The Seasonal Bookshelf: Summertime Reads

As an avid reader, summertime means one thing for sure, more time for paper back indulgences. Here is list of books I have strung together and hope to finish by the time autumn roles around.
DISCLAIMER: Anti hopeless romantics proceed with caution.

Eat Pray Love
By: Elizabeth Gilbert

I do realize I am late to board this train, but am still eager to travel vicariously and am incredibly ecstatic to gobble up some of Elizabeth Gilbert's thought provoking wisdom.

The Opposite of Loneliness
By: Marina Keegan

This books is a bundle of personal essays and stories woven between two covers. I've also been told that this read will have me in fits of giggles and tears in a matter of minutes.

The Heir
By: Kiara Cass 

As the next installment of The Selection series, this book holds a bountiful amount of promise. Picture princesses meets The Bachelorette. Yes, please.

Far From The Madding Crowd
By: Thomas Harding

Girl power, Three hot guys, Victorian England, AND a movie adaptation. What's not to love?

Paper Towns
By: John Green

If you're an individual who sees movies and then reads the book, please address you're unhealthy habit.

99 Days
 By: Katy Cotugno

Not anywhere near as serious as some of the other books listed, 99 Days seems like a lilting and quick read.

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl
By: Paige Mckenzie 

Described as the perfect combination of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Veronica Mars, this is a must read.

Girl Boss
By: Sofia Amoruso 

This read is said to be laden with fashion, real-world advice, and inspiration. Get in my hands, now.

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me."
-C.S. Lewis

For The Curious Ear: My Summer Sun-down Playlist

Background noise for star garnished skies and meaningful mistakes. 

Zimbabwe - Flume Remix 

Flume

Always - Wave Racer Remix
Panama

Can We Work This Out 

The Harpoons

Eventually

Tame Impala

The Beggar 

The Virgins

Lonely Day 

Phantom Planet 

Depreston

Courtney Barnett

Sound & Color

Alabama Shakes

Golden Day Checklist

 
Summer is indubitably approaching. Though usually in my part of the world, it's arrival is expected in early spring, we've experienced a rather wet and cool March through May. Don't get me wrong, I'm nowhere near complaint, but, I do have to confess that I would be lying if this deprivation of sunshine did not damper my enthusiasm, even just a bit. Anyway, I have created a summer checklist of sort, to ensure this season (though kick started late) is filled with freckle skinned memories.  

1. do sunrise yoga

2. pick peaches

3. start a book club 

4. have a picnic and watch the sun set 

5. make a new friend, or twelve 

6. float a river 

7. see an amazing show 

8. spend all day outside

9. find a new favorite coffee shop 

10. hold lots of puppies 

11. smile a lot 

12. say goodbye to your comfort zone

13. hike 

14. visit the farmer's market

15. send a message in a bottle 

                                               

                                                 

"And at the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling." 

-Shanti 

My Favorite Avenues (where you'll find me in 10 years)

I love traveling. It forces me out of my territory of bland comfort and coaxes me into vibrant and enlightening environments of exotic lifestyles. No matter what, even after a short escapade down a lane not yet explored, or a new flower shop across town, I gain experience and knowledge and hone in my creativity. Though I definitely am one for being in complete and total control of my environment, I crave the unknown and unpredictable. Now, I am in no way, shape, or form a world traveler (quite yet), I do consider myself blessed enough to have laid eyes on some pretty extraordinary parts of this world. And I just wanted to acknowledge the beauty that lies in a single strand of a few of my favorite cities. I have compiled a short list of some of the most beautiful streets I've ever walked on. Let's get to it.

South Congress, Austin, Texas 

South Congress always seems to rev my creative engine. I'm never at a loss when strolling down SoCo, always a beverage in hand, whether that be an iced lavender lemonade, or  a toasty cappuccino, my heart expands for the love I have for this city and the kind people who inhabit it.

Hayes Street, Hayes Valley, San Francisco, California

 

This bright street instantly adorned my face with a toothy grin. It's unique boutiques and hip flair made me dream of calling this fearless and independent district my home someday. The first thing I did after hopping out of my cab, was grab a quick latte from from a pop up artisan street vendor. I then ran into a vintage shoe store and gazed at racks upon  racks of vintage shoes unlike any I'd ever seen before (in a good way I promise). All in all, Hayes Street is without a doubt an avenue I would jump at the chance to revisit. 

Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria

Now I realize I cheated a bit on this one, but I didn't get to mark down the exact address of this gorgeously golden street. It's probably one of the most memorable ones I've ever set foot on. It seemed to beckon my name and coax me, enamored with the bountiful promise of history it held. I can still remember the breathtaking view of the alps in the horizon and the gorgeous 400 year old fortress visible when tilting my head slightly up to the left. I can't wait to return to the gorgeous city of Salzburg and walk its cobblestone paths once more, not to mention, chow down on some blissful furst chocolates.

"She was free in her wildness. She was a wanderess, a drop of free water. She belonged to no man, and no city." -Roman Payne 

Preface

Hello there, I was honestly baffled as to how I should begin my blogging journey. A multitude of creative ideas fluttered around my brain, but it seemed odd to begin those projects without appropriately introducing myself. So here you go, my name is Samantha Elise and if you caught me on my perfect Sunday afternoon I would most likely be cuddled near the fireplace, hardback in hand, & grazing on a french macaron; my go-to album of the day would be the pitter patter of raindrops & never-ending belly laughs. Thank you for joining me on this creative adventure.

much love,
Samantha

Words of inspiration:

"Let yourself fall. Learn to observe snakes. Plant impossible gardens. Invite a dangerous person for tea. Make little characters who say "yes" and distribute them everywhere throughout your house. Become a friend of freedom and uncertainty, Look forward to dreams. Cry at a movie. Swing as high as you can on a swing in the moonlight. Provide different moods. Refuse to be made "responsible". Do it for love. Do a lot of naps. Give away money, Do it now, the money will follow. Believe in magic. Smile a lot. Bathe in the moonlight. Dream wild, fantastic dreams. Draw on walls. Read every day, Imagine that you are enchanted. Play with children, Listen to old people. Open yourself, dive into it, be free. Praise yourself, drop fear. Play with anyone. Take care of the child in yourself. You are innocent. Build a fortress with blankets. Let yourself become wet. Embrace trees. Write love letters," -Joseph Beuys