My Harry Potter Fix, Week 30

I'm late to the game this week, and I apologize to my lovely cohosts! This week will be the last week of the "My Harry Potter Fix" linkup for a little while. Like all of those tv shows we all love so much, we're taking a summer hiatus.

But before we go (and we will be back in fall!) we're linking up one last time talking about The Prisoner of Azkaban. Until pretty recently when I re-discovered how truly awesome books 5 and 6 are, this was my favorite Harry Potter book. Why?

Harry finally gets a family. I love being introduced to Sirius, although I still do find it a bit hard to believe that Harry accepts Sirius' story in the Shrieking Shack so quickly...but I guess your best friend's pet rat turning into a person who's supposed to be dead will do that. I love the relationship between Sirius and Harry...which is why I hated Book 5 basically from the time it came out until I reread it fairly recently. 

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Hermione gets the time turner! We also get to learn a lot about the other subjects offered at Hogwarts. I'm actually a bit disappointed that Harry ends up taking Divination (which is pretty self-explanatory) because I'd love to know more about Arithmancy.

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As much as I hate Wormtail, his placement in this book as the actual antagonist is impeccable. I still can't imagine being in Ron's shoes...finding out that your pet was actually a person just pretending for all those years. Just...ew. 

Should have killed him right then. (Source)

Finally, this is really a turning point in the books. After this point you still learn about the Wizarding World a little bit in each book (portkeys and the pensieve in Book 4, occlumency in Book 5, wandlore in Book 7...) but Book 3 feels like the last of the books that's focused more on setting up the world than the overarching story as a whole. If that makes sense. 

What do you think of this book? Love it or hate it? You have until 11:59 on Sunday to link up!

Book Swap Reveal!

Happy Friday! I'm so excited about today because we'll be spending the morning at an inspection for our house! Mostly I'm just super excited to see the house again, but it will also be nice to know every little thing that might need to be fixed. I've never done this before, but I do watch a lot of HGTV and DIY :) 

I haven't participated in a swap in a while, so when Ashley proposed the idea of a book swap, I jumped at the idea! Swapping books is basically my favorite type of swap, because I'm always reading and I love not having to pay for books for myself. Not to mention I always have a great time picking out books for others. I think you can learn a lot about someone by the type of books they enjoy. :) 

For this swap I was paired with Elizabeth from The Young Retiree, and I could not have been more thrilled! I had been following Elizabeth on Instagram for a few weeks prior to getting paired up and was loving her blog, and this was just the icing on the cake!

I told Elizabeth that I mostly read for fun on my Nook (the e-reader by Barnes and Noble), so I asked her if it would be possible to gift me e-books. She was so sweet and willing to figure it out! Neither of us knew how to gift e-books at the beginning of this swap, but we learned together. And I was so excited about the books that Elizabeth got me! 

I've had both of these books on my "to read" list for a while, so now I'm glad that they're sitting in my Nook library! Thank you so much Elizabeth, I loved being paired with you! 

My Harry Potter Fix, Week 29

First of all, this.

Second of all, thank you all so so much for your encouragement and support on my Life Update yesterday! A lot of big things are happening for me right now, and it's a little crazy but super exciting. It might not mean that I'm going to be the best blogger for the next few months, but life comes first, amiright?

Anyway, it's time for another week of My Harry Potter Fix, and this week we're discussing the second book - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

First a few rules: 

1. Follow my lovely cohosts (who posted on the correct day yesterday unlike yours truly...) Becky and Tarole!

2. Link back to us using the button above, and include your Potter related post in the linkup below. We try to read every post but we can't read yours if you don't link up! 

3. Spread the love on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest...any social media you can think of! We want this linkup to grow :)

4. Check out others' post and comment letting them know you found them via this link up!

5. HAVE FUN!

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So it's not exactly a secret (ha...see what I did there?) that this is *gasp* my least favorite book of the series. Yes, I have a least favorite. It doesn't mean that I don't like the book (because I do!) but I feel that it sort of pales in comparison to the other 6 books. 

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What do I like best about this book? Well, looking back I think it's a brilliant introduction to the Horcruxes. Rereading the book knowing how the series ends completely changes the whole story, for the better. I like that Ginny plays such a big role (although you don't find out until the end) because I'm a huge Ginny Weasley fan. And, of course...Dobby. 

Yes, this is from Deathly Hallows, not Chamber of Secrets, and yes...it never appears in the books. But it's my favorite Dobby quote from the movies. Sue me. (Source)

My least favorite parts of the book? I know that it's all important to the plot and everything but I hate how everyone automatically assumes that Harry is behind everything. I mean seriously...don't you think there would be bigger signs if he was? I also spend a lot of the book/movie feeling really bad for all of the victims, and thinking that Harry is really stupid for constantly ending up at the source of the trouble...making him look even more guilty. But by far my least favorite part of this book is Lockhart. He's the most useless teacher ever and he's just plain obnoxious and annoying. 

