Why I Was Gone for a Year...

I am not really sure how to begin this any other way except saying that I am sorry. I essentially dropped off the face of the Earth without warning, without any explanation. I feel that I let my followers down, and sometimes I feel that I shouldn't have come back to my blog at all.

As explained in my last post, I had typed up a review for The Maybe Boyfriend. However, when I tried to post it, it somehow deleted itself, and I could not recover any files of it. It was one of the best reviews I think I had ever written, and it was simply gone. I was extremely upset and I decided to give myself a couple weeks to reign in my emotions before retyping the review.

I started to recreate the post...

And then I started college, and I forgot all about it.

My first and second full-time semesters were hectic, to say the least, but I loved almost every minute of them. I read so much for my English and Humanities courses that I simply didn't have time to read for fun, and I really made it a point to put my classes before anything else. In other words, blogging simply wasn't a priority in my life, especially since I was a double major, and I'm now a triple major.

I had every intention to post at least something during my month-long winter break, but I was recuperating from my first Finals Week (*dun dun duuuuun*) and we took a trip to Florida to visit my grandparents. By the time we got back home and I finally felt mostly rested again, it was time for the spring semester to start, and my schedule became busy once more.

Another reason I hadn't been blogging was because I have been struggling on and off with my mental health since last summer. I pushed myself probably too hard in my first and second semesters of college, and even during the summer before, causing me to have panic attacks more often than usual, and I often experienced periods of depression surrounding the panic attacks. Thankfully, my doctor helped me keep my mental health under control, and summer break has allowed me to simply work and relax. Nothing I do during this summer has a grade attached to it, and I'm really trying to allow myself to enjoy every moment, to do the things that make me happy in order to recharge my body and my mind for next semester.

Though next semester's classes may be more challenging, I am hopeful that I will persevere through it even better than I did in the spring semester, which went much better than my fall semester.

Anyway, the gist of this is to apologize for being gone for so long and for not giving you any kind of warning. For those of you who have stuck with me, I cannot thank you enough; your support means the word to me and I love you all.

Until next post,

Catheryn
The Book Lioness
Instagram: @thebooklioness

The Maybe Boyfriend | Spoiler-Free Review

I had to take a really deep breath before typing this…..

Some of this post is from a year ago, and some of it, I am typing today. Before this post, I had an entire review typed up for this book, probably one of the reviews that I am most proud of. But, in the process of posting it through the Blogger app, the entire post was deleted. I was so upset that I had lost such an amazing post that I ended up having to take a break from blogging. I came back two weeks after that and started on the older remnants of this post, and I guess I just forgot to finish it. The reason I have been gone longer than those few weeks will be explained in a separate post.

Anyway, a year after reading the book, here goes nothing.

The Maybe Boyfriend is the sixth book in The Boyfriend Series by Christina Benjamin. Most of the books in this series can be read in any order, but this is one of the exceptions! If you want to get the most out of this book, read it right after The Almost Boyfriend (book #2 in the Boyfriend Series). You’ll know the characters and backstory a ton better, since Megan (the main female in Maybe) is the best friend of Sam (the main female in Almost), and Zander (the main male in Maybe) is the best friend/step-brother (I think) of Devon (the main male in Almost). I wish I had gone back to re-read Almost before I read Maybe since the two stories flow very smoothly into one another and are so connected, but I didn't have the time to, and I very much regretted that decision. The ARC copy that I received to review was 244 pages. The final published edition may have a slightly different page count, but you get the general idea. The novel takes place in Ireland, which already had me hooked since Ireland is one of the main places I will travel to before I die.

Synopsis (from Amazon):

Maybe love is worth the risk . . .

Everyone wants to be Zander O’Leary, except Zander O’Leary. The youngest billionaire in Ireland is finding life is lonely at the top. Everyone wants a piece of him and Zander is finding it’s hard to trust anyone’s motives. His only real relationship is with Megan Fields, a college student he’s had a crush on before he got rich and famous. The only trouble with Megan . . . They’ve never met in real life.

Megan Fields has stars in her eyes and dreams in her heart. As a Boston University film student, it’s Megan’s job to let her imagination carry her away. But she never could have imagined getting the chance to go to Ireland for a semester abroad with her dream guy. But that’s exactly what happens when Zander’s company offers her a film scholarship.

