Top Ten Tuesday (45) - Ten Websites I Love That Aren't About Books

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists there at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love us to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of their bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on their post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share.  If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. 

The topic this week is:

Ten Websites I Love That Aren't About Books

I don't really go on a lot of websites that aren't about books, but the ones I do are pretty awesome, if I do say so myself.  I'm going to break it down into categories in order to show off some more specific things.  These are all sites/channels/places of awesome I visit on the regular!

Bloggers:

Girl's Gone Child 

I know it's weird that I read a "mom" blog when I'm not even a parent, but there is just something so beautiful about Rebecca's family.  She also writes about being woman, being confused/scared, life in general.  And those entries are the ones I really love.

The Militant Baker

Jes is a body positivity badass, and one of my role models for sure.  Her outlook on fatphobia, and a fat woman's place in society is very empowering.  She has helped me deal with some of my issues, and she is just fucking hilarious!

Miss Geeky

I am a self-affirmed geek (I mean you can't love books as much as I do without being a geek).  Therefore, I love Melinda's blog because she reviews all the fun geeky stuff I'm into, and introduces me to things I might not know about yet!

Vloggers/YouTubers:

Sarah Snitch

Sarah is the first vlogger I saw on YouTube that talked so much about Disney.  I love her humor, her enthusiasm, and her heart.  She does really interesting videos all over the geeky spectrum, but her Disney content is top notch, and brings me back every time!

Casey Neistat

Let's talk motherfucking amazing content.  Casey does a vlog every. single. day. of. the. year.  And they aren't shitty, or uninteresting.  He lives his life authentically, and puts his mad-video skills to great gain.  If you never watch any other vlogger/YouTuber other than Casey, you'll be set.

Grace Helbig

Please go watch Grace.  Please!!  She is hilarious, smart, and unapologetic.  Her humor is so original, and she just is such a fun person to watch.  The ideas she comes up with sometimes, I don't even know.  Each video, even if it's premise is the stupidest thing ever, is great.  She makes it great.

Fleur De Force

Hands down the sweetest beauty guru out there.  I love Fleur because it never feels like she makes her videos just to be "on top".  If you watch beauty gurus like I do, you'll know what I mean.  She is genuine, with both her reviews and her product endorsements.  Also her vlog channel (Fleurdevlog) is full of super cute day in the life, starring her, her very handsome husband, and there three adorable puppies!  Love her so much!

Bits and Bobs:

Check Please!

HOCKEY! ROMANCE! SHENANIGANS!  This webcomic has it all!  It is my favorite thing ever, and has taken over my tumblr for real.  It is so so so good, and you should check it out if you haven't already!

Texts From Last Night

Humor gold. The things that people text under the influence (alcohol, drugs, or stupidity - take your pick) is crazy.  If I want a quick chuckle, I definitely head over here.

Instagram

This site is my life blood.  I am obsessed with posting photos, and I love seeing my friends lives through photos when I can't be there with them.  I've always been an obsessive photographer ever since middle school, so finally having somewhere to post those photos is amazing.

As you can tell, I love the Internet.  I am constantly hooked in, and I know some people think that's horrible, but that is how I experience the world at large.  I get to "meet" new people, sometimes half way around the world.  I get to read interesting posts and learn about new things.  I get to share a piece of my life with people who may need that connection. 

Please check out the websites I shared; they're all pretty great in different ways.  Leave me suggestions of your favorite websites (both about books and not about books ;) ) in the comments!

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Waiting on Wednesday (76)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we seriously can’t wait for.

 Here's my pick for the week, that I seriously can't wait for:

The Impossible Knife of Memory

by Laurie Halse Anderson

Publication Date: January 07, 2014

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For the past five years, Hayley Kincaid and her father, Andy, have been on the road, never staying long in one place as he struggles to escape the demons that have tortured him since his return from Iraq. Now they are back in the town where he grew up so Hayley can attend school. Perhaps, for the first time, Hayley can have a normal life, put aside her own painful memories, even have a relationship with Finn, the hot guy who obviously likes her but is hiding secrets of his own.

