Korianne Speaks

2010-11-25T14:27:00.002-06:00

OMG IT'S SNOWINGGGGGGGGGGGG!

Happy Thankgiving everyone!

Review of Not That Kind Of Girl by Siobhan Vivian

2010-10-30T16:47:00.005-05:00

Slut or saint? Good friend or bad friend? In control or completely out of it?

Life is about choices, and Natalie Sterling prides herself on making the right ones. She’s avoided the jerky guys populating her prep school, always topped honor roll, and is poised to be the first female student council president in years.

If only other girls were as sensible and strong. Like the pack of freshmen yearning to be football players’ playthings. Or her best friend, whose crappy judgment nearly ruined her life.

But being sensible and strong isn’t easy. Not when a prank nearly gets her expelled. Not when her advice hurts more than it helps. Not when a boy she once dismissed becomes the boy she can’t stop thinking about.

The line between good and bad has gone fuzzy, and crossing it could end in disaster . . . or become the best choice she’ll ever make.

Bookflap summary via Siobhan's website (Click it, she just revamped her site and IT'S PRETTY!)

I've been in kind of a reading slump lately and Harry Potter and other school books (Yes, I'm taking a class on Harry Potter. IT'S TOTALLY AWESOME!) have been keeping me busy. BUT I MISS REVIEWING BOOKS! Leave it to Siobhan to get me out of my rut with her latest book!

Just finished Not That Kind Of Girl. Initial thoughts...

It was perfect

It just booted Same Difference from the #1 favourite book slot. (Not that I think Siobhan will mind that one of her books booted another)

But, you all know how I love to talk, so here's sort of a summary of my thoughts of sorts. Basically Natalie encompasses just about everything I was in middle and high school. I was the goody goody that tried her best to always impress teachers and parents and never falter. I was highly active in student council. In fact all through middle school I held every office including president. Mom and Dad were the sponsors so most of my weekend time was spent with them planning fundraisers and dances. Then in high school you weren't allowed to run for office until your senior year. When I transfered schools was when I became less of the "teacher's daughter" and more of an invisible person in my new huge school. Student council was the only school club I belonged to and I did actually run for vice president my senior year but lost to a more popular girl. While I didn't have an experience like Natalie that shocked my parents or teachers I kind of feel like that's what I'm going through now. Mom's always expected me to go on and be a teacher, do what she wants me to do. I think it actually scares her half to death that I don't have a plan necessarily, or at least not one that's fool proof. The thing is, I'm actually doing something I want to do, not what's expected.

I also feel like everyone always expects me to be this prude virgin who waits until marriage to have sex because that's the "right" thing to do. I've never been kissed, heck, I've never even really held hands with someone I was crushing on. That doesn't mean that I am the kind of person who shudders at the thought of sex. Natalie at the beginning of the book wasn't terrified of sex, but she knew that she didn't want some boy to control every aspect of her life because she was emotionally tied to him by sex. However when it did happen it wasn't something she regretted, even though the situation that followed wasn't the best. Sex is still something that's very special to me and it will probably take a lot of getting to know the other person before it happens, but I'm not going to feel ashamed when it does.

If some of the people who I used to go to church with knew the real me now I think they would be shocked, but honestly I'm completely happy with who I am right now. I'm not "acting out" or "being a rebel". I'm just being me, the me that felt so smothered before when I thought it was better to fit the "perfect" mold instead of just being myself. Does that mean I think the people at my church are wrong for having those values? No. I just simply feel that that way of thinking wasn't for me.

Siobhan knows just how to write the perfect book for me. She has real characters, a touch of romance, angst, quite a bit of fluffy chick lit stuff and an ending that while happy still left you feeling a tinge wounded. That's how real life is though. Bad things happen, people fall in and out of your life, hearts get broken, but it gets better. That's the kind of book I like to read, and why Siobhan continues to suck me in with her writing.

My favourite quote comes at the end of the book, (Let's hope this didn't change from ARC to publication because I haven't had a chance to go out and buy the book yet)

"It didn't matter if I was the kind of girl who had sex, or the kind of girl who had her portrait on a wall in the library, or the kind of girl who got into the best college, or the kind of girl who didn't tell her parents everything, or the kind of girl who teachers love.
I just needed to be okay with all the kinds of girl I was."

That quote is going on my facebook. I don't care how cheesy it is, it's exactly how I feel. I feel like at the end of the day all of my "past versions" are a part of me and never something I will be ashamed of (Except for that terrible period where I grew my bangs out and wore headbands. THEY LOOKED TERRIBLE. Let's hope I find all of the pictures from then and burn them.) I'm happy with the me that has come out of each and every experience I've had. My life shaped me to be the person I am now, I'm happy with that.

Also, I'm supposed to note, while I wasn't paid to write this review I did receive an ARC copy from the author herself. I would have bought the book anyway as I have every one of Siobhan's books. However Siobhan is lovely and sent me an autographed copy that says "To beautiful Kori - Love always, Siobhan Vivian." I can assure you though, the next time I'm at a book store there will be no way I'm not leaving without a copy of Not That Kind Of Girl.

I think it goes without saying that this gets a 5 out of 5. I haven't made a new ratings system for the new blog design yet but it will be around as soon as I get more back into the swing of blogging again.

Storytime with Korianne

2010-09-14T16:04:00.004-05:00

I had to read this for a class I am taking about Harry Potter so I thought I would read it to you all too! Sorry the audio isn't the best. My built in mic is not very powerful.

Why Don't You Just Dance In The Rain?

2010-04-07T14:09:00.002-05:00

It was pouring down rain so I thought I would film it. That was just over an hour ago and now it's bright and sunny outside. Nothing I love more than a good Mexican rain, huge downpour then gorgeous sun.

A Little Message

2010-02-25T15:13:00.001-06:00

I had a little extra time today after my test while I was waiting for Jenny. I decided to do some doodling. That doodling turned into an explanation (sort of) about why I haven't been blogging lately. I love you guise so much and I really miss blogging but right now life is sort of getting in the way. I will keep you posted.

Lovely,
Korianne

Project For Awesome Makes Me All Kinds Of Emotional

2009-12-19T10:54:00.005-06:00

Perhaps it's due to lack of sleep or that I'm just a generally sappy person but Project For Awesome has made my emotions meter go haywire.

Just seeing the thumbnails made me smile. Maureen Johnson made me laugh so hard I couldn't breathe. The Uncultured project made me cry, but tears of joy. The comments section of all the videos gave me this unexplainable feeling of belonging.

And now it's over and my body doesn't know how to react, so I am letting my mushy brain do the talking here. Bear with me guys, I just have to get it all out. Some people have stories about when they first found God, and he's pretty cool too, but this story is more dear to my heart than that one.

Valentine's Day 2010 will mark a very special day for me. It will be officially 2 years I have been a Nerdfighter. And for me it's sort of hard for me to explain to other people what that means. Most years Valentine's Day is not exactly a happy time for me. I have never had that somebody to love on a day centered all around L-O-V-E. No matter how many times I tell myself it's just a greeting card holiday it doesn't make me feel any less lonely on that day.

So on that day of pink & red in 2008 I found myself sitting at a computer screen zombie-ing out on YouTube. I am not one of those old school I knew about YouTube before it was cool kind of people. Before 2005 I had never owned a computer, I only had the ones at my Dad's school to use. I figured out that more than just kitties and Soulja Boy to YouTube at the beginning of my senior year of high school in 2007. (Yeah, I'm old. Sorry to shock you but I'm not actually of "young adult" reading age.)

My senior year, while nice, was kind of my point of most lonely. When I moved here (Saint Louis, MO) from Columbia, IL my sophomore year I didn't expect that moving just a short 15 minute drive away would completely separate me from the few mediocre friends I had in Columbia. Lucky for me I made some AWESOME friends pretty much right away. And things were great except they were seniors and I was not, meaning in a year I would be all alone at my high school.

Junior year I hung in there at school because I still saw my friends almost every weekend. I had school friends, they just never seemed to be as awesome as my older friends. When senior year hit though, things sort of started to get distant. Friends got boyfriends while I remained single. So on those weekend nights when I was home alone I discovered YouTube. I made an account (Thus being why my youtube account does not match my blog name.) but never posted videos instead preferring to let the likes of Valentina (Val's Art Diary), Michael Buckley (What The Buck) and London Anderson (london09) entertain me.

And then February 14th hit and I all of a sudden felt connected to something. I have Julia Nunes to thank for that. I would sound cheesy if I said Julia Nunes saved my life, but in some ways she really did. Because that day I felt more down in the dumps than I have ever felt and just seeing this video made me smile. It made me feel not so alone. So you want to know my favorite Julia Nunes cover ever, just click it.

TECHNICALLY Julia didn't mention John Green and the vlogbrothers until a few months later on April 25th (A few days after my birthday, what a nice belated present it was.) but just watching her videos I think my heart already knew I was a nerdfighter my brain just needed some time to catch up.

Within 3 days of discovering the vlogbrothers I had watched all of their videos. I didn't just like them I LOVED THEM. (Obscure Stick It reference and if you get it you are made of so much win.) And I went out and bought both of John's books and I not so patiently awaited the day Paper Towns came out. I even almost flew to Boston to see both Julia & the vlogbrothers during the Tour de Nerdfighting (a decision I will forever regret not making). But instead I saw John & Hank (and the Katherine) when they visited us here in the Lou. That was the epic day that I gave all of the Green family (including Sarah, Katherine, Sydney & Mike) t-shirts I had made for them (Yes, I did make the "My Wife Is A Yeti" shirt for John, it is my claim to nerdfighter fame).

And in some bout of craziness on December 5th 2008 I decided to make a blog. This very blog. This blog has opened up doors for me I never thought it could. I have made so many friends via this blog and twitter and youtube that I can't even express my gratitude for. My online friends have been there for me when my IRL friends were sucky (They really aren't so bad. They have matured, so have I and we have all sort of had to get used to this growing apart thing.) I talk to people whom I have never met, but love with all my heart, almost every day. I talk to my favorite authors almost every day. I flew to New York City and hosted an even where more than 30 authors and over 100 fans. At that event I met online friends who I never thought I would have the opportunity to meet. I have dreams that may never come true, but they are big dreams and I'm not going to stop dreaming them. I have felt more comfortable in my own skin than ever before.

I just want to thank you. All of you. Whether you are a nerdfighter, a blog follower, Julia Nunes, a vlogbrother, my twitter buddy, a tumblr addict, or one of those skype friends who get me through my rough periods. You have made my life so much more than I ever thought it could be. (Yeah, I'm crying right now. Silly emotions.)

And during this year's Project For Awesome I just really realized how big and awesome this community I am a part of really is. People who stayed up and committed time to make charity the forefront of youtube, I give you a piece of my heart. You make me proud to say I am a NERDFIGHTER.

Now enough with the emotional, here are my favorite videos from Project For Awesome this year...

Ok, thanks for listening to me ramble. Love you guys, and if you're sick of dancing alone I'll come dance with you.

#P4A: Project For Awesome - Compassion International

2009-12-18T12:16:00.004-06:00

To learn more about Compassion International visit their website.

To sponsor a child, just like Happyness, click this link.

To donate to other Compassion International projects click this link.

To view more Project For Awesome videos or find out more information about today's awesomeness visit their website.

Music used with permission from Alan Lastufka. For a free download of Winters Song click this link.

PLEASE DO NOT COMMENT HERE ON THE BLOG. If you want to help please leave me a comment on the actual YouTube video. Thanks!

In My Mailbox - December 12th - I'm Having Recording Issues

2009-12-12T18:58:00.001-06:00

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Books/CDs Mentioned:

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Glass by Ellen Hopkins

Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling

Dream Life by Lauren Mechling

Glee: The Music Volume 1

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

Bass Ackwards and Belly Up by Elizabeth Craft

113 Things To Do By 13 by Brittany MacLeod

So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld

You, Maybe by Rachel Vail

Girl by Blake Nelson

Three Junes by Julia Glass

The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

Pants On Fire by Meg Cabot

Boys, Bears, & A Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald

The Upper Class: A Novel by Hobson Brown, Taylor Materne & Caroline Says

Miss Educated: An Upper Class Novel by Hobson Brown, Taylor Materne & Caroline Says

Spells by Aprilynne Pike

Hourglass by Claudia Grey

This Is What Happens When I Record Videos In Front Of Friends

2009-11-24T23:35:00.002-06:00

I visited my friend Sarb's house over the weekend and I did a little filming. What started out as me being creepy turned into some hilarious "MTV Cribs" parody. Not to mention Rachel's intro should be on America's Funniest Videos.

In My Mailbox - November 22 - Spontaneous Arm Pain May Occur

2009-11-24T00:00:00.003-06:00

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Books/Magazines Mentioned:

Walking In The Dark a poetry memoir by Billy Merrell

Awakening: The first book of the Chasing Yesterday series by Robin Wasserman

Trailers by Kate Le Vann

Tales of Beetle & The Bard by J.K. Rowling

Something To Blog About by Shana Norris

Teen Vogue

Family Fun

Seventeen

Sharing Sam by Katherine Applegate

Oh, and in case you want to get yourself some pole tape you can purchase it here.

Also, my arm is feeling better. I knew you were concerned. I believe it was caused by the Voo Doo doll Ms. Chelsea has of me. But since she only has one pin she has moved on to Ms. Rebecca.

In My Mailbox From Forever Ago

2009-11-21T11:53:00.003-06:00

I posted the video on youtube, I just forgot to post it on the blog. Sorry, all! Here it is now to make up for it. I didn't get much in the mail this week so I will see if I have enough to record later today.

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Books Mentioned:

Need by Carrie Jones

Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti

The Queen of Everything by Deb Caletti

The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti

Wake by Lisa McMann

Fade by Lisa McMann

The Vladamir Tod Series by Heather Brewer

How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier

Liar by Jusine Larbalestier

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

The Demon Queen Richard Lewis

Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

New Moon Edition of People Magazine

People Mentioned:

Steph Su from Steph Su Reads

Devyn Burton from Faerie Drink Review

Chelsea from Five Awesome YA Fans

Emilee from PenUltimate Page

Lauren from The Here. The Now. And The Books.

Brenna Golden

Anastasia Hopcus author of the upcoming Shadow Hills

Jez from Typeset World

Birdy Pups Handmade

Sarah from Sarah's Random Musings

Reviewer X

Places Mentioned:

Book People

Austin Teen Book Festival

I Might Be A Pyro

2009-11-07T18:13:00.001-06:00

Sorry the video cuts off at the peak point of flamage. I didn't realize it wasn't recording until it was sort of burned out. Whatever, it made me feel better about those stupid things!

In My Mailbox from last week should be up tomorrow. I didn't get anything this week so it worked out nicely that Movie Maker decided to hate me last week.

This Is A Love Letter

2009-11-04T00:12:00.003-06:00

Way back in July I was dared to do at least 5 of 8 tasks by my friend/twin Jordyn of Ten Cent Notes. Since most of the tasks involved reading LONG books/series books and I put them off until 2 days before the deadline I am forced to do THE MOST PAINFUL AND EMBARRASSING OF ALL THE TASKS. Write a love letter. To a youtube celebrity crush. And post it here. When I got the dare I sort of ticked this task off as one I wouldn't be doing AT ALL. But do you honestly think I can read all the Lemony Snicket books in one day? I think not. So here it goes. Let the pain of pouring my heart out commence.

Dear Alan,
On this autumn day I thought I would share how my heart has fallen for you. Yes, Alan Lastufka, I am writing this love letter to you. I was asked to write a love letter to a youtube celebrity crush and this is why you are seeing this now. While other girls fawn over your FiveAwesomeGuys counterparts it's you who holds my heart. You, Mr. Distro, are the total package. Writer, musician, nerdfighter, filmmaker, and all around awesome guy. You never FTBA. We have only tweeted back and forth a few times and chatted on blog TV but I find myself wondering if you are perhaps THE MAN who runs the internet. There is hardly ever an internet project I appreciate that you are not in some shape or form involved with. We are both Illinois born & bred which is probably why your down to earth personality appeals to me. Not to mention we both basically live online. Most of all I appreciate all you do for the nerdfighter/youtube community. I don't know how much this is an "I love you" letter as more of a thank you. When there is an online problem you are always there to assist. I can not say enough good things about you. Thanks for being who you are. Here's hoping many A-Lastufz fangirls (see what I did there? It's the Alan version of R-Pattz) profess their love via blog post soon. If only for the opportunity to fight them for you!

Lovely,
Korianne

P.S. This is all in good fun. Please don't think I am ACTUALLY this creepy.

Before & After: Apparently They Both Require Tears

2009-10-27T23:53:00.003-05:00

Last week I filled in for Chelsea on Five Awesome YA Fans and here is the video...

Turns out I did get to go to Austin! *dances around* This was the after video I recorded in the airport. IMM will have to wait until this weekend because I am BUSY. Sorry guys.

In My Mailbox - October 6th & 17th - It's A Double Feature!

2009-10-17T02:34:00.001-05:00

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

So because I am disorganized I sort of put some books that I got on the shelf and some not so I just started my IMM pile over again but I went through the books on the shelf and just decided to list the ones I got recently. Sorry, my trip sort of threw me off. Also, sorry this didn't get posted until a week after I recorded it.

Books from before:

Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani

The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore

A Little Help From My Friends by Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt

The Sky Always Hears Me & The Hills Don't Mind by Kirsten Cronn-Mills

The Vinyl Princess by Yvonne Prinz

Duplikate by Cherry Cheva

Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins

The Real Real by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

The Tear Collector by Patrick Jones

Absolutely, Maybe by Lisa Yee

Hold Still by Nina LaCour

Girl to the Core by Stacey Goldblatt

Does This Book Mak Me Look Fat? edited by Marissa Walsh

The ABC's of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro

After by Amy Efaw

Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Emily the Strange: The Lost Days by Rob Reger

Give Up The Ghost by Megan Crewe

The Realm of Possiblity by David Levithan

Nothing But Ghosts by Beth Kephart

Marked by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

The Beef Princess of Practical County by Michelle Houts

Pop by Gordon Korman

The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart

If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber

Go Ahead, Ask Me by Nico Medina & Billy Merrell

The Expressologist by Kristina Springer

Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman

The Eternal Kiss edited by Trisha Telep

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Lips Touch by Laini Taylor illustrations by Jim Bartolo

Tangled by Carolyn Mackler

Breathless by Jessica Warman

Cathy's Ring by Sean Stewart & Jordan Weisman

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer

The Amanda Project: Invisible I by Stella Lennon

Fairest Of Them All by Jan Blazanin

The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley

Snap by Carol Snow

Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen

Top 8 by Katie Finn

Waiting For You by Susane Colasanti

Paper Towns by John Green (The Happy Margo cover & the Pushpin paperback)

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

Being by Kevin Brooks

True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet by Lola Douglas

How I Found The Perfect Dress by Maryrose Wood (autographed)

Prom Queen Geeks by Laura Preble

Fringe Benefits by Valerie Frankel

Poseur by Rachel Maude

Secrets of My Hollywood Life by Jen Calonita

Gossip Girl: The Carlyles by Cecily Von Ziegesar

Tempted: An It Girl Novel by Cecily Von Ziegesar

Unforgettable: An It Girl Novel by Cecily Von Ziegesar

Lucky: An It Girl Novel by Cecily Von Ziegesar

Confessions of a Teen Nanny: Juicy Secrets by Victoria Ashton

The Celebutantes on the Avenue by Antonio Pagliarulo

The Celebutantes in the Club by Antonio Pagliarulo

Talent by Zoey Dean

Naomi & Ely's No Kiss List by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

It's Not Easy Being Mean: A Clique Novel by Lisi Harrison

Dial L for Loser: A Clique Novel by Lisi Harrison

Sealed With A Diss: A Clique Novel by Lisi Harrison

Bratfest at Tiffany's: A Clique Novel by Lisi Harrison

Invitation Only: A Private Novel by Kate Brian

Inner Circle: A Private Novel by Kate Brian

Ambition: A Private Novel by Kate Brian

Books Mentioned in this video:

The Boy Book by E. Lockhart

Cathys Book by Sean Stewart

The Best Creative Nonfiction by Lee Gutkind

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Andromeda Klein by Frank Portman

Sorry I am a mess! I was feeling sick this morning and it's kinda been a lazy day. I am feeling much better as you can tell. This may be in part from the cape. Also, if I do go to Austin IMM will be on break next week.