Megan’s hopes are set high as she flies to Ireland, determined to get the guy. And Zander hopes bringing Megan to Ireland will be the change he needs. But things go from bad to worse as Zander realizes maybe he’s not ready for as much of a commitment as Megan is looking for. Rather than facing the facts, Zander does what he does best . . . he runs.

No one knows the real reason the handsome tech genius won’t let anyone in, but Megan isn’t willing to let him off the hook so easily. When their Irish Adventure goes awry, things get dangerously close to revealing Zander’s dark past. Can Megan push past the walls he’s putting up? Or will she decide that maybe, maybe’s not enough?

Prologue:

MAYBE

ADVERB

        1. perhaps; possibly. Example: "Maybe this could work."

           synonyms; perhaps, possibly, conceivably, it could be (that), it is possible (that), for all one knows.

NOUN

        1. a mere possibility or probability. Example: "No ifs, buts, or maybes."

When dating, 'maybe' can be a girl's best friend.

         "Maybe I'll give you my number."

         "Maybe we can go on a second date."

         "Maybe he's the one."

However, there are definitely times a girl doesn't want to hear the word 'maybe'.

         "Do you care about me or did you just want to sleep with me?"

         "Do you see this relationship going anywhere?"

         "Are you dating anyone else?"

And the word 'maybe' should never be used when describing a boyfriend.

         "Zander O'Leary is your boyfriend, right?"

Maybe, maybe isn't such a great word after all.

Rating:

4.75 out of 5 stars

Review:

You might be wondering why I gave this book a 4.75 when the rest of the series has pretty much gotten 5’s across the board. Though I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and loved most every aspect of the plot and the characters, there were just times that the characters annoyed me because how irrationally they acted. I really liked Megan's character because she and I have very similar personalities, especially being the hopeless romantic. I loved how sassy she could be, but I also loved her outlook on life, as it is a trait I strive to develop. However, I think her views on sex and intimacy just didn’t click with me. I think part of what made me slightly less head-over-heels in love with this book was how rushed things felt between Megan and Zander, even though they had been talking for three years. For some reason, it just didn't flow well with how I was reading it. On the other hand, sometimes the attraction and tension was so real that it was frustrating me, emotionally and physically. All in all, it was still a great read, I still loved it, and I would recommend it just as highly as the rest of the series! Just don't forget to read The Almost Boyfriend first!

Favorite Quotes:

"The boy she liked, liked her back, and there was no greater feeling in the world."

"I wish you could see the stupid smile I get when we're texting."

"Megan was still a bit lightheaded but it was hard to tell if it was a side effect of her asthma or Zander. Both afflictions were potentially crippling."

"My current situation is not my final destination."

"Maybe you need to get lost before you can find yourself."

"Megan was Zander's willful daisy, determined to make him see beauty and light even when drowning in his own darkness."

To Buy:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Check out Christina Benjamin's website here!

Summer Shenanigans | Week Nine

HELLO TO ALL MY BEAUTIFUL FOLLOWERS (AND TO ALL MY FIRST-TIME VISITORS)!

I am bringing this Sunday Update to you on my brand-new Dell laptop that I got on sale at Office Depot (woot woot)! I am typing this quite late, but I am only partially asleep because I just got home from a HUGE dorm/college supplies shopping trip with one of my best friends. I saved a ton of money because it was tax-free weekend here in Tennessee.

As most of you know, I was on vacation in Florida this past week, so I'm just going to take you all through what I did on my trip. I'm still reading on College Rules! and I am almost done typing up a review for The Maybe Boyfriend. I started listening to the Daily French Podcast almost everyday to help keep my fluency in French, and I'm in love with it, even when it is challenging!

Monday: We went to Clearwater Beach and ate at Crabby's, though we didn't go into the water because there was a rip current advisory and no-swim flags flying. After that, we went to the Dunedin Causeway and enjoyed the view of the bay from a much less wave-y area.

Tuesday: We drove to Safety Harbor and grabbed Coldstone Creamery (my favorite!). I go the Apple Pie a la Coldstone in a cup and it was DELICIOUS! Also, it was my friend/fellow blogger Jasmine's birthday (go hit her up on Instagram @stayclassybyjazzy and on YouTube Stay Classy by Jazzy)!

