“The Matzah Ball” by Jean Meltzer | Book Review

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“On top of trying to please her parents, Rabbi Goldblatt and Dr. Rubenstein, and manage a chronic illness, Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is secretly a best-selling author. Why is it a secret? Because she writes Christmas romance novels! When her boss requests a Hanukkah romance, Rachel isn’t sure she can find enough inspiration in the Festival of Lights to create the same magic as her Christmas books. Just when life couldn’t get any crazier, Jacob Greenberg comes back into her life, arriving in New York City to throw the ultimate Hanukkah party with his successful entertainment company. The two of them have very different memories of what transpired eighteen years ago, but one thing is clear: both of them walked away from that summer at Camp Ahava with a broken heart. Can Rachel work alongside Jacob long enough to find book inspiration at the Matzah Ball, or will the reappearance of her camp archenemy ruin the double life she’s worked so hard to maintain?”

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Jews come from so many different backgrounds, making our worldwide family equal parts incredible and meshuggeneh. Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt’s upbringing doesn’t mirror my own, but this messianic Jewish girl still found common ground and comfort in her story. Rachel’s dad is a rabbi so she grew up under intense scrutiny, trying to meet the high expectations of her family and community. I was nodding my head at every single sentence because my dad’s a pastor, and life as a pastor’s kid is the same as that of a rabbi’s kid; eyes are on you at all times, people scrutinizing everything you do and gossiping the minute something doesn’t meet their approval. I do not say this lightly: I get it. I totally get it! That’s the biggest reason why I connected to this book beyond surface-level enjoyment.

If you’re a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, Jacob and Rachel’s romance is for you. Thanks to miscommunication spanning eighteen years, they hold a grudge against one another for post-summer camp broken hearts. I am ridiculously persnickety when it comes to character flaws and couldn’t help feeling annoyed at the lies and secrets for no good reason. However, I fully understand that’s a major detail supporting the plot and don’t officially consider it a negative. Afterall, the conflict is what makes the ending that much sweeter. Sweeter than Sufganiyot!

For the most part, this book is a home run. Minor details were repeated when unnecessary, such as adult Jacob’s memory of young Rachel’s high ponytail and hot pink shorts (pages 56 & 78). Some Jewish phrases were explained while others were not. There are enough context clues to keep you out of the dark, but I can understand why it might frustrate non-Jewish readers, though I would encourage a quick Google search for the sake of education. In the final pages the onstage moment between Rabbi Goldblatt and his wife Dr. Rubenstein led to a sweet parent-daughter moment, but the set-up was too cheesy for my taste, the overheard dialogue unnatural.

There were very few negatives within 385 pages, but I’m leaving room for improvement because this is Jean Meltzer’s author debut, a mighty impressive one I might add. Four out of five stars. There is familiarity for members of the tribe and common ground for gentile readers. No matter who you are, it will take mere pages to feel like you’re wrapped in the cozy warmth of a Hanukkah blanket. Read this book with my blessing. Chag Hanukkah Sameach!

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💬 Favorite Quote 💬

“My journey of Hanukkah,” Toby said simply, “has spanned ninety-one years. I have celebrated this holiday in Germany, France, New York and Paris, all over the world with my grandson, during good times and bad times alike.” She quieted, a small sadness sitting there at the tip of her throat. “But what I always explained to Jacob is that these candles are a metaphor. They remind us that we always have a choice. We can be someone who snuffs out another person’s candle and, in the process, makes the world a darker place. Or we can be the type of person who spreads light. Better to be the shamash–one candle that lights all the others and brightens an otherwise dark world.” – Bubbe Toby Greenberg, Page 182

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⚠️ Content Warnings:

Grammar & Spelling
Page 107 – “Symbols” instead of “Cymbals”
Page 166 – “Kendell Jenner” instead of “Kendall Jenner”
Page 242 – “It that strange?” instead of “Is that strange?” or “Is it that strange?”
Page 307 – “Leaning into whisper” instead of “leaning in to whisper”
Page 354 – “Once Esther Shapiro is finished her set” instead of “Once Esther Shapiro has finished her set”

Language A$$ or Hard-a$$ – Pages 24 & 243 Bastard – Page 251 D*mn – Pages 18, 26, 27, 32, 106, 147, 191, 250, 260, 281, & 371 Gawd – Pages include 61, 206, 239, 294, 300, & 377 G*d (as a swear) – Pages 230 & 377 G*dd*mn – Pages 102, 147, 233, & 259 H*ll – Pages 78, 325, & 368 J*sus or J*sus Chr*st (as a swear) – Pages 22, 141, 162, & 205 Screw ‘Em – Pages 250, 260, 281, & 378

Sensual/Sexual Moments
Page 89 – Sensual inner monologue about a man’s body
Page 239 – Sensual inner monologue about a man’s body
Page 307 – One kiss
Pages 307 through 313 – Jacob visits Rachel’s apartment at night. It’s implied that they might sleep together, but nothing happens.
Page 371 – One kiss
Page 378 – One kiss, Jacob carries Rachel into her bedroom

Other Mentions of alcohol & drinking throughout the book plus an instance or two of drunkeness

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🌟 Find author Jean Meltzer here:

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Subscribe to my blog to receive email notifications, and check out my other links listed below.

– Lauren Michele ❤

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“The Latke in the Library & Other Mystery Stories for Chanukah” by Libi Astaire | Book Review

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“Thanks to a handful of nasty falls, mystery writer Agatha Krinsky is moved into an assisted living facility with the help of her nephew Sheldon. On her first day she gets lost and finds herself inside the library with a dead body. To her dismay, no one believes her story or offers to call the police. She is taken to the dining room where she meets Ukrainian PI Herschel Perlow, knitting enthusiast Miss Eppel, and husband and wife team Ronny and Rubles Bernfeld. As they take turns reminiscing a la “The Tuesday Night Club,” Agatha impatiently waits for another opportunity to bring up the body in hopes that someone will do something. Will her new friends help, or are they too distracted by their mystery-solving memories?”

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In my search for Hanukkah books, this short story collection caught my eye because Agatha Christie is my favorite author. I was excited to start reading but also nervous because those are big shoes to fill. I couldn’t help but smile at all the details added to make her characters and stories Jewish. The names and Yiddish vocabulary and mentions of Hanukkah were great, but the transition was not flawless. The mystery-aspect got lost in the shuffle, leaving behind more novelty than quality. I know this is a short read for the holiday season, but don’t promise me Agatha and not deliver on the intrigue.

It’s hard to rate something that tugs on my Jewish heartstrings, but I have to be honest. 3 stars for novelty and 2 stars for quality which averages out to 2.5 Stars. If you’re a Jewish Agatha Christie fan, this book is good for a one-sitting read and some fun. Don’t expect too much from the mysteries and enjoy it for what it is.

