Party Planning Do's and Don'ts !

Hi all! Esty here on a Sunday. 

Recently my friends and I have had multiple occasions to celebrate, thank god. With all the birthdays, milestones, and get-togethers, a partnership with Paperless Post couldn't have come at a better time! 

Paperless Post is a company that designs customizable online and printed stationery, to show that communication can be personal and well-designed regardless of the medium.

Paperless Post has partnered with several world-famous designers and lifestyle brands, including kate spade new york, Oscar de la Renta, Jonathan Adler, and Rifle Paper Co., and has delivered over 85 million cards to date.

Above is a screenshot of the cover of an invitation I designed. As it turns out, my mom had used Paperless Post for my brother's Bar Mitzvah just a year ago! We had fun comparing notes and playing with all the beautiful options offered by the platform. 

So in honor of the opportunity, I decided to put together some Do's and Don'ts I learned from my recent spree of hosting and party-going. 

Do it together. I organized a surprise party for my boyfriend and 3 good friends volunteered and helped me so much that I wondered how I even thought about doing it on my own. (Mind you, I'm talking about a simple BBQ and cake get together) 

Don't be too upset if it's not exactly a surprise. That's hard to do these days. They'll have fun and love it all the same. 

Do invite a lot of people. (Ones you genuinely like, yes?) There's never a night that everyone can make it, and you usually err on the side of caution when making food, meaning you have enough. Also, the more the merrier! I was stingy on who I invited once and regretted it later. 

Don't worry about different friend groups and social circles. It's weird in the beginning but then great. Introduce people - most have fun and thank you for it later. And if they don't want to mingle? That's fine too. 

Do make sure everyone has a friend. You (the host) can't be the only one a guest knows, as you'll be running around a lot. Have them bring a +1 if needed.

Do have music. No-brainer. And yet, a mistake I once made. And let your friends DJ. It serves as a great activity. 

Don't buy everything! Put aside the time and enlist a friend or two and you'll find yourself saving a lot of money making things you would have bought prepared. For example, instead of buying ready-made skewers, my friends helped me buy chicken pullets and cut them up and make our own! We added vegetables and made them fancier, yummier, and cheaper. 

Do allow your guests to bring something! Don't expect them to, but if they offer, great! People like to contribute, especially to smaller, low-key and more intimate get togethers. It can be something simple, like candy or a dessert. It saves you money and work, widens your variety and allows your guests to feel more a part of the event. Besides, complementing each other's stuff is good conversation starting. 

Do (cuz there are definitely more do's than don'ts in parties) have a little something to do. I was at a friend's just last night and we played Kahoot - this quiz that everyone connects to on their phones. You need to prepare it in advance and a projector. Sooo fun, great for all ages. It's simple and easy and free. 


So that's it folks! I hope you check out Paperless Post here and have a wonderful event! 
Esty

My Magical, British Room

Hey all! Eight months ago I moved a town with my family, and while you'd think 8 months is enough time to finish organizing and unpacking your room- I guess it isn't for me. *cue monkey covering eyes emoji*. As I'm only home every other weekend or so, I'm still choosing furniture and decorating.

So naturally, when I heard about Loot Crate's fun project, I had no problem coming up with ideas! Loot Crate is a crate subscription service that sends out all different kinds of pop culture theme crates. Different aspects of pop culture they tackle are movies, games, TV shows, books, anime, pro-wrestling, etc. Every month they send out a box of 4-6 cool items with more than $50 value! Recently they've been asking everyone to put together a list of what your dream crate would look like- and they may even make one a reality! 

As you can see from my blog theme, I love London. Be it Sherlock's home town, or the city The Infernal Devices takes place in, or because in it is King's Cross station that first takes Harry to Hogwarts- I've always been enchanted by this city. As I started to brainstorm and google things for my dream crate, it fused with my shopping list for my bedroom and behold, here is some English- themed merch I'd love to have. 



1. London Bridge bookends - I desperately need something nice to hold up the books on my shelves, and what better idea for bookends than a bridge? 

2.  Big Ben clock - what's more appropriate than a clock to represent London?

3. Rainy curtains- every local I've ever spoken to ABSOLUTELY HATES the constant rain in London, but as curtains that can be open and closed at will I think it's beautiful. 

4. Gryffindor hangings - while there are many great soccer clubs that are easily identifiable as British and are well-loved, I am a book lover who grew up on Harry Potter and my room is not complete without this. 

5. Harry Potter lights - I PROMISED myself I wouldn't be so typical and make my whole list about Potter, but I can't help it on this one. I mean, who wouldn't want to light up their bedrooms with a row of floating candles?? That's what I thought. Barring that, I absolutely loved the following stickers. 