Wednesday: I went fishing with my grandpa on his new boat. I caught two catfish; one small, one decently big. The highlight of the fishing trip was getting to see a manatee for the first time ever in the wild; it was so mesmerizing! I got a pretty bad sunburn on my stomach though! After that, we had dinner at my great uncle and aunt's house with their grandchildren.

Thursday: We took my mom's boyfriend to Spring Hill to drop him off at his brother's, as well as to see his dad (practically my step-grandpa). We all went to lunch together in Hernando Beach at a place called The Cove where we could see turtles and even an alligator swimming in the channel right behind the restaurant! It was another friend's birthday, but I forgot to wish g=her a happy birthday until Friday morning.

Friday: My mom and I took a trip to Clearwater Beach where I FINALLY got to go swimming in the ocean. I spent a good hour and a half or more just walking and treading water alone in the ocean; it was so relaxing and beautiful. To make the day even better, we went parasailing for the first time since I was just a wee tot! The view from up there was breath-taking, and all we could hear up there was the gentle breeze and each other. We met up with my grandparents for lunch at a restaurant called Eve's that my great-grandmother used to always take my mom and grandmother to. After taking a break at home, my grandma and I went shopping at Goodwill, where I picked up a cardigan, a blouse, and a pair of vintage heels! I also got a pair of leggings, but they had a huge run and a couple holes in them :(

Saturday: We drove home :(((((((

Sunday (aka today): I went to church with one of my guy friends and obviously spent the rest of the day shopping haha!

I am so thankful that I was able to go on this trip; it definitely helped me relax and relieved a lot of the stress I've been bottling up over the past couple months. I really feel like I'm truly in a great mindset to start college, but I still have to wait a few more weeks!

I will see you guys again next Sunday!

Bisoux!

Catheryn❤❤

Summer Shenanigans | Week Eight

Wow, another update a day late. I’m sorry you guys. I’ve been traveling A TON the past few days, and this is the first chance I’ve really had to sit down and type up this post. 

I did pick up another book, as featured on my Instagram (@thebooklioness). It’s called College Rules! and it’s all about how to survive going into college. I love it so far, and I’m pretty sure I’ve underlined something on almost every page. Since it’s not a book I’m reviewing, but I feel like I can do both a book and lifestyle related post on it, I’m planning to post my top 10 or so favorite quotes from the book so you college kids out there can take some tips with you. 

I’m not going to lie, this past week has been really hard for me. I’ve been struggling with my anxiety as well as some other unrelated issues, and I’ve been under a lot of stress at work lately. But thankfully, I am now on vacation, relaxing and recharging. Saturday morning we left Nashville, Tennessee to go to Franklin, North Carolina for a family reunion. Then Sunday morning we left to go to Oldsmar, Florida, a small town right outside of Tampa. I am taking lots and pictures of videos for you guys, don’t worry!

Since I’m in the middle of visiting family, I’m gonna cut this post short. I’ll fill you all in on Sunday. 

Love you all!

Cat💕

How I Made My First Budget!

Y’all, I’m so excited for this post because it will be the first of my new lifestyle posts to help expand the content of my blog!

Just as a foreword: most people calculate their income by their upcoming paychecks during the month, but since I am paid the last weekday of each month, I base my income off my paycheck for the previous month. 

Step One: I figured out how much I would be paid by looking at my payroll receipt a few days before payroll was deposited. 

Step Two: I created several categories for my spending to fall under: gas, groceries, fast food/restaurants, beauty, health, entertainment, planner supplies/stationery, other. 

Step Three: This one was the weird part for me because I’ve never really calculated how much I spend on certain things. I played around with different allotted amounts for each category until I felt confident that each category had enough money, but not too much. I kept my total allotted amount around $150 less than my income so I could set that money aside for savings. 

Step Four: I put my spending goals into my bullet journal alongside with a Remaining Funds tracker for each category. 

Step Five: I write down the date and type of purchase every time I buy something, as well as how much money is remaining in that category.

Bam! That’s it! I am by no means a professional budget maker or financial advisor, so this may not work for everyone, but if you’re wanting to start a simple budget or try monitoring how much your spending, I think is was a great way to get started!

Message me on Instagram if you have any questions!