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If you’re not knowledgeable about the works of Agatha Christie, here’s a cheat sheet:

Characters

Agatha Krinsky – Agatha Christie

Agatha’s nephew Sheldon – Miss Marple’s nephew Raymond West

Ukrainian PI Herschel Perlow – Belgian PI Hercule Poirot

Miss Eppel – Miss Marple

Ronny & Rubles Bernfeld – Tommy & Tuppence Beresford

Inspector Haddock & his grandfather Sir Harold Withering – Sir Henry Clithering & his godson Detective Inspector Dermot Eric Craddock

Stories

“The Latke in the Library” – “The Body in the Library”

“Evil Under the Wick” – “Evil Under the Sun”

“And Then There Were Gornisht” – “And Then There Were None”

“The Olive Cracked” – “The Mirror Crack’d From Side to Side”

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🌟 Find author Libi Astaire here:

Facebook

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Website

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Subscribe to my blog to receive email notifications, and check out my other links listed below.

– Lauren Michele ♥️

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Bookish Gift Guide

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Most of us are currently going through the motions on Black Friday still recovering from a (sweet, glorious) turkey coma. Not to mention the delicious leftovers! Now that Thanksgiving has come & gone, the coldest of hearts can admit that Christmastime has officially arrived. If you’re an eager gift giver, this blog post is for you. I have put together a Bookish Gift Guide for the readers in your life. 

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⚠️  D I S C L A I M E R S  ⚠️

1. The products are organized by a common theme such as Book Sleeves, Candles, Home, etc. That being said, some stores in one category might have items from another, but I only focused on something specific. Make sure you take a good look at everything so you don’t miss out. 

2. I am only human so naturally I have not purchased from every single one of these shops. I simply did the research & compiled a long list to give you as many ideas as possible. It is up to you to read reviews & decide for yourself whether or not you’re going to make a purchase. If you’re curious, I will indicate where I have shopped with a star – > 🌟

3. The pricing information, in American dollars, is based on what I saw while researching but is subject to change. If a store is from a country other than the United States, assume that I had to convert the prices using Google, & it may not be 100% accurate. Also, shipping charges are not included due to the variance from country to country.

4. Most of these businesses are small shops so  products will be limited, & the time between purchase and arrival will take longer than a typical shopping trip. The face behind a small business is more often than not one single person doing everything so please show your holiday spirit & be gracious. Pro Tip: For the best updates, follow social media accounts.

5. Any images used that are not mine are credited to their owners. They are only being used for advertisement purposes & not for my own benefit.

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🎅🏻   Put on your Santa hats, buckle your sleigh seatbelt, & A W A Y   W E   G O ! ! !   🎅🏻

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🎄  A C C E S S O R I E S  🎄

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🛒  K R U K R U S T U D I O  🛍️

Location: Russia 🇷🇺

🎁 Specialty: Bags inspired by book covers | Faux leather or leather | 5 sizes ranging from clutch to large messenger bag/tote | You can add a page of text from the book of your choice to the empty space that is revealed when you open the bag.

💰 Pricing: $85 – $252

Buy Here ➡️ krukrustudio.com/collections/book-bags

🛒  TH E   L O C K E T   L I B R A R Y  🛍️

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

🎁 Specialty: Book cover & quote jewelry | Customization is available.

💰 Pricing: $13.36 – $24.72

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/thelocketlibrary

🛒  RO S E T T E   B E L L S  🛍️

Location: Alabama 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: They used to sell book jewelry but currently only have clear Christmas tree ornaments with miniature books inside. Keep an eye on their shop for future gifts because they might eventually bring their jewelry back.

💰 Pricing: $12 – $20.50

Buy Here ➡️ rosettebelles.myshopify.com

🛒  S T O R I A R T S  🛍️

Location: Oregon 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Gloves, headbands, & scarves that feature book passages | Each book has an assigned color & should match across the entire product line. | There are also pillows, shirts, & totes, and the pricing is included below.

💰 Pricing: $7.50 – $48

Buy Here ➡️ storiarts.com

🛒  V E N D U L A   L O N D O N  🛍️

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

🎁 Specialty: Purses inspired by a book shop storefront | One color & design available | Sizes go from coin purse up to handbag

💰 Pricing: $34.20 – $196.20

Buy Here ➡️ vendulalondon.com

🛒  Y O S H I  🛍️

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

🎁 Specialty: Bookworm collection ranging from keychains to tote bags | Each color has a different group of books.

💰 Pricing: $9.06 – 109.97

Buy Here ➡️ yoshi.co.uk

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🎄  A P P A R E L  🎄

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🛒  O U T   O F   P R I N T  🛍️

Location: New York 🇺🇸

🌟 Specialty: Family-friendly apparel inspired by books | They sell a lot more bookish goodies, but the pricing is not included below.

💰 Pricing: $12 – $50

Buy Here ➡️ outofprint.com

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🎄  B E A U T Y  🎄

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🛒  B E H I N D   T H E   P A G E S  🛍️

Location: Australia 🇦🇺

🎁 Specialty: Bath Crumbles, Bath Milk, Body Lotion, Face Masks, Goat’s Milk Soaps, Lip Balm, Shower Fizzies, & Shower Gel

💰 Pricing: $3.23 – $11.25

Buy Here ➡️ behindthepagesstore.com

🛒  N O R T H A N G E R   S O A P W O R K S  🛍️

Location: Wisconsin 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Jane Austen-inspired bars of soap

💰 Pricing: $5 – $59 ($110 for 18 soap wedding favors)

Buy Here ➡️ northangersoapworks.com

🛒  T H E   M A C B A T H  🛍️

Location: New York 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Bath bombs, body lotion, & goat’s milk soap | Sold separately or in a gift set

💰 Pricing: $4 – $25

Buy Here ➡️ themacbath.com 

🛒  T H E   S O A P   L I B R A R I A N  🛍️

Location: Iowa 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Bath salts, book soaps, bubble bath, & shower gel 

💰 Pricing: $6.50 – $15

Buy Here ➡️ thesoaplibrarian.com

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🎄  B E V E R A G E S  🎄

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🛒  A L B I O N   T E A   C O M P A N Y  🛍️

Location: Virginia 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Handcrafted teas & tea accessories | Numerous options for Outlander fans 

💰 Pricing: $5 – $125

Buy Here ➡️ albionteacompany.com

🛒  B O O K   L O V E R S   C O F F E E  🛍️

Location: Michigan 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Book-inspired coffee roasts, ground & whole | The flavors are limited, but the quality is sure to impress because the owners also own a coffee shop: Lexington Coffee Co.

