Literary Friday, ya’ll…

Today is Valentine’s Day and Literary Friday- so…. do the right thing and get a book and enjoy some bookish love 🙂

1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday: talks of Nicholas Sparks, giveaway, 50 Sexiest Books, and much more!

2. Traveling With T is asking: Who is your favorite romantic film or literary couple? I’ve listed a FEW of mine- and I would love to hear from you!

3. Still looking for Valentine gift inspiration? Here is a few ideas!

4. Traveling With T this week interviewed Gigi Pandian, author of PIRATE VISHNU, posted an Author Spotlight on Adria J. Cimino and reviewed SOMETHING YELLOW by Laura Templeton!

5. What is So Wrong With “Happily Ever After?” is a question Traveling With T posed this week on the blog- would love to hear more thoughts!

6. My #fridayreads FOUR FRIENDS by Robyn Carr and THROW IN THE TROWEL by Kate Collins.

♥♥♥ I love you all! Thanks for commenting, for stopping by, for sharing on Facebook, Twitter and G+, for finding me interesting! Have a wonderful day, a wonderful Valentine’s Day! ♥♥♥

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

Favorite Literary/Film Romantic Couples

Romance is in the air- today is Valentine’s Day! Whether you are celebrating romance by reading or watching a good movie- we all have some fav romantic couples from film or literature!

Here’s a few of mine:

Film:

Photo Credit: IMDB

Scarlett and Rhett: Gone With The Wind- I LOVE Scarlett and Rhett- the looks between them, the bantering back and forth!

Photo Credit: IMDB

Captain Von Trapp and Maria: The Sound of Music- from when she asks “what his whistle sound to call him is” to the meeting in the garden (oh my stars, I love that scene- basically the movie is over after that scene!). Continue reading →

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for the Bookish folks

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. And if you aren’t wanting to go the chocolate/flowers route for gifts- I’ve got a few ideas for the bookish gal in your life (or the bookish friend who needs a little pick me up on V-day or your budding bookish child)

Valentine Gift Ideas:

1. Books- yes, books! Easy-peasy. Go to an indie store (odds are you can find a cool signed book- even if you missed the author there- they usually sign tons of stock!) If you aren’t near an indie- Amazon and Barnes and Noble are other good options!

2. The e-reader. Whether you pick Nook or Kindle- you really can’t go wrong. Full disclosure: I have the el-cheapo Kindle and I LOVE it. Much more than what I thought I would. I highly recommend the el-cheapo Kindle if you are buying for your kids or a person you are not quite sure will embrace the e-reader.

3. Nancy Drew Iphone Case– for the Nancy Drew lover who wants her phone to be stylish.

4. Kindle or Nook Covers- you can get several options at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Heck, even Vera Bradley makes them (so adorable!) Or, you can get one specially made (I like this Nancy Drew one!)

5. Maybe your Valentine is more of a bookmark person- no worries- here are some suggestions: Hunger Games bookmarks (I’ve ordered these and have every 1 this Etsy seller makes- I give them as gifts & they are great!) Or maybe they are a Jane Austen fan? Or a Keep Calm & Read On type of person? Or think Cupcakes are adorable?

6. Is your Valentine a tote lover? Here’s some: Sometimes I’ve believed as many as 6 impossible things before breakfast, Keep Calm and Read, or My Book Club Can Drink Your Book Club Under The Table.

7. Or is bookish jewelry the way to their heart? Here is a Book Nerd necklace.

8. If all else fails, a gift card to their favorite bookstore would be appreciated!

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

10 Romance Books You Gotta Read for Valentine’s Day

A few weeks ago, I was talking to Kristin (Always With a Book) on the phone and we got to talking about romance books. Both of us enjoy them- although Kristin is more knowledgeable than I am about the good ones! After talking to her, I began thinking about Valentine’s Day and how I wanted to work with a fellow blogger about great books to read for Valentine’s Day. Together, we have compiled a list- a great list, I think, of books to read for Valentine’s Day. Romance and romantic suspense- happy reading for Valentine’s Day! Continue reading →

Guest Post: Beth Albright discusses how Belle’s love LOVE!

Beth Albright, author of The Sassy Belles trilogy, has stopped by Traveling With T today to discuss: Belles, love and Valentine’s Day. Beth’s recently released novella, Saved By The Belles, is creating quite a buzz in the romance world. Beth has been steadily promoting the latest novella while also getting ready for the next trilogy- yes, the Belles will be back in summer 2014!