❤️ Catheryn

Summer Shenanigans | Week Seven

You guys are going to be so proud of me! I’m not typing this at 9 pm (or later)!

I’m actually typing this while in the last hour and a half of a 9 hour drive home from Michigan. This won’t be posted until I get home, though, so I don’t have to use any data. 

Here’s my updates for the week:

I finished The Maybe Boyfriend by Christina Benjamin and LOVED IT! I have not yet started on another book. The review should be posted soon. 

I left for Michigan Thursday afternoon and will have gotten back shortly before this post goes live. I was up there to celebrate my graduation with my mom’s family. 

While up there, I did a TERRIBLE job of keeping up with all my habits, especially with working out. I have no regrets, though, and I’m glad I was able to devote that time to being with my grandparents. 

Work has been a nightmare, and I was very relieved when I left for my trip. A break was definitely what I needed to get my mindset back into a good place. 

On Monday afternoon, I got to sit down and have some delicious coffee with one of my good church friends to just talk with her and get to know each other a little better. On Wednesday evening, I got to see two friends that moved to Texas several years ago and that I have barely seen since. We had a yummy meal at Cracker Barrel and had a joyous reunion, tears included. They leave to go back tomorrow, but I hope to see them again soon. 

Besides that, I don’t think there’s anything else to update you guys on! I have my Budget Making post typed up and ready to go, so that should be posted within the next few days!

I hope you all have a safe and blessed week!

Love, Cat 💕

Summer Shenanigans | Week Six

It’s 9:46 pm where I live, and guess who’s up typing her weekly blog post because she was crazy busy all day and procrastinated on pre-typing the blog post. (Hint: it’s me!) Since I’m exhausted off the wazoo, let’s get started so I can go to bed as soon as possible. 

For reading, I’m still working on The Maybe Boyfriend by Christina Benjamin. I’m about 70% of the way through, and I’m hooked. If you want to keep up with my reading progress for any books, or to know when I start/finish a book before my Sunday Updates go live, go friend me on Goodreads (I believe I’m under Catheryn Bolick).

For my bullet journal this week, I have crafted THE CUTEST spread ever, featuring mason lanterns, fireflies, fairy lights, and gold glitter washi tape! Keep an eye on my Instagram (@thebooklioness) for a picture! I love the way my budget page is working, even if I don’t completely like how the bottom turned out. I’m hoping to make a post about how I set up my first budget for those of you wanting ideas or tips. 

For workouts, I have still been following Cassey Ho’s Blogilates POP Pilates Beginner’s Challenge. I missed my workout Wednesday because I was celebrating the Fourth of July, and I missed yesterday because of how busy I was. I did still get workouts in both days, I just didn’t do the Blogilates videos. 

As for work, I’ve been really busy. Even when there are no patrons, I still have to manage all the chemicals, plan our end-of-summer party/in-service, get everyone’s last days, and a million other things. The craziness never ends, and I really need a break soon (which I will be getting in a few days since I’m going on a trip to Michigan)!

As for other miscellaneous things, Tuesday night I went to a devotional for college students and had fun, though I think I’m leaning towards the other Tuesday night service I went to the week before this past one. Wednesday I went to a local lake to go fishing and tube-floating with my mom and her boyfriend, and I’m the afternoon/evening we went to a neighbor’s house to celebrate the Fourth of July with good food and loud fireworks. Saturday night I got to go watch the Nashville Soccer Club play at the big football stadium in downtown Nashville with one of my closest friends; I had a blast and my voice is still recovering. The had a spectacular fireworks show afterwards. This evening, I went to a prayer and worship night that my campus ministry hosted, and it was very moving to see so many people all coming together to publicly pray for the students of MTSU. I managed to get on-stage and say a prayer of my own for girls struggling with their self-image, especially girls with eating disorders, which was a huge moment for me since I have pretty debilitating anxiety when it comes to public speaking, even more so when speaking about a topic so close to my heart. My friend, however, was there to support me afterwards, and I’m so very grateful that I met her. I hope the Lord moves on the campus of MTSU, and I hope to be a part of that change. 

With that, I’ll close out this blog post. 

If you are curious about my faith, or would like to learn more about who I believe in, please feel free to direct message me on Instagram. 

I love you all and I hope you have a great week. 

Catheryn ❤️