💰 Pricing: $5 – $13.50

Buy Here ➡️ bookloverscoffee.com

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🎄  B O O K M A R K S  🎄

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🛒  A W W B O O K S  🛍️

Location: Poland 🇵🇱

🎁 Specialty: Magnetic bookmarks, most of which resemble famous authors

💰 Pricing: $2.50 – $11

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/awwbooks

🛒  B O O K   B O O K   O W L  🛍️

Location: Australia 🇦🇺

🎁 Specialty: Colorful, detailed quote bookmarks

💰 Pricing: $3.58 – $7.09

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/bookbookowl

🛒  C A R R O T   T O P   P A P E R   S H O P  🛍️

Location: Oklahoma 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Art prints & bookmarks inspired by book heroines & quotes

💰 Pricing: $4 – $12

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/carrottoppapershop

🛒  C M   B O O K M A R K S  🛍️

Location: Ohio 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Watercolor bookmarks | Custom book spine designs are available upon request.

💰 Pricing: $2.50 – $10

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/cmbookmarks

🛒  D R E A M Y   &   C O.  🛍️

Location: Pennsylvania 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Magnetic bookmarks that resemble book characters | Lots of Young Adult options – A Court of Thorns and Roses, Illuminae, Shades of Magic, etc. | There are also book sleeves & pins, and pricing is included below.

💰 Pricing: $3.15 – $17

Buy Here ➡️etsy.com/shop/dreamyandco

🛒  E N C H A N T E D   B O O K M A R K S  🛍️

Location: Canada 🇨🇦

🎁 Specialty: Standard size bookmarks with characters & quotes

💰 Pricing: $2.55

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/enchantedbookmarks

🛒  H A P P Y   H E L L O   C O.  🛍️

Location: Canada 🇨🇦

🎁 Specialty: Magnetic bookmarks that resemble book characters

💰 Pricing: $2.41 – $15.64 (mystery box available for $66.49)

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/happyhelloco

🛒  I N K   &   W O N D E R  🛍️

Location: Australia 🇦🇺

🌟 Specialty: Colorful, vibrant art featured on wooden bookmarks known as woodmarks | There are other great products to choose from such as art prints, pins, & totes, but pricing is not included below.

💰 Pricing: $6.49

Buy Here ➡️ inkandwonder.com.au

🛒  L I T E R A R Y   J O U R N E Y  🛍️

Location: Utah 🇺🇸

🌟 Specialty: Personalized collage bookmarks

💰 Pricing: 2 for $20

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/literaryjourney

🛒  M Y B O O K M A R K  🛍️

Location: Ukraine 🇺🇦

🎁 Specialty: Bookmarks with a head or feet that stick out of your book

💰 Pricing: $25 – $35

Buy Here ➡️ mybookmark-shop.com

🛒  P A P E R L Y   &   C O.  🛍️

Location: Arizona 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Magnetic bookmarks that resemble book characters & objects

💰 Pricing: $3 – $12

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/paperlyandco

🛒  R E A D   &   W O N D E R  🛍️

Location: Australia 🇦🇺

🎁 Specialty: Magnetic bookmarks that resemble book characters & literary locations + Quote bookmarks

💰 Pricing: $1.65 – $11.54

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/readandwonder

🛒  R E A D   T H E   S T A R S  🛍️

Location: Australia 🇦🇺

🎁 Specialty: Standard size bookmarks that are less cartoony & much more graphic design-oriented

💰 Pricing: $1.15 – $21.07

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/readthestarsco

🛒  S J W O N D E R L A N D Z  🛍️

Location: New Hampshire 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Standard size bookmarks inspired by characters, locations, & quotes | The overall style is not cartoonish but rather focused on the graphic design elements, sometimes veering into (what I would consider) minimalism.

💰 Pricing: $0.90 – $4.90

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/sjwonderlandz

🛒  T H E   B O O K   C H A R M   S H O P  🛍️

Location: Canada 🇨🇦

🎁 Specialty: Wire bookmarks decorated with crystals & beads | Each one is handmade & unique, making your order one of a kind.

💰 Pricing: $18.34

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/thebookcharmshop

🛒  T H E   G I L D E D   L I O N  🛍️

Location: Oklahoma 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Bookmarks made of spines carefully removed from damaged books

💰 Pricing: $10 – $24

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/thegildedlionbooks

🛒  W H I T E   S A T U R D A Y   C O.  🛍️

Location: Norway 🇳🇴

🎁 Specialty: Standard size bookmarks with a heavy focus on graphic design

💰 Pricing: $3.06 – $14.07

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/whitesaturdayco

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🎄  B O O K   S L E E V E S  🎄

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🛒  B O O K   B E A U  🛍️

Location: Texas 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Book sleeves in the following sizes: Mini (mass market paperbacks), Indie (paperbacks), XL (standard hardcovers), & Jumbeau (Large, Harry Potter-size hardcovers) | They also sell Book Beans for $29.99, a pillow shaped with readers in mind.

💰 Pricing: $15 – $30 

Buy Here ➡️ bookbeau.com

🛒  B O O K   B E S T I E S   U K  🛍️

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

🎁 Specialty: Book sleeves | Each individual listing provides a size in the description. | If you’re a fan, they sell quite a few Disney patterns that I have not seen elsewhere.

💰 Pricing: $12.03 – $16.04

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/bookbestiesuk

🛒  B O O K   B I F F  🛍️

Location: California 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Book sleeves | A size is provided for each individual listing in the description.

💰 Pricing: $15 – $18

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/bookbifff

🛒  B O O K   B U D   B Y   G A B R I E L   L E A  🛍️

Location: Australia 🇦🇺

🎁 Specialty: Book sleeves | One size fits all, made to be roomy | Add on options include a button loop, button flap, pockets, velcro tab, & velcro flap

💰 Pricing: $17.99 – $21.73

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/bookbudbygabriellea

🛒  F A N D O M   S L E E V E S  🛍️

Location: California 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Book sleeves | There are 4 sizes available: Kindle Paperwhite, Mini (mass paperback), Standard (standard paperbacks & small hardcovers), & Large (large hardcovers)

💰 Pricing: $11.50 – $18

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/fandomsleeves

🛒  I N   L U M O S   L I B E R T A S  🛍️

Location: Arizona 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Book sleeves | Sizes include regular (10.5 x 7.8) & large (10.5 x 8.9)

💰 Pricing: $17 – $19

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/inlumoslibertas

🛒  N E N A P A Z L U V  🛍️

Location: Louisiana 🇺🇸

🌟 Specialty: The website is currently down for maintenance so I can’t give exact information. What I can tell you is that I paid $16.95 for a paperback-size book sleeve & $19.95 for the hardcover size. 

💰 Pricing: N/A

Buy Here ➡️ nenapazluv.com

🛒  S T O R Y   T I M E   S L E E V E  🛍️

Location: Missouri 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Book sleeves | Only one size: 8 x 10.5, fits most paperbacks & tablets) | You can contact the shop to discuss a custom size.

💰 Pricing:  $17

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/storytimesleeve

🛒  T H E   B O O K   C L O A K  🛍️

Location: Ohio 🇺🇸

🌟 Specialty: Book sleeves | Only one size: 9 x 11, made to be roomy | Waterproof book sleeves are also available; that information should be provided in the product title and/or description.