My trip to Austin would be for the Austin Teen Book Carnival.

Also, if you REALLY want me to go to Austin you should go here and donate.

Books Mentioned:

Some Like It Hot: An A-List Novel by Zoey Dean

The Dating Game by Natalie Standiford

Here Today by Ann M. Martin

People mentioned:

Anastasia Hopcus aka Capt. Book

Emilee aka Lil Bookie

The bookshelf lady - Courtney Summers.

The other bookshelves:

Robyn Schneider

Maureen Johnson

Jenny Han

Siobhan Vivian

Sarah Ockler

John Green

Libba Bray

Julia Nunes

Begging Isn't My Forté

2009-10-14T22:15:00.007-05:00

Hi guys so I am about to do something I would under no circumstances usually do. I am going to BEG.

You see I have been wanting to go to Austin, TX really badly for the Austin Teen Book Festival. It promises to be an awesome festival of all things in YA books. Not only will there be awesome authors like Libba Bray, Heather Brewer, Deb Caletti, Carrie Jones, Justine Larbalestier, Lisa McMann and more but also my FRIENDS will be there. Devyn & Chelsea from Five Awesome YA Fans will be there as will Emilee from Penultimate Page. Not to mention a few other book lovers who don't have blogs that I would love to see. Though I talk to Chelsea daily we have never met in person. I think this needs to be fixed. Don't you? And though Emilee and I are new online friends I would love the chance to give her a huge hug! Doesn't that just sound like the most awesome thing ever? Giving irl hugs to online friends? I think so. They have been talking about it for months and I was getting excited with just the prospect of going. Look at this flyer and how can you not get excited:

These past couple of weeks have been rough at my house, and I am lacking in the money department. Mom just got a $7000 bill today that she can't afford to pay. So needless to say paying me back for the money she borrowed is the least of her worries. I don't want to worry my mother anymore than necessary. She's got her hands full with bills, being stressed out at work and problems with my sister.

So I got to thinking of how I could make money. I do not like asking for money. It just leaves me feeling dirty, but I am desperate. Devyn keeps suggesting I go to the corner and work it. (I'm not joking. I do believe he valued my virginity at $650 last night. Yeah, these are the kinds of convos I conduct with Devyn Burton. Be jealous.) But since I am not an actual whore and that sort of messes with my values, I am coming to you.

I have over 200 followers hear on the blog and over 500 on twitter and I though perhaps some of those followers might love me enough to give me a dollar. I need $250 for my plane ticket to Austin (which is subject to rise because it went up $75 in one day) . The festival is free except the cost of books. I think Mom won't mind contributing a few bucks for food & a few books but I am sort of scrambling for the cash for airfare. I have about $120 to my name at the moment. I am not a lazy person, believe me but having a job with school added in to the fact that I do not have my drivers license hasn't been working out. I had about $3000 dollars saved up from my last job but Mom had to borrow that recently leaving me with zilch. I have done a lot just to save up the $120 ranging from babysitting, selling clothes at a resale shop (they would only give me half cash half store credit), selling some books and selling my gift cards to friends, etc. However it's getting close to the festival and I need the money less than a week from today. With school and everything clogging up my schedule I am not sure I have enough time to save up the last bit.

So you want to see me go to Austin right? You want to see all the awesome pictures, videos and signed books from the event right? Yeah, I thought so. So do you want to donate to my cause? the Send Korianne to the Austin Teen Book Festival Fund has been set up. You can donate by doing one of two things...

1) Click this button:

{Donations are going to be accepted until next Wednesday, October 22nd.}

2) Sending an email to koriannespeaks@gmail.com saying you want to donate by sending me a check or cash. {Note: these would need to be sent out within the next few days for me to get them in time}

Oh, and you didn't think I was gonna let you go off empty handed did you? Anyone who donates a dollar or more will receive a handmade bookmark made by me! And that's not the end of it. The person who donates the most money to my "cause" will receive an autographed book from an author of their choice at the festival. I might even give out other prizes if I can get some books together from my collection.

I feel wrong doing this, but you guys are sort of my last hope. Thanks for reading this post even if you feel like I am a sell out now. I appreciate it. If this is what a broke college student has to do to get somewhere I am gonna have to be ok with it.

I Shouldn't Be Writing This

2009-10-05T22:31:00.005-05:00

Ok, I really shouldn't be writing this guys. I am going to regret this in the morning, but not for topic's sake. For sleep's sake. I have absolutely no time. I have an essay due tomorrow that has barely been started and it is currently *checks clock* 10:33 pm. The class is at 9:30 am. Yes, it will be an all nighter and I will feel like death tomorrow but this is necessary. Sometimes when I feel the need to write about something I just can't stop myself. In fact, as I was writing my essay I was leaking bits and pieces of this and I just need to get it out so the essay can be completed.

Earlier tonight Ms. Maureen Johnson* linked to this Washington Times article by Julia Duin on Twitter. Some of my friends were talking about it so I figured I would check it out. Because Lord knows I was looking for an excuse not to be working on my essay. I should have known from the title "Children's books lack moral lessons" I wasn't going to like this, but I always give everything a fair chance.

I started reading and it seemed like no big deal. Basically this woman was just venting about how she didn't feel she got her money's worth at a writer's conference and how she wouldn't make that mistake again when she got an ad in the mail. Ok, whatever.** I was not at this conference. I do not know how things were handled. Perhaps it did really suck. And regardless if it was a fabulous conference or not everyone is entitled to their own opinion. As Ms. Michelle Zink*** would say, "You can't let just one bad apple ruin the bunch." So I had plans to just read this article. Give a little, "Well, that sucks for her," nod and go back to my essay****.

But you see, then she starts dissing the entire YA industry and I get a little defensive. As I read on I find myself thinking "Damn, with that title I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN!" I am not going to totally rip this person apart, because I think she honesty just doesn't get it. Lack of understanding something often results in ignorance. I don't claim to know everything, but I have firsthand experience as a YA reader, and I can't help but voice my opinion. I will try to do so in a respectful manor, because if someone felt what I said was wrong I would want them to do the same for me.

Ok, so the first quote I want to talk about is this one where Duin is talking about how she would like to see more non-fiction in YA*****. I see nothing wrong with this, but this statement just irks me,

"Everything is fiction, of the "problem books" variety where the hapless teen struggles with the lack of boyfriends or girlfriends, acne, nasty teachers, bad parents, awful friends, sex abuse and drugs. "

So wait... you are saying that books that relate to ACTUAL teen experiences are a "problem"? Hmm... I just can't wrap my head around this one. Isn't that sort of why teens read? To see that they are not alone? Just because she finds these problems petty doesn't make that true to a teen. And then she throws in this doosie,

"A lot are about the supernatural, particularly vampires. "

Which apparently deserved it's own paragraph. Honey, just because Twilight wasn't your cup of tea doesn't make all vampire literature bad. Yeah, I am overwhelmed by the fang-filled YA popping up everywhere too but that doesn't make it all horrendous. I believe that is a little thing we like to call a stereotype. If you can look past that HUGE table of Twilight merch at your Borders Ink you might be surprised to find there are books that can inspire dreamers all around the world. Let me tug on your heart strings a bit Julia. I can tell you truly care about children, and even though I don't believe in your methods I just want to say one thing. Perhaps NONE of those books will impress you, but in the hands of a teen, who is our future, one of these books might spark something that will change their life. Duin goes on to say this,

"Few are retold classics or heroic tales like "Lord of the Rings" or homespun adventures like "Little House on the Prairie." Very few speak in moral terms..."

I am not going to argue over morals here, because we all have them and they are all different. We have grown up in different times, with different parents, and in different cultures. I don't see the need to force my morals on others. Contrary to popular belief, I have them. It is important to me to not dress in an modest manner, be polite, respect my elders, and overall respect myself. I don't go out and do drugs every weekend. I am not a sex addict, actually far from it as I am a virgin. But do I judge people who choose to act differently than me? No. Do I feel that teens should be sheltered from this sort of behavior? THAT IS A VERY STRONG NO. You can only protect a teen so much, but ultimately the decisions are up to them. Parenting is important, I do agree with this. And it's a tough job. Sometimes what you do will work, and sometimes it just won't. You have to know this. My mother has raised both me and my sister, but we are not the same person. Like I said, sometimes things work sometimes they won't. But pretending these things don't exist isn't going to help. What happens when your child steps into the real world? Do you think they aren't going to notice that you basically lied to them? Ok, enough from me on this point. I am just getting angry now and that's not my overall goal. Let's move on to the next quote,

"I can't say anyone at the society's conference I attended advised us how to create books that will last beyond our lifetimes."

Wait a minute... you are telling me that the point of ALL books is to go on and be picked apart in Literature classrooms across the world. Often times, by "children"******who will only end up disliking the book if not all books? You are talking to a future English/Literature teacher here, so I am not at ALL saying books shouldn't be analyzed in schools. Or that classics should not be enjoyed for that matter. But should those be the only books these "children" read? I think not.

I think books are like music. Sometimes a songs lyrics can make you think, a beat can make you smile, or even just make you break out in a little dance. However is it terribly important that they have the most high tech music behind them or that they be flawlessly composed? Not always. Sometimes just a guy with a guitar on a street can just make you feel better. Books are about how they make you feel. Those feelings can even at times change your life. I know I have been changed by a book before, in fact many. I said it on twitter and I will say it again, "Personally I don't care if a book lasts 600 years in the future if it saves just one life today." As Jordyn pointed out saving a life is a pretty big undertaking. So do all books have to do that? No. Can they just make your day brighter? Yes. Does it have to be eloquently written? No. Sometimes it's complete crap, but if it puts a smile on your face then it was worth your time reading and the time of the person who wrote it. My twitter is evidence of this. Most of what I say there is crap, but I do get people who tell me I made them smile. To me that is a mission accomplished. But you see I just don't think that Julia understands that this is necessary. Especially when she says this,

"The emphasis was more on creating characters that connect with readers..."

This just boggles my mind. BOGGLES. As, I said on twitter, "Well, isn't that kinda the point?" So you don't want these readers to CONNECT? Please explain to me then, Julia, what you do want them to do with literature? Regurgitate info? Reference books that make you sound smart on college apps? Please, I need an explanation.

Alright, well I know I have rambled on quite a bit here and maybe all of this wasn't necessary. But it seems very important to me. I will end with this. Duin's last statement was,

"The discerning parent and teenager will have to seek meatier stuff from previous centuries, when heroism and ideals still carried the day."

And that is when I throw all politeness out the window and say... WHAT KINDA CRAP ARE YOU READING, LADY? I read so many books with bad ass characters who stand by there morals. It's current too, perhaps you haven't entered a bookstore in ages. If you want references of these books and their characters feel free to email me. My email is in the sidebar. And believe me this long list of bad ass babes and boy heroes doesn't just come from me. I know YA readers and bloggers who will stand by them.

So perhaps Julia Duin is just oblivious to this new YA world. Understandable. But Julia, the next time you go and dis YA perhaps you should do your research. That is all. So an hour and a half later, on to the dreaded essay.

* Yes, I am going through a faze of calling everyone Ms. & Mr. Deal with it.
** Jordyn will giggle at how much of a valley girl I sound like here. At least I didn't say whatevs.
*** There I go with the Ms. again.
**** More like drag myself back to my essay.
***** Which by the way she refers to only as Children's. A personal pet peeve of mine.
****** Her word, not mine.

Dare Progress & The Worst Video Ever

2009-10-03T00:03:00.004-05:00

I have progress on my Dare from Ms. Jordyn at Ten Cent Notes. Yes, I do realize that this is the only thing I have progress in here on the blog but as Mr. Devyn Burton would say... "YOU DON'T KNOW MY LIFE!" In all seriousness some pretty crazy things have been going on in my life and add that to school and you get STRESS CITY. Which is why the blog has been lacking. I am not going to keep making promises of, "I will get this blog back in shape soon," because those always seem to do me in. I will just say that when I get time I will blog. If I don't have time I am sorry, their won't be blogs.

Anywho... Here is what I have accomplished on my Dare to do list. If you don't remember the rules go here.

Basically I only HAVE TO finish 5, but if I really want to punish Jordyn I will do them all. The ones in red are the ones I have completed so far.

1. Watch the first season of Pushing Daisies, because it is brilliant and you should and there are only nine episodes anyway. This is on Hulu.com. (I want to watch Season 2 if anyone wants to lone this to me)

2. Watch the first six episodes of Friday Night Lights, (I actually watched all of seasons 1 & 2 and I'm working on 3. Call me an overachiever) because it is also brilliant and I love it. This one isn’t online but if you can’t find the DVDs I can send you my first season for borrow.

3. Read all thirteen books in the Series of Unfortunate Events, by Lemony Snicket, if you haven’t already. Or even if you have already. Because they are win. (I bought one and a game about the books, does that count for anything?)

4. Read LA Candy (bought) and Miles to Go (Miley Cyrus’ “autobiography”) and write reviews for both of them. (I did a vlog review of Miles to Go and I have decided that counts)

5. Make a vlog and act like a stereotypical Valley Girl the whole time. This video must be over three minutes long and you must post it to your blog. (Someone please remind me to do this for my IMM next week. Tell me on twitter on Sunday or something.)

6. Write a love letter to your favorite YouTube boy (NOT Tyler Oakley. Must be a straight boy.) and post it on your blog. *laughs wickedly*

7. Read The Princess Bride, because really you should. Also, review it.

8. Record a video of you singing a Taylor Swift song – any of them – and upload it to YouTube and post it on your blog. (I curse you Jordyn!)

The evidence of #8 is as follows. Beware it could scar you for life.

It scares me very much. Anyone captions my screen shots (CHELSEA) and they die. Sorry that the audio doesn't always match up. I have never done this hardcore of editing on Movie Maker. Let's just say I hope this baby gets taken down.

I Filled In For Chelsea On Five Awesome YA Fans Today

2009-10-01T00:22:00.003-05:00

Hi guys! I figured when I filled in today for Chelsea on Five Awesome YA Fans I would kill two birds with one stone and review Miles To Go by Miley Cyrus. (That and Five Awesome YA Fans keep reviewing the books I am reading!) So this satisfies part of my Jordyn dare! Yay! I am still working on it don't worry, I don't go down without a fight!

Also, I wiki'd (Yes, it's a verb now) the grapes thing and they will not kill me. Cassandra was right. See... troofs.

Another thing... GROOVY... You see Dia Reeves, author of Bleeding Violet, and I sort of REALLY want the word groovy to come back. So I got to thinking that I would make it a challenge for you guys. A mission if you will. So I challenged twitter by saying this...

"I have a MISSION for you all. @diareeves & I want to #BringGroovyBack. Best use of #Groovy wins a book from my pile. Ends Saturday at 7pm."

So if anyone wants to join in just please send @replies of #Groovy to @koriannespeaks and they will be judged for a chance at a book from my book pile! We have already gotten some groove-a-licious submissions such as this video send in to us by YA author Courtney Summers:

Yeah, it's Groovy.

In My Mailbox - Sept. 14th - Super Speedy

2009-09-25T18:26:00.003-05:00

Sorry it took me forever to upload this, I was gone for a while.

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Books Mentioned:

I Am Scout: The Biography of Harper Lee by Charles Shields

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatick

Testing Kate by Whitney Gaskell

(Re) Cycler by Lauren McLaughlin

The Pretty Committee Strikes Back: A Clique Novel by Lisi Harrison

Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Just As Long As We're Together by Judy Blume (or Gloom, however you wish to say it!)

Would I Lie To You? A Gossip Girl Novel by Cecily von Ziegesar

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

Devilish by Maureen Johnson

I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous & Obscure Edited by Smith Magazine

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

The Hollow by Jessica Verday

Other things mentioned:

The Hollow Postcard

Get Smart: Season 1

Friday Night Lights: Season 2

Teen Vogue Magazine

People Mentioned:

I won (Re) Cycler from Erica at The Book Cellar.

I won Once A Witch & the Give Up The Ghost swag from the Spill Your Secrets Giveaway at Megan Crewe's website. Can you guess my secret?

Jordyn from Ten Cent Notes sent me the lovely DVDs to borrow.

Emma from Don't Lose My Place is the reason I am broke. She practically forced me to buy books. (I have jokes.)

Devyn Burton from Five Awesome YA Fans & Faerie Drink Review is the proud owner of the Teen Vogue magazine (or as soon as I send it he will be) not to mention a new header made by me!

In My Mailbox - August 26th - Back To School

2009-08-28T18:32:00.004-05:00

Sorry this took me FOREVER to upload. I planned on uploading it on Wednesday but homework swamped me. I also won't be able to upload this weekend because of homework & I will be attending a family friend's Bat Mitzvah.

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Books Mentioned:

Knitting Under The Influence by Claire LaZebnik

The Book of Luke by Jenny O'Connell

The Series of Unfortunate Events Book 11: The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket

That Summer by Sarah Dessen

Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen

Knocked Out By My Nunga-Nungas: Further, Further Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison

Lessons in Heartbreak by Cathy Kelly

Bling by Erica Kennedy

The Kodak Master Photoguide by Kodak

The Photographer's Handbook by Time

The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

The Baby-sitters Club by Ann M. Martin

Other Things:

Friday Night Lights: Season 1

Pocahontas Lunch Bag

Stampin' Up Stamp Sets

Vintage Cameras

People Mentioned:

Jordyn from Ten Cent Notes.

Vania from Reverie Book Reviews & Vania's Life Captures.

While uploading this video Korianne was listening to the Toy Story Soundtrack.

Korianne Fun Fact: Korianne got her first camera at age 4. It was a real working film camera that was a gift from her mother.

To Be Read Tuesday - North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

2009-08-18T23:06:00.003-05:00

Synopsis (From B&N website):

As he continued to stare, I wanted to point to my cheek and remind him, But you were the one who wanted this, remember? You're the one who asked-and I repeat-Why not fix your face?

It's hard not to notice Terra Cooper.

She's tall, blond, and has an enviable body. But with one turn of her cheek, all people notice is her unmistakably "flawed" face. Terra secretly plans to leave her stifling small town in the Northwest and escape to an East Coast college, but gets pushed off-course by her controlling father. When an unexpected collision puts Terra directly in Jacob's path, the handsome but quirky Goth boy immediately challenges her assumptions about herself and her life, and she is forced in yet another direction. With her carefully laid plans disrupted, will Terra be able to find her true path?

Why I want to read it:
I just bought this book at Borders, but I have wanted to read it for ages! I am trying myself right now to figure out where my path should lead me. Should I stay in St. Louis & finish college here just because it's comfortable. Should I go to Illinois State which has always been the plan, but not really my dream. Or should I suck it up, spend every last dime I have to move to New York City for my last 2 years of college and possibly forever if the publishing industry wants me. There's a lot of big decisions that need to be made in this next year. Terra seems to have similar decision making issues. Deep down I know what's right for me, but the factors that surround that decision might keep me from making it. Maybe Terra will make the right decision and I will see that, yes, it is ok to make the big jump.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to Charlotte Sometimes.

Korianne Fun Fact: Justine/Justina was one of the names her Mom considered when naming her.

Just Another Manic Monday - Let's Change It Up A Bit

2009-08-17T23:45:00.007-05:00

Hello everyone! It's back to school time for most of us, (I go back in exactly a week *sticks out tongue at school*) and you know what that means: LOTS OF CHANGE! No more summer lounging, back to the daily grind, and for some of us it means a completely different school. It's the start of a new school year, and I am not very excited about going back (See the *sticks out tongue* note above). So I thought since we aren't experiencing enough change ALREADY I would make a little change to Manic Monday. I made the Create-A-Character change last month and everyone seems to be enjoying it. So now it's time for "That's A Bookshelf?" to get a little makeover too. I am having a hard time finding unique and creative bookshelves every week, so I thought I would broaden the search. I am now going to share anything that could make your book reading experience better. Bookends, bookmarks, bookshelves, booklights, bookcovers, etc. Basically anything I see that's cool and book related. I am calling it "Book Buddies" for now, but if anyone has a better title for the feature please let me know and I will reward you with some bookmarks and a book from my collection. Alright, enough blabbering. Onward to the features!