My thoughts exactly, Harry. (Source)

What are your thoughts on the Chamber of Secrets? Favorite or least favorite parts? 

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Remember, you have until 11:59 pm on Sunday to link up your Chamber of Secrets post! Next week we'll be moving right along to discuss book 3 - The Prisoner of Azkaban. We hope you'll join us!

Life Updates

Hey everyone! Sorry I've been such a bad blogger lately - I'm so behind on reading and commenting and I actually feel bad about it! That little "99+" icon that says that you have more than 99 unread posts in your Bloglovin' feed...yeah...that's been there for about a week now. I'm going to catch up soon!

This post isn't going to be long, but it's going to give you a little update as to why I've seemed to drop off the face of the Internet. Some big, exciting things are happening for me and my husband right now!

First and foremost...we are buying the house! If everything goes according to plan, we're closing on June 21 and probably moving in the following weekend. So exciting! I have a post with pictures all written out and ready to go, but I don't want to post it until after we get our final approval from the bank. One of those things I just don't want to jinx, you know? But here's another sneak peak...

You've seen this before, but a view from (part of) the backyard, and the back of the house. Which is much prettier than the front. 

A sneak peak of the inside. Two words: OPEN. CONCEPT.

I'm in my last week of classes at school right now, and I am so excited for this semester to be done. I'll still be down at school for the next few weeks closing out or transferring my client files at work, but for all intents and purposes I'm pretty much done. I have a few projects here and there for some other organizations I'm a part of as well, but again...nothing compared to class. Last week was awful, and I'm so glad to be past it! 

My final exciting news (which I found out last night!) is that I'm getting published! I'm on one of the student-run journals at my law school, and yesterday the list of students from my journal getting published was announced. I'm one of them! I'm so, so, so excited. If you feel like reading a 30+ page paper on international criminal law, let me know and I'll make sure you get a copy. ;) Haha. 

One last note: for those of you who follow me on Instagram, I decided to change my username so that it matches my Twitter account. I'm pretty sure those of you who were already following me are still following me, just be aware of the different name. :) 

Tomorrow I'll be back with Tarole and Becky for another round of My Harry Potter Fix...and then we'll see where the week takes me. Hopefully I'll find some extra time to post more soon!

Saw it, Pinned it, Did it! - 3 Ingredient, No Bake Dessert

Today's post is going to be very short and sweet (pun intended...you'll see soon enough!) but I wanted to take a minute to share a recipe that I found on Pinterest this week and absolutely love. You probably know (or have guessed) that I love desserts. Usually I'm partial to chocolate, but I also love a good peanut butter dessert. Or a combo of the two.

You know when you randomly get a craving for something that you don't really usually crave? This week, I had the most random craving for cornflake bars after seeing this pin on Pinterest:

Caption: Combine 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup honey, and three cups of oatmeal to make these awesome peanut butter bars! No baking required - just mix, press into a pan, and let sit overnight.

Although the recipe calls for oatmeal, I thought that it would work equally well with cornflakes...and I was right! So here's my modified version - 3 ingredient, no bake cornflake bars. 

These are so quick and easy to make, and taste just like regular cornflake bars that I had as a kid! I love that you don't add any sugar - the honey itself sweetens up the peanut butter nicely! Instead of just "combining" like the pin said, I actually melt the peanut butter and honey together over low heat, then pour it over the cornflakes. It just makes it easier to coat. Then press into a pan, pop in the fridge for a few hours and you're good to go! 

The one difference from a "regular" cornflake bar (at least as I remember them) is that these tend to fall apart easily as they come up to room temperature. This isn't really a big deal for me because I'd rather have fewer ingredients, but it might be something to keep in mind if little fingers are going to be handling these! 

Have you ever tried a recipe for a "healthier" or "simpler" version of a classic treat? How did it work out for you? 

Poppin' Tags - Blog Sale!

This is my second post today, but it's one that I think/hope you're going to like! Lately I've been doing a major re-evaluation of my closet and have decided that it's time to clean out some things that I don't wear and/or don't fit anymore.

All of these items are new with tags, never worn (I'm really bad about removing tags before I've worn something "for real"), or have only been worn once or twice, and are in great condition. (The handbags have a bit of wear and tear but are generally in good condition.) I have a suggested price listed for each one, but feel free to make me an offer! I'm only asking that if the final price is below $10, that you pay the shipping for that item. I'll cover shipping for anything over $10. All payment will be done through PayPal. :)

If you're interested in an item, please leave a comment with the Item Number, an offer price, and a way to get ahold of you (twitter handle, email address, blog address) in case you are a no-reply commenter.

Happy shopping!

Item 1: Black Handbag, $20

Medium to large size hobo-style handbag, in good condition (some wear and tear on the inside lining).

Item 2: Yellow Handbag, $20

Medium size yellow handbag, in good condition. 

Item 3: Peach Handbag, $20

Medium size peach handbag with black piping, in good condition

Item 4: Multicolor Handbag, $20

Medium size multicolor handbag with metal clasp close, in good condition

Item 5: Brown Wedge Sandals, $20

Never worn, size 9, Naturalizer brown wedge sandals. Approximately 1 1/2 inch heel. 