💰 Pricing: $22 – $26

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/thebookcloak

🛒  T H E   C O Z Y   L I F E  🛍️

Location: California 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Book sleeves | Each individual listing provides dimensions so you can figure out the size (e.g. 7.25 x 9.5 or 9 x 11).

💰 Pricing: $15 – $17

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/thecozylifeshop

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🎄  C A N D L E S  🎄

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🛒  A   C O U R T   O F   C A N D L E S  🛍️

Location: Texas 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $5.50 – $32

Buy Here ➡️ acourtofcandles.com

🛒  A L C H E M Y   &   I N K  🛍️

Location: Texas 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Wood Wick Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $10 – $18

Buy Here ➡️ alchemyandink.com

🛒  B E L L E   &   C O.   C A N D L E M A K E R S  🛍️

Location: Pennsylvania 🇺🇸

🌟 Specialty: Soy Candles | Just so you know, they are on a temporary hiatus. 

💰 Pricing: N/A

Buy Here ➡️ belleandcocandlemakers.com

🛒  B I B L I O   F L A M E S  🛍️

Location: New York 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $7.25 – $18.95

Buy Here ➡️ biblioflames.com

🛒  B O O K I S H   A R O M A S  🛍️

Location: Florida 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $8

Buy Here ➡️ bookisharomas.com

🛒  B O O K I S H   B U R N S  🛍️

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $3.96 – $33.04

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/bookishburns

🛒  B U B B L E   A N D   G E E K  🛍️

Location: West Virginia 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles & Wax Melts

💰 Pricing: $5.50 – $40

Buy Here ➡️ bubble-and-geek.com

🛒  B U R N I N G   F I C T I O N  🛍️

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles | The shop is currently empty, but keep an eye on social media for a restock date.

💰 Pricing: N/A

Buy Here ➡️ burningfiction.com

🛒  C A N D L E   H O U S E   C R E A T I O N S  🛍️

Location: New Zealand 🇳🇿

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles | The shop is temporarily closed down so keep an eye on social media for a restock date.

💰 Pricing: N/A

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/candlehousecreations

🛒  C O R N E R F O L D S   C A N D L E S  🛍️

Location: Florida 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $8.50 – $15

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/cornerfoldscandles

🛒  D I O   C A N D L E   C O M P A N Y  🛍️

Location: Colorado 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles & Tarts

💰 Pricing: $4.50 – $300

Buy Here ➡️ diocandlecompany.com

🛒  F A E R I E   T A L E S   C A N D L E S  🛍️

Location: New Zealand 🇳🇿

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $4 – $41

Buy Here ➡️ faerietalescandles.com

🛒  F R O M   T H E   P A G E  🛍️

Location: New York 🇺🇸

🌟 Specialty: Soy Candles & Wax Melts

💰 Pricing: $5 – $246

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/fromthepage

🛒  F R O S T B E A R D   S T U D I O  🛍️

Location: Minnesota 🇺🇸

🌟 Specialty: Soy Candles & Wax Melts

💰 Pricing: $6 – $18

Buy Here ➡️ frostbeardstudio.com

🛒  G E E K Y   G I R L   S C E N T S  🛍️

Location: California 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles & Wax Melts

💰 Pricing: $5 – $20

Buy Here ➡️ geekygirlscents.myshopify.com

🛒  G E T   F I C T I O N A L  🛍️

Location: Maine 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Cotton & Wooden Wick Soy Candles + Wax Melts

💰 Pricing: $5.50 – $24

Buy Here ➡️ getfictional.com

🛒  G U N N   D E A N   C A N D L E   C O.  🛍️

Location: California 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $14 – $48

Buy Here ➡️ gunndeancandle.co

🛒  H A L F   O A K   C A N D L E S  🛍️

Location: United States 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $7.50 – $256

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/halfoakcandles

🛒  H E A R T H   A N D   H A M M E R  🛍️

Location: Illinois 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Cotton & Wood Wick Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $7 – $92

Buy Here ➡️ hearthandhammer.co

🛒  H I G H L A N D   B L U F F   S T U D I O  🛍️

Location: Tennessee 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $9 – $85

Buy Here ➡️ highlandbluffstudio.com

🛒  I N   T H E   W I C K   O F   T I M E  🛍️

Location: California 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles & Wax Melts

💰 Pricing: $4 – $17

Buy Here ➡️ inthewickoftime.com

🛒  L E M O N   C A K E S   C A N D L E   C O.  🛍️

Location: Michigan 🇺🇸

🌟 Specialty: Cotton & Wood Wick Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $8 – $45

Buy Here ➡️ lemoncakescandleco.com

🛒  L I B E R   D E S T E L L A  🛍️

Location: North Carolina 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Cotton & Wood Wick Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $14 – $57

Buy Here ➡️ liberdestella.com

🛒  L I B R A R Y   L I G H T S  🛍️

Location: Canada 🇨🇦

🎁 Specialty: Coconut Wax Candles

💰 Pricing: $6.06 – $18.94 

Buy Here ➡️ librarylights.ca

🛒  L I T T L E   C R O W   C A N D L E S  🛍️

Location: Florida 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $12 – $26

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/littlecrowcandles

🛒  M A D A M E   F I C T I O N  🛍️

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

🎁 Specialty: Wood Wick Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $5.79 – $36.05 

Buy Here ➡️ madamefiction.com

🛒  T H E   M E L T I N G   L I B R A R Y  🛍️

Location: New York 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $7.50 – $45

Buy Here ➡️ themeltinglibrarystore.com

🛒  M I D N I G H T   F L A M E   C O.  🛍️

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $7.86 – $11.83

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/midnightflameco

🛒  M L C   C O.  🛍️

Location: Texas 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Cotton & Wood Wick Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $7 – $20

Buy Here ➡️ shopmlcco.com

🛒  N O O K   &   B U R R O W  🛍️

Location: Australia 🇦🇺

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $9.44 – $36.30

Buy Here ➡️ nookandburrow.com

🛒  N O V E L L Y   Y O U R S  🛍️

Location: Illinois 🇺🇸

🌟 Specialty: Cotton & Wood Wick Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $4 – $58

Buy Here ➡️ novellyyourscandles.com

🛒  O L D   G L O W   C A N D L E S  🛍️

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $12.86 – $25.73 

Buy Here ➡️ oldglowcandles.com

🛒  R E V E R I E   L I B R A R Y  🛍️

Location: Oregon 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Cotton Wick Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $9 – $26

Buy Here ➡️ reverielibrary.com

🛒  S A Y   A N Y T H I N G   S T U D I O  🛍️

Location: Kentucky 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Cotton Wick Soy Candles | This shop was formerly known as Whiskey Diamond Candle Co.

