Hello Dear Reader,

Happy Autumn! Last Sunday, we officially bid summer farewell and welcomed fall! With fall comes a slap back into reality for most of us. We’re settling into our routine for the next nine months, trying to get back into certain habits. We’re ready to get cozy. Eat fresh donuts and cool cider, go apple picking, bring out our candles and blankets, try something new! For us book readers, its whipping out our favorite hardback and read it for the millionth time. 

Having the perfect environment is the best way to get into the snuggly fall spirit. How can we combine all of our beloved things into one place? This month, I found the perfect way to incorporate most of those things into one fabulous way. 

KNEE SLAPPER THURSDAY 

VERSE OF THE MONTH

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

SERVINA

It’s Servina’s Birthday this month! 

Along with a nice big bone for her birthday present, she got a super cute cowgirl birthday hat. Here she is, sporting her look.

HOW TO HAVE A BOOKISH HOUSE

While books can transport us to new worlds or teach us things, there is more to them than just that! They can also add style to your home. 

If you’re anything like me, any small way to incorporate books is a route that I will be gladly taking. Granted, sometimes “book style” can be tacky. Believe me, I’ve seen some pretty bad looks out there. But just having book influence in the home doesn’t mean it has to be your entire personality. 

Let me show you what I mean…

The Paged Wall

While this was trendy a couple of years ago, literature will never go out of style. The softness of the pages will bring warmth into your home. This option is great for an office, bedroom, or if you’re a little extra like me, the reading room!

The Book Wall

Want to take the last idea one step further? Put the whole book on the wall! Personally, I think this way is much more elegant, bringing character and depth into your home. The flowers add a feminine touch, so do with that what you will. This makes me feel like the books are coming alive, like the painting from “Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.”

The Flowerpot

Want something a little more subtle? This book styled flowerpot is a perfect way to bring books and flowers together. It can go in your kitchen, on your piano, shelves, or bedroom! It’s a unique way to pay homage. 

The Acrylic Design 

Last flowerpot not minimalist enough? Here is the acrylic design! This goes in any home style: modern, maximalist, and even vintage!

The Book Library

Here’s something that has been on my bucket list for years — an at home book library! This is one of the ways where you can bring character to your home and spread the love of books! My suggested way is to plant flowers and maybe even a little pathway to it at the edge of your driveway. 

BOOK REVIEW

“FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD”

This month’s book review is “Far from the Madding Crowd” by Thomas Hardy. 

My Overall Opinion:

When I saw that the protagonists name was Bathsheba, I instantly knew there would be trouble, specifically with men. Oh boy, was I right. The entire time I was reading this story, I couldn’t help but get more and more agitated with each of the characters! My husband must have thought I was crazy for how many times I muttered “stupid” under my breath. I will give it to Hardy for his creativity and his good story telling, though. Maybe that’s just something all “Tom Hardy’s” have in common. 😉

My Favorite Character:

It was hard to choose, not out of love, but frustration. I suppose my favorite option would be Gabriel Oak for his persistence, perseverance, and patience. But sometimes, it’s okay to just let some things go. 

Things I Didn’t Like / Would Change:

Two words: everyone’s stupidity! I can’t go in depth without giving some spoilers, so brace yourselves. *SPOILERS* Gabriel Oak annoyed me because he was obviously a good man and was caught up with the wrong woman. He should’ve found a real nice girl that wasn’t already married to one man and being stalked by another. Boldwood, as I said, so annoying. He’s basically a spoiled rich kid who was mad he didn’t get what he wanted. Troy, a sleazeball cad. Bathsheba, that girl is just loving the attention. I was thinking of a good name to call her, but I think Hardy did an excellent job when choosing “Bathsheba” *cough cough*.

Ranking:

4.3/5 — Again, this story, I thought, was really well told and intriguing. You never knew what was going to happen next and it kept me engaged the entire time. That’s what a good book is supposed to do, even if you don’t like the direction that it’s heading. Again, Bathsheba and her decisions drove me crazy, but I still kept reading to find out if she’d eventually make the right choice. 

Other Comments:

The most recent film adaption was made in 2015. I haven’t seen it, but before I even knew this was a book I saw the trailer for it. It looks well made, but this is one time where I’d hope the movie is different than the book. 

COMING NEXT MONTH

Calling all the fashionista’s – or better yet, those with a limited fashion sense!

See You Next Month!