When Beth and I started talking about this post, I suggested a couple of different options- Belles and love, Belles and friendship- because both those topics really go hand in hand with Beth Albright’s trilogy. The friendships and the romance are something to remember- and after reading Beth’s books, you may find yourself craving sweet tea and a Southern accent. Continue reading →

Literary Friday ya’ll….

Friday. Oh the weather is not delightful. Yesterday, the air was positively spring-like. I began looking at my flip-flops in anticipation of pedicures and walking around outside. I *might* have even spoken to my favorite new pair- saying something like “I can’t wait to show you off!” But the weather is a cruel mistress, no? Yesterday’s nice, sunny, breezy weather has led to today’s cool weather with dark skies.

In other #literaryfriday news:

1. Deep South Magazine– Cocktail recipies inspired by favorite pieces of literature, list of the most literate cities for 2012, and a review by Laura Kay, a fellow She Reads Blog Network member, about Julie Kibler’s CALLING ME HOME which is She Reads Feb Book Club Pick of the Month. Through today, comment on the She Reads post for a chance to win a copy of CALLING ME HOME.

2. More #giveaways: Tell Me Something True-A Visit With Emily Winslow Comment on post for a chance to win The Start Of Everything (She Reads is giving away a copy!)

3. #fridayreads My read is Veiled Revenge by Ellen Byerrum. Your next #fridayreads should be Julie Kibler’s Calling Me Home. In stores on Feb 12. Interested in finding out more about Calling Me Home? Here’s my review of Calling Me Home.

4. Two other books readers should be on the lookout for (Both will be released Feb 12). Gods of Mischief: My Undercover Vendetta to Take Down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang by George Rowe and The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones.

5. Still looking for Valentine’s Ideas? My blog post, Valentine’s Ideas, will provide some suggestions as well as Bookmagnet’s blog!

6. Looking for great book chats? Use #gr8books on Twitter- the host is Andrea (@gr8thoughts). Earlier this week, Erika Robuck’s Hemingway’s Girl was discussed. It was a fun-filled chat with lots of interesting chatter about the book. Next chat is March 5th, from 8-9pmCST. The book discussed will be Wife 22.

7. Be thinking of questions to ask Julie Kibler because I’m hosting a Twitter chat with her on Feb 20th from 2-3pm EST. Haven’t decided on hashtag as of yet- but will def post ASAP.

Happy Reading!

Valentine’s Ideas…..

Valentine’s Day. I’ll admit how much I love the red hearts, the glitter, the pretty packaging of the chocolate. How much I love having Valentine’s Day plans with someone special. I’ll even admit that some years I’ve been a Valentine hater- annoyed by the over-abundance of red, flowers, and the teddy bears everywhere. I’ve even participated in the “single awareness days” with good food and wine with friends. And there may even be a time or two where I’ve scoffed at the over-commercialization of the holiday, the cost of cards,dinner, flowers and more. But as the years keep turning, I’ll just admit that Valentine’s Day is a day to show love- to do something for yourself that makes you happy. To make sure that your loved ones know they are special.

And while my heart still beats a little faster at the sight of red hearts and seeing all the over-the-top goodies and stuff; I recognize life is not a romantic-comedy (my life isn’t at any rate). So, in light of this- I always try to make my Valentine’s Day a bit special- no matter the status of my romantic life. Because being good to yourself is the best way to be happy.

I mentioned before that my Valentine’s Day plans include tickets to Cirque de la Mystique and having dinner with a friend. I also have my eye on a couple of different earrings at Dogeared Jewelry. I also plan to indulge myself the next weeked by going to the movies to see Safe Haven and have dinner at my favorite eating place.

Enjoy your Valentine’s day!

Gifts for Book Lovers:

Bookmagnet has a list of books that would make a great gift for the book lover in your life.

After reading the list, I thought of some other books that would make a great gift:

1. The Art Forger by B.A. Shapirio and tickets to an art exhibit/museum.

2. Beautiful Darkness and tickets to the movie

3. The Hunger Games trilogy ( I know, I know- I need to quit with The Hunger Games- but I still love it.)

4. The Meryl Streep Movie Club and a night of watching favorite Meryl Streep movies and snacks

5. Meanwhile Back at Cafe Du Monde for a foodie (even better to plan with a trip to New Orleans)

6. A gift certificate to favorite bookstore

7. An Audible subscription for audio-book lover

8. Like going to literary haunts? Buy Deep South Mag’s Literay Trail App and plan a road-trip!