💰 Pricing: $8 – $47

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/sayanythingstudioco

🛒  S C E N T   P O P   C A N D L E S  🛍️

Location: Illinois 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $15 – $60

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/scentpopcandles

🛒  T H E   L I T T L E   B O O K L I N G  🛍️

Location: Arkansas 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Wood Wick Soy Candles | Stock is currently very limited, but the shop will be back in full swing after the holidays.

💰 Pricing: $10 – $17

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/thelittlebookling

🛒  T O O K I S H   C A N D L E   C O.  🛍️

Location: Tennessee 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Cotton Wick Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $8.50 – $60

Buy Here ➡️ tookishcandlecompany.com

🛒  T O T A L L Y   W I C K E D   C A N D L E S  🛍️

Location: New York 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Cotton Wick Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $7.50 – $35

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/totallywickedcandles

🛒  W I C K   &   F A B L E  🛍️

Location: New York 🇺🇸

🌟 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $6 – $76

Buy Here ➡️ wickandfable.com

🛒  W I C K Y   W I C K Y   C A N D L E   C O.  🛍️

Location: Delaware 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Soy Candles

💰 Pricing: $8 – $20

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/wickywickycandleco

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

🎄  E L E C T R O N I C   D E V I C E S  🎄

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🛒  C A S E   L I B R A R Y  🛍️

Location: Australia (Sydney), Asia (UAE), Canada (Ottawa), Europe (Ukraine), & the United States (New York) 🇦🇺 🇦🇪 🇨🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Covers for laptops, cellphones, & tablets | Formerly known as Book Your Case

💰 Pricing: $19 – $79 (luxury cases get into the $1,000 range, not book-themed)

Buy Here ➡️ caselibrary.com

🛒  C H I C K – L I T   D E S I G N S  🛍️

Location: Arizona 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Book-inspired bags/cases for laptops, phones, & tablets + Apple watch & FitBit bands | Ready-made & custom options available

💰 Pricing: $29 – $89

Buy Here ➡️ chicklitdesigns.com

🛒  K L E V E R C A S E  🛍️

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

🎁 Specialty: Tablet cases that resemble books (mostly classics) | They also have really cool lights that look like books with fanned out pages. Perfect for late night reading sessions!

💰 Pricing: $32 – $104

Buy Here ➡️ klevercase.com

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

🎄  G A M E S   &   P U Z Z L E S  🎄

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🛒  P R I D E   &   P R E J U D I C E   T H E   G A M E  🛍️

Location: Kansas 🇺🇸

🎁 Board game based on “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen | Version 2 cards are available | Made by Ash Grove Press

💰 Pricing: $36 – $45.75

Buy Here ➡️ ashgrovepress.com/Pride_and_Prejudice.html

🛒  B R I N G   Y O U R   O W N   B O O K  🛍️

Location: Washington 🇺🇸

🎁 “Bring Your Own Book is the game of borrowed phrases, where players search through books for text to take way out of context. It’s easy. Players take turns drawing prompts from the deck, then race to find the best phrase in their own book that satisfies the prompt. Since you can use a different book each time, you can play it with any audience, and there’s a practically infinite supply of source material.” – Taken from the BYOB website | Think of the game as a bookish Apples to Apples! | An app version is currently in the works. | Made by Do Better Games

💰 Pricing: $14.99 – $20

Buy Here ➡️ bringyourownbook.com

🛒  2 2 1 B   B A K E R   S T R E E T  🛍️

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

🌟 “After hearing the details of the case, you will move around the streets of London, visiting various locations where you will collect clues – cryptic, factual and even misleading – before using your powers of deduction to solve the case and returning to Baker Street with the correct solution.” – Taken from the John Lewis website | If you like Clue but crave a “meatier” game, this is for you. | Made by Jay Moriarty / Antler Productions

💰 Pricing: I purchased from John Lewis & paid $23.50

Buy Here ➡️ johnlewis.com

🛒  B O O K C H A S E  🛍️

🎁 This bookish version of Trivial Pursuit is no longer sold officially. It sounds like an item worth searching for as a collector so let me know if you find it in good condition. | The multi-colored pieces you collect to win the game are miniature books that you store on a mini bookshelf. The Great Penguin Bookchase is the same game, but the book pieces look like Penguin editions. So adorable! | Made by Art Meets Matter

💰 Pricing: ? ? ?

Buy Here ➡️ Amazon or eBay

🛒  B Y   T H E   B O O K:   A   N O V E L   S T A C K I N G   P U Z Z L E  🛍️

Location: Massachusetts 🇺🇸

🎁 “In this original 3D puzzle, stack up to 12 differently shaped books – and one clever cat – so that the upper shelf lies evenly across the top. Use the special included level to make sure everything is perfectly aligned. Master all 40 challenges and you’re on a level above the rest!” – Taken from the Brainwright website | Ages 8 & up | Made by Brainwright

💰 Pricing: $19.99

Buy Here ➡️ ceaco.com/products/by-the-book

🛒  E X   L I B R I S  🛍️

Location: California 🇺🇸

🎁 “In Ex Libris, you are a collector of rare and valuable books in a thriving fantasy town. The Mayor has just announced a new seat in the Village Council, Grand Librarian. The prestigious and lucrative position will be awarded to the citizen with the most extraordinary library! Unfortunately, several of your book collector colleagues (more like acquaintances, really) are also candidates. To outshine your competition, you’ll need to expand your personal library by sending your trusty assistants out into the village to find the most impressive tomes. Sources for the finest books are scarce, so you’ll need to beat your opponents to them when they pop up – especially if they match your library’s secret focus! You only have a few days before the Mayor’s Official Inspector comes to judge your library, so be sure your assistants have all your books shelved in time! She is a tough cookie, and will use her Official Inspection Form to grade your library on several criteria including alphabetical order, shelf stability, prominent works, and variety. And don’t think she’ll turn a blind eye to books the Council has banned! You’ll need shrewd planning, cunning tactics, and perhaps a little magic to surpass your opponents and become Grand Librarian!”  – Taken from the Renegade Game Studios website | Ages 10 & up | Made by Renegade Game Studios

💰 Pricing: $60 

Buy Here ➡️ renegadegamestudios.com/ex-libris/

🛒  L I E B R A R Y  🛍️

🎁 Liebrary is similar to Apples to Apples except you’re making up your own first line for a book; you win a round if your answer is chosen. | This game is not sold in stores anymore so you have to search on Amazon & eBay. | Made by Discovery Bay

💰 Pricing: ? ? ?

Buy Here ➡️ Amazon or eBay

🛒  M A R R Y I N G   M R.   D A R C Y  🛍️

Location: Washington 🇺🇸

🎁 Card game based on “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen | A printable version is available H E R E | “Undead” & “Emma” game expansions are available.

💰 Pricing: $6.99 – $63.87

Buy Here ➡️ marryingmrdarcy.com

🛒  R A V E N S B U R G E R   P U Z Z L E S  🛍️

Location: Germany 🇩🇪

🎁 Specialty: Jigsaw Puzzles | Not all of their puzzles are book-themed so you have to search for specific keywords such as “book” or “library.”