Etsy Item of the Week:

I recently found out that one of my lovely vlog commenters, Peeech, has an etsy shop called Birdypups. I did a little snooping (probably more like creeping because as Libba Bray would say "I excel at the creepy.") and found this adorable little creature. My friend & fellow blogger (Oh, and I also almost forgot, she's my clone sister too.) Khy of Frenetic Reader, loves bunnies. I even made her twitter icon for her with bunnies (click on her name to visit her twitter). So now every time I see bunnies I thing of her! I think Khy needs this bun bun popping around her house soon. Khy when's your birthday again?

Book Buddies:

I recently received a new bookshelf from CSN Office Furniture (the review will be up later this week) and for the first time ever I needed more than my one tiny bookend. I actually had SPACE on my bookshelves! I implemented my collection of vintage cameras for some help holding the books up, but some of the cameras are kind of light and the books are pushing the weight limits. So I am in search of some cute, affordable bookends. I went to look on etsy and I found these lovely bookends. They come from a shop called Bombus and apparently the artist has the same obsession with vintage stamps as I do since she has adorned lots of her handmade items with them.

Create-A-Character:

Here's the details on this feature so as not to cause any confusion:

Create-A-Character (formerly know as Name Your Future Child ______.) is just a place for me to share names I like. I by no means consider myself an author, but I do like to write and I often have character names floating around in my head. Each week I will share the name an a little bit about each character. These characters may or may not be used in future stories of mine and also could be inspired by other book characters. I would like to hear your opinions on the character and if you like or dislike their name, so please feel free to comment.

Tomorrow is Charlee Thomasin's first day of high school. For any student that would be hard enough, but Charlee's got a few more hurdles to jump over than the average student. Not only does Charlee start at a new school but she is in a new house, new town, and a completely new country! Charlee grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, but when her Auntie Loreen heard her sing at Christmas she insisted that Charlee enroll in The Manchester High School For Girls, in Manchester, England where she lives. Before she could protest Loreen had already convinced Charlee's parents that M.H.S.G. was the best school to further improve Charlee's vocal skills. 7 short months later Charlee was on a plane to England with as may belongings as she could fit her tiny leather suitcase and carry-on. Most would look at this as an adventure, Charlee only saw the horror of leaving all she ever knew behind. That's before she met Aanders. Maybe there is more to learn in Manchester than just singing, perhaps there are some love lessons in store for Charlee Thomasin.

In My Mailbox - August 16th - S+B Made Me Buy So Many Books

2009-08-16T23:27:00.001-05:00

I went book shopping with my friend Sydney & Brooke. Let's all pretend that they forced me to buy so many books. Or was it really S+B from Gossip Girl? We may never know!

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie .

Books Mentioned:

Tessa In Love by Kate Le Vann

The Alphabetical Hookup List R-Z by Phoebe McPhee

Perfect World by Brian James

The Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger

Overnight Sensation by Trish Cook (which is the sequel to So Lyrical)

How I Found The Perfect Dress by Maryrose Wood (the sequel to Why I Let My Hair Grow Out)

Chicks Ahoy by Lynda Sandoval

Confessions of a Teen Nanny: Rich Girls by Victoria Ashton

Zig Zag by Ellen Wittlinger

You Know You Love Me: A Gossip Girl Novel by Cecily Von Ziegesar

All I Want Is Everything: A Gossip Girl Novel by Cecily Von Ziegesar

The It Girl by Cecily Von Ziegesar

Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

Miles To Go by Miley Cyrus

A Mango Shaped Space by Wendy Mass

Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

People Mentioned:

Devyn Burton of Five Awesome YA Fans & Faerie Drink Review.

Jordyn of Ten Cent Notes.

Sydney & Brooke of Blue Lilly.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to some Wrock and thinking she should order more.

Korianne Fun Fact: She has owl stamps in her possession at the moment. They are awesome.

I Need A Vacation!

2009-08-13T23:10:00.005-05:00

So I took a short one to Noonie & Kap's house in Bloomington, IL! It was unplanned but fit in nicely because Dad was already down from when we went to The Lake of the Ozarks. He was able to drive me up when he came back and Noonie & Kap will drive me back Saturday evening. I have been lounging around but I feel guilty leaving my grandparents to go blog so here's what I have to entertain you with today...

A tour of Noonie & Kap's house:

Today I went to the mall with Noonie and she spent a fortune on clothes for me even though I insisted that she shouldn't. So look forward to new clothes pics in the next few days maybe?

I am going thrifting, to Borders and for coffee with Brooke & Sydney (of Blue Lilly) tomorrow so hopefully I will have more footage/photos there, too! I am really excited because I have only seen them once (around Christmas this year) and meeting up with online friends is so much fun!

While writing this post Korianne was trying to be super quiet (Noonie & Kap are in the room next door) so no music was playing.

Korianne Fun Fact: Her hair smells like Cabbage Patch dolls right now. No jokes.

I Am Published...

2009-08-10T01:39:00.005-05:00

... as a photographer! Yes, you read that right. I AM FREAKING PUBLISHED! Not to mention I MADE THE COVER! Sure it's a small non for profit online magazine, but still awesome. Here are the link for you. This is what the cover looks like...

Usually you submit your pictures but the art director and editor Angie contacted me personally about my photos. I felt so honored. I would have never thought anyone would want to publish my photos.

Also unbeknown to me my good friend Lauren Tilmore, who runs Improbable Fiction, is also part of this issue. Here are her pictures.

In My Mailbox - August 9th - I edited the F bomb

2009-08-09T22:15:00.002-05:00

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely
Kristi from The Story Siren
and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Books Mentioned:

F My Life by Maxime Valette, Guillaume Passaglia and Didier Guedj

The Alphabetical Hookup List by Pheobe McPhee

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

If We Kiss by Rachel Vail

Safe Dieting for Teens by Linda Ojeda

The Au Pairs: Crazy Hot by Melissa de la Cruz

Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson

The Next Thing On My List by Jill Smolinski

Fly Me To The Moon by Alyson Noël

Gravel Queen by Tea Benduhn

Ballads f Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert

Confessions of a Boyfriend Stealer by Robynn Clairday

Boyology by Sarah O'Leary Burningham Illustrations by Keri Smith

Undiscovered Gyrl by Allison Burnett

Silver is for Secrets by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Teen Vogue

Alloy

People Mentioned:

Devyn Burton of Five Awesome YA Fans & Faerie Drink Review

Amber of Just Your Typical Book Blog

Vania of Reverie Book Reviews & Vania's Life Captures

While writing this post Korianne was listening to herself on video talk like a loon.

Korianne Fun Fact: She is now officially a published photographer. (More info to follow in the next post.)

The Adventures of Kori & Devyn

2009-08-07T19:45:00.002-05:00

I often have a nightly chat with Mr. Devyn Burton. We both have the most erratic sleeping schedules, but for some odd reason we are mostly up at the same times. When I say "nightly chat" I actually mean at about 2 am one of us calls the other. This used to be a skype thing, but Rupert, my mic, hates me so it's been restricted to phone calls lately. Not that I mind this, but the phone is mobile, meaning I can get into more trouble while talking to Dev.

Most of the time I just organize my bookshelves, write blog posts or jump on the trampoline while talking to Devyn (Yeah, my neighbors officially hate me for jumping on the tramp at 3 am. Oh, well!) but sometimes I get really hair-brained ideas. Last night er morning I did just that.

The call started at about 1 am my time, 2 am Devyn's. Yeah, Dev lives about 8 hours and 23 minutes away from me (Ok, so I mean exactly 8 hours and 23 minutes away. We both have map quested it I know.) We don't get to hang out other than by phone much of the time. I was walking around my neighborhood while chatting because lately our phone calls have been waking my Mom. If you couldn't tell by my vlogs I am a very LOUD person, my laughter is also very LOUD. (Another reason my neighbors officially hate me, I mean one tried to sick her dog on me last night.) I basically walked down to the subdivision circle and sat (and laid down to hid from the evil dog lady) on the benches for about 30 minutes. Then I decided I was bored, not with the conversation, but with the scenery. I wanted to walk somewhere. I wanted to get something to eat. Note: If I had lived in NYC this would have been a 3 minute walk to the corner store and back to my tiny flat. But no, I live in suburban Missouri. The nearest grocery isn't far, but it's not the best idea to walk there at 2 am.

Can you guess what I decided to do? Yeah, I walked there. I talked to Dev the entire way. He tried to scare me when I was walking through the woods, and he mostly succeeded. I made it to Schnucks in about 30 minutes and had only been honked at once. (Scared the crap out of me.) Then I proceeded to walk around Schnucks for about an hour. I think the people thought I was either 1) nuts 2) drunk or 3) high. Number 1 is probably close to the truth as Devyn kept telling me I was insane the entire time. The police men that work as guards at Schnucks kept following me around oddly. I think they honestly thought there was something fishy going on. I understood, because if I had seen me I would have thought the same thing.

I finally decided on Deviled Eggs (Which were called Egg Trays because Schnucks doesn't want to scare the Christians.), a Gooey Butter cookie, a plum, tea, and goldfish crackers. When I was talking to Dev on the phone I think the people at the check out thought I was talking to myself. Nothing like looking insane at 3 am! I ate the eggs and the cookie on the way home and made it home safely despite meeting up with some suspicious characters. (3 boys who were probably drunk asked me what street I had just come from and it was clearly Telegraph). Devyn thought the eggs were a bad idea, and turns out he was right. I ended up throwing them up later that night. However the plum and the goldfish made a lovely breakfast this morning. So that's what I did last night.

Can you imagine what kind of crazy shenanigans Devyn and I would be up to if we lived closer? NYC you better watch out if both of us ever make it there.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to Beyonce's B-day album.

Korianne Fun Fact: She makes a mean gooey butter cake.

What's Keeping Me So Busy?

2009-08-06T02:55:00.010-05:00

Hey guys, this isn't meant as an "excuses" blog however there have been a lot of things keeping me too busy to blog lately. Some are lame, so you don't really care about them. However some of them are pretty interesting so I thought I would share with you!

Harry Potter

Ok, confession time. I haven't read past book two in the Harry Potter series. *insert shocked face* Yeah, yeah, enough telling me I am behind the times, I already know. However recently the fandom has sucked me in. This summer I: attended my first Wrock concert, saw PotterCast live, found out I am a Hufflepuff, bought lots of HP gear/merch, and started saving for Leaky Con 2011. I think I am pretty much addicted, now I just need to read the books and see the movies!

Photography

As you all may know I made the decision to forfeit most of my summer vacation in order to take summer classes. I took 3 classes: Digital Photography (online), Enjoyment of Music (online) and Intermediate Algebra. I will not get into Algebra or Music except to tell you that they sucked, but my Photography class was really fun! Here's some of the finished product. Blogger tends to de-saturate the colors so be sure you check out the originals. You can see all of my photos here.

I got an A in the class so I am very satisfied! Some other great news about my photography? It's going to be published in this magazine! The clown photo is even possibly going to be the cover! I will let you know when it's up!

The Muny

While I am not a Broadway Whore like my friend Landice-Leigh, I like an occasional play and I adore musicals. The Muny is an outdoor theater in St. Louis where I have attended many a musical since age 3. My Mom and Dad used to have their date nights there when they were in college because the back rows are free. From age 5-17 I attended every show the Muny had to offer with my Dad. Dad moved 3 hours away a few years ago, so this hasn't been a tradition we have been able to keep up. However my friends like to go to the shows to so I got to go to quite a few this year. Let it be known that if you are a male (yeah, because lots of straight guys read my blog!) and you want to impress me ask me on a date to the Muny. I will most likely swoon, and you can't beat a free date! Shows I got to see this year:

Annie

Loved it as usual. If there was ever a part I was meant to play it would be Ms. Hannigan. I can do bitchy really well. In the middle of "NYC" I leaned over and said to Kelly, "I would live in an orphanage if it meant I could live in NYC." Then I proceeded to sing along somewhat loudly.

Meet Me In St. Louis

This one never gets old when you are from St. Louis, but for the first time ever I was rooting for the move to NYC. Let it be known that I am an Esther seeking her John.

Godspell

My friend Sean stared in this one. I had never seen it, and while the singing was good I wasn't really impressed with the story. Probably wouldn't see it again.

Hairspray

My friend Natalie was in this one. Fabulous. What a great way to end the Muny Season. My only complaint was that my favorite song/scene "Without Love" wasn't done the way I like it.

I am sort of bummed that the season is over already. I love The Muny and it sort of symbolizes summer for me. With the amazing performances coming to and end so must the summer. I don't want summer to end just yet. It seems that with school I didn't get to do everything I wanted to do, but I did have some fun. I will try my best to keep the blog updated not only with what I am up to but with reviews and my weekly posts. That is all for today!

While writing this post Korianne was listening to the Hairspray soundtrack along with a bit of Annie.

Korianne Fun Fact: Her favorite Muny treat is the Ronnie's Rocky Mountain ice cream cone.

I Forgot...

2009-08-04T15:17:00.005-05:00

I try to keep this blog to mostly book reviews and a few of my interests, but occasionally some of my personal life slips out. Put simply, my life is stressful. Often life makes me forget about things that are important to me.

July 31st I forgot something pretty big. I was stressed about school because my classes ended on the second. I completely forgot about him. You see that young man in the picture? He was a very good friend of mine. His name is Drew. On July 31st, 2003 Drew was in a fatal Jet Ski accident. He was 14. This is one of the last pictures taken of him. Losing Drew was probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to deal with in my life. I still think of him almost every day. His birthday is the day after my sister's so I don't often put flowers on his grave for his birthday, but without fail every July 31st for the past 6 years I have been there.

This year, I forgot. I had planned to put a post up about Drew and how funny he was and what an amazing guy he was. I wanted to tell you that he was no angel, but this kid was one of the most awesome people who I have ever met. I wanted to cry about missing him, and let you guys share my pain. And I do miss him more than anything in the world. But I know why I forgot this year.

Drew doesn't want me to dwell on his death anymore, I can just feel it. Drew was a funny kid, his quote in the yearbook was "Seize the Carp" not Carpe Diem. No, he wasn't stupid, this was his way of saying don't just seize the day, dammit, do more! Drew wasn't an angel, as I said before. He died doing something dangerous, doughnuts on the lake. But did he have fun? Yes. Did he ever second guess a decision? No. Drew was the kind of person that you didn't realize could be that awesome. Whatever life threw at him he tried to come out smiling. Drew's Dad passed the year before he did unexpectedly of cancer. But Drew knew that something good had to come out of this. When a fellow classmate, Andy, was dying from leukemia Drew spearheaded the fund-raising efforts. And although Andy passed after a long hard battle (he was born with leukemia) through Drew's help our school raised enough money so Andy's family was able to pay for all of his medical bills and funeral. Drew donated $2oo of his own money alone.

I have had a very rough week. Summer school ended. I found out some pretty serious information about my sister that I won't share here. Keagan is sick again and I am headed to the vet with her after I make this post. And in general life has been coming at me full speed and I don't know how to catch up. While these could be the reasons I forgot about Drew, I think there is a bigger reason. Drew wants me to let go of his death and remember his life. He doesn't want me to cry every July 31st anymore, but instead stop by when something good happens and share with him. He wants me to do what I want to do. He wants to look down and see me having the time of my life in New York City. He wants me to Seize the Carp. And dammit that's what I am going to do! This down in the dumps thing sucks. I started out this post sort of upset that I had forgotten, but now I am even happier I can remember.

Drew, I miss you buddy, but I am not going to dwell on it anymore. I will live the life you didn't get to have. I know you would want me to.

TBR Tuesday - Lament by Maggie Stiefvater (Emma Saves My Butt By Guest Posting)

2009-07-28T18:22:00.011-05:00

Hiya! No, this is not Korianne. This is her insane friend named Emma. She is letting me guest blog for the night because she is crazy busy with studying and I love to blog and shamelessly self promote so this works out well for the both of us. Before I dive into the TBR part of this post, I’d like to share some facts about me.

I am one of two sekrit sisters for the FiveAwesomeYAFans. (Kori being the second, we’re trying to figure out a new title).
I met Kori from twitter one night when she @replied me and we started chatting. We’ve talked ever since!
My favorite series of all time is called The Gemma Doyle Trilogy. It’s amazing. Read it. READ IT NOW.
Kori and I both enjoy names. In fact, as I write this, we are discussing our future childrens’ names. Whenever I attempt to write a story (since I like to write) Kori is always there to help me pick an original name.
(Yes, it’s time for me to shamelessly self promote!) I’m attempting to read a book a day (currently failing) and I have a blog all about it. If you’re interested it’s called Booking Through 365. (Kori actually created the name. And the header too)!

Okay, now for the To Be Read book of the week!

Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand - one who can see faeries. Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy who enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of thin air. Trouble is, the enigmatic and gorgeous Luke turns out to be a gallowglass - a soulless faerie assassin. An equally hunky - and equally dangerous - dark faerie soldier named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre. Sworn enemies, Luke and Aodhan each have a deadly assignment from the Faerie Queen. Namely, kill Deirdre before her music captures the attention of the Fae and threatens the Queen's sovereignty. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing her life weren't so dull, but getting trapped in the middle of a centuries-old faerie war isn't exactly what she had in mind . . .

I first heard of this book when I was talking to Maggie L Wood. author of Princess Pawn. We were discussing what we were reading and she said she needed to read her friend’s book. I looked it up on goodreads and being a lover of faeries (not fairies, mind you) I decided to pick it up when I went to the book store. It sounds really good and my friend Kristen adored it so I’ll take her word for it. I love it when authors incorporate music into their books, so I’m sure I’ll like this one. Also, it sounds like it has pretty hot romance in it. What’s not to love?

I’d just like to say thanks to Kori for letting me guest blog! I hope some of you come and visit my own blog, I’d love to see you guys there! (See, I shamelessly self promote. Told you.) Thank you, and I hope this blog wasn’t SO below Kori’s usual standards.

EMMA OUT.

Fun fact: The entire time Emma was writing this, Kori and her were discussing the crazy characters living inside their heads.

{Note: Korianne loves Emma. She was so kind to agree to do this. As you know from yesterday math and uterus will no doubt take me under, but oh well!}

Just Another Manic Monday - I Hate Math...

2009-07-27T23:34:00.000-05:00

... and I want to rip my uterus out. But I won't get into that because that is gross. I will however share some math related things to get more excited about my math final on Wednesday (psh, like that's going to help). I am terrified I will do poorly on said test but I found out tonight some pretty good news. It's hard to explain so I will employ bullets now.

I have done well on everyone but 1 of my math tests on which I got a 44%.
I did complete some extra credit that added an extra 14 points to my grade.
I got my last math "test" back today and I got an 83% which is fabulous after that 44%.
Then I found out if I do well on the final I get to replace the 44% with the grade I get on the final!
Also, I only need to get a 28 out of 40 problems correct to do this.

While all of this is very exciting I am still super nervous that the final will be a repeat of the DEMON 44% test. (See Chelsea, I do know how to watch out for demons.) So I am going to study my ass off and there may not be a TBR Tuesday post because of it. (I will try my best people but though I hate to say it school comes before blog.) So here are some math related things that I actually LIKE!

Etsy Item of the Week:

This number adorned composition book cover comes to us from Daily Threads. While the shop owner, Lolita, is on vacation at the moment you can bet she will have lots of orders awaiting her when she returns. I probably wouldn't waste this beauty on my math notebook (even though it's reusable) but my journal where I write all my novels (psh novels) could use a makeover. I have never typed up a story before writing it down in a notebook so this plush cover would be perfect for me to cuddle up with and jot down all that is floating in my head. I think Daisey (my current main character) would find it cozy. I also really like this one and this pretty young thing (shameless Michael Jackson reference). Let's hope one of these lovelies will be holding my pens & pencils soon.

That's a Bookshelf?

Yeah, and it's sort of math-ish right?

Well, while it isn't quite as math related at the bookshelf I mention in this post, this bookshelf is pretty geometric. (Can you tell I am more of a Geometry fan?) I think it suits the left brain crowd better than the right brainers (Yeah, all of you odd people who like algebra) but I could see it working in lots of different houses. I like how the side boxes could be used to store big sketchbooks or tall Children's books.