So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen, my Dream Crate! Go crazy with your own and let me know in the comments! 

Have a wonderful week and wish me luck in my roommaking, 
Esty 

Once Upon A Mattress- Top 5 Tips for the Perfect Day In

Hey all! Recently I've been challenged by Leesa Mattresses, an online mattress company, to come up with my ideal day in bed! If you've been thinking about a new mattress, you can read about a few here. Note: This is not a sponsored post, all opinions are totally my own! (: 

Of course, like every avid reader, and pretty much everyone everywhere, for me days in bed are the best. Behold, my top 5 recommendations for the ideal day in!

1. A clean and neat room- a cluttered room is a cluttered mind for me, and I find the activity of cleaning and organizing it is absolutely therapeutic! Once that's done, I can relax in my bed with a clear and free mind, ready to dive into a good read.

2. A calming aroma - open a window! The fresh air is a wonderful way to enjoy the day outside without leaving your blankets. Even when it's rainy! I personally love staying in bed on a rainy day even more. Also, I've recently taken to sheet spray- it's like perfume for your bed! Spritz a little between your pillows and blankets and instantly your room smells refreshed and just washed. 

3. Shams and little pillows- this goes without saying. Perfect for reclining and switching positions while reading. 

4. A cup of tea and a place to put it- need I say more?

5. An old favorite- sure, it's fun and thrilling to read new things, but for my ideal day in? Nothing beats a Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or some other completely thumbed-through, folded-over, chocolate-finger-stained novel that I know by heart but never ceases to delight me. 

So those are my top 5 tips for the best day in! What do you do when you just need a mental health day? What do you read? Let me know! 

Also, if you're in the mood to do something good- check out Leesa's giving back page. They plant one tree per every mattress they sell, and donate one mattress for every ten. Thank you for the amazing work! 

Have a great week everyone! 

Dream Conference Panel !

Hi there! Recently I've been asked what my dream panel at a book conference would look like. I thought it was a great idea for a post and it got me thinking! So behold, the panels I'd sooo fly across the world to be part of.

Survival Skills in Unnatural Circumstances

Featuring:

Haymitch Abernathy and Sirius Black

Need I explain this one? Both Haymitch and Sirius have been through hell and back in their lives and still find the strength within to be sassy and lovable, and in their own ways, good parental figures to Katniss, Peeta, and Harry. I'd love to hear some practical advice about how to stay alive and (somewhat) sane in the arena and in Azkaban, and also about rehabilitating themselves (or not) in their lives afterwords.

Fantasy World-building 

Featuring:

JK Rowling and Rick Riordan

                                                                                     

These two quite literally wrote my childhood. I'd spend hours dreaming I'm a witch and demigod, living out my days in Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood (yes, I said AND not OR. It's all possible when you're 10) .

As an adult still reading their books, I'm astounded as to how well-rounded the worlds they built are. Clues about characters' pasts or futures were always subtly present, all questions answered in wondrous ways we never expected but made perfect sense. The characters were full and complex, the worlds with clear rules and ways in which they worked. 

If these two ever did a panel you can bet I'd break the bank to be there. After crying and possibly just being in awed silence for a while, I'd ask for world-building tips in writing fantasy. 

So those are mine! I'd love to hear from you what panels (imaginary or not) you'd like to attend. Make your own post, or just comment below. Then check out Eventbrite and see what's actually happening near you! (You never know, you may get lucky 😉 ) or use their conference management tools to create and host your own amazing conference panel. Have a great week!! 

Happy Birthday Percy Jackson and the Olympians!

The Lightning Thief: 10th Anniversary Edition (B&N Exclusive Collector's Edition) 

Rick Riordan

Illustrated by John Rocco

My review of Percy Jackson's Greek Gods.

Before my thoughts, a tidbit: I reread a lot. A lot of times, in between every review I post here, I've reread another book that I don't review.  In most cases, every time I review a book in a series I reread all its predecessors, meaning I recently reread all of The Sisters Grimm series and The Lorien Legacies. Not to mention all The Heroes of Olympus and Mortal Instruments. 

I don't review rereads on principle (I'm talking about a book I read before I started blogging, therefore there is no review for here on Boarding with Books). The reason for this is because if your reading it again/ continuing the series you obviously liked it enough to do so. Also, your thoughts are very different from the initial impression you got when you immersed yourself in it the first time, more like a personal comparison with what you felt before, not so much review material. 

Anyway! Why, if so, am I doing this review on a book I have learned by heart read many times since my youth and is among my all time favorites? 

Well, it's been ten years. 

