reboot

Yesterday, I started watching the first season of the rebooted Ben 10 animated series. Although, there are a few changes from the original series such as the animation style and including characters from various Ben 10 sequel series, I really like this show. Ben is still an annoying pain using the Omnitrix to be a hero, Gwen still loves to learn and read and Grandpa Max still loves to cook gross food.

I'm usually not a big fan of reboot mainly because why keep remaking shows instead of creating something new. But I am enjoying this new take on Ben 10 and it's a fun show.

My Latest Obsession for August (At Least For Now)

I know the month is just getting started but there are few things I'm already totally obsessing over.


Enjoying Nature

I would love to have a picnic with friends but who has the time. My goal is to enjoy every last bit of the warm weather and the beauty of nature by going outside as much as possible before summer ends.

Starting A New Hobby

When I was a kid I used to love to draw and paint and I was thinking of going back to it. I love art but I have not made any in years. This is something I really want start doing again.

Pretty Little Liars

If I had a super power it would be finding TV shows after they originally aired. I know it's not a very impressive power but it has come in handy when I'm looking for something new to watch. The latest show that caught my interest is Pretty Little Liars and thanks to a gift card I just ordered the complete series.

A quick piece of advice for geeks on a budget, don't spend those gift cards as soon as you get them, if possible save as many of them as you can. Then wait until you find something you really want to use them.

Book of Interest: Young & Hungry: Your Complete Guide to a Delicious Life

Lately, I have really gotten into cooking and baking and finding a lot of different recipes online. I will admit that sometimes it's a bit of a hassle going online trying to find recipes, which is why I love cookbooks because there's a bunch of recipes all in one book.

Since my latest obsession has me looking for cookbooks, I figure why not share the ones that interest me. I recently started re-watching the TV series Young & Hungry on Netflix, I like the show it's really funny. It's not a real re-watch since I only watched the first couple of episodes when the show first premiered on ABC Family (now Freeform). But I was so busy at the time that I didn't continue watching the series, so now I'm back to watching the show again.

Anyway, I had no idea the show was inspired by a real person and I'm very interested in getting this book. According to the description, it's a lifestyle/cookbook which sounds pretty cool. I will be adding this to my wishlist, hopefully, it has some really good recipes in it.

Book: Young & Hungry: Your Complete Guide to a Delicious Life by Gabi Moskowitz and Diana Snyder

Description:

The YOUNG & HUNGRY lifestyle/cookbook is written by Gabi Moskowitz and Diana Snyder.

Gabi is a food blogger and cookbook author and was the inspiration for the Freeform hit comedy. Diana is a writer for the show. Young & Hungry: Your Complete Guide to a Delicious Life features recipes along with advice about dating, friendships, entertaining, and health. This book is a girls' guide to being young, single, short on cash, and passionate about food.

My Latest Obsession: Captain America + Currently Reading: Marvel's Captain America: Sub Rosa

I have no idea why my interest in Captain America seems to have hit an obsessive level over the past few days. Maybe it has something to do with Captain America: Civil War movie being released on DVD/Blu-ray in 24 days (Sept. 13th). But I really don't think my Latest Obsession has anything to do with the movie since I love reading the comic books.

I have been thinking of doing a Captain America Read-a-Thon of the Ed Brubaker run but I don't think I have enough time to even start one. With the Read-a-Thon not looking possible, I did however start reading this Captain America novel below earlier today. So far the book is off to a really good start. I should have my review up in a few days.

Book: Marvel's Captain America: Sub Rosa by David McDonald

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Frozen in a state of suspended animation since the end of the Second World War, Captain America is a man out of time. But now freed from his frozen slumber, he’s back in the nick of time―and ready to face threats that couldn’t even have been imagined when the world had last seen him. Joe Books brings Marvel fans an all-new adventure featuring a classic superhero.

Latest Obsession: The Art of Books

The Art and Making of The Peanuts Movie by Jerry Schmitz

My budget is not liking my latest obsession, The Art of Books. I love flipping through the pages and looking at all the beautiful art and photography and finding out behind the scenes information.

I think these books are aimed at people who love their fandoms and want see as much of the creative process as possible. They want to know what inspired the details we see in the movies, TV shows, video games, etc..

As a geek, these books have become a wonderful addition to my collection. My wishlist is filled with a large selection of The Art of Books that I want to buy. One caveat, they can be a tad bit expensive with prices ranging from $19.00 all the way up into the hundreds.

My Latest Obsession for February

Photo Credit: BetsyLife (betsylife.com) for Neapolitan Cupcake recipe (original recipe site: Six Sisters's Stuff (sixsistersstuff.com))


Can you believe, it's already February and that means Black History Month, Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, several Presidents' Days, Ash Wednesday and Chinese New Year. It's a full little month especially when you combine that with all the other things we do on a daily basis.

It has been a while since I posted Latest Obsession post and I thought why not write something for February. Here are few things that I'm currently obsessed with:


Heart Shaped Items

There is something so cheerful and positive about this shape. And no matter what, whenever I see one, it always puts a smile on my face.

Silver Heart Sculpture    $14.95   Pier 1 Imports (pier1.com)



Star Gazing

I love looking at the stars and the moon. So, while it was still dark out this morning, I took some time to star gaze. Although, I could only see a few stars, it was the moon that was really bright and clear.

Wearing Red

You can wear red (be it fashion or beauty) anytime but wearing it this month seems to add an extra flirty and romantic vibe, even if you're wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans.