Create-A-Character:

Here's the details on this feature so as not to cause any confusion:

Create-A-Character (formerly know as Name Your Future Child ______.) is just a place for me to share names I like. I by no means consider myself an author, but I do like to write and I often have character names floating around in my head. Each week I will share the name an a little bit about each character. These characters may or may not be used in future stories of mine and also could be inspired by other book characters. I would like to hear your opinions on the character and if you like or dislike their name, so please feel free to comment.

Alpha Sorrenson is about to graduate from high school. Finally leaving high school hell is every teenager's dream. Sure, the idea of leaving her best friend behind, moving into a dorm on her own, and becoming an adult is scary but in an exciting sort of way. Her years at Romdale High will be so lame in comparison. That is exactly what Alpha thought until 2 weeks ago. But when Alpha finds out she didn't get into her dream school she realizes the real world is tough. Now she would rather just stay in high school forever. Graduation day comes much to her dismay, and now Alpha just has one last summer of childhood. Will this be the end of Alpha Sorrenson? Or is this just the beginning? The alpha or the omega?

Well I am off to go finish my practice test. I will see you guys around soon, hopefully when I am free of the grips of death er math.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to Treva Blomquist.

Korianne Fun Fact: Her first word: Mama, Second: Book!

In My Mailbox - July 26th - It's Been Far Too Long Since I Vlogged

2009-07-26T23:31:00.010-05:00

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely
Kristi from The Story Siren
and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Books Mentioned:

Bloom by Elizabeth Scott

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr

Willow by Julia Hoban

I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Kuehnert

The Key to the Golden Firebird by Maureen Johnson

Need by Carrie Jones

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

The Smart One & The Pretty One by Claire LaZebnik

Evermore by Alyson Noël

Blue Moon by Alyson Noël

Jenny Green's Killer Junior Year by Amy Belasen & Jacob Osborn

What's In A Name by Ellen Wittlinger

Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott

Love You, Hate You, Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

Harry, A History by Melissa Anelli

Sofi Mendoza's Guide to Getting Lost in Mexico by Malín Alegría

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Breathing Cheryl Renée Herbsman

Boy Proof by Cecil Castellucci

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot

Love Is Hell by Matt Groening

People Mentioned:

Steph Su of Steph Su Reads

Devyn Burton of Five Awesome YA Fans & Faerie Drink Review

Zoe of Zoe's Book Reviews

Rebecca (@rebecca_pointe)

Ashley of Books Make Great Lovers

I'm Working On It People!

2009-07-25T12:36:00.002-05:00

So you know that dare? I have actually been working on it believe it or not! I have been crazy busy but I have managed to squeeze some time in to do a few of the challenges. Anyone happy for me? I am betting Jordyn isn't one of these people, she's probably a little worried about reading the ENTIRE Gossip Girl series now! Here is my progress for you guys:

Watch the first season of Pushing Daisies, because it is brilliant and you should and there are only nine episodes anyway. This is on Hulu.com. Done! (but shhh... don't tell Jordyn I already did this before she challenged me!) I might watch season 2 too.
Watch the first six episodes of Friday Night Lights, because it is also brilliant and I love it. This one isn’t online but if you can’t find the DVDs I can send you my first season for borrow. So... um... Jordyn can I borrow this? I tried to convince Mom to buy it but she said no.
Read all thirteen books in the Series of Unfortunate Events, by Lemony Snicket, if you haven’t already. Or even if you have already. Because they are win. I have obtained one of the books. Working on the others, but this might be one I don't finish. I can't read that fast.
Read LA Candy and Miles to Go (Miley Cyrus’ “autobiography”) and write reviews for both of them. Headed to the bookstore later this week to buy these along with a copy of Suite Scarlett for my friend Janet.
Make a vlog and act like a stereotypical Valley Girl the whole time. This video must be over three minutes long and you must post it to your blog. I am planning on recording this week's In My Mailbox like this. My Valley Girl voice sucks though, beware.
Write a love letter to your favorite YouTube boy (NOT Tyler Oakley. Must be a straight boy.) and post it on your blog. *laughs wickedly* You are evil, Jordyn. I am sure you already know this. Lucky for you none of the tuber's follow my blog.
Read The Princess Bride, because really you should. Also, review it. I wasn't a fan of the movie, are you sure I will like the book?
Record a video of you singing a Taylor Swift song – any of them – and upload it to YouTube and post it on your blog. Any requests? I know them all! I am thinking You Belong With Me at the moment. This could involve costumes, which might be fun!

While writing this Korianne was listening to Cute Is What We Aim For.

Korianne Fun Fact: She has never in her life linked to the same person as much in a post as she did Jordyn in this post!

I'm a Bookshelf Whore!

2009-07-24T13:01:00.005-05:00

Yep, that's right I said it! My name tag should read like this:

As you guys all know I am sort of obsessed with bookshelves. I even include my "That's a Bookshelf" feature on Manic Mondays where I share an awesome bookshelf with you guys. Unfortunately for me my dream bookcases are out of reach at the moment due to money issues. So I have been forced to go for cheap-o ones that I find at garage sales. This often means that when I am moving these bookshelves around they break. This is not a good thing. I have had to buy 2 new bookshelves in the past month to accommodate the broken ones and my growing book collection. I am a person who believes in taking the best care possible of her books so boxing them up is out of the question. Just this past week another one bit the dust.

RIP "Sarah Dessen" Bookshelf (Yes, I name all my bookshelves after my favorite authors)

A picture of "Sarah Dessen" the bookshelf. I often put my feet on her, this could have led to her destruction.

"Libba Bray", "John Green", "Maureen Johnson", "Jenny Han" and "Siobhan Vivian" are mourning the loss of their good bookshelf friend at the moment.

The "John Green" "Jenny Han" and "Siobhan Vivian" bookshelves holding back tears at the funeral of their friend.

They try their best to meet my needs, and they are not too shabby for garage sale finds. However with the loss of "Sarah Dessen" there still isn't enough room for these books:

The leftovers that don't fit on the shelves.

What do you do when a child loses a pet? You buy a new one of course! I had plans to buy another bookshelf but lucky for me CSN Office Furniture has just offered to foot the bill and provide me with a brand new one in exchange for a review! I have never reviewed anything besides a book before so I am ecstatic to do so!

I jumped on the site earlier this week and I found bookshelves galore. This is way better than chocolate & peanut butter at the same time people! I found book walls, adorable children's bookshelves, and even stackable bookshelves. However I do have to keep the space factor in mind. And while I would love a book wall I am afraid I only have room for one more bookshelf. But that's the nice thing about this Office Furniture site, you can get bookshelves of any size or price! Not to mention the free shipping! I considered all the options and I decided am going to adopt the Woodbridge Home Designs 418 - 418 Series Three Shelf Bookcase in Natural. Her name is to be "Sarah Ockler" and I will let you know when she arrives at my house. Until this you can stare at her picture in awe of her awesomeness!

Not only is she the perfect size, but she doesn't require assembly and she folds up which will really come in handy when I move to New York City. This is beyond awesome and again I want to thank Jonathan at CSN Office Furniture for providing me with this opportunity.

A Review of What Would Emma Do? by Eileen Cook

2009-07-24T11:30:00.000-05:00

I know what you are thinking, "A review? That's practically an endangered species around this blog." And by thinking that you would be right. I haven't reviewed a book since February. That is disgraceful. I am sorry, I will try my best to get this blog back in order. I have been really busy and stressed out lately, but often blogging calms me down. I need to figure out a way to work it into my busy schedule. I need to blog for my sanity, so it's time I make time for it again. On to the review now.

Synopsis:

While juggling friendship issues (her best friend isn't speaking to her), a love triangle-turned-square (okay, maybe she shouldn't have kissed her best friend's boyfriend...but it was totally an accident!...sort of), and escalating mayhem in her small religious town (uh-oh...what would Jesus do?), Emma realizes she has to stop trying to please everyone around her and figure out what she wants for herself. It's time to start asking, "What would Emma do?"

I started reading this book on the plane ride to New York. I borrowed the book from Jordyn at Ten Cent Notes along with Two-Way Street. I was getting Two-Way Street signed for Jordyn while in NYC and thought I could send both books back in order to lighten the load in my luggage.

Well, I didn't get much time to read in NYC. Who woulda thunk it? For some strange reason I envisioned lots of time to sneak in reading at BEA. Boy was I wrong. It was go go go all the time. No time to read. But the airplane ride back, now then I had some time to read. But the funny thing was, I wasn't excited to read this book. I met a lovely woman from Missoula, Montana and we chatted the whole way back. Oh, and of course I asked her if she knew Hank Green. She didn't but it was lovely to talk to her anyways. So I put the book on the back burner. I didn't finish it until nearly a week after I got back.

I liked the character of Emma, but the whole plot set up was just insane. It was like the author said, "How many hairbrained crazy things can I fit into one high school?" I could tell that each character had a real personality deep down, but it was as if they were all the extreme stereo types of themselves. There's the preacher's daughter, Darci, who is popular and the leader of the Spirit Squad! but who is also a rule breaker and big bitch. (pardon my french) Then there's Joann, the girl who would do anything to be popular including fake a "deathly" illness and abandon her best friend. And of course there's Colin, the boy that Emma has been friends with for ages and suddenly kisses on winter break. Oh, and did I mention Colin is Joann's boyfriend? Yeah, that too. Enter Todd, the Jewish boy in a Christian school. He believes in the wrong religion, he must be a delinquent, right? Talk about drama drama drama! I mean only on Degrassi could something like this happen! *ponders* I bet Eileen is a Paige fan. I enjoyed the comic value these characters provided but I just had a hard time picturing this really happening. It's sort of a guilty pleasure, you know it's so wrong and fake but you can't look away.

Emma was the only one who stood out as sort of normal and she was the best part of the book. She dealt with these beyond crazy issues like a total badass! The best part about her? She didn't know what she wanted completely. She didn't know what to do about her feelings for Colin, much less Todd. She didn't know how to act around Johann after the whole Colin smoochfest, which by the way Joann's Mom had a front row seat to. She didn't know what in the world she should do about what she witnessed at "The Barn" when Darci & her clone were wasted. All she knew was that she needed that track scholarship so she could get out of that crazy town. But when things got so bad that innocent people were getting hurt Emma stepped in and came to their rescue. Sure it may have taken her all her life to finally stand up to the people telling her what to do, but at least now she doesn't have to wonder What Would Emma Do?

If you liked the Jessica Darling series by Megan McCafferty or This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen I think you will like this book.

You can read the first chapter here.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to Mat Kearney.

Korianne Fun Fact: She has tried the "Monkey Biscuits" that they give to the monkeys at the St. Louis Zoo when she had a behind the scenes tour. They don't taste as bad as you would think.

Ok... This Has Got To Be Quick!

2009-07-11T17:08:00.004-05:00

*all said in one of those period less rushed out tones* I don't have much time to explain why I haven't been around the blog but here it goes. Basically my stress levels are like John Green's puff levels at their worst. As if summer school wasn't already hitting me hard I have taken on the challenge of making Bat Mitzvah invitations for Rachel, daughter of my mother's best friend Linda. I am only happy to do so, but there are 200 invites and they are all due tomorrow (I have completed 60, these are intricate people.) Also, there have been complications with Linda's brother who had a prior heart surgery. He is having another surgery later this week. Needless to say not only have I been worried about him, but Linda & Bonita, his sisters and also the people I have been working on the invites with, have been super stressed. Those are reasoning why, and I know I do this a lot guys. I am sorry I am so inconsistent with when I blog and when I don't but that's sort of how my life goes. Thanks for bearing with me.

Now, there is a purpose to this post other than my reasons for not blogging. I have been dared!

Here is the dare from Jordyn that I have chosen to accept:

Because everyone else is doing it (and that is a perfectly acceptable reason?) and I felt so left out, I’m ISSUING A DARE.

Korianne, I dare you to accept this challenge. I dare you to complete at least five of the eight items on the list below (though I triple-dog-dare you to complete them all).

Watch the first season of Pushing Daisies, because it is brilliant and you should and there are only nine episodes anyway. This is on Hulu.com.
Watch the first six episodes of Friday Night Lights, because it is also brilliant and I love it. This one isn’t online but if you can’t find the DVDs I can send you my first season for borrow.
Read all thirteen books in the Series of Unfortunate Events, by Lemony Snicket, if you haven’t already. Or even if you have already. Because they are win.
Read LA Candy and Miles to Go (Miley Cyrus’ “autobiography”) and write reviews for both of them.
Make a vlog and act like a stereotypical Valley Girl the whole time. This video must be over three minutes long and you must post it to your blog.
Write a love letter to your favorite YouTube boy (NOT Tyler Oakley. Must be a straight boy.) and post it on your blog. *laughs wickedly*
Read The Princess Bride, because really you should. Also, review it.
Record a video of you singing a Taylor Swift song – any of them – and upload it to YouTube and post it on your blog.

Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, must be completed by November 4th, 2009.

And the rules are:

If you accept, you must blog about your acceptance and sign in with the correct Mr. Linky here.

You also must blog about your thoughts/progress as each task is crossed off the list.

Now, if you complete the dare, I will read the Gossip Girl series (but NOT its spin-offs), which I think has twelve books. If you complete all the items I’ll also read the prequel, It Had to Be You, which is actually a really great title for a book.

However, if you fail you must refrain from tweeting for a whole, 7-day week. Harsh, I know.

As everyone knows Jordyn and I are twins, and I have to listen to whatever my twin tells me to do so I am going to attempt to complete everyone of these tasks listed. I can't guarantee that I will complete them all but I promise I will complete at least 5 as I was asked to do. I will keep you updated on my progress here on the blog. Also, does anyone think that if I complete all 8 that Jordyn should read all the Gossip Girl spin-offs too? I mean the woman has me reading the entire Lemony Snicket series and I have not read even one! The likelihood that I will complete all 8 anyway is slim, but I'm jus sayin'! (Yes, I watch too much Meekakitty)

Alright, now I am off again to invitation making hell.

Just Another Manic Monday - Pretty In Pink (and Orange)

2009-06-29T09:25:00.007-05:00

Hi guys! Look, it's Monday and I actually have Manic Monday up! Who else is proud that I might make it 2 weeks in a row without a posting flub?! I know I still owe you a few review posts and a contest but I am working on it people! It's rough when you are going to school over the summer not to mention all the fun things you can do! Plus we all know how much of a slacker I am.

I have been working really hard in my math and photography classes, but my music class is still a bit of a problem. However I went to see Annie (The Musical) at the Muny last night which is for one of my assignments for that class so I am headed in the right direction. Also I just submitted my first photo shoot assignment for my class here. I took over a 100 shots and had to narrow it down to six. That was tough work people! Thank goodness I had my lovelies on twitter to help me out! Also, math seems to be going really well so far. On the first test I got a 100% and the second, 92% not to shabby for a girl who sucks at math.

Well I have bored you with my summer school life for long enough. On to the manic-ness of it all.

Etsy Item of the Week:

I was watching Alan Lastufka's Blog TV show the other day and he was talking about custom Converse shoes. Alan works for DFTBA records and one of their bands Chameleon Circui t is holding a contest where people submit music videos for their song An Awful Lot Of Running (which you can download for free if you click the link). The prize... a pair of one time only custom Converse sneakers with the Chameleon Circuit logo on them. Well Alan was talking about how much they cost to have made for the contest, $250 which is crazy expensive. I got to thinking, where could I find custom Converse for cheaper? Etsy of course! Well I did find lots of custom shoe stores but this shoe really jumped out at me. It's from Abreaka Studios and is called "What's With The Hype?" While $85 is much better than $250 they are still out of my price range. So I guess they will just have to wait until I am not poor anymore! (Hey that rhymes!)

That's a Bookshelf?

Yep! Betcha didn't think a bended pole could hold books!

First of all please ignore the book choices that the retailer chose to share with us. (Porno by Irvine Welsh! What were they thinking?) But what I want to focus on is how neat and lightweight these babies are. As I showed you yesterday my new bookshelf is quite bulky. I like it quite a bit, however it takes up lots of space. These slim wall models would make lots of sense when moving to a New York City apartment building. Not only do they take up little space on the wall, but they are easy to transport from house to house (er apartment). My only worry, they won't be able to hold heavy books. Also, they are made in England and are priced in pounds so I have no clue how much they would cost with shipping. Looks like I have some research ahead of me.

Create-A-Character

Here's the details on this feature so as not to cause any confusion:

Create-A-Character (formerly know as Name Your Future Child ______.) is just a place for me to share names I like. I by no means consider myself an author, but I do like to write and I often have character names floating around in my head. Each week I will share the name an a little bit about each character. These characters may or may not be used in future stories of mine and also could be inspired by other book characters. I would like to hear your opinions on the character and if you like or dislike their name, so please feel free to comment.

With a name like Colorado, Colorado Morris thinks he will never get a girl. His Mom (an eccentric artist) gave him his name, meaning colorful, because she loved the idea that he was her most colorful and beautiful piece of art yet. She didn't consider the fact that he would be teased constantly on the playground and that it wouldn't stop in High School. No mater how many times Colorado tries to shorten his name to Cole it never seems to stick. When Colorado meets Arizona Watkins, who insists people call her Ari, he thinks maybe he has found a kindred terrible name spirit. Together Cole and Ari begin to accept that maybe being different isn't all that bad in a world of all the same.

That's all I have for you today folks. I do know I owe you those reviews and the Boy Toy contest so if you see me wasting time on twitter today send me an @reply telling me to get back to work.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to The Script's new album. The Man Who Can't Be Moved is her new favorite song.

Korianne Fun Fact: She has seen every performance of Annie at the Muny since she was born. No lies.

In My Mailbox - June 28th - Meet My Bookshelf!

2009-06-28T23:00:00.001-05:00

Leave names for my new baby bookshelf and the others in the comments please! I hope you like meeting my new bookshelf-y friend.

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Books/Magazines Mentioned:

As You Wish by Jackson Pearce

Sloane Sisters by Anna Carey

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender (sent me awesome eye mask)

Maximum Ride by James Paterson

Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway

Teen Vogue

The Poison Eaters by Holly Black

Love Is The Higher Law by David Levithan

Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley

My Sister's Wedding by Hannah R. Goodman

The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer

Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

People Mentioned:

Kate (of who I am a book angel to) of Read This Book.

Khy (who likes this cover of As You Wish too and possesses awesome bangs) of Frenetic Reader.

Yan (who sent me Audrey, Wait!) of Books By Their Cover.

Chelsea (new owner of hedgehogs) of Five Awesome YA Fans.

Sarah Dessen

Siobhan Vivian (aka the best author ever)

Also, I forgot to shout out because I got distracted by hedgehogs but Hi to my lovely new friend Attolia. I wish I was coming to the Wrock concert with you instead of by my lonesome. Super shout out in the next video?

While posting this video Korianne was listening to some Wizard Wrock.

Korianne Fun Fact: She will be attending her first Wrock concert in July.

TBR Tuesday - Love Is The Higher Law by David Levithan

2009-06-23T23:48:00.007-05:00

If you want an explanation on why this didn't make it up sooner go visit this link on Persnickety Snark. I was off getting my Pacey swoon on. For those of you who don't know I have quite a Pacey Witter obsession, and apparently so does Adele.

Now enough hormones (Yes, Aunt Flo is visiting), on to the To Be Read book of the week!

Love Is The Higher Law by David Levithan

Goodreads description:

First there is a Before, and then there is an After. . . .

The lives of three teens—Claire, Jasper, and Peter—are altered forever on September 11, 2001. Claire, a high school junior, has to get to her younger brother in his classroom. Jasper, a college sophomore from Brooklyn, wakes to his parents’ frantic calls from Korea, wondering if he’s okay. Peter, a classmate of Claire’s, has to make his way back to school as everything happens around him.

Here are three teens whose intertwining lives are reshaped by this catastrophic event. As each gets to know the other, their moments become wound around each other’s in a way that leads to new understandings, new friendships, and new levels of awareness for the world around them and the people close by.

David Levithan has written a novel of loss and grief, but also one of hope and redemption as his characters slowly learn to move forward in their lives, despite being changed forever.