God this is so emotional.

When did we get so old??

I remember getting my copy of The Battle of the Labyrinth and staying up all night (or so I thought) until my dad made me go to sleep so I went to bed clutching it. I also remember spoiling it for myself because in grade 4 (or 5) I did NOT have the self-control it takes to avoid the internet. Lord, I didn't even try! I googled it myself! (:

Oh, wait. I meant to review the bonus content in the anniversary edition.

We'll start with the cover: I've seen opinions all across the spectrum. Honestly, I kinda like it. But no, not enough that if given the choice I'd choose to own the new ones. Christine at PolandBananasBooks made a video with her new Percy Jackson swag (so jealous) and made a good point... they just don't stand out like the old covers did! I'd miss the big gold writing on my shelf. 

However, just for this anniversary edition of The Lighting Thief it worked. It was done by the amazingly talented John Rocco (who did every other Rick Riordan thing ever) along with a gorgeous mural of all the new art on the inside jacket. On the inner side of the cover are the covers of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief in a bunch of different foreign languages... so cool!

There's the original outline (Twas the first time I've seen a real manuscript ouline. Twas fascinating), Riordan's first submission letter, a little Q&A, a letter from John Rocco, maps of Camp Half-Blood and the Underworld, a little note from Percy, a Greek Mythology reference guide and a list of myths relating to the story. Basically, lots of cute stuff. If I could ask for more I'd want interviews with the gods, maybe with some of the campers - though I realize it's premature for The Lightning Thief, come on. Who buys the collectors edition if not for avid fans?

Overall, I was so happy. It is an amazing gift to get, and I urge you to give the same present to yourself or to your favorite demigod friend. Rating:

Top Ten Tuesday!!

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and Bookish. As it has it, I haven't done a TTT since January. Yes, it is HIGH time.

 Anyhoo, this week's topic is If You Like This, Read That. Here's mine! Nope, there's no rhyme or reason. Don't try. 


If you like AMERICAN IDOL read: Piece of My Heart by Lynn Madelenna Menna

If you like MEAN GIRLS read Bossypants by Tina Fey

If you like TRUE INSPIRING STORIES read Escape From Camp 14 by Blaine Harden

If you like DANCE read A Time For Dancing by Davida Wills Hurwin


If you like WEIRDNESS read: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

If you like MIDDLE GRADE AWESOMENESS read The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley

If you like ESPONIAGE read the CHERUB Series by Robert Muchamore

If you like DRAGONS, read: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

If you like FAIRYTALE RETELLINGS, read: Bewitching by Alex Flinn

If you like FAERIES read Wings by Appryline Pike

Check out the links if you like these things too! What are yours? 
Esty

Books for Holocaust Remembrance Day

Hi all!
I've been a little absent lately, lots of tests and school. But I'm still around! Tomorrow I'll be posting my review of Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult. But before that, I wanted to mention that today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. Now, in general I want my blog to be a happy place, but I felt that this day shouldn't be passed up in the book blogosphere especially when there are so many great books commemorating the victims. If you haven't read any of these, do so now. For your own education and book appreciation, but also to honor the 6 million Jews (and others) who perished in the hands of the Nazis, and not even long ago.

The Diary of Anne Frank
This one isn't really about the physical horrors of it. If you can't handle emotionally tough reads, go with the diary. Here is your average girl who flirts with boys, goes to movies, rides her bike, goes to school, fights with her mom. This is how her life was taken away from her, bit by bit. It's her real diary, translated from Dutch.










   The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
I know a lot of people have read this one already. If you have, you know it's well worth it.



The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
If you already know about Auschwitz you'll be amazed by the literary genius of this book. The movie, too, is amazing.






The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
This one is told from the perspective of a child but is one of the harder ones (if my horror and shock as a child were any indication. Maybe it would be less traumatizing if I was to read it now). It's describes with detail life in the concentration camps. Well, "life" is a relative term when speaking of the Holocaust.





Night by Elie Wiesel
In truth, I have yet to read this one. From what I heard of it, I have decided to wait a few years. But naturally I know of Elie Wiesel (probably one of the most famous Holocaust survivors) and have read and studied his epic and true speech when he accepted his Nobel peace prize. (Google him. I'm serious) He has written many more books but this is his most well known. It's half fiction, half documentary of his own experiences.










Out of the Depths by Rabbi Lau
Another documentary of this extraordinary Rabbi's experiences as a little kid (!!) during the Nazi regime.


Anyway, it would mean a lot to me and to everyone in Israel if you read one of these. Also, if you've read a well-written and meaningful Holocaust/ World War II book that I haven't featured here let me know!
Esty