Will being back home help Andy’s PTSD, or will his terrible memories drag him to the edge of hell, and drugs push him over? The Impossible Knife of Memory is Laurie Halse Anderson at her finest: compelling, surprising, and impossible to put down.

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Laurie Halse Anderson is my hero.  Seriously.  Look it's me with her: 

She's an amazing, poignant, intense writer, and her books make me ache with emotion each time I crack open a spine. This book is going to hit especially close to home because I have had to deal with being a military child most of my life and there are many difficulties when one has a parent who has gone through war. I can't wait to get my hands on this! I AM SO EXCITED!!

What book are you waiting for?

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Top Ten Tuesday (35)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of their bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on their post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share.  If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.

The topic this week is: 

Top Ten Books When You Need Something Light & Fun!

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April is, once again, National Poetry Month!

In honor of one of my favorite months, poetry is going to be taking over Eli to the nth!

I will be doing readings of some of my favorite poems!

There will be bios about some of my favorite poets!

And, finally, ways for YOU to celebrate!

I hope you enjoy yourselves, and leave yourselves open to something new!

As I post, I'll be linking the entries below, so please check them out!

April 1 - Book(s) of Poetry Giveaway

April 6 - My Favorite Poet: Allen Ginsberg

April 14 - Poetry Sunday

April 18 - Poem in Your Pocket Day

April 22 - Dear Poet Project

April 23 - Women Poets

April 30 - Top 6 Prose Poetry & Poetry

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Poetry Sunday (18)

This is a fabulous blog feature here at Eli to the nth! Poetry is one of my passions, but I often don't have an opportunity to share that passion. This feature gives me the perfect opportunity to do so! Thanks to Genna from Reading, Writing, and the World of Words, who created this awesome feature and gave me the permission to host it here, as well as, use her graphic!

This is another poem from the amazing Adrienne Rich.  She blows me away every time I read her work.  This is the kind of poetry I wish came running out of my fingers.  Beautiful.

This Evening Let's

not talk

about my country     How
I'm from an optimistic culture

that speaks louder than my passport
Don't double-agent-contra my

invincible innocence     I've
got my own

suspicions     Let's
order retsina

cracked olives and bread
I've got questions of my own but

let's give a little
let's let a little be

If friendship is not a tragedy
if it's a mercy

we can be merciful
if it's just escape

we're neither of us running
why otherwise be here

Too many reasons not
to waste a rainy evening

in a backroom of bouzouki
and kitchen Greek

I've got questions of my own but
let's let it be a little

There's a beat in my head
song of my country

called Happiness, U.S.A. 
Drowns out bouzouki

drowns out world and fusion
with its Get—get—get

into your happiness before
happiness pulls away

hangs a left along the piney shore
weaves a hand at you—"one I adore"—

Don't be proud, run hard for that
enchantment boat

tear up the shore if you must but
get into your happiness because

before
and otherwise
it's going to pull away

So tell me later
what I know already

and what I don't get
yet     save for another day

Tell me this time
what you are going through

travelling the Metropolitan
Express

break out of that style
give me your smile
awhile

Adrienne Rich - 2001 

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Top Ten Tuesday (30)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of their bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on their post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share.  If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.

The topic this week is: 

Blogger's Choice: Top Ten Books/Authors I'm Thankful For!

Author - Tamora Pierce.  She is a kickass author, and one of the reasons I love books so much!

Book - Sandry's Book (Circle of Magic #1).  One of my first fantasy books, the world building within this series is fantastic. 

Author - Laurie Halse Anderson.  She is an inspiration just by existing.  An amazing advocate for teenagers and for reading. 

Book - Speak.  I can't say enough about this book.  It completely changed me when I read it like no book ever has.  It made me want to become a teacher in fact.

Author - John Green.  This man. This man!  He is amazing!  Funny, smart, and such a great writer.  5 of my Top 20 favorite books are written by him.

Book - Looking for Alaska.  A look into the beginning and ending of a life.  How much do we really know each other?  This made me really question growing up.

Author - Ellen Wittlinger.  An under appreciated author, but one of the best I know.  She has written some amazing books, and I always recommend her.  More people need to read her stuff!!