I usually don't put books that haven't been released yet here on TBR Tuesday, mostly because they aren't in my TBR pile! I only share about books I already own on TBR Tuesday, and before BEA/Teen Author Carnival I had never owned an ARC before it came out. Honestly. I don't receive books from publishers... like ever! Ghostgirl was the first book I was ever sent for review for the blog, because I am a big sissy and won't ask publishers/authors for books. However, I now am in the possession of multiple ARCs from BEA, so be expecting to see some not yet released books on Tuesdays for the next few months or so.

I have a confession, I have never read a David Levithan book. Don't shoot me! Khyrinthia has already scolded me. I know he's awesome, I have read a few of his short stories, I just haven't gotten around to reading his books. Well after meeting him in NYC I was convinced I was missing out. I mean any one who composes the song "Oh Libba Bray" and then sings it live at the Tiger Beat performance in Books of Wonder rocks my socks. Sorry if you weren't there guys. I can't find any youtube footage of the serenade. I know Mitali has some on her camera so leave her a comment on her blog, Alley of Books, bugging her to upload it! Regardless it was hysterical and awesome! Not to mention that everyone else I know who has read the book already gave it rave reviews. After I finish Ghostgirl & Ghostgirl Homecoming by Tonya Hurley which I have for review I am moving right on to Love Is The Higher Law.

The events that happened on September 11th changed us all, but I can't even imagine how scary it was for people in or around New York City. I wouldn't usually want to read a fiction book about the events for fear the author wouldn't "get it right" but I trust David fully with the matter. Now lets hope I can keep the tears hidden in public as I read.

Love Is The Higher Law is available on Amazon for pre-order now and will be released on August 25th, 2009.

While writing this post Korianne was still in a Dawson's Creek kind of mood and was listening to the soundtrack.

Korianne Fun Fact: On September 11th, 2001 Korianne's Mom pulled her & her sister out of school because their cousin Sarah (who's like a sister to Korianne) was on a flight and they couldn't get a hold of her. Korianne has never been more terrified in her life as she was that day. Sarah was ok, but Korianne will never forget that day.

Just Another Manic Monday - It's BACK Finally!

2009-06-22T10:20:00.000-05:00

This is the first Manic Monday in months. I hope you didn't miss it to much. Now lets get directly into the goods.

Etsy Item Of The Week

This week's Etsy Item of the week comes from Studio Mela. It is an 8x10 print of a adorable ink drawing, that definitely speaks the truth! Who doesn't think reading is cool? I know I do! As I have been working a lot on the library/art room in my home recently I have been craving art work to hang up. I still can't get the furniture pieces I want from Ikea due to lack of funds. Now that I have decided to move to NYC in a year I think they are probably not going to happen. However at just $20 and then the cost of a frame I think I can afford to buy this lovely print to add a little more spunk to the library. Now if I can just bug Mom to borrow the credit card. {Note: I have a credit card but I can't use it. Mine is only for school expenses}

That's a Bookshelf?

Yep, they are! Don't worry they won't fall down!

Last night I totally broke a bookshelf of mine. It was one of those particle board cheapy ones and I tried pushing it across the carpet with books in it. Needless to say it looked a bit like one of these bookshelves all sideways and crooked. However unlike my poor beaten down bookshelf these beauties will stand up to gravity! They will not fall down or break unless you push hard! Dust Furniture makes all sorts of cartoon looking bookshelves and furniture in tons of fun colors. Sure the price is no where near my budget, but if I had the cash I probably would buy one or two because these quirky shelves are so unique an fun!

Create-A-Character

Here's the details on this feature so as not to cause any confusion:

Create-A-Character (formerly know as Name Your Future Child ______.) is just a place for me to share names I like. I by no means consider myself an author, but I do like to write and I often have character names floating around in my head. Each week I will share the name an a little bit about each character. These characters may or may not be used in future stories of mine and also could be inspired by other book characters. I would like to hear your opinions on the character and if you like or dislike their name, so please feel free to comment.

Tinsley Moore is a 17 year old who just posted a video on YouTube of her original song as a joke. She only did it to prove to her best friend Alex that she had no talent, but when I record company exec discovers her Tinsley doesn't know what to expect. She never wanted in the crash and burn business that is being a signed artist, but prospect of fame may trump all. Will Tinsley give up everything in her simple life to be a starlet? Even Alex?

I hope you like my change to the "Name Your Future Child ____." feature and that you don't miss "Stumble Me Silly" too much. Please leave me some feed back on this.

Also, do you want me to continue the Korianne Fun Facts and Listening to... portions at the end of my posts? I am debating on if I should keep them.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to the Rent soundtrack.

Korianne Fun Fact: When she was little she used to make doll clothes out of her dad's socks! *now that's a budding crafter if I have ever seen one*

In My Mailbox - June 21 - I Haz A Contest Book

2009-06-21T07:02:00.006-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted too often guys. I will get back to my regular blog schedule soon, hopefully. Blame it on Keagan for make it hard for me to film/blog.

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Books Mentioned:

Charmed Thirds by Megan McCafferty
Something Happened by Greg Logsted
My Sister's Wedding by Hannah R. Goodman
Every Visible Thing by Lisa Carey
Boy Toy by Barry Lyga

My New Love: Making Icons & Headers

2009-06-12T06:34:00.001-05:00

I know I have been slacking since I got back from New York, but I have been doing things. These things actually happen to be blog related, just not blog posts. Yes, you see making icons and headers for friends has become a new obsession. It's quick, fun, and easy, how can I not love it?

So I though I would show off some of the junk I made! I hope you are as proud of me as I am of my junk!

These are the pretty icons:

It all started with the Korianne Speaks one on the end. You see, I didn't design my blog, a nice lady named Nykki did (link in the left side bar) and I didn't want to bug her anymore for an icon, so I just made it myself. I used an image I had already been using and edited it on picnik to be a sepia tone and include polka dots and my blog name.

Then a few months ago I officially launched my Oh, Cupcake! Handmade shop. It's just bookmarks for right now, but I needed a logo. I came up with the two you see above.

Just a while back this round of @tweet_fest started and since there was an official twitter account it needed it's own official icon.

This is the point where I sort of went crazy. I decided that anyone on twitter who didn't have an icon needed one. The icons above (with the exception of Emma's) were born and launched on twitter. Then I got to thinking, I could design headers and things. This could be fun.

I made the gang that hosted Teen Author Carnival t-shirts, and since Mitali from Alley of Books didn't have an official icon or header I made this to go on her t-shirt.

Then my lovely friend Emma (The Sekrit Sister on Five Awesome YA Fans) whom the icon above was created for needed a header for her up and coming blog. I made this and helped her find a background to match on The Cutest Blog On The Block. I think Booking Through 365 looks really elegant.

Then I was bored, and Max from FiveAwesomeYAFans had just launched her new blog. I knew Max was just getting the hang of things so I decided to help her by making a header. I know starting a blog is hard, so having one less thing to worry about is nice. Go check out Bibliobibluli, it is off to an awesome start!

As I was creating the headers for Emma & Max I got to thinking. I figured I might be able to make a header for myself too, but I didn't want to change my blog layout. I have been wanting to start a blog for Oh, Cupcake! Handmade, so I created this header just for fun. Then I got the url and made a pretty new blog. I am not sure when it will be launched yet, but at least I got the first step out of the way.

Then I have been wanting to create a separate blog where I tell what contests I am entering through out the month. I enter a lot of contests, so it gets hard to post all of them on the blog. This is the perfect solution. I think I will be launching Korianne Loves Contests in July.

Then tonight when I was chatting with Devyn he not so subtly mentioned that he needed a header for his new author blog. He found an image in the stock photos on Deviant Art and I just tweaked it and added text. This is the finished product. I like the creepy feel of Cursed Telegram. It suits Devyn, not that he's creepy or anything... tee hee!

I was bored a few days ago and I volunteered to make a new header for the YA Blog Newsletter. This is what I came up with. Ashley hasn't informed me if they will be using it yet since I just emailed it too her, but fingers crossed she likes it.

That is all I have for you today. Regularly scheduled posts will be back next week.

I Filled In For Chelsea Yesterday & I Look Like Crapola

2009-06-11T05:38:00.002-05:00

That is all.

Why I Haven't Been Posting & The Best BEA/NYC Post You Are Going To Get Out Of Me

2009-06-11T03:04:00.009-05:00

Hi everyone,

As you all know I have been busy. With my trip to NYC for BookExpo America and starting summer school I have had little time to blog/vlog. I was able to sneak in a 23 minute vlog of all 70 of my books. While 23 minutes was a really long time to be blabbering, it still took me less time than a standard post. It took me around 40 minutes to record, edit & upload. I wish I could say that my posts go that quickly but they just don't.

Writing a post is a long process for me. I write for about 40 minutes while doing something simultaneously. Go do something else. Come back to my writing and find it's all gibberish. Decide it needs pictures. Add about 4 paragraphs of uselessness, and then delete it entirely. Start over. Then I usually get what you see here after I am to the point where my head has threatened to crash through Cecilia's screen about 5 times. Sometimes from exhaustion, others from frustration.

I have tried to write the BEA post a total of 4 times now. I write a few paragraphs about how amazing it was to meet, talk to, and even touch some of the most amazing minds I will ever know. Yes, I am talking about authors. But my paragraphs do them no justice. The paragraphs usually look something like this:

I ATE LUNCH WITH A.S. KING. SHE LET US CALL HER AMY. WE TALKED ABOUT DINOSAURS AND FIRE. SHE IS SO COOL. I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL SHE COMES TO ST. LOUIS. I HAVEN'T EVEN READ DUST OF 100 DOGS YET, BUT I FEEL SO HONORED TO HAVE MET AND "HUNG OUT" WITH HER.

ROBYN SCHNEIDER IS A CRAZY WOMAN AND I WOULDN'T CHANGE A SINGLE THING ABOUT HER. SHE IS MORE AWESOME THAN I WILL EVER BE. I ENVY HER LIFE AND HER SHOES. I ALSO ENVY HER ABILITY TO RUN IN SAID SHOES (4 INCH HEELS) ALL AROUND BEA AS SHE USES HER "AUTHOR POWER" TO GET BOOKS FOR HERSELF AND HER MINIONS (US). ALSO, SHE GIVES COOKIES.

MAUREEN JOHNSON IS A GOD. SHE WAS SICKER THAN A DOG AND STILL MANAGED TO SLAVE HER WAY THROUGH BEA & TEEN AUTHOR CARNIVAL. NOT TO MENTION THAT SHE INTERRUPTS HER PANEL ABOUT "WEB MARKETING" TO SHARE THAT HER "FAN CLUB" IS SITTING IN THE FRONT ROW. HER FAN CLUB BEING US, AND SHE THEN MANAGES TO WORK THAT INTO HER PANEL QUESTIONS. SHE QUITE POSSIBLY THE MOST CLEVER PERSON I HAVE EVER MET. SHE LIVES IN ANOTHER WORLD AND I WANT TO INHABIT IT.

ELIZABETH SCOTT GIVES THE BEST ADVICE EVER. SHE WAS EVEN RECOMMENDING I DO INTERNSHIPS AT PUBLISHING HOUSES. SHE MAKES ME WANT TO DREAM BIGGER.

DAVID LEVITHAN CRACKS MY SHIT UP. "OH LIBBA BRAY" WILL BE FOREVER THE MOST HILARIOUS SONG I HAVE EVER HEARD. ALSO, AFTER RACHEL COHN AND DAVID RECITED THE LYRICS OF SPICE GIRLS SONGS I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO LISTEN TO "IF YOU WANNA BE MY LOVER" THE SAME WAY AGAIN.

MICHAEL NORTHROP = BEST CORNY JOKER EVER. I WISH I HAD A FRIEND LIKE HIM IN COLLEGE.

MICHELLE ZINK & FAMILY. I AM OFFICIALLY JOINING YOUR FAMILY. YOU ARE THE MOST ADORABLE FAMILY I HAVE EVER MET.

LIBBA BRAY & TIGER BEAT ARE THE BEST ROCKERS EVER. I HAVEN'T BEEN TO MANY CONCERTS BUT I CAN HONESTLY SAY I HAVE NEVER HAD MORE FUN AT A CONCERT. FOR SOMEONE WHO WRITES HISTORICAL FICTION WITH A TOUCH OF FANTASY, YOU WOULDN'T THINK THIS GIRL COULD ROCK BUT THERE ISN'T MUCH LIBBA BRAY CAN'T DO.NOT TO MENTION HER BAND WAS BAD ASS. CREDIT GOES OUT TO BARNABY MILLER, DAN EHRENHAFT & NATALIE STANDIFORD.

SARA ZARR KNOWS WHO I AM. SHE ALSO THINKS I AM THE MASTER OF THE TWEET. THESE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN HER EXACT WORDS BUT SHE IMPLIED THAT I TWEET TOO MUCH.

JENNY HAN IS TOO SWEET. I DON'T HAVE MUCH MORE TO SAY THAN THAT. SHE GETS THE CUPCAKE OF THE DAY AWARD IN MY BOOK. PRETTY HIGH HONORS.

MELISSA WALKER REALLY IS THAT STYLISH IN PERSON. SHE HAD THE MOST KICK ASS RAIN BOOTS I HAVE EVER SEEN ON AT TEEN AUTHOR CARNIVAL. NOT TO MENTION AN ADORABLE DRESS AT THE TIGER BEAT CONCERT. SHE DESERVES THAT PRINCESS CROWN IN HER TWITTER ICON PICTURE.

HOLLY BLACK IS SO MUCH WISER THAN I. IT'S LIKE WISDOM JUST BEEMS FROM HER. IT'S PRETTY HARD TO EXPLAIN UNLESS YOU SEE HER IN PERSON.

I could go on about authors forever, but think that my explanations only make since to myself. They look like my tweets, and yes they require all caps. If they were in vlog form I would totally talk in all caps. Plus I always seem to leave someone out and I come back and feel terrible. Then I think, "Hey lets write about my time with my friends, that will be easy!" And it comes out sort of like this:

Genevieve, do you hear chimes?

Rebecca, I WANT PIZZA! I WANT PIZZA! I WANT PIZZA!

Adam, could you pick up my pillow while you are down there? Oh, and I know you are asleep so I am totally changing. If you look over I will kill you. I am on the phone with Chelsea and she will kill you too.

Mitali, yes I did just say Thank You and Sorry in the same sentence. Deal with it. I love you!

Devyn, is it time for the rave yet? Break out the cell phones and lazer mouse.

Marie, all I have to say is I better have a job next year. Frank? Help me out here!

Alea, I will go to a concert with you anytime babe! Hopefully they play the Beracuda song.

Sharon, I give you cookies and look at pictures of the evil Cookie. Fun!

Steph, I will learn to be a bitchy blogger soon. I promise. I need your training please. {Note: Steph actually said, and I quote: "Girl, we need to turn you into a bitch! Don't be afraid to ask for books."}

Which makes me laugh, but then I realize no one understands my inside jokes. As you can tell I am struggling with this post. So I think, "Oh let's move on to the city of NYC. That should be easy to convey. I mean everyone understands that NYC is just magical!" So I type this:

NYC, I can't explain it. I want to move there in a year and I have no clue why. I just felt like I finally belonged some place for once. How do you find magic in a subway car, a hostel bunk bed, or loosing circulation in your hand that travels all the way up to your wrist and past you elbow? (That was for you Devyn Burton) I don't know, but I did. And I feel like so trapped right now in St. Louis. I have never wanted anything more than to be back in NYC. Many a tear has been shed people. If I don't make it there in a year I think I will drop dead.

So then I think ok this post is sucking, perhaps I shall add some pictures and here's what I find on my computer:

Genevieve pretending to be the girl from the Devilish cover.

Libba Bray rocking out as usual.

Me with realizing my childhood dream with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Adam and I also discussed how it would be fun to ride around BEA on him hanging from his collar. Clifford did not indulge our fantasies.

Amy King and I! Yes, I did just call A.S. King, Amy. We are tight like that.

Kristen Stewart how in the hell did you get in here? You were not at BEA. I promise. Oh, well, Kristen is a blog whore, what can I say.

Rebecca giving me the raised eyebrow. Probably wondering why I suck so bad a posting.

Rebecca fell asleep and let her $5 mashed potatoes get cold. Poor baby didn't feel good.

Rebecca drinking milk that was probably sour, because that's the way she likes it.

Rebecca insures us it's good. But who can believe her anyway?!

My waffles with lots of chocolate ganache.

Rebecca eating my chocolate ganache.

And while all those pictures are quite lovely I can't believe this is all I have to show from BEA. I mean did I honestly forget I had a camera except at random times when I was hyper? Probably, it was pretty easy to forget things while I was there enjoying the heck out of NYC.

So as you can see, I think this is the best you are going to get out of me in regards to BEA. It's just to hard to put down in words how amazing this trip was. I will definitely be back next year and hopefully I will be looking for an apartment! I am serious, this is no joke at all. My associates will be finished and I will need to move on to a 4 year school anyway. Who want's to be my roomie?

I am going to post about my distractions soon and then I promise posting schedule will be back to normal. I hope you guys didn't miss me too much.

Oh, and by the way. Do you guys really like the Korianne Fun Facts and Korianne's Listening to bits at the end? I am getting a little bored with them, but if you love them I will trudge on.

In My Mailbox - June 9th - Sorry This Is Late & Not Edited

2009-06-09T13:36:00.004-05:00

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Books Mentioned:

Sloane Sisters by Annabelle Vestry
Picture Perfect by Linda Bernson
Empress of the World by Sara Ryan
Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Fake Liar Cheat by Tod Goldberg
It Had To Be You by Sarah Webb
Claire Voyant by Saralee Rosenberg
Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon (bookmark & bookplate)
Ghostgirl & Ghostgirl Homecoming by Tonya Hurley
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
Confessions of a Serial Kisser by Wendelin Van Draanen
Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita
Death by Denim by Linda Gerber
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

In My BEA Bookbag

2009-06-06T20:15:00.004-05:00

I posted these to Youtube yesteday, but it was late when I posted them so I didn't get time to put them up on the blog. I promise there will be a better post about BEA soon, but this is all the books I gots so I thought you would enjoy it. Sorry it's 23 minutes long if you watch all 3. This is what happens when you get 7o plus books from BEA/NYC.

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Books Mentioned:

Dead Is So Last Year by Marlene Perez

Saints of Augustine by P.E. Ryan

Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell

Derby Girl by Shauna Cross

Much Ado About Anne by Heather Vogel Frederick

Candor by Pam Bachorz

Love Is The Higher Law by David Levithan

Palace of Mirrors by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

Pool Boys by Erin Haft

Rewind by Laura Dower

Fashionista by Micol Ostow

Madapple by Christina Meldrum

Isabelle's Boyfriend by Caroline Hickey

I Am Rembrant's Daughter by Lynn Cullen

Among the Brave by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Being by Kevin Brooks

Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen

A Map Of The Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell

Converting Kate by Beckie Weinheimer

Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter

Geektastic edited by Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci

The Season by Sarah Maclean

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima

Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri

Bran Hambric by Kaleb Nation

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr

The Poison Eaters & Other Stories by Holly Black

Class Favorite by Taylor Morris

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

A Great & Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

The Social Climber's Guide to High School by Robyn Schneider

The Diamonds by Ted Michael

Tithe by Holly Black

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Vidalia in Paris by Sasha Watson

Better Than Yesterday by Robyn Schneider

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Gentleman by Michael Northrop

Metamorphosis by Betsy Franco

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Red Glass by Laura Resau

Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

GoldenGirl by Micol Ostow

The Secret Identity of Devon Delaney by Lauren Barnholdt

Take Me there by Susane Colasanti

The Blonde of the Joke by Bennett Madison

Cold Skin by Steven Herrick

You Know Where To Find Me by Rachel Cohn

The Midnight Twins by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph

Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers

Wanna Challenge Me In Tweet_Fest?

2009-05-17T12:35:00.003-05:00

I think the video pretty much sums it up, but if you have any questions feel free to contact me via twitter, email, or just leave a comment here!

In My Mailbox - May 17 - I Barely Made It Under 10 Minutes

2009-05-17T07:28:00.003-05:00

Sorry it's so choppy guys. I couldn't stop rambling, and parts had to be cut out.