💰 Pricing: $14.49 – $164.99

Buy Here ➡️ ravensburger.us

🛒  S C R A B B L E   L I N E N   B O O K   E D I T I O N  🛍️

🎁 This is the same beloved Scrabble game, but it comes in a beautiful box shaped like a white book. Very fancy!

💰 Pricing: $29.99

Buy Here ➡️ hasbrotoyshop.com

🛒  T H E   A R T   O F   C O N V E R S A T I O N   L I T E R A R Y   E D I T I O N  🛍️

Location: Australia 🇦🇺

🎁 “TAOC® comes with 300 starter questions plus a 32-page guidebook that includes informative and comprehensive endnotes . . . Even reluctant readers will be drawn in! Readers of all stages and ages will find themselves being educated, all in the name of fun . . . Ideal for book clubs, but can also be adapted to friends, family, workmates, students or even solitary readers . . . Covers all genres – fiction, poetry, drama, biography, autobiography, science fiction, fantasy, crime, romance, historical writing – essentially, the whole bookshop!”  – Taken from the TAOC website

💰 Pricing: $14.99

Buy Here ➡️ taoc.com.au/taocliterary.html

🛒  W H I T E   M O U N T A I N   P U Z Z L E S  🛍️

Location: New Hampshire 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Jigsaw Puzzles | Not all of their puzzles are book-themed so you have to search for the keyword “book.”

💰 Pricing: $13.99 – $16.99

Buy Here ➡️ whitemountainpuzzles.com

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🎄  H O M E  🎄

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

🛒  B O O K I S H   S T A R   D E S I G N S  🛍️

Location: Minnesota 🇺🇸

🌟 Specialty: Therapeutic Rice Bags | They can be stored in the freezer or warmed in the microwave. | My family has used them for cramps, migraines, & knee pain. | Small, medium, & large sizes available + eye masks with or without straps | Three scents available: Eucalyptus, lavender, & peppermint – You can purchase rice bags unscented.

💰 Pricing: $6 – $35

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/bookishstardesigns

🛒  B R A S S I N G T O N   H O L L O W  🛍️

Location: Missouri 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Pillows that look like books | Customization is available 

💰 Pricing: $35 – $45

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/brassingtonhollow

🛒  C A N T E R B U R Y   C L A S S I C S   N O V E L   J O U R N A L  🛍️

Location: Colorado 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Colorful journals with text & a quote from a specific book on the cover; on the inside, the lines on each page are text from that same book. 

💰 Pricing: $16.93 – $203.40 (prices vary on Amazon, you can buy in bulk on the Juniper Books website)

Buy Here ➡️ canterburyclassicsbooks.com

🛒  E V I E   S E O  🛍️

Location: New Mexico 🇺🇸

🌟 Specialty: Original art sold on various websites as prints & lifestyle products

💰 Pricing: $3.99 – $299.99 (will vary from site to site)

Buy Here ➡️ linktr.ee/eviebookish

🛒  I D E A L   B O O K S H E L F  🛍️

Location: Hawaii 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Mugs, prints, & totes customized to represent the books of your choosing | They also sell book cover necklaces & pins which are included in the pricing below.

💰 Pricing: $11 – $502.00

Buy Here ➡️ idealbookshelf.com

🛒  L U C Y   I N   T H E   S K Y  🛍️

Location: Arizona 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Original art on paper goods & gifts – Bookmarks, calendars, cards, mugs, prints, & totes

💰 Pricing: $3 – $31.99

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/shoplucyinthesky

🛒  M A R Z I P A N T Z  🛍️

Location: Ohio 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Literary dolls such as Alice (in Wonderland), Anne Shirley, (author) Edith Wharton, Hermione Granger, & the Wicked Witch of the West | Custom options are available; just contact the shop owner Marcy. | Doll orders probably won’t be available until January, but now you know for the future.

💰 Pricing: ? ? ?

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/marzipantz

🛒  M I S S   B O H E M I A  🛍️

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

🎁 Specialty: Art prints, mugs, & bookish jewelry

💰 Pricing: $4.18 – $20.58

Buy Here ➡️ missbohemia.com

🛒  R I S A   R O D I L  🛍️

Location: Philippines 🇵🇭

🌟 Specialty: Original art sold on various websites as prints & lifestyle products | Her style revolves around typography.

💰 Pricing: $3.99 – $299.99 (will vary from site to site)

Buy Here ➡️ risarodil.com

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🎄  M I S C E L L A N E O U S  🎄

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🛒  L E T T E R   F R O M   M Y   B O O K   B O Y F R I E N D  🛍️

Location: Massachusetts 🇺🇸

🎁 Specialty: Thanks to Bookified, you can receive a letter from your literary crush. When you make a purchase, take advantage of the”Notes” section to specify exactly what you want.

💰 Pricing: $3.99 (3 lines, customized for an occasion), $6.49 (standard letter that is sent out over & over again, not personalized for you), $8.99 (5 lines, 1 page, customized), & $12.99 (10 lines, 2 pages, customized)

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/bookified

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🎄  M Y   I N S P I R A T I O N S  🎄

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

🛒  Y A Z R A J A D E S I G N S 🛍️

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

🌟 Unfortunately this shop no longer sells a customizable cellphone case, but it was one of my inspirations for this Bookish Gift Guide. It’s still open so you can take a peek here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/yazrajadesigns

🛒  S W E E T   S E Q U E L S  🛍️

Location: Texas 🇺🇸

🌟 Specialty: Original art on prints & lifestyle products | Customization is available. I paid $235 for a custom oversized blanket with 9 total illustrations. Haleigh already had three of the book cover designs I wanted, and then I paid $30 for the six other covers ($5 each). I also requested  backing that didn’t have long fur due to my sensitive eyes, and she was more than willing to oblige. I cannot recommend her shop enough!

💰 Pricing: $6 – $195

Buy Here ➡️ etsy.com/shop/sweetsequels

👏🏻  👏🏽  👏🏿  Round of applause for all of the awesome countries represented!!  👏🏿  👏🏽  👏🏻

I hope you found this Bookish Gift Guide helpful. I wish you well on your quest for the perfect presents. Happy shopping!  🏬  🛒  💰  🛍️  🎅🏻  🎄  🎁  ♥️

Subscribe to my blog to receive email notifications, and check out my other links listed below.