Book - Hard Love.  The first book I read that combined graphic journal pages with prose, it captivated me in the innovation.  But what really captivated me was the discussion on sexuality and discovery.  

Author - J. K. Rowling.  What can I say about the woman who changed children's books forever?  Amazing.

Book - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  The last book in a series that defined a generation.  I know more people who have been affected by this book in some way, and are still being affected.

What books/authors are you thankful for?

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Book to Movie Adaptations

I am SUPER excited about all the fabulous movies coming out based on my favorite books!  

Below are some of the trailers, all of which are fantastic! 

Let me know which book to movie adaptations you're excited for!

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Life of Pi (2012)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)

Beautiful Creatures (2013)

Warm Bodies (2013)

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Poetry Sunday (16)

This is a fabulous blog feature here at Eli to the nth! Poetry is one of my passions, but I often don't have an opportunity to share that passion. This feature gives me the perfect opportunity to do so! Thanks to Genna from Reading, Writing, and the World of Words, who created this awesome feature and gave me the permission to host it here, as well as, use her graphic!

Today, since we're in the middle of summer, I wanted to share one of my favorite poems which evokes summer to me.  I love the sound of the words, each line creating a feeling of lazy hot summer days.  I hope you enjoy it too!


Fishing on the Susquehanna in July   
by Billy Collins 

I have never been fishing on the Susquehanna
or on any river for that matter
to be perfectly honest.

Not in July or any month
have I had the pleasure--if it is a pleasure--
of fishing on the Susquehanna.

I am more likely to be found
in a quiet room like this one--
a painting of a woman on the wall,

a bowl of tangerines on the table--
trying to manufacture the sensation
of fishing on the Susquehanna.

There is little doubt
that others have been fishing
on the Susquehanna,

rowing upstream in a wooden boat,
sliding the oars under the water
then raising them to drip in the light.

But the nearest I have ever come to
fishing on the Susquehanna
was one afternoon in a museum in Philadelphia

when I balanced a little egg of time
in front of a painting
in which that river curled around a bend

under a blue cloud-ruffled sky,
dense trees along the banks,
and a fellow with a red bandanna

sitting in a small, green
flat-bottom boat
holding the thin whip of a pole.

That is something I am unlikely
ever to do, I remember
saying to myself and the person next to me.

Then I blinked and moved on
to other American scenes
of haystacks, water whitening over rocks,

even one of a brown hare
who seemed so wired with alertness
I imagined him springing right out of the frame.

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Happy Birthday to Jenny from Into the Morning!

Into the Morning was one of the first blogs I read when starting my blog.  I love her reviews and all the different things she tries on her blog.  One such thing was New Books for New Bloggers, which was a place for new bloggers to get a hold of ARCs and books for review.  I was a part of this opportunity, and I loved it! 

Jenny is really lovely, and I've recently guest blogged on her site, along with other awesome bloggers.  And this week, Jenny is celebrating her BIRTHDAY!  In celebration of her birthday, she's hosting an AMAZING giveaway, and I wanted to let my followers know about it!

Jenny is great, and deserves to be recognized as such!  So spread the word, because the more new followers she gains, the more books she's giving away; it's a win-win!

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Top Ten Tuesday (19)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of their bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.

The topic this week is: Top Ten Sites/Blogs/Vlogs You Read/Watch That Aren't About Books

I adore this week's topic, and I have some good blogs/vlogs to share with you all!

BLOGS:
A Beautiful Mess - A mix between fashion/lifestyle/diy, Elsie always inspires me!
Color Me Katie - Full of fun and bright photographs and craft projects, Katie turns each day into an adventure, and always brings a smile!
Oh Hey, What's Up? - A great lifestyle/general life blog that makes me laugh out loud; Corrin is also a larger girl like me, and I get so many fashion tips from her site!
All Lacquered Up - Did I ever mention I'm obsessed with nail polish? No? Well I am, and Michelle is the queen of nail polish!
Tumblr/Pinterest - Now I know these aren't a blog, but I literally spend most of day on these two sites; it's an addiction I want EVERYONE to get into!