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren: http://www.thestorysiren.com/ and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie: http://aleapopculture.blogspot.com/ .

Books Mentioned (Both from Bookmooch):

Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls by Bennett Madison

Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen

I also forgot I received I Like It Like That: A Gossip Girl Novel by Cecily von Ziegesar from bookmooch.

Lots of links for you guys!

My blog: http://koriannespeaks.blogspot.com

My twitta: http://www.twitter.com/koriannespeak

Maureen Johnson's (the one responsible for the British accent) ning: http://maureenjohnson.ning.com/

Wigs for Kids: http://www.wigsforkids.org/

Five Awesome YA Fans: http://www.youtube.com/fiveawesomeyafans

NYC Teen Author Carnival: http://teenauthorcarnival.blogspot.com/

Sarah's blog: http://sarahbear9789.blogspot.com

Hope's blog: http://princess2293.blogspot.com/

Twitta Contest: http://www.twitter.com/tweet_fest

It was a tiny week, but unfortunately or fortunately depending upon how you look at it, I always have something to talk about!

TBR Tuesday - Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita

2009-05-12T23:28:00.009-05:00

When Sam's best friend gets her first boyfriend, she's not ready to spend the summer listening to the two of them call each other "pookie." Sick of being a third wheel, Sam applies to be a counselor-in-training at Whispering Pines camp in the New York Catskills. But what she doesn't realize is that it's not going to be all Kumbaya sing-alongs and gooey s'mores. If Ashley, the alpha queen of Whispering Pines, doesn't ruin Sam's summer, then her raging crush on the surfer-blond and flirtatious Hunter just might. At least she has playful Cole, who's always teasing her, but is oh-so-comfortable to hang out with, and the singular gang of girls that become fast friends with Sam-they call themselves the Sleepaway Girls.

As I said in my vlog yesterday I got Sleepaway Girls from the lovely Sarah from Sarah's Random Musings. I am really excited to read it. It looks very cute and light. I think it will really get me amp'd about the start of summer. Which by the way, started for me today! Yep, that's right I am done with classes for the semester! It's too bad I am taking summer classes, so I won't get to enjoy it as much. It's still nice to get to enjoy the summer weather and fun activities!

Also, yesterday I forgot to show you in the vlog, but I got some more new shoes! They are called "Flower Mania" by Union Bay and I love them! They are a lot more colorful than they look in this picture. They are sort of trippy and acid-y which is awesome! God, I need to stop with this shoe obsession!

That's all I have for you guys today!

While writing this post Korianne was listening to Aly & AJ.

Korianne Fun Fact: When she was younger, every summer her mom's cousin Sarah would come to live with Korianne's family. Korianne always refers to Sarah as her older sister.

In My Mailbox - May 11 - I Can't Stop Rambling

2009-05-11T23:46:00.007-05:00

As promised here is my belated In My Mailbox in vlog form.

Books Mentioned:

Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech

Forgive Me by Amanda Eyre Ward

Utterly Me, Clarice Bean by Lauren Child

His Other Girlfriend by Liesa Abrams

The Alphabetical Hookup List A-J by Phoebe McPhee

Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

What Would Emma Do? by Eileen Cook

Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters

Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins (audio)

Annie On My Mind by Nancy Garden

Vegan Virgin Valentine by Carolyn Mackler

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

Bloggers Mentioned:

Mitali from Alley of Books: http://alleyofbooks.blogspot.com/

Jordyn from Ten Cent Notes: http://tencentnotes.wordpress.com/

Sarah from Sarah's Random Musings: http://sarahbear9789.blogspot.com/

As always In My Mailbox was started my the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Check out my new bookmarks available for purchase here.

Manic Monday is still on hiatus today. It will be back with some changes next Monday. Also since I am going to BEA on the 27th of this month I might still be a bit busy and I can't guarantee that I will be posting on my usual days. However I certainly hope to keep up with my schedule. I am sure you will all agree that BEA is totally going to improve my blog though, so I think it's a small price to pay.

Wish me luck on my last day of school this semester/finals tomorrow!

While posting this vlog Korianne was listening to Rascal Flatts.

Korianne Fun Fact: She has never been to NY before.

One Week Hiatus

2009-05-04T21:13:00.003-05:00

Hey guys. I am having a really stressful week. I am not going to get into all the details, but with school, family issues and other things all coming at me at once I think it is important for me to concentrate on those issues. I will be back next week. I hope you all have a lovely week. Please don't worry about me, everything will be fine I just need a little blog vacation.

BEDA Day 30: It's All Over, But It's Just Beginning

2009-04-30T21:05:00.006-05:00

{Note I titled this blog before I even read MJ's post for the day. Spooky!}

As you might have already realized if you checked your calendar at all today, the month of April will be over tomorrow. In some ways it couldn't come fast enough (Blogging everyday sort of stressed me out), but in other ways I wish it wasn't over (I loved BEDA! Oh, and yeah I know that totally contridicts myself!) Way back in January at the start of semester I had an assignment for my Wellness and Fitness class to write down 50 things I wanted to do before I died. I didn't realize how much the assignment would make me think. I just sort of thought I would put things down that sounded fun and then maybe they would happen, maybe they wouldn't. Here is what I said direct text from Blackboard:

50 Things To Do Before I Die.

1. Write a young adult fiction novel.

2. Write an adult novel.

3. Write a how-to book.

4. Write and illustrate a children’s book

5. Open my own handmade shop.

6. Eat almost completely organic.

7. Marry the man I love.

8. Give birth.

9. Adopt a child.

10. Get a tattoo.

11. Visit Happyness in Tanzania.

12. Teach.

13. Become a school librarian.

14. Scrapbook daily events.

15. Rehab a house.

16. Live in Indianapolis.

17. Travel to San Diego.

18. Own a puppy.

19. Learn to play guitar.

20. Learn to play piano.

21. Work for a magazine.

23. Paint a mural.

24. Master the art of photography, or at least improve my skills.

25. Learn to make stamped jewelry.

26. Blog daily.

27. Work in an independent bookstore.

28. Befriend someone I don’t like.

29. Build a piece of furniture.

30. See Julia Nunes in concert.

31. Meet Oprah.

32. Finish college.

33. Stop drinking soda completely.

34. Wear jewelry daily.

35. Read my life’s library.

36. Visit Drew’s grave monthly.

37. Learn to drive.

38. Write daily nice notes.

39. Make a quilt.

40. Learn to make glass beads.

41. Learn to knit

42. Do a back handspring.

43. Stop biting my nails.

44. Volunteer at Cardinal Glennon

45. Take an unplanned road trip.

46. Ride my bike more.

47. Cook extravagant meals.

48. Visit NYC.

49. Be an extra in a movie.

50. Be Happy.

Little did I know that I would participate in BEDA. I don't think it was even in Maureen Johnson's mind to Blog Every Day April at that point. But after this month I can officially cross #26 off the list. It may not be a big accomplishment, but it leaves me with a sense of pride. I did it, it may have sucked, and I may have hated it at times but I did it! In the end it really has made me happy that I completed something I set out to do. This month I, made some new friends, turned 20, took a bit more control over my life even when everything is out of control, and BLOGGED EVERY DAY!

Earlier today I was feeling a bit I dunno... um I guess I will say "behind." One of my friends from high school is getting married to the right guy. Some of my friends are so in control of their futures its amazing. I just get the sense that I am constantly playing this game of catch up. Like my brain is trying to tell me, "Don't slow down, don't relax. You don't have time for this. You need to make big decisions. You are responsible for your future," which of course makes me want to curl up in a ball even more. But maybe today I haven't done every thing on that list, and maybe I won't ever get to complete it, but crossing one thing off is just such a release.

Maureen posted about a list of things to do anytime on the 3rd of this month and since I got such I jolt of pride when I accomplished just one thing on my list I am going to look back and see which ones on MJ's list that I have completed:

1. Blog every day in April - Check!

2. Make some soup - I made tomato soup on the 7th of April. Check!

3. Get a hat - Boo! I fail at this one. I look terrible in hats by the way.

4. Read a book - I read 4 and a half this month. Check!

5. Make a friend - I made quite a few new online friends this month. It made me happy. Check!

6. Say something nice to someone - I try and do this daily, but I have to really mean it. It's not that hard. I often do like what someone is wearing or something cool they did. Check!

7. Work on your moves - Ok, I suck at dancing. It doesn't matter that I took Tap, Ballet, Jazz and Lyrical from age 2 - 15. Nope doesn't help me one little bit. I have no rhythm. I did however do quite a few happy dances this month. I believe that counts since the happy dance is the best form of dance in existance. Check!

8. Speak for an entire day in a fake - I sort of forgot about this one. Maybe it's because if I did it my teachers would probably think I was making fun of them. Tomorrow I have a whole day to myself with my cats and I suspect that they won't mind my terrible english accent. Perhaps I will change it up a bit and sing in Spanish to them! But alas no check yet.

9. Cultivate a completely imaginary relationship with someone - Hmm, perhaps this is the ticket to my relationship woes. I will get right on this. By the way, Gregory Smith slept over last night. He says, "Hi!" Check!

10. Do something completely sekrit - I did something. That's all you need to know. MJ even said not to tell you. I do not cross MJ, she knows all. Check!

11. Go into a store and pretend not to know how something works - Ok, I haven't done this at a store, but I did totally ask my crush how to work a website that I was already a pro at. This doesn't count but I certainly had fun doing it!

12. Spend one week completely offline - MJ instructed me not to do this during the month of April, I listened as usual. I think I listened so much that I spend less time offline than ever before. I need the internet in May for BEDA... but July? That could work.

13. Plan to go somewhere - NYC, next month for BEA. Check!

14. Hit the shiny red button - My grandma has one of those easy buttons like in the Staples commercials. I pushed it when she was out of the room, and then acted like nothing happened. I didn't run, but I think it still counts because I sort of made her crazy when she asked what that noise was and I replied, "What noise? You must be hearing things." Check!

15. Write to me - I tweeted to her, but that doesn't count. I will write to her soon, or possibly even talk to her in person at BEDA!

16. Learn to sew on a button - Age 5, baby! I don't mean to brag, but I am a pro sewer. I have been hand sewing since the days when I made my dollies costumes! Check!

17. Admit it - I killed a man! Alright, are you happy? Just kidding! But I did do some pretty epic admiting to myself and the entire interwebz in this post. Check!

18. Try again tomorrow - I always do Maureen! Thanks for the encouragement! Check!

13 out of 18 not to shabby! I shall work on those last five soon!

Thanks for putting up with me this month. In signiture Korianne style I will leave you with these thoughts about BEDA: It was quite lovely! We should do it again some time! (I think April 2010 can not come soon enough!)

See you around my blog (If you were following from the Ning, I am not going to keep double posting anymore, but be sure to check out Korianne Speaks, my original blog). I will keep up posting, it just won't be as frequently as April has been.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to Lily Allen.

Korianne Fun Fact: In honor of Maureen she was wearing no pants while she wrote this post. #nopants (If you don't understand this I am sorry, follow me and MJ on twitter and you might be in on these lovely jokes!)

BEDA Day 29: Little Things Make The Biggest Difference

2009-04-29T23:09:00.006-05:00

I had a really hard time thinking of what to write about today. I am sad to see BEDA go, but then again I am running out of ideas as you can tell by the un-creativeness of my posts recently. So on my second to last day I thought I would share just a few things that made me happy today.

Thing One: Old Navy Sweatpants!

I have two pairs of these (well if you count stealing them from Mom and not returning them) uber-comfy lounge pants. One black the other neon green! The black ones are nice, but they show cat hair more, so I end up wearing the green ones sometimes twice a week. I don't usually wear them out of the house, but when Aunt Flo comes to visit (she decided to drop buy last night 3 whole days early) these pants are my savior. However today I got invited to go shopping and hang out with my friend Kelly. I don't care about what Kelly thinks about my pants, but I was sort of embarrassed to be seen in my sweats at the mall, so I decided to wear jeans instead. Needless to say the minute I got home I rushed upstairs to throw on my lounge pants. I think I might even wear the black ones to school tomorrow, because honestly I don't care anymore! I actually found out that these babies are on sale online, so maybe I can convince Mom to let me get a few new pairs.

Thing Two: Tylenol!

I hate taking medicine with a passion, but I couldn't take the cramps anymore today. So Tylenol, you are my new best friend. Thank you!

Thing Three: Grilled Cheese!

When I was at Kelly's house earlier she was making egg sandwiches for lunch. I wasn't really in an egg mood, but Kel never really cares what you eat at her house as long as you make it yourself. I love grilled cheese, and the skillet was already out, so I decided I would have a tasty grilled cheese with jam. Yes, you heard me right with J-A-M. I know it sounds gross, but it's a little thing I picked up from my Grandma Chessey when I was younger. It tastes the best with whole wheat bread, American cheese, and apricot jam. You grill your sandwich as normal and then add the jam to the top. I like to play around with grilled cheese, adding tomatoes sometimes or onions, but with jam is still my favorite way to eat it. Kelly and Gary (her brother) were disgusted when I slathered strawberry jam on the sandwich, but I didn't care!

Thing Four: New shoes!

When I went to the mall with Kelly I got these adorable shoes! I can't wait to break them in! Best part, they were only $20 and they were buy one get one half off, so Kelly's mom got a pair too. We split the bill and I saved 5 bucks!

Thing Five: Rain!

There is a big thunderstorm outside right now and I am loving it. It is really making me sleepy, which is sort of a good thing because I have not been sleeping well. Hopefully it will help me sleep peacefully tonight.

Thing Six: New background!

I usually let Kendall pick out my background for Cecilia, but we have had these anchors for about 6 months now and I am a bit sick of them. I asked Kendall to find one, but she said she was busy, so I checked out my old standby, pbteen.com. I found this adorable one above. I altered it a bit to cover up the pbteen.com part and add a bit more color to it. It turned out really cute and Kendall even approves! I even found a screen saver that matches in colour but has a different pattern. Every now and then we all need a bit of change!

Well that's all I have for you today. This rain is lulling me to sleep already!

While writing this post Korianne was listening to Paramore.

Korianne Fun Fact: She is planning on getting a peace sign tattooed on her right foot with the word "hope" below it.

BEDA Day 28: TBR Tuesday - Audrey, Wait by Robin Benway

2009-04-28T23:05:00.006-05:00

Audrey, Wait by Robin Benway

BREAKING UP CAN ~~BE HARD TO DO~~ MAKE YOU FAMOUS!

California high school student Audrey Cuttler dumps self-involved Evan, the lead singer of a little band called The Do-Gooders. Evan writes, "Audrey, Wait!," a break-up song that's so good it rockets up the billboard charts. And Audrey is suddenly famous!
Now rabid fans are invading her school. People is running articles about her arm-warmers. The lead singer of the Lolitas wants her as his muse. (And the Internet is documenting her every move!) Audrey can't hang out with her best friend or get with her new crush without being mobbed by fans and paparazzi.
Take a wild ride with Audrey as she makes headlines, has outrageous amounts of fun, confronts her ex on MTV, and gets the chance to show the world who she really is.

I just had a contest with this book as one of my prizes and I am ashamed to say I haven't read it. I am planning on downloading the playlist that corresponds with the book and then reading it on a long car ride or plane ride (BEA plane ride possibly?). I have heard so many good things about it and I am excited to read it. Perhaps my winner, Erika Lynn, will read along with me!

For more information on this book visit the Audrey, Wait website.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to Wizard Rock.

Korianne Fun Fact: Korianne has a press pass to BEA and finds it very funny that she is considered "press."

BEDA Day 27: Just Another Manic Monday - It's This Easy Being Green

2009-04-27T21:17:00.011-05:00

Ok, I know that since Earth Day was 5 days ago you have been bombarded with Eco-friendly and green things lately... but I actually feel sort of green at the moment. Like seriously. I have been very ill since last night and I am just now getting over the barfing. So I suspect I am a bit green at the moment. I am also lacking in theme ideas, so this is just going to have to do.

Etsy Item of the Week:

I have been trying to find a case for my iTouch that I liked FOREVER! I keep tangling the earbud cords in my brush when they are in my purse. Every case I find at the stores is made of weird dirt attracting materials or is made for a smaller iPod. This one on the other hand looks perfect! It's my favorite chartreuse green color and the teal button is adorable. Lily & Lulu even has a blueberry version that my sister would adore. Perhaps if I am feeling nice enough I will get it for her birthday gift.

Stumble Me Silly:

I have seen Threadless t-shirts before but I never really checked out the website until yesterday! Kristi from The Story Siren was wearing a shirt from the site in her IMM vlog yesterday and I thought "Why not go check it out?" Well I made an account and looked around a bit before the little flu monster got to me and let me tell you it is awesome! I want this shirt soooo bad! I mean is says "Lovely" could this shirt be more made for me? But speaking of green things, this week Threadless is donating money from their orders to Plant a Billion. It's called Buy a Tee. Plant a Tree. You can learn more about it here in this Tee-V video. They also have been featuring tees like the one in the picture to the left, which inspired my title today.

That's a Bookshelf?

Yeah, and its pretty... but who has that few of books? Today when I was looking for bookshelves I could only find spare or empty ones. I was just curious... but doesn't it feel like a sin to not fill a bookshelf? It does to me! I mean, sure that is one pretty bookshelf, it's even my favorite color, but it just looks so lonely! Where are all of it's little book friends? So I got to thinking. What do your bookshelves look like? Send me an email (koriannespeaks@gmail.com) with pictures of your bookshelves and perhaps you will be featured in an upcoming Manic Monday post.

Name Your Future Child ________.

Here's the details on this feature so as not to cause any confusion:

So lets pretend that each week I adopt a child (oh how very Angelina of me!) and each week I will give he or she a wonderful name. What I want you to do is be brutally honest about what you think of the names and if you would ever name your child these. You have two options, tell me this is a great name or suggest a better name and argue why it's better. This is all just in good fun and if you really dislike the name don't worry I am not expecting a baby and most likely by the time I am I will no longer like the name. I might eventually use them as character names though, if I ever write a book. But don't worry, you will not hurt my feelings if you don't like it.

This week I am adopting baby girl from Greenland, and I tell you I want to name her Keely Jade . What do you think? Do I name Keely Jade? Or do you say no, Name Your Future Child ________. Leave your answer in the comments.

And now on to the contest winners!

I had planned on filming this for you, but since I am feeling ill and look, rightfully so, like I have been barfing all day I spared you and took some pictures of the names I drew. Yes, that is the famous Sea Monsters bucket, and earlier today it contained more that 250 entries! That is so awesome guys!

Congratulations! Our winners will be receiving:

MichieBee - Grand Prize of the mp3 player and her first choice book, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist.

Liyana - Her first choice book, Just Listen.

JerrilynnL - Her first choice book, I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone.

Erika Lynn - Her third choice book, Audrey, Wait.

Max Brown - Her first choice book, Dramarama.

hedgehogmama - The last book, Guitar Girl.

I hope everyone enjoys their prizes! I will email you all for your addresses. If you didn't win this time don't despair. I will be having more contests soon. I might even have one soon that is not by chance. That's all I have for you guys. Now I am off to go take a much needed shower.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to Katy Perry.

Korianne Fun Fact: She has actually see the "giant-screen film" that the Sea Monsters bucket advertises. It's sort of scary!

BEDA Day 26: In My Mailbox - I Thought I Wouldn't Get Anything!

2009-04-26T22:36:00.007-05:00

Hi everyone. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to post an In My Mailbox this week because I hadn't gotten any books by the time Friday rolled around. However Saturday came and I did get 2 books via Bookmooch.

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. I just love her new vlog format. Perhaps if I get more books soon I will do the same! Also check out that awesome T-shirt she's wearing from Threadless! I mean who doesn't love vampires with braces!

Exile by Blake Nelson

A downtown Baudelaire of the '90s: that's what New York poet Mark West used to be. Now, at thirty-one, locked in a perpetual adolescence, he's slipping. Even when he takes an artist-in-residence position at a small Oregon college, he finds himself still sleeping with strange women and seeking momentary oblivion in drugs. But when he returns to Manhattan with a new book idea and renewed energy, an emotional train wreck awaits him, and he discovers that he must take his first steps into his new life alone.