Item 6: Black Wedge Sandals, $15

Worn twice, size 9 1/2, Daisy Fuentes dressy black wedge sandals with gold metallic accents. Approximate 2 inch heel. 

Item 7: Brown Fur Boots, $20

Worn once, size 9 (?), RuffHewn boots with faux-fur lining.

Item 8: Silver Flip Flops, $10

Worn once (for a wedding), size 8, Colorifics silver flip flops with crystal accent on strap. Approximately 1 inch heel. 

Item 9: Purple/Multicolor Tank Top, $10

Studio Y (purchased at Maurices), size XL, in great condition and very flattering. 

Item 10: Orange Dressy Top - SOLD

Item 11: Blue and Black 3/4 Sleeve Dressy Shirt - SOLD

Item 12: Red High-Necked Tank, $10

Studio Y (purchased at Maurices), size XL, high neck and fitted band at bottom

Item 13: Black and Gray 3/4 Sleeve Casual Top, $10

Worn once, Maurice's plus size, size 0 (13/14) horizontal stripe top with rhinestone detail on right side

Item 14: Blue/black short-sleeve sweater, $10

Worn once, St. John's Bay, size L, short sleeve / 3/4 sleeve open front sweater

Item 15: Floral Skirt, $10

Worn once, Maurice's (regular sizes), size L, hits mid-thigh. Elastic waist (no zipper)

Item 16: Jean Skirt, $10

Hint Jeans, size 13, hits at/just above the knee. Cut to flare a bit at the bottom, very flattering.

Any takers? More pics of any item available upon request and I'm happy to answer questions. 

My Harry Potter Fix, Week 28

Happy Hump Day! I've always found that name a little weird. I don't usually like to use it, but this week it seems fitting. Yesterday was exhausting! I turned in my appellate brief for my legal research and writing class that I've been working steadily on for about 2 weeks now, and it was really nice to see/hand in the final product. Then yesterday we got our preapproval letter from the bank and put in an offer on the house. As of now, no response yet from the current owner. I'll definitely keep you all updated though...I'm going a little crazy over here!

Anyway, let's escape reality for a bit and talk about two of my favorite things today...Harry Potter and vacations! This week's question is: 

"If you had to plan a 7 day Potter-themed vacation to anywhere in the world (maybe multiple somewheres!) where would you go? What would you do? And most importantly...who would you bring with you?"

First a few rules: 

1. Follow my lovely cohosts (who posted on the correct day yesterday unlike yours truly...) Becky and Tarole!

2. Link back to us using the button above, and include your Potter related post in the linkup below. We try to read every post but we can't read yours if you don't link up! 

3. Spread the love on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest...any social media you can think of! We want this linkup to grow :)

4. Check out others' post and comment letting them know you found them via this link up!

5. HAVE FUN!

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First of all, my trip would start out at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Florida. It's no secret that I haven't been there yet, and I'm dying to go.

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And if we run into cast members along the way..well...best vacation ever! (Source)

After a day reveling in all of the Potter-y goodness that WWHP has to offer, I'd jetset off to London to see some of the most iconic locations from the books and films. I've always wanted to visit England and I have never been there so far, so this Potter themed vacation would be the perfect opportunity! 

While researching for this week's post, I found this really cool website online that offers a free self-guided walking tour (and treasure hunt, if you want it!) of Potter-themed places in London. Some of them, like King's Cross, are in both the books and the movies. Others are movie filming spots. Either way, I think a self guided walking tour would be an awesome way to do it. We could explore the city at our leisure, and also see super cool Harry Potter landmarks such as...

Platform 9 3/4, of course! (Source)

Maybe this one is the entrance to the Ministry of Magic? (Source)

Leadenhall Market - the entrance to Diagon Alley! (Source)

The Warner Brothers Studio in London also has a Making of Harry Potter tour which I would definitely have to check out. It looks a bit pricey, but I think it would be too amazing to see the real sets to pass up! 

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Throw in a couple of castle tours and maybe a train trip up to Scotland (even if it's not the Hogwarts Express it would be pretty cool) and I'd call that one pretty amazing Harry Potter themed vacation. 

Who would I take with me? That's easy! As much as I love Shaun, I feel like he wouldn't appreciate the brilliance of the trip and would probably judge me and my guests wayyyy to much for our geekery. So he could stay home. I'd take my sister, my friend/bridesmaid Christy who loves Harry Potter as much as I do (she and her husband got married on July 31st - Harry's Birthday!), and of course my girls Becky,  Tarole, and Ashley! Because I know if anyone in the world would appreciate this vacation, it would be them. 

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Ok...so I know this week's topic was a bit over the top, but it's fun to dream! You have until Sunday at 11:59 pm to link up your own dream Harry Potter adventure. Next week we'll be discussing Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - so feel free to join in with whatever you have to say about the 2nd book in the series. :)