Inside Kimmy's Mind

The Japanese hit manga rom-com comes to print! The sweet smiles across the faces of the “perfect” student council duo hide secret, tough-as-nails personalities. These two-faced angels vie for dominance while keeping up their flawless act…but how long will it take for contention to give way to attraction?

This modern spin for fans of classics like Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is already a best-seller in Japan!

It’s such an adorable manga! It definitely has Kare Kano vibes. What I love about it so far is how you are thrown into the story fairly quickly. But I’m sure we will learn more about the main characters and their reasons for hiding their true selves as the story progresses.

This feels like it will be a very charming and adorable love story. But I think more importantly it will be a very cute story about their friendship. I’m looking forward to buying this manga when it is released, and I look forward to reading the other volumes.

 The publisher provided my arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Once again, we are exploring another bookstore and revisiting different points of time for our main character. However, the title and cover were huge factors that made me stop and want to read this book. But I think this tagline is the main reason.

‘The In-Between Bookstore is a stunning novel of love, self-discovery, and the choices that come with both, for anyone who has ever wondered what their life might be like if they had the chance to go back and take a bigger, braver risk.‘

I appreciate how the story gently pulls you into Darby’s life and explores the reasons behind his feelings of not belonging. Even surrounded by friends, he had unresolved things in his past and present that prevented him from finding meaning in his present.

The use of flashbacks is a great touch; even when certain details come up again, they reveal new layers that help us understand Darby’s thoughts and emotions in a different light. I may not relate to Darby’s experiences in the same way, but especially when you’re young and the world feels so heavy, it is easy not to see the whole picture. Or to be blind when others are struggling, too. I was rooting for him throughout the book. Every time he revisited his younger self, I was excited to see what new things he would learn about himself.

I was so invested in Darby’s search for what was missing in his life. This book got me thinking about my life and what it means to belong. The concept that everything consists of choices and that each decision creates a branch of possible outcomes lingers long after you turn the last page.

 The publisher provided my arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Witches, different timelines, and a family curse? These are all things that drew me to this book. I enjoyed the pacing in the beginning. However, although the story was interesting and kept me turning the page, I felt almost rushed towards the end. It alternated between different timelines and would jump between our protagonists and antagonist perspectives. All while keeping things easy to follow.

Even though I wish the bookstore had been featured more throughout the story, I still adored the family bond between the characters. Lenny was my favorite character, and I would love to see side stories featuring her in other lifetimes. Ultimately, it was an enjoyable read, and I would recommend this book to people who enjoy cozy, witchy thrillers.

 The publisher provided my arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Well, I’m off to relax for the rest of the evening. Perhaps I will try to revive this blog once more.

Thanks for reading.

I purchased another typewriter this week, and I couldn’t be happier. I now have two typewriters, and I didn’t think I would ever have one let alone two. I intend to keep this collection small, seeing as they do take up a lot of space. I am happy that I took the time to see what kind of typewriter I wanted. I am also glad that I had the experience with my first typewriter since it prepared me for this second one. Not that I am by any means an expert. I rely on the internet to help guide me on figuring out these interesting machines. 

I find typewriters to be so much fun to use. They have their personalities, and when you type on one, it transports you back. I often find myself thinking about its past owners, which I’m sure most people think of when buying any vintage item. I bought my first typewriter back in October of 2019, but Alicia from @Adventuredenali is why I started looking again at other typewriters online. She recently purchased a vintage typewriter, and even though I use my typewriter all the time, she ignited my desire to practice typing on it even more. I love watching her videos; they have been such a comfort these past few months while I’ve been home. Stationery, in general, has been a constant comfort. I’ve been journaling and writing letters, and it has been so good for me. I hope you have found something to calm you down and make you feel somewhat safe. I know the world has become something we do not recognize, but we will adapt and learn how to navigate it just the same. 

I hope this was interesting for you. I know I don’t update my blog as much anymore. I put most of my creative energy on filming and editing my videos, and as far as journaling goes, I tend to focus more on my physical journals. I have three at the moment. I am testing things out and seeing which one works for me. (journal sizes includes – A5, A6, and a standard Traveler’s Notebook) But I hope to start paying attention to my blog again. I’ve always enjoyed blogging. 

Thanks so much for reading and I’ll talk to you soon.

I know the world is in chaos right now. I am praying for everyone, especially those struggling due to this virus. I wanted to post about something more positive so I decided to talk about things I’ve been loving lately. Things that help keep my mind off of current events.

• A5 Galen Leather Folio

This has been one of my favorite purchases lately. I’ve been enjoying using this folio to hold my journal and even use it at work when I go to meetings. It’s the perfect daily carry. I prefer to do most of my journaling at home. It’s a larger size so not always lightweight, and I didn’t think I would like it as much. I’ve been using my TN for four years now, and I still love journaling in it, but I’m so glad I tested out an A5 notebook and then decided to purchase this as my cover. I’ve enjoyed this refillable journaling system. It’s now just so common to find a notebook that has a series of cover options. And so many different sizes to fit everyone’s needs. So if you enjoy smaller journals, you can get a pocket or passport journal. Heck, even nano. There are just so many options and I don’t know about you but I get excited when I find a new system that works for me.