This is an adult book, but it was recommended by a friend, so when a chance to mooch it came up I grabbed it. I am not sure if I am going to like it, but I figured it came highly recommended so I better give it a chance.

For more info here's the Amazon link.

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.
Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.
Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.
But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.
Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21st century faery tale.

I haven't really read faery books yet. I actually haven't really given them much of a chance, but I feel like I really should. I mean I thought Twilight would be stupid because of the vampire part, but I really liked it. So when this came on Bookmooch I was really excited. Not to mention that the lovely lady who sent it to be shipped it super fast and in perfect condition. I mean this book has to be brand new! It doesn't look like it has been touched by human hands! This made up for my few book week.

And here's the Amazon link for Wicked Lovely. Oh, and by the way, the third book in the series, Fragile Eternity, came out on my birthday this year!

So my book flow has been dwindling lately, mostly because of the lack of books I want on Bookmooch. So I need suggestions. Tell me about some books you think I just have to read and should add to my Bookmooch wishlist.

Also, thanks to all who participated in my contest. The winners will be announced tomorrow in my Manic Monday post. Thanks to Genevieve who suggested that all hyperlinks be a different color than the standard brown text. I have to do it manually because the codes I have for my blog don't allow it, but I think it's worth the trouble. What do you think? Also the suggestion to have Amazon links comes from Pissenlit. Thanks for all the tips! I will actually be making quite a few changes to the blog in the upcoming weeks thanks to your suggestions! Be ready for uber-organization and more book reviews. Maybe even a new feature... but I am not promising anything!

While writing this post Korianne was listening to the How To Deal soundtrack. How To Deal is one of her favorite movies... EVER!

Korianne Fun Fact: The office she writes her posts in is Mary Engelbreit themed because her Mom is obsessed with Mary's artwork.

{Note: This post took forever to get posted because Cecilia died in the middle and I lost half of it. I also started to feel a bit sick after the Cecilia crash and I have been *gurgle* trying to avoid barfing since. Please forgive me for being late and if tomorrow's Manic Monday is a bit on the late side too.}

BEDA Day 25: It's Too Hot

2009-04-25T23:35:00.005-05:00

So it was 90 degrees outside today and lucky me, my air conditioning is broken. So I thought I would share with you some tips on how to keep cool.

1) Turn on a fan. I don't care how loud it is, turn it on. You will be very pleased with yourself afterward. Also don't be tempted to put your fingers through the cracks. You do however have my permission to talk into it like an alien. That might distract you from the heat for a a while so go ahead and do it. Don't do this while on a skype call. People will just get annoyed by you.

2)Wear light clothing or take the nudist approach. I tend to lean toward the clothed version, and I am wearing a tank top and cotton capri PJ pants. Mom on the other hand seems to prefer being nude. Beware that you will disgust all people around you if you take Mom's approach, but hey at least you will be cool right? Oh, and if at all possible avoid sitting on couches or other public areas while nude, because no one wants to sit where your bare butt has been. That's just nasty.

3) Stay hydrated. Seriously, even if you are not thirsty keep a water bottle or ice tea on hand. You will get thirsty, I promise! And if you were considering that hot coffee this morning... think again. You better make that an iced coffee.

4) Go outside. You may think this is an odd tip, but honestly if your AC is broken it is most definitely cooler outside. Stay in the shade outside and it will be much better. The house sort of acts like a green house and traps in the heat, you don't want to experience this heat. Also if at all possible, sleep outside at night. It may rain, snakes may come and eat you, and bugs may fly up your nose, but I promise this will be far less annoying than the heat. Don't believe me? You spend 24 hours in a 96 degree house and tell me you won't go sleep outside on your trampoline tonight. (Seriously guys I am strongly considering this.)

5) Get wet. Ok, this sounds dirty when I type it, but seriously get wet. Take a shower. Put a wet wash cloth on your neck. Put ice cubes down your shirt. Don't feel stupid, no one but your family and any guests that come to your house (yeah right, what guests want to come over to a house with no AC) can see you. They already know you are nuts anyway. Plus chances are the heat is making them a bit crazy too.

6) Eat chilly foods. This doesn't have to just be ice cream or popsicles (although those are good choices), anything that is refrigerated is much better than hot food. Also you don't really want to slave away in the kitchen on a hot day, it will just make you hotter. Think about snacks that could be frozen but are not already frozen. Frozen bananas are amazing in case you were wondering. I do however not recommend freezing a soda in a can or bottle. It will not be pretty I promise.

7) Distract yourself. I don't care if you read, watch TV, or pretend you are a pioneer lady who has never heard of air conditioning, just stop thinking about how hot you are. Try to avoid activities that involve exercise or sweating, but other than that anything is fair game. This is your chance to be productive or be lazy. It's your choice, but whatever you do, don't think about how hot you are. For example, writing a blog about how hot you are is not a good idea.

8) Go to your basement. I understand if you don't have basement, but if you do it's a very good idea. You probably don't think it will make that much of a difference, but I checked the temp of my main floor and then checked the basement today and it was a whole 10 degrees colder most of the day. Then tonight it dropped a whopping 12 degrees! Furnished basements will still be cooler, but if you have an unfinished portion go lay on the concrete there. It will feel so nice you won't even care that you have just showered and are now laying on a dirty floor. Also this is good time to look through all those boxes in storage. They will provide you with nostalgia and distract you from the heat.

9) Put your hair up. Ok, this does not apply to people with short hair, but if you have hair clear down your back like me you are going to want to put it up in a pony. Perhaps this should be one of the first things you do after your hair dries from your shower and stops providing you with cool drips of water down your back. Yeah, that would be smart. Because otherwise when it dries it will feel like you have straw on your back and that does not feel cool.

10) Watch this video. It might make you think of the heat, but at least you won't feel so alone in your new oven-like house. Perhaps it will also give you some tips on how to stay cool.

Actually watching any video would be a nice idea. Just don't watch the video below unless you want to feel like the witch.

Alright well that's all I have to report from this hot box! Hopefully my AC gets fixed soon before the really smoldering weather kicks in. I will be out back on the trampoline with the raccoons if you need me.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to Hank Green's CD So Jokes, which features the song "It's Too Hot."

Korianne Fun Fact: She has never run through sprinklers when it's hot. Only once has she run through sprinklers and it was freezing outside.

BEDA Day 24: Time For Some Spring Cleaning

2009-04-24T22:18:00.006-05:00

So for the past few weeks I have been cleaning periodically to please my Mom but today I went on a cleaning spree! I blame Alley at Sarcastic Humour and Chewed Up Pen Caps for the idea!

So I thought I would show you some progress. I planned on showing you what my nice and clean desk looks like, but having a computer sit in front of you while you clean became distracting so my desk is still messy. However I made more progress on my bookshelves in the art room/library so I shall show you some pictures of that.

This is a bookshelf I picked up for 3 bucks at a garage sale last year. I planned on putting it in my closet for organizing, but since the funds for the Ikea bookshelves are non-existent it had to come out of hiding. It's not too bad an maybe with some paint I can make all of these work, but until I find out that the Ikea ones are totally out of the picture I am not going to put too much work into it.

This is three of the 4 bookshelves. I tried to fit the last one I just put together in the picture but alas I can't because the picture below is what is behind me.

See! Now you understand why I need to clean!

These are the Adult books and Baby Name books that still need to be shelved. I have decided that the Children's ones don't need to take up space on my shelves at the moment until I get taller ones. They shall remain in the closet.

Along with the art room organizing I also did dishes, picked up in the basement, changed the litter box, and spring cleaned my files on the computer. Alas Cecilia is still running rather slow. Perhaps I shall "organize" (aka delete) some of Kendall's picture files later on tonight or tomorrow. And before you rag on me for deleting her "personal" files she has a lot of random junk on there and this is actually my computer. It's not my fault I own the only working computer in the house and have for the past 3 years! She will thank me later when she isn't complaining about why Cecilia is being poky.

Ok, that is all for today. Back to cleaning. I think I shall tackle my dirty clothes pile now.

While writing this Korianne was listening to The Weepies because Lauren at Improbable Fiction mentioned listening to Christmas music on iTunes and The Weepies - All That I Want is Korianne's favorite Christmas song.

Korianne Fun Fact: She hates the feeling of grass on her bare feet, but loves having bare feet.

BEDA Day 23: I Am Really Behind On Posting Awards!

2009-04-23T23:00:00.008-05:00

Hey guys, I have been meaning to write about this for a while, but I keep forgetting! I got 2 lovely awards a while back and I got so swamped with Spring Break and my Twilight Contest that I put them on the back burner and then proceeded to forget about them. It's not that I wasn't grateful, just forgetful! So here are my awards and the people I nominate!

Your Blog is Fabulous! from Cecilia at The Epic Rat

I received this award way back on February 25! It's only taken me 2 months to post it! Yikes! Nonetheless I really appreciate being nominated for it by Cecilia.

Rules: Write 5 things you’re addicted to and then nominate 5 other blogs to pass this award on to!

My Five Addictions:

Celebrity Baby Names - I honestly get a huge kick out of seeing what crazy name famous people pick for their wee ones. I even subscribe to the Babynames TV Youtube Channel.

Lipton Raspberry White Tea - It's kind of crazy how much of it I drink. We are currently out because I drank my 20 pack in a week and I am going through withdrawals. Mom's Lemon tea just isn't the same.

Julia Nunes music - Yeah, I mention her all the time on here, but I honestly don't think you guys understand how obsessed I am with her music!

Twitter- It's bad. I tweet enough for 3 people. Although Sarah is way worse than me!

The word Lovely - It's my favorite word in the English language (My favorite in Spanish is panqueque but only because it's so fun to say) and I can't get enough of saying it. Even when I doodle I usually doodle the word Lovely because of it's pretty L's. One day when I can afford personalized plates for Lucy they will say Lovely!

I Nominate:

Hope from Hope's Bookshelf
Just Blinded Book Reviews
Genevieve from Genevieve's Blog
Thao from Serenehours
Kelsey from Reading Keeps You Sane

I Love Your Blog! from Jenny (prophecygirl) at Wondrous Reads, Genevieve at Genevieve's Blog, and Nadine-Stella (trublu93) at Starry Night.

I received these awards right before I left for Spring Break, so you can understand why I didn't get them posted right away. Thanks girls for the nomination!

The rules to keep this award going are:
1) Add the logo of the award to your blog
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs!

I nominate:

Sarah from Sarah's Random Musings
Jordyn from Ten Cent Notes
Erika Lynn from Kiss My Book
The Book Muncher
Chelsea from Zombie Chelsea Likes Turtles
Alley from Sarcastic Humor and Chewed Up Pen Caps
Amber[ella] from Must and Lust for Books!

(By the way those last two chicas are just getting their start in the book blog world, but they are already wowing me!)

Sorry this wasn't a very interesting post, but hopefully you enjoyed reading my addictions! See you guys tomorrow!

While writing this post Korianne was putting songs on her Mom's new iPod. The Sound of Music soundtrack and Cyclone by Baby Bash... ON THE SAME PLAYLIST! WHAT IS MY MOM THINKING!

Korianne Fun Fact: These are her first blog awards, but the first award she ever won was "Most Creative Kiddo" in Kindergarten.

BEDA Day 22: A Little Birthday Recap

2009-04-22T20:07:00.003-05:00

Hi guys! I missed you! I hope you didn't miss me too much! I did finally get around to answering all of your comments, so hopefully that made up for my absence from the blog. I would like to thank Devyn for filling in for me. He did a wonderful job and I have added the book to my wishlist.

Now I know I told you guys I was worried about turning 20. But overall yesterday wasn't too bad! I actually had a really good day. I was in panic mode that I would wake up and have to be grown up, but it doesn't really work like that. I should have known better! Sure, I am going to have to grow up a bit eventually, but it's a slow process. Just because I am growing up also doesn't mean I have to give up things I love. I won't ever stop reading YA unless I don't love it anymore.

I woke up at noon on my birthday because I couldn't get to sleep the night before. I only had one class to go to, at 1:30 so it wasn't that big of a deal that I slept in. Also it is my favorite class, Wellness and Fitness so I didn't even mind going.

After class I went to lunch with my Mom at Cracker Barrel and got Grilled Cheese with Tomatoes. I didn't even care that they charged me $1.40 extra for the tomatoes, because it was my birthday! I am worth it!

Then I came home and got on the computer. I got a bunch of really good news in the span of 20 minutes. I found out that I got a press badge for BEA. I got to watch the new Julia Nunes video. I got a card from my Noonie that had a $75.00 check! I also found out that Julia might be performing at Bonnaroo in TN, but that's not confirmed yet. If she is though I might get to go with Linda's daughter Angela to Bonnaroo!

I didn't to much after that other than organize my bookshelves more and general stuff online. I got lots of lovely facebook and twitter messages. Not to mention a lovely shout out in a FAYAF video. Thanks for all the birthday wishes guys. Everyone just made me feel so special!

I ended the night by lounging around and eating a baby Haagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream.

All the stress that I put on myself sort of whooshed away yesterday. I sighed a big sigh of relief.

So even though a few days ago the Growing Pains theme song was playing over and over in my head, on my birthday that was replaced by a much more hopeful theme song. It goes as follows in this video:

Also in case you missed it today I filled in for Chelsea over at FAYAF:

Alright sorry for the boring post. I hope everyone had a lovely Earth Day! Don't forget you have until Saturday to enter my birthday contest.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to The Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song over and over again and singing along badly.

Korianne Fun Fact: She used to want her name to be Rhoda when she was younger after Mary's friend on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

BEDA Day 21: TBR Tuesday – Eighth Grade Bites

2009-04-21T08:00:00.002-05:00

Hello readers of Korianne Speaks! My name is Devyn Burton and I am taking over Kori's blog—on this wonderful day April 21st 2009. This day is wonderful, because our very own Korianne turns a whopping 20 years old!

So without further ado I shall carry on the To Be Read Tuesday tradition.

Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

Junior high really sucks for thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod. Bullies harass him, the principal is dogging him, and the girl he likes prefers his best friend. Oh, and Vlad has a secret: his mother was human, but his father was a vampire.
With no idea of the extent of his powers, Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and his enlarged fangs. When a substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown. But then he faces a much bigger problem: hes being hunted by a vampire killer.

I knew about this book before it even came out and have kept up constant contact with the author. Sadly the book was released in 2007, and I just now get my hands on a copy. I have yet to read a bad review about this book, and Heather has a strong following fans which call themselves 'Minions'. I'm glad that I can finally sink my teeth (pun intended) into this book and call myself a Minion!

For more info about the book click here. For more reviews from me, Devyn, visit Faerie Drink Review.

While writing this post Devyn was listening to Paper Gangsta by Lady Gaga & If You Seek Amy by Britney Spears.

Devyn Fun Fact: Devyn wrote this blog on a Mac and PC!

(Sorry guys I don't know how to remove my name temporarily... but I basically just posted Devyn's content and links.. and don't worry I didn't do it on my birthday.. it was scheduled.)

BEDA Day 20: Just Another Manic Monday - Let Them Eat Cupcakes!

2009-04-20T17:29:00.005-05:00

If you guys didn't already know from my contest I will be turning 20... tomorrow! I wish I was more excited about it, but I just can seem to get hyped up about leaving my teens. So in an effort to cheer myself up I am doing a cupcake themed Manic Monday this week. I love cupcakes. I have never been a huge fan of eating them, but they just look adorable and they are so fun to make. I actually quiet hate icing, but none the less I make batch after batch of them for fun. I even have named my, yet to be opened, etsy shop Oh, Cupcake! Handmade. So I am a bit sleepy and I have to wake up tomorrow to go to school... on my birthday! How lame! So lets get on with the show.

Etsy Item of the Week:

Let it be known that I am in love with all of the soaps at the DirtyAssSoaps esty shop. I even like the bacon ones and I hate bacon! But in honor of our theme this week thought I would share some cupcake soaps. These adorable little babies look so yummy I could almost eat them. Bonus, you are not limited in color or scent. DirtyAssSoaps lets you pick from over 150 scents and lets you choose custom additives or colors with no extra charge. Hmmm perhaps someone will give me one of these soaps for my birthday, tomorrow. Hint hint.

Stumble Me Silly:

I happened upon this site about a week ago. I even shared it with my friends on Skype when I stumbled upon it. I actually got the cupcakes when I first stumbled, but you can "photograze" almost any kind of food, from strawberries to asparagus Sure some of the cupcakes may not look too tasty, but these babies look awesome! Oh, and some of you have been wondering what Stumble Upon is. Check out the site for more info, but basically it is a button that takes you to sites it thinks you will like. Don't take my word for it *du du du* (Didya get that Reading Rainbow reference?) Just ask Devyn.
Stumble Upon claimed him as a new victim today!

That's a Bookshelf?

Ok, so this bookshelf doesn't have cupcakes on it, but isn't it cute? I planned on ordering my bookshelves (sorta like these but more customized and a whole wall full) from Ikea a while ago, but my funds are currently lacking. So I have been forced to make due with what I have. My Dad used to work at Weekends Only (a furniture shop) and he got me about 12 bookshelves that look just like the before picture. I think I am going to do a similar treatment to this one from Design*Sponge, on my bookshelves. Perhaps I will use cupcake fabric instead of the black and white check. I will let you know how it turns out!

Name Your Future Child ________.

Here's the details on this feature so as not to cause any confusion:

So lets pretend that each week I adopt a child (oh how very Angelina of me!) and each week I will give he or she a wonderful name. What I want you to do is be brutally honest about what you think of the names and if you would ever name your child these. You have two options, tell me this is a great name or suggest a better name and argue why it's better. This is all just in good fun and if you really dislike the name don't worry I am not expecting a baby and most likely by the time I am I will no longer like the name. I might eventually use them as character names though, if I ever write a book. But don't worry, you will not hurt my feelings if you don't like it.

This week I am adopting baby girl from Cupcakeland, and I tell you I want to name her Emmaleine Ainsley and nickname her Emmacakes. What do you think? Do I name her Emmaleine Ainsley? Or do you say no, Name Your Future Child ________. Leave your answer in the comments.

Also, don't forget that my birthday contest is still going on until this Saturday the 25th. That is all folks! Devyn will be filling in for me tomorrow. The post is already scheduled. Don't miss me to much! I will fill you in on all my "birthday excitement" when I get back on Wednesday!

While writing this post Korianne was listening to the 5o First Dates soundtrack.

Korianne Fun Fact: The first time Korianne ever brought cupcakes in on her birthday she was working at the daycare and was turning 19. Before that she always had really cool birthday snacks, but never cupcakes.

BEDA Day 19: In My Mailbox - I'm Out Of Halls Fruit Breezers

2009-04-19T22:16:00.008-05:00

As usual, this post was inspired by Kristi at The Story Siren. Her birthday was Friday so in case you forgot, send her some belated birthday wishes. (Sorry I forgot, Kristi! I hope you had a lovely birthday!)

I only got 2 books this week and a catalog, but nonetheless I was still excited.

For Review From Library Thing Early Reviewers:

Here's the link if you want more info: http://www.amazon.com/Late-Lamented-Molly-Marx-Novel/dp/0345506200

From Lovely People:

I received this book from Erika Lynn at Kiss My Book earlier this week. I also talked about it in my TBR Tuesday post. I haven't started reading it yet, but I am sure I will soon.

My Favorite Catalog:

Besides PB Teen I think quite possibly this is my favorite catalog ever. It is a catalog of all things hippie and bohemian. I haven't ordered anything from there yet, but the graphics alone make me happy to get the catalog.

Alrighty that's all I have for you guys today.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to the Raising Helen soundtrack.

Korianne Fun Fact: Today she alphabetized and shelved all of her YA books in her art room. The bookshelves are temporary until she can afford the Ikea ones, but they seem to be working nicely.

BEDA Day 18: Growing Pains... It's Not Just a TV Show

2009-04-19T01:01:00.004-05:00

Hi guys. This is going to be another short post because I worked a photography gig all day today. It was fun, but very tiring. So I will just tell you a little bit about my day.

Today I attended my first ever bar mitzvah. I am not Jewish, but my Mom's best friend Linda is. Linda's nephew, had his bar mitzvah today and Linda's sister asked me to be the photography assistant. They had Ken Griffey Sr. as a guest who was signing autographs and taking pictures with the guests of the party. My only job was to print out the photos being taken. Not hard, just time consuming. I was really excited about it because it paid good and it wasn't hard. What I didn't think would happen is that it would make feel old! People kept calling me Ma'am and that kind of freaked me out.