– Lauren Michele ❤

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The Great Dreidel Caper of 2017 | Blogukkah 2017

Let’s ignore my slacking and move on to my Hanukkah tale:

For Vlogmas, I wanted to film a few Hanukkah-themed vlogs including a video on how to play dreidel. I dug through my memory chest to get my trusty old dreidel from a VBS years and years ago. I was surprised to find it missing but figured it must have been placed elsewhere in the chest. After a thorough inspection, I became slightly more frantic. Fast forward a few days later. I checked the chest one last time before trekking out to the garage; I was on the hunt for the backup dreidel stored with the Christmas decorations. I carefully went through each box which is no easy task when you’re paranoid about dying from black widow bites. I will now add some holiday humor to describe the fruit of my labor (or lack thereof): I rolled the dreidel, and it landed on nun. Two identical dreidels mysteriously missing when needed most. Target did come to my rescue, but I still can’t believe I had to buy TWELVE dreidels. Is it really that hard to sell one all by itself?? At least it was only $3. 😑

❄️   ⛄   🕯️   🎄   🎁   ❄️   ⛄   🕯️   🎄   🎁   ❄️   ⛄   🕯️   🎄   🎁   ❄️   ⛄   🕯️   🎄   🎁   ❄️   ⛄

F o u r   D a y s   U n t i l   A r t m a s . . .

E  l e v e n   D a y s   U n t i l   C h r i s t m a s . . .

❄️   ⛄   🕯️   🎄   🎁   ❄️   ⛄   🕯️   🎄   🎁   ❄️   ⛄   🕯️   🎄   🎁   ❄️   ⛄   🕯️   🎄   🎁   ❄️   ⛄

Subscribe to my blog to receive email notifications, and check out my other links listed below.

– Lauren Michele ❤︎

⬇️ Important Links ⬇️

• Previous Post: Filming Frustrations | Blogmas 2017

• Previous Video: Learning Hebrew For Hanukkah | Vlogmas 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFwLOhyPrjU

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Rogue One | Blogmas 2016 🎄

❄️ ⛄ 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 ❄️ ⛄ 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 ❄️ ⛄ 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 ❄️ ⛄ 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 ❄️ ⛄ 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 ❄️ ⛄

Merry Christmas & Happy 2nd Day of Hanukkah!!  I hope all of you are having a wonderful holiday.  My day started at church this morning.  Afterwards, my family ate at Sizzler and saw Rogue One.  I’ve been waiting on pins and needles to see this movie.  I felt like the only person in the world who hadn’t seen it, and the rave reviews were driving me insane.  We didn’t choose the best of theaters so the screen was dirty, but that didn’t dampen the experience.  I absolutely loved the film!  There were numerous amazing Rebel vs Empire fights, familiar faces like Bail Organa and Darth Vader, & awesome new characters like Cassian Andor and Jyn Erso.  Can we just talk about freaking Donnie Yen?!  His fighting scenes as Chirrut Imwe were off the charts.  WOW!  If you know me, you know that my favorite part of Star Wars will forever be the droids, and K-2SO is no exception.  LOVE. HIM.  The sass was abundant, and I could not stop laughing. (SPOILER) It was sad that everybody on the Rogue One team died, but it felt like the only appropriate ending considering the circumstances of the mission.  They died because of the Death Star, the very weapon they were fighting to stop.  A noble sacrifice for the good of the galaxy!

❄️ ⛄ 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 ❄️ ⛄ 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 ❄️ ⛄ 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 ❄️ ⛄ 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 ❄️ ⛄ 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 ❄️ ⛄

Subscribe to my blog to receive email notifications, and check out my other links listed below.

– Lauren Michele <3

Previous Post: https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2016/12/25/i-saw-frozen-for-the-first-time-blogmas-2016-🎄/

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5PgZx0F9wQ

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Seasonal Sneezings | Blogmas 2015

Is sneezings even a word?  Oh well!  It sounds clever. ;)  I stayed home from church today because I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a truck.  Dairy-free egg nog and “The Great British Bake Off” on Netflix has proved to be a successful remedy.  I really need to get better because I work tomorrow night.  Lovely!  Sadly, today was the last day of Hanukkah.  I am grateful for all of the gifts I received.  To commence the Festival of Lights, I will be watching “Maccabees: The Story of Hanukkah.”  Here is a clip of the short, animated movie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZWFHl-4FVQ

Last night I started reading “The Pawn” by Steven James.  I have read it before, but I am starting over because the series is longer now so I want to refresh my memory of the first few books.  The Patrick Bowers Files is a great series; in a nutshell, the books are thrilling crime/mystery adventures.  The format is similar to that of “Criminal Minds” on TV because you read from many points of view including agent Patrick Bowers and the unknown serial killer.  I will definitely be reading a few chapters before bed tonight.  Smart decision!  If you are interested in this series, click the link: Books

Vlogmas – Lauren Michele

2 days until Artmas – Lauren Michele Photography – WordPress.com

12 days until Christmas…

Subscribe to my blog to receive email notifications, and check out my other links listed below.

– Lauren Michele <3

Previous Post: Deck the Halls | Blogmas 2015

Previous Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLUDfcFIzaY

My Links:

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Elf in Recovery | Blogmas 2015

 

Trick 3D. An Elf's Story: North Pole Hospital. 2011. Web. 10 Dec. 2015. http://www.trick3d.com/_/img/_folio/orig-elf-hospital-lg.jpg.

Trick 3D. An Elf’s Story: North Pole Hospital. 2011. Web. 10 Dec. 2015. http://www.trick3d.com/_/img/_folio/orig-elf-hospital-lg.jpg.

I am off work today so the only things on my to-do list are PJs, Christmas movies, and blogging.  Even though Hanukkah is in full swing and Christmas is 15 days away, I am in holiday limbo right now.  Perhaps starting the festivities early really is a December buzzkill.  Either that or my long, emotional year full of changes is taking its toll on my mentality.  Oy vey!!  I love Christmastime.  I’m pretty sure there is elf somewhere in my heritage.  Why oh why is the Christmas struggle real right now??!  I’m sorry readers.  Despite my attempts to be holly jolly, I’m only human.  That’s what this blog is all about, me being myself.  Unfortunately that includes mood swings. ;) Perhaps eggnog, Chinese food, and quality time with my brother will boost my spirit. :D

Vlogmas – Lauren Michele

5 days until Artmas – Lauren Michele Photography – WordPress.com

15 days until Christmas…

I hope all of you are having a very merry Thursday night.  Happy 5th night of Hanukkah!!

Subscribe to my blog to receive email notifications, and check out my other links listed below.

– Lauren Michele <3

Previous Post: Retail Rant | Blogmas 2015

Previous Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akqxeQMkT90

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Reflection on 2014

December

December. 2014. Web. 31 Dec. 2014. <http://portfolios.sva.edu/gallery/21622125/December&gt;.

Please support the artist by checking out her websites:
http://portfolios.sva.edu/CHANGjennyhttps://www.behance.net/CHANGjenny

It is that time of year when everybody reflects on the past year and looks forward to the new year.  Here is a timeline of my 2014:

January 19 – I started my Youtube channel with this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB_E0apNmos

January 24 – I went to The Roadshow with my mom and best friend Lydia; our favorite bands were We as Human, Third Day, and Skillet.  Afterwards we had a late night dinner at McDonald’s. Fun times!    – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTJkvirgnbI

March – I started my internship with Shakar Photography.  I loved working with my boss Ambreen, her husband Shalin, and her other assistant Kayla.  I not only met new friends but also experienced my first Indian wedding.  This is a job I will never forget!    – http://shakarphotography.com/#

May 1 – God performed a miracle, and I passed my driving test.  Bonus: I still HATE driving!!