• Hobonichi A6 Planner

This little planner has been so much fun to use. I use it as a journal as well. It’s small, so I put down the things I need to remember but will also jot down a few thoughts. And if I was too busy that day, I usually go back and write something that I remember from that day or add some stickers. Stickers have been such a joy to use in my planner. If a sticker is too large, depending on the design, I can trim it down or put it on a day that was left blank. I already feel like I’ll use this planner again for next year.

• Kaweco Sage Milligram Collaboration

Kaweco was my first fountain pen. I purchased it in mint and now I have 9 Kaweco Sport pens. But this one has to be my favorite! I love it so much. I wasn’t sure where it was from and so I asked the fountain pen subreddit and they were all nice enough to point me in the right direction. It ended up being a Milligram exclusive so I purchased it from Milligram, which is located in Australia. I paired it with Sierra Mist ink and it matches so well. It’s my go-to pen at the moment, but I have been wanting to pick up a good flex nib pen. Any suggestions?

• Fossil Smartwatch

 This ended up being such a great tech item. Having a watch is so handy, and the best thing about this is that it will remain a watch even if the battery is low. At least in my experience, when it has died, it still displays the time for you. It might be a battery saving mode, but it is convenient. And I love how customizable it is. The face, the straps, it’s just fantastic. I’m currently using this olive leather strap.  It was hard to put on the watch but I managed and probably won’t be removing it any time soon.

• Clogs Black and Brown

My friend Jacque got me into clogs. She inspired me to purchase them for my wedding and then I just became obsessed. Now I have three pairs, olive, black and brown. My olive ones will always be my favorite since they have such a wonderful memory attached to them. I will always associate them with my wedding and I hope they will forever last me.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my current favorites. I just wanted to film a video to keep myself busy and what better way than making a video. I have several other videos planned, so stay tuned.

I have many different hobbies and I’m sure you are aware already, but hobbies are expensive. I technically should not be looking to acquire new hobbies but here we are. It’s December and Christmas is fast approaching and I was struggling with some gift ideas for my future in-laws. Matt and I have decided to give them each a gift card so we don’t have to worry about carrying anything too big on the plane and don’t have to worry about it getting there by a certain time. However, I wanted to have something to attach with the gift card but I had no idea what to get them. I was thinking in the realm of a nice keychain or Christmas ornament.

We decided to go to  Space Montrose, this adorable shop that houses local handmade gifts. They had Houston themed items and just really nicely made items. Among them where these embroidery hoops with pretty floral designs  and the like. One cost about $55, so instead I went to Michael’s and purchased my own materials to attempt to make my own. I knew this would be something I would enjoy, and now I can’t get enough of it. I’m already shopping around for bulk hoops on Amazon. I like the 4 in hoops but I kind of want to try even smaller sizes. I think they make great gifts and you can customize the designs to the person you have in mind. Doing this freehand is tricky but if I keep the designs simple it’s not too bad. I’m pretty proud with how mine have been turning out and I’m excited to improve as I continue.

I hope your holiday has been great so far and I want to make more of an effort to update my blog more often. Making videos takes up most of my time, so if you’re interested, head over to my channel and watch what I’ve been up to lately. I’ve been participating in Vlogmas, only instead of posting a video every day I post a weekly vlog.

Sending you lots of hugs and good vibes.

My sister Mija nominated me for this little blog tag! Thank you Mija!

I have not done one in quite a long time since I sort of fell off the blogging wagon. But I still very much love blogging and hope to create a schedule for it.

Sunshine Blogger Award Preview:

The Sunshine Blogger award is a peer recognition for bloggers that inspire positive thinking, joy, warmth and any other emotions that you feel when you think about the sun.

The Rules:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog.
• Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
• Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions. Link your blog so I can see!!!
• List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

1. What is your dream job?
I’ve actually have been dreaming about owning my own Stationery store where I can hold planner/journal meet ups! I love going to these cute stores and when I get a chance to participate in a class or meetup it’s just the so much fun. I would love to own a store like that or even have a studio space that would allow me to have my own classes like that.

2. What is 1 item you still own from your childhood?
One?! Oh, I have SOOOO many items from my childhood but the one I that comes to mind is, a giant Beanie Baby- Batty! After I moved out of my parent’s house I ended up bringing that soft plushie with me. Brings back nice memories.

3. What is your favorite weather like?
Cool weather! Sweater wearing weather! No frizzy hair weather! The Texas heat is just so terrible sometimes, but every once in a while, there is a day, it just comes with no warning, and it is perfect. Perfect park weather. Makes me happy just thinking about it.