You see, I have never really been to a party with my Mom where I have been considered an "adult." I either go to parties with my friends where I am still usually the youngest or I go to parties where it's my Mom and other adults and I am again a youngin. This time I was treated with respect, and I am not gonna lie... I didn't really like it!

I don't mind the respect part, but the feeling like an adult part... I really really didn't like it! I have been so afraid of turning 20, I haven't even been excited for my birthday. (Which is Tuesday by the way.) Why, you ask? I guess it's a little thing called growing pains. I have always been very independent, and that's not really the issue here. The issue is I don't want to turn into an adult just yet. I want to be able to just go outside and jump on a trampoline and not have people look at me funny. I want to be able to walk into Borders and not feel ashamed to go to the YA section. I want to talk to inadament objects and not feel like I belong in a mental institution. I want to be young, youthful, childish, kid-like. I hate this growing up thing. I know it's important to grow up, but I just don't want to just yet. I keep thinking of things about my childhood and I miss them. All I could think of while I was taking pictures was Growing Pains, and how I am having them. And so I leave you with this.

While writing this Korianne was listening to all sorts of TV show themes.

Korianne Fun Fact: She got a picture and baseball signed by Ken Griffey Sr. today!

BEDA Day 17: I Caught A Bug, The 5AG Bug

2009-04-17T10:00:00.002-05:00

I am still not up to par from my strep throat. I really didn't feel like blogging today, and I almost gave up. I honestly feel so crummy. I seem to be better with my anxiety today, but throat is worse. So what do I do when I catch a bug? It's a little thing I like to call a sick day. No, I didn't have to skip classes, I never have classes on Friday. However I just sat around a relaxed a bit. It would seem I had prime time for answering comments and working on blog posts, but I was so out of it and dazed I had a hard time concentrating. TV has sort of been a bore lately, so who do I turn to for entertainment? FiveAwesomeGirls! I had heard about them before when I watched all the Vlogbrother videos, but had never really checked them out. Needless to say I caught two bugs this week, the strep bug, and the the 5AG bug! I made through the entire year of 2008, and most of the 2009 posts (I have 9 videos to watch before I am current). These girls are too adorable for words, and they can get banish those bad moods.

I thought I would share with you the video that totally made my day today.

I hope that put a smile on your face like it did mine. That's all I have for you guys today, I need to get some sleep, and ditch this bug.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to the Mean Girls soundtrack.

Korianne Fun Fact: She once did a dance recital performance to "Wannabe" by Spice Girls. Her whole dance class had fake spice girl names, and she was Sugar Spice.

BEDA Day 16: Life's a Roller Coaster

2009-04-16T22:48:00.010-05:00

Hi everyone. I like to keep it uber-positive on the blog, but today's day was a little crummy. Since I am blogging every day of April (Thank you Maureen Johnson and BEDA I am loving this, seriously, no joke) I am sort of forced to share a bit of ups and downs with you. 1) Because it's important to be honest and 2) because I can't think of anything else to write about.

This week has been a lot of ups and downs. Our house got TP'd (down). I got many new followers on here and twitter (up). Mom hurt herself at work (down). I discovered the magic that is Five Awesome Girls (up). I got strep throat (down). I got a photography assistant gig that pays $15 an hour for Saturday (up). I ate over 40 sore throat drops (down). I found out I might get to go to BEA (up). And then today I had an anxiety attack in my class (down).

I don't tell many people this, but I have been dealing with anxiety attacks and stress related twitching for the past 3 years. It's not something I usually like to broadcast to the world because it's rather embarrassing, but it's important for you guys to know why sometimes I am super stressed out. I don't really know why I get these attacks and sometimes they have no reasoning. Yes, stress does bring them on and stressful events can trigger them, but sometimes they come out of no where.

Today I believe what stressed me out was a presentation in my night class. It wasn't that being in front of a class scares me, but this teacher is a bit on the scary side. Also, she's not one of those teachers that gives you everything upfront and often times she doesn't tell you until right when you are about to present what it is she wants you to do. We were told that we were going to have to create a powerpoint in an hour during class, like a test, and then present it. It is worth 200 points, which is a big bulk of our grade. I knew my material (the presentation was about art classes in schools) and I had prepped a lot for the power point. However when we get there she throws all these new sorts of rules at us and certain parts we are supposed to include from our articles about the topic. I had to completely change my notes and preparation around, but I thought I could cope.

Also last week she confronted me about another assignment that she said I "copied" from another student (My lovely friend Jenny) because I was absent when it was assigned and she took the requirements and example off the website that everyone else had a chance to look at. I honestly didn't copy Jenny's work but I will admit our letters looked similar. However she had my first draft which I had planned to just edit and turn in, but it wasn't returned back to me before hand. Basically, both my teacher and I were in the wrong and I knew it, but she was sort of lets just say witchy with a b in place of the w about it. I got so worked up about it that a faked and excuse about a family emergency and had to go home. It wasn't a full blown anxiety attack but I wanted to stop it before it got worse and my classmates saw me.

So then today she comes up to me and tells me that if I don't fix it and mail merge it before 8 pm (my class started at 7 and the powerpoint was also due then) she wouldn't give me credit for it and she would report me to the board for cheating. I sat down very frustrated and fixed the letter quickly, but by the time 7:30 rolled around I was know where near finished with my powerpoint and I was starting to go into freak out mode.

Anxiety attacks for everyone are different, and often I don't see the same symptoms twice, but I can always tell when one is approaching. I get really quiet and my hands shake uncontrollably. I also can't fully concentrate on anything. So I went to the bathroom to try to calm myself down, but it wasn't helping and time was ticking away. Finally I just went outside and started crying behind the building. I called my Mom and she told me to tell my teacher what was happening and she would come pick me up. I have had minor attacks at school before where I just didn't make it into class and went for a walk, but never one this bad. I won't get into gruesome details but basically I just crumbled into a big mess on the ground. I cooled myself down enough to go up to the room and get my stuff. I was so embarrassed and just told my teacher I was having an asthma attack and that I would email her about when I could make up my presentation.

It took me a few hours to fully calm down. Mom and I talked a lot and I had some tea. I made some big decisions. 1) I am going to drop this class even though it will mean I am left with only a few credits 2) I need to change some things about my life so it's less stressful 3) I am going to sign up for the stress management class that my wellness and fitness teacher (whom I love) also teaches and 4) It's time I got this anxiety under control. I have been hesitant to take medicine for this before, but this time it just got too out of hand. I plan to go to the doctor sometime next week.

I have cooled down quite a bit and I realize that while my life can't be perfect I think I need to focus on the good things. Earlier this week I tweeted this:

Rolling along on this roller coaster called life.7:52 PM Apr 13th from TweetDeck

Ups and downs make you the person you are, but sometimes I wonder if that person is who I want to be.7:52 PM Apr 13th from TweetDeck

I was thinking about that a lot after my attack today and I have come to realize this:

Roller coasters are fun. Although there have been accidents before overall they are pretty safe. They go up and down a lot. They might even make you throw up. However people take these consequences in to consideration each day but end the end millions will still get in that seat just for the thrill. Yeah, we've all heard horror stories, but that doesn't keep the thrill seekers from enjoying the ride.

It's time I enjoyed the ride and quit worrying about the bumps in the track. Because we only live once, and this ride isn't just gonna stop and let me off.

I have always loved roller coasters, and most of the time I do love life I just need to figure out some ways to manage this stress and it will be so much easier.

So I have a few questions for you. What stresses you out? How do you manage that stress?

Oh, and since we are on the topic of roller coasters... What's your favorite roller coaster?

So I can end on a happy note I will tell you a bit about my favorite roller coasters:

This is the Mamba and it is located at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, MO.
I have only ridden it 7 times, but each time was amazing! It is the biggest roller coaster I have ever rode, with a whopping 205 foot first drop off. It travels at speeds of upwards of 75 miles per hour. I first road it when I was just 10 years old and I wasn't scared one bit!

This is The Batman at Six Flags St. Louis. It is 10 1/2 stories tall and goes at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. It is by far the best coaster at the St. Louis park and I love all the twists and turns. I have ridden this one more times than I can count since I had a season pass every year since I was 3. I believe I also first rode this one at the age of 10, but I am not completely sure.

This is the River King Mine Train also at Six Flags St. Louis. It may not be very fast or tall, but it was my first roller coaster. I believe I first rode it at the age of 5. Even though I am not a big fan of Fright Fest I rather enjoy seeing the decorations and scary flashes they put in this ride during Halloween time. A visit to Six Flags is not complete without a ride on the Mine Train.

Thanks for putting up with a bit of emo and a bit of sappy roller coaster analogies from me today. I hope it didn't scare you away.

While writing this post Korianne was again listening to FiveAwesomeGirls videos. They seem to really cheer her up.

Korianne Fun Fact: Even though Korianne loves roller coasters she is terrified of theme rides. As a kid she would keep her eyes closed in the Castaway Kids ride at Six Flags while Kendall and her Dad laughed at her and poked her. Only when she heard the monkeys popping out of their holes at the end was she "safe." She is still, to this day, terrified of the ride which is now a Scooby Doo themed laser tag boat ride. Oh, and Fire In The Hole at Silver Dollar City, don't even get her started... it gives her nightmares.

BEDA Day 15: How To Make A Cheap and Simple Bookmark

2009-04-15T22:46:00.014-05:00

I am constantly getting asked about how I make my bookmarks. I love to craft things and sometimes my work can get pretty elaborate, but for today lets keep it simple. Today, I will teach you how I make a cheap, unique bookmark.

Supplies:

Two pieces of 4 1/2 by 6 1/2 cardstock in different colors.
Paper cutter (optional, if not available use scissors)
Scissors
Magazines (for clipping)
Xyron laminator and sticker machine.

Alternative Supplies:

Acid-Free Glue (to use in place of sticker machine)
Packaging Tape (to use in place of laminator)

Step 1

Cut both pieces of cardstock in half with paper cutter or scissors.

Step 2

Tear one strip of the paper in half.

Step 3

Run torn strip of paper through sticker maker or apply acid free glue.

Step 4

Attach torn strip to other strip of colored paper.

Step 5

Cut out something from a magazine. It can be an item or a pattern. I used a pattern from a tampon case actually! You just have to be looking for things that catch your eye, and think out of the box.

Step 6

Run magazine clipping through sticker maker or apply acid-free glue.

Step 7

Apply clipping (sticker) to bookmark.

Step 8

Let kitty play with bookmark. (optional)

Step 9

Apply lettering stickers or word stickers if desired.

Step 9

Autograph or stamp to let people know who made this handmade bookmark.

I sign mine Korianne's Kreations now, but as soon as I get my etsy shop opened I will start stamping them with my Oh, Cupcake! Handmade stamp.

Step 10

Run bookmark through laminator or use packing tape to protect it.

Step 11

Cut excess laminator paper around bookmark.

And you are done!

And repeat to create a whole collection of bookmarks!

Also I am an idiot and I forgot to announce the winner of this week's Bookmark Bribery on Manic Monday, so I am going to giveaway two bookmarks.

And the winners are:

thesummer & Alley! I will email you guys soon so I can get you bookmarks out to you.

Also, LisaMay, I emailed you and wasn't able to get a hold of you. I will try again, and if you are reading this be sure and watch out for the email.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to the Dawson's Creek soundtrack.

Korianne Fun Fact: She hasn't read all the Harry Potter books, she has only made it through the first 2. However she loves Wizard Rock!

BEDA Day 14: TBR Tuesday - 20 Boy Summer

2009-04-14T22:24:00.004-05:00

Dear Lovely Online Friends,
I have neglected you today. I am sorry. Here is why in list form:

1) I am ill. I have strep throat. It is because I wear flip flops when it's 40 degrees outside, and also because "I don't get proper sleep" according to my Mom.

2) I have been watching FiveAwesomeGirls on youtube. I seems to make my throat feel better. I am currently on Liane's video recorded on 5/23/08. I started from the beginning a few days ago. I also keep trying to think of reasons why today is awesome randomly when I am daydreaming. So at least it's keeping me a bit positive.

3) I had to go to my one and only class today. Usually this wouldn't be a problem, it's Thursdays I dread, but today I just wasn't in the mood. Jenny also came to pick me up early (er not really early, but earlier then usual) at 12 and I totally wasn't ready or showered. So when I got home, because I felt gross, I took a shower.

4) My mom injured herself at work and almost had to get stitches. She has a gash in her right hand now which means both of her hands are now immobile since she still has a broken left wrist. Also, I got dizzy when I looked at her injury and had to take a little nap. I didn't used to be squeamish with blood, but since Kendall broke her nose a few years back I haven't been able to handle it. Mom says I turned white when she showed me. Which makes me giggle because if you don't know me I am probably the most pastey person in existence.

5) I actually mailed out packages today.. so at least I got one thing productive done. Erika Lynn and Jordyn, your books are on their way, along with all my bookmooch requests.

5) My house was TP'd Sunday and it has been wet outside. TP is sort of dry now, so I picked up about half of it. My house still looks terrible and it's so embarrassing. Just so You know the house was TP'd by Kendall's friends, not mine. Also just so you know if you are one of Kendall's friends I currently hate you. Kendall is having a rough week. She got her braces on, Aunt Flo is visiting her, and she has bundles of homework. So even though I am sick, Mom has deemed Kendall in worse shape than I so I will be the one cleaning up the TP. I repeat, Kendall's friends (You know who you are, as do I. Yeah, you aren't that sneaky) I hate you. If this wasn't a kid friendly blog I would scream obscenities at you.

Alright friends. Sorry I have neglected you. I will try not to do this again. I will be back on Skype and Twitter tomorrow, maybe not my usual amount of time, but definitely more than today.

Lovely,
Korianne

Now on to TBR Tuesday!

20 Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Back Cover Summary:

Don't worry, Anna. I'll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it."

"Okay."

"Promise me? Promise you won't say anything?"

"Don't worry." I laughed. "It's our secret, right?"

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in ZanzibarBay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

Beautifully written and emotionally honest, this is a debut novel that explores what it truly means to love someone and what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer.

I just got this book from Jordyn a few days ago. Yes, I hasn't come out yet. It will be out in June 2009. Thank goodness I have connections with a pretty awesome blogger! I haven't heard a bad review about it yet so I hope to read it soon. And no, I will not make the mistake I keep making every week by saying I will read this book next. It really depends on my mood, but I will read it soon. That's all for today and thanks for hanging in there when I am absent from the Internet all day!

While writing this post Korianne was listening to the FiveAwesomeGirls videos, not music. I admit I only recently started watching them, but I am already in love with their vids!

Korianne Fun Fact: She is growing her hair out for Wigs For Kids.

BEDA Day 13: Just Another Manic Monday - It's ABBA Time!

2009-04-13T20:26:00.008-05:00

Ok, I in no way claim to know anything about ABBA, but after a Skype conversation with Chelsea of FiveAwesomeYAFans a few days back I began to see where her obsession comes from. Sure, I have heard ABBA music before, and liked it quite a bit, but never really jumped into it. I appreciated it, but was never obsessed. Chelsea is far past the obsessed point with ABBA. So this post is for you Chels, and for any other ABBA obsessed fans out there (er Maureen.. maybe?). But let it be known that I started this for Chelsea, because she is most definitely the biggest ABBA fangirl I know. I mean look at this video she made for a school physics project here.

Etsy Item of the Week:

This week's item comes from an etsy shop called rockcoasters. Rockcoasters takes old scratched records and makes them into coasters. They coat the surface with a durable, polymer acrylic to protect the label, and add a cork backing so the coaster doesn't slide around on your coffee table when you use it. This coaster is made from ABBA's Debut LP and features the track "Take A Chance On Me" (FYI the song Chelsea was imitating in her parody from above) If ABBA isn't your style, don't fear, rockcoasters takes special orders.

Stumble Me Silly:

If you are like me and don't know much about ABBA then you should check out their official site here. Chelsea also assures me that the above video is the best little piece of ABBA footage ever shot, so watch that too.

That's A Bookshelf?

Yes, it's a Swedish glow in the dark bookshelf! Designed by Måns Salomonsen, the Pulseline bookshelf was created to look like just that, a pulse line. You know, that thing you see on ER or House and when someone dies it just goes flat and beeeeeeppps out. Yeah, that thing. The rim is coated with fluorescent paint so it glows in the dark. As Chelsea would say, "The Swedes do it better!" Yes, Chels I do believe you are correct. No one besides a Swedish person would think of this amazing concept.

Name Your Future Child ________.

Here's the details on this feature so as not to cause any confusion:

So lets pretend that each week I adopt a child (oh how very Angelina of me!) and each week I will give he or she a wonderful name. What I want you to do is be brutally honest about what you think of the names and if you would ever name your child these. You have two options, tell me this is a great name or suggest a better name and argue why it's better. This is all just in good fun and if you really dislike the name don't worry I am not expecting a baby and most likely by the time I am I will no longer like the name. I might eventually use them as character names though, if I ever write a book. But don't worry, you will not hurt my feelings if you don't like it.

This week I am adopting baby boy from Sweden, and I tell you I want to name him Fernando Bjorn after the song by ABBA and one of their members. What do you think? Do I name him Fernando Bjorn? Or do you say no, Name Your Future Child ________. Leave your answer in the comments.

While writing this post Korianne was listening to ABBA... duh!

Korianne Fun Fact: Today she mastered the art of cracking an egg with one hand for the very first time.

Sidenote... I only spelled 2 words wrong in this post when I spell checked it! Yay me!

BEDA Day 12: In My Mailbox - Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T18:44:00.008-05:00

As always In My Mailbox was started by the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren. Which by the way, tell her how great a job she did on her first IMM vlog! It is awesome!

I got 5 lovely books this week, and they are all from book bloggers!

Books from Yan:

The lovely Yan from Books By Their Cover sent me these 3 books via bookmooch. If you pop by her blog check out her hilarious interview and be sure and tell her how much you love her new layout.

Books from Carol and My Teen Vogue Magazine:

Carol from Bookluver-Carol's Reviews sent me the two books on the end, I Wanna Be Your Shoebox and Runaway. She is celebrating her blogoversary, so go wish her well. She also has a lovely new layout, which I am envious of!

Teen Vogue sent me my monthly issue for May this week. I was slightly disappointed by the cover though. I am not a Miley hater by any means, just because I don't enjoy most of her music doesn't mean I have to be mean to her. However, this picture may not look so bad tiny, but clearly the cover creators didn't do their job when you see it up close and personal. The white blob on the left, yeah, that's a horse. Cantcha tell? It's so clear, right? Seriously, the inside pictures would have made much better cover shots. Cover aside, it was an OK issue. I found the Girl Hot vs. Guy Hot article very interesting. But nothing really wowed me. Perhaps this is my 20's kicking in already. Oh brother!

While writing this post Korianne was listening to Jason Mraz.

Korianne Fun Fact: When she was younger she dreamt of becoming a fashion designer.

BEDA Day 11: Books In My Pants

2009-04-11T21:07:00.005-05:00

Ok, so you all know I am a big John Green fan. John & Hank like to play a little game called "In My Pants" where they add "In My Pants" or "In Your Pants" to book titles. I also enjoy this game. So today, with the help of picnik, I decided to see what these books would really look like with "In My Pants" titles. All of these are books I own, and in no way am I making fun of their titles, they would just be so funny if "In My Pants" was added. So here it goes guys!

The Wonder Spot IN MY PANTS by Melissa Bank

The Long Night of Leo and Bree IN MY PANTS by Ellen Wittlinger

Something Happened IN MY PANTS by Greg Logsted

Playing With Boys IN YOUR PANTS by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez

Love The One You're With IN YOUR PANTS by Emily Giffin

I Hope You Dance IN MY PANTS by Mark D. Sanders & Tia Sillers

You're The One That I Want IN MY PANTS by Cecily von Ziegesar

I hope this brought you a little laugh! I know I got my giggle on!

While writing this post Korianne was listening to Ben Folds.

Korianne Fun Fact: She is a pro at magazine clipping collages.