VLOGS:
Crash Course - Not only is John Green an amazing author, he also really likes history.  Here he teaches you all about different historical periods in a fun and engaging way! (now Hank Green is talking biology too!)
Sci Show - Speaking of Hank Green, he teaches us not only on Crash Course, but on Sci Show, the best show about science ever!! No seriously, he makes ME interested in science!
Improv Everywhere - This is a New York based prank/improv group founded by Charlie Todd.  They are responsible for such classics as The No Pants Subway Ride & Frozen Gand Central Stations.  Very entertaining, and makes me wish I could do it too!
Charlieissocoollike - Yes that is all one word, and it is about a 20-something English dude named Charlie who makes videos about whatever he wants.  Sometimes tea, sometimes Doctor Who, but always fun!
Miss Glamorazzi - As much as I love nail polish, I also really like make-up, and Ingrid is one of my favorite "make-up gurus".  She is so sweet, explains tutorials really well, and just so darn cute!

See I do have interests beyond books!  How exciting!  And I hope you found some fun new blogs/vlogs to check out!  Leave links to some of your favorite non-book blogs/vlogs in the comments so I can check those out!  DFTBA!

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Top Ten Tuesday (13)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of their bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.

The topic this week is: Top Ten Books To Read In A Day


Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs: 
I got through this even faster than Oh. My. Gods. because I HAD to know what was going on!  

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins:
Super cute, super sweet, makes you want to gobble it up!

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey:
Vampires, lost Romanian Princess, and a devotion you can't help sighing over.

Zombies vs. Unicorns edited by Holly Black & Justine Larbalestier:
Um, a battle between zombies and unicorns? How could you resist?

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz:
Fallen angels turned vampires a'la Gossip Girl; totally delicious! 

Sass & Serendipity by Jennifer Ziegler:
A re-telling of Sense and Sensibility with sisters just like me and mine, couldn't stop reading!

Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman:
Umm, uncover girl in an all boys school?  Perfection!

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan & Rachel Cohn:
A scavenger hunt around New York is my dream, through this wonderful book I can live it!

Circle of Magic: Sandry's Book by Tamora Pierce:
My first Tamora Pierce book is still my favorite; I can read this in an hour, I love it so!

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen:
Saving tiny owls from utter destruction, and set in my home state? Too cute, and super short to boot!

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Help Celebrate John Green Week!!!!

Starting tomorrow, a ton of blogs will be celebrating John Green Week!  This celebration counts down to the release of his new book, The Fault in Our Stars, releasing on January 10th (PS, there's still time to pre-order the book!).  I am really excited to be a part of the celebration!

I'm going to be hosting some posts about John Green's books, the Vlog Brothers Youtube channel he does with his brother Hank Green, and a giveaway where you can win some amazing prizes!!  Awesome right?

Here's a list of the great host blogs who helped conceive this awesome ode to such an awesome author!

Brittany & Farrah (I. Eat. Words.)

Ginger - (GReads Books)

Anna - (Anna Reads Books)

Lindsi (Books, Sweets, and other Treats)

Melanie (Reclusive Bibliophile) 

Tara (Fiction Folio)

Yani (The Secret Life of an Avid Reader)

Jamie (The Perpetual Page-Turner)

Liz (ElizzieBooks)

Heidi (YA Bibliophile)

Priscilla (The Readables)

You can head over to any of these fantastic blogs, and sign-up to participate, or if you personally don't want to write anything, definitely read a John Green book, check out all the awesome blog posts, and enter the many giveaways being hosted!

My posts for John Green Week:

• January 3-10: John Green Giveaway
• January 4: How John Green Changed My Classroom
• January 4: Waiting on Wednesday: The Fault in Our Stars
• January 5: Trailer Thursday: The Fault in Our Stars
• January 5: Truth Or Fail: John Green Books
• January 7: How to be a Nerdfighter
• January 8: Bookin' Round the Web: John Green Edition
• January 9: The Pretty Covers
• January 10: Happy The Fault in Our Stars Day

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