Curious George Women's Red T-Shirt     $19.60 (sale, regular price $28.00)    Out of Print (outofprintclothing.com) 
Purchase of this shirt sends one book to a community in need



Reading More Books

No surprise here with this one, since this is a book blog. But I want to continue to read a variety of books as well as find new favorites.

Eartha Kitt

Joan Crawford

Marilyn Monroe



Enjoying the Quiet Moments

I admit it, sometimes I don't take the time to enjoy the quiet moments. But I decided to do just that. I want to spend more time drawing, going to museums to look at the art but taking my time to do it, and so many more things.

Making More Cozy Home Meals

I've been gathering recipes for a while and now I'm going to actually make some of them. This should be fun if not different because honestly, I'm tired of going out to eat or picking up the random fast food. It's time to cook for myself.

Finding More Cruelty Free Beauty Products

Since last April, I have been following a humane/cruelty free beauty lifestyle. Early on, it was a little bit of a struggle trying to find products that were cruelty free. Since then, I have select group of products that I use but I'm looking to find more, especially hair care product.

Latest Obsession: Watching the Funny Girls TV Series

Funny Girls   Tuesdays 11:00 PM EST (check local listing for time)   Oxygen channel

From L to R: Calise Hawkins, Nicole Schreiber, Yamaneika Saunders, Ester Steinberg, Stephanie Simbari and Scout Durwood


I'm not a big realty show person but there are a few that catch my attention, case in point Funny Girls. I had been trying to find something new to watch and ended up seeing a commercial for this show a couple of days ago and since then I have marathon watched the first five episodes.

This show is crazy and hilarious mixed with a little bit of drama. It follows six up and coming L.A. comedians who are trying to make it big in entertainment. From snippets of their stand up acts to focusing on their personal lives, you get to see what motivates these ladies to succeed.  

What I like about Funny Girls is it's not about the glitz and glam side of Hollywood because these ladies are still in the process (although some have been doing this for years) of honing their craft and looking to get their big break and become household names.

It shows that being a comedian is not easy because sometimes the jokes don't go over well or they completely bomb altogether. So, I am looking forward to watching more of this show, maybe one of these ladies or all of them will become the next Tina Fey who knows but it's at least it will be interesting to see.

Latest Obsession: Humane Beauty

Okay this isn't really an obsession more like a lifestyle change. I decided to only use humane or cruelty-free beauty products. Since this is something that is very important to me, I thought I would share it.

I think if this idea had occurred to me a couple of years ago when I was a full fledge beauty product junkie it probably would be an expensive switch. Looking back now at it, I can't believe how many products I used to buy, seriously if it there was a new product, it was sitting on my shelf. It got to the place where my bathroom was full of products and could double as a small store. However, I sorted it all out and only use the products that I really like and then I might buy a few new products every now and then.

But lately I've been thinking about a different approach to beauty. I started my research to see which products I might be interested in using and which companies offer them. I don't think it will be too much of a transition for me since I've scaled back on so many of my products. But I do think I will have the most difficulty with shopping since I will need to use a list for a while until I'm more familiar with everything. I'm definitely going to have to be more aware of which products to buy and which ones to avoid.

As with anything I post on my blog I don't tell anyone what to read or not read (same goes with movies and TV shows). Everyone makes their own decisions and my blog is just to write about what I'm reading (watching, etc) and whether I liked it or not. I feel no need to tell someone what to do with their lives.

Latest Obsession: Bermuda Shorts

Skinny Cuffed Bermuda Shorts in Marisa Fit with 10 inch Inseam  $34.99 sale (regular price, $44.50)   Ann Taylor Loft  (loft.com)


I'm not giving up my short shorts. And by short shorts I'm not talking about shorts so short they could double as a bikini bottom just normal short shorts.

But lately I have been wearing Bermuda shorts. They look more sophisticated, professional and dressy even if you're wearing a T-shirt with them. And since I'm trying to get more into the publishing world, I want to look the part of someone who knows what their talking about even if I'm at the library and strike up a casual conversation with someone.

Latest Obsession: Mesh Shopping Bags

Ecobags Reusable Grocery Earthtone  $24.91 (for a set of 5 bags)   Amazon.com


Ever since I was younger and saw my Aunt carrying one her mesh shopping bags on her way to the farmer's market, I've always wanted one.

One of these days, I'm going to get one because I love these bags.

Latest Obsession: Watching "Toned Up" and Courtney Loves Dallas"

I'm not really a reality show person but I do occasionally watch one or two if I find a show that's interesting. Case in point, I totally love watching "Toned Up" and "Courtney Loves Dallas".

They're both fun lighthearted shows (maybe with a little drama but not too much). What's not to love? Fashion, fitness and business. I think it's so cool that the women on both shows have created their own successful businesses.

Did anyone watch last night's episodes? Is anyone else tired of Courtney talking about Matt? I agree with her friends about being tired of hearing about her constantly talking about Matt. It's time for her to get back out there and start dating again or at least meet some new guys. Life is too short to be stuck on a loser, she totally needs to move on. I know, it's easier said than done but she really does.

If you watch either show, please let me know? 

My Latest Obsession: Scarves

Pompom Stripe Infinity Scarf   $8.98 (sale)   Nordstrom

I absolutely love the summer and right now I absolutely love summer scarves (infinity or not). I love pairing them up with dresses or a tee and shorts. I also like to use one as a head band or tie one to my tote bags.

I feel like the summer is the perfect time to try different things with fashion.