August 22 – I had my very first photo exhibition at Calvary Chapel Garland.    – https://laurenmichelephotography.wordpress.com/tag/nymph-exhibition/

September 22 – My wisdom teeth were removed.  Not too bad!

September 29 – God performed yet another miracle, and I graduated from The Art Institute of Dallas with honors.  My degree was bachelor’s, my major was photography, and my portfolios were conceptual (Nymph) and landscapes (Deep in the Heart) respectively.    – https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2014/09/20/lauren-michele-photography-portfolio/ –

October 5 – Greg Laurie brought Harvest America to the American Airlines Center in Dallas.  It was a fun night with my mom.    – http://harvestamerica.com/

November 5 – I turned twenty-one.  So much power, so much responsibility!!

December 2 – My family lost a very dear friend, Shelly Bowles.  It was sad for us to lose him, but he is in Heaven now with no more cancer.

December 25 – I spent my first Christmas in California since 2001.    – https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2014/12/31/blogmas-2014-all-aboard/

December 30-31 – It snowed in Southern California!    – http://www.newsweek.com/frozen-palm-trees-photos-southern-california-covered-snow-296070

Sadly, many notable people passed away in 2014.  I would like to take this time to remember them, specifically those who influenced my life in someway: Ann B. Davis (Brady Bunch), Casey Kasem (Original voice of Shaggy Rogers), Christine Cavanaugh (A Flintstone Family Christmas, Aladdin, Babe, Darkwing Duck, Dexter’s Laboratory, Hercules: The Animated Series, Recess, Rugrats, The Powerpuff Girls, The Wild Thornberrys), Chuck Smith (Founder of Calvary Chapel), James Garner (Elderly Noah, The Notebook), Joan Rivers (Fashion Police), Maria von Trapp (Inspiration for Sound of Music), Mickey Rooney (National Velvet, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Black Stallion, Night at the Museum), Norman Bridwell (Creator of Clifford the Big Red Dog), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Hunger Games), Richard Bull (Nels Oleson, Little House on the Prairie), Robin Williams (Aladdin, Hook, Mrs. Doubtfire, Night at the Museum, Noel), Russell Johnson (The Professor, Gilligan’s Island), Shirley Temple (Heidi), and Sid Caesar (Coach Calhoun, Grease).

I am not on for making resolutions but what the heck!!  In 2015, I would like to…

1. Get a job (preferably one involving lots & lots of books)

2. Pay off some of my college debt (A scholarship falling from heaven would be nice)

3. Blog more consistently (I am trying!)

4. Write a book (Already started)

5. Get back in shape (the “Freshman Fifteen” has got to go; it is time!)

I made some very realistic resolutions, most of which I really need to accomplish.  It will be fun to come back on December 31st, 2015, and discuss what I accomplished.  I hope you all have a very fun & safe holiday.

Happy New Year readers!   –Lauren Michele :)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  – John 13:34-35

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Blogmas 2014 – All Aboard

"Untitled" by Jeannette Oerlemans

This was meant to be posted on December 26th, but alas it was not.  C’est la vie!  I am about to take you on a journey through my family’s Christmas adventures hence the photograph reminiscent of “Polar Express” courtesy of Jeannette Oerlemans.  I must start with Christmas Eve because we committed the ultimate sin: opening presents.  I felt serious anxiety and guilt after doing so.  However, after some research, I realized that many people open presents on Christmas Eve.  Definitely did NOT know this!!  I feel a bit better but do not plan on making Christmas Eve present-opening a tradition.  It feels sacrilegious!  Moving on to December 25th, 2014.  Since the presents were already opened (Oh the shame!!), we slept in a few hours before getting ready and venturing into the outside world.  We saw our annual Christmas movie which was “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.”  Much anticipated and sooooo good!!  A satisfying end to an amazing trilogy.  Fun fact: Each installment of the Hobbit trilogy has been our Christmas movie for the past 3 years.  After the movie, we headed over to our Christmas lunch/dinner destination: Sizzler.  I know, I know.  Holiday meal of champions!  In our defense, not much was open, and we are not able to cook in our current living space.  After the 2 1/2 hour movie, we were starving and ready to chow down.  Bad news.  Sizzler was PACKED.  Apparently that was not a very original idea.  We drove around the shopping center praying that something else was open.  Guess where we ended up?  Eating Mexican food while listening to un televisión.  My parents and brother were almost done with their food by the time my torta came out.  I was pretty annoyed, but it was HUGE and very delicious.  We ended the day in pajamas watching “The Santa Clause” 1 & 2 and eating Christmas goodies from grandma.  Christmas 2014 was definitely unconventional, but it was fun day spent with family.  I will never forget it!

Blogmas 2014 is now officially over.  See you next year! Stay merry readers.  Only 359 until Christmas…

– Lauren Michele :)

My links:

Art Blog: https://laurenmichelephotography.wordpress.com/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lagirl93/

Tumblr: http://laurenmichelephotography.tumblr.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCic1VLw_OuW2fzDQ88oi_AA/feed

 

Works Cited:

Oerlemans, Jeannette. Web. 26 Dec. 2014. <http://1x.com/photo/30341/all:user:12605&gt;. (Image 1)

Blogmas 2014 – Step Into the Wardrobe

Step Into the Wardrobe

(Source: https://emspeaks.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/lamppost.jpg)

My uneventful day ended with a delicious dinner at Texas Roadhouse, a cup of eggnog, and “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”  Today has been a very Narnia day!  I blogged about wintry landscapes on my art blog that are reminiscent of Narnia.  Check it out here: http://laurenmichelephotography.wordpress.com/2014/12/23/artmas-2014-walking-in-a-winter-wonderland/  I wish I could actually go there, but daydreaming about a Narnian escape will have to suffice.  Can you tell I’m a reader??  I am very serious about alternate universes.  They are nothing to joke about, and everything to dream about.  Speaking of magical places, my family is going to see the third installment of “The Hobbit” on Christmas day.  We have seen each installment on Christmas day for the past two years.  I am practically jumping out of my skin from excitement.  I have heard it is the perfect ending.  Endings are so sad, but technology has provided us with DVDs so the series will live on!  Something else is coming to an end.  Tonight was the 8th and final night of Hanukkah.  It is sad to say the prayers for the last time, but I know it will be back next year.  Chanukah Sameach!  Until next year…

Stay merry readers!  Only two days until Christmas…

– Lauren Michele :)

“If ever they remembered their life in this world it was as one remembers a dream.”  – C.S. Lewis, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”