4. What is one thing would you change about your current town?
Quite a bit of things but one would be, more reliable public transportation. I wish the light rail was in more parts, saving people from always having to drive everywhere.

5. List your favorite show to rewatch over and over!
Gilmore Girls is always my favorite to rewatch, but as I watch it I get more annoyed with Rory, I still love the show but things stick out now that didn’t when I watched it the first 100 times. I’ll probably always rewatch it though. Bob’s Burgers is probably the better show to constantly rewatch. 🙂

6. Can you recommend a youtube channel you love to watch?
I spend quite a bit of my time on Youtube, making videos and watching them. Frannerd has to be one of my favorite channels to watch. She is such an inspiring artist and watching her videos makes me so happy.

7. Have you ever gotten your cards read before? (Tarot)
Not by an actual tarot reader. However, my sister and I got into tarot for a bit when we were younger. I’m not sure if we did the layouts “right” when reading the cards but it was all in good fun.

8. What is your favorite thing about yourself?
That I have so many fun hobbies! I love to knit, paint, write, read, film, ….anything that allows me to be creative.

9. What is your hidden talent?
I’m not sure if I have a hidden talent. If I do, it remains hidden.

10. Favorite vacation spot?
Haven’t been on enough vacations to have a spot. So I’ll just have to go with staying home for now, I’ve always been a homebody and I really enjoy being home.

11. Have you ever flown in first class before?
And to continue on with traveling, I’ve only flown twice. First class sounds fun, but I don’t think I need that.

 

Questions:

1. What items must you always have in your bag/on your person?
2. What is your favorite season?
3. Do you have any pets? If no, what kind of pet would like to have?
4. Favorite hobby?
5. If you could have a super power what would you have?
6. What is your favorite dessert?
7. What was your most recent dream about?
8. Favorite colors?
9. Do you prefer to blog or journal with a pen and notebook?
10. Played any games lately?
11. Have you ever participated in a 30 day challenge of some sort?

 

And I’m not sure who will see this tag, but I’ll tag, Morrigan and Joy and anyone that would like to join in.

Thanks for reading!

 

I’ve really been embracing this whole vlogging thing lately. As soon as I got my new camera, I’ve just been filled with the desire to film more videos. With that comes video ideas and a lot of planning them out.

Mind-Speaks has been pumping out some great sticker sheets, and so I made a video showing them off on my channel.  I love them and  Mija has been putting in so much hard work into these. She personally makes all of these sheets, I only help a bit with ideas/doodles but she handles the design of MS as well as all the packaging. She’s a packaging wizard! I’m pretty proud of her and these stickers and hope we can continue to make some cute stationery together.

Here’s the video! Please check it out, and for being a reader of my blog / subscriber to my channel here’s a coupon to the store for 10% off! Thanks so much! If you do purchase, please share the items to your instagram/twitter/blogs.

Thanks for reading/watching.

Like I’ve mentioned before, I’ve really been enjoying filming videos for my channel. I have a few videos already scheduled for the upcoming weeks and I have a list of videos I plan to film as well. I didn’t think upgrading my camera would give me this much motivation.

I also have a list of other things I would like to upgrade as well.  I don’t have a particular product in mind for each one, this is just a list I hope to check off here and there.

• Laptop+ editing software: These two go hand in hand, I would like a new laptop so that I could upgrade the software I use to edit my videos. Currently, I use Movie Maker. It is ALL I have, my laptop doesn’t seem to be able to handle anything else. It can barely run Photoshop. These two will have to wait seeing as a new powerful laptop will be pretty pricey, but it’s on the list!
• Lights: I hope to get these two next! They aren’t too expensive but with the holidays happening right now, I’m trying not to spend money on myself and instead concentrate on others. I want these because I’m tired of not being able to film a video because I get home when it’s already dark. I don’t want to have to worry about the time of day I film plus they are collapsible!
• Extra Battery: This is lower on my list since I haven’t run into a battery problem yet, but I would love to have an extra battery just in case.
• Tripod: I’m hoping to upgrade my tripod eventually. There’s nothing wrong with my current one, but I’m hoping to get one that allows more angles and just more durable.
• Microphone: Just something that will allow a better sound. The mic on my new camera seems to be the thing everyone gave a con on. I don’t find it too terrible but when doing voice overs, it would be nice to have a good mic. (Update: got one for Christmas :D)

That’s my list so far. I’ll probably add to it from time to time but I also hope to accomplish them as well. The lights I think will be my next purchase. I don’t hope to upgrade my laptop sooner rather than later, but that will have to wait a bit until I can afford to upgrade. I don’t need anything extremely fancy, but I am hoping it will allow me to learn new fun things when it comes to video editing. I want to be able to go in and do color correction, or even be able to layer over my videos. (Video on top of video ect.) These are just to name a few.

When you get a new hobby do you throw yourself into it right away or do you take time and build up to it? I’d love to hear about your hobbies in general though. That’s all I have for now, until next time!

Thanks for reading!