Bookish Gift Ideas

 Reading is the best. I do it daily. Instead of scrolling on social media, I'll pick up a book. (Mind you, I still pop over to TikTok and such, but only after I've read a few chapters.)

Many others love reading as well, so I have a list of fabulous bookish gift ideas. Mother's Day is coming up, so perhaps Mom would like one of these picks? Or if a birthday is approaching? Graduation? 

I found all of these at Target, but I imagine they can be found elsewhere as well.

This bag was from Reese's Book Club, and I found it to be adorable. It's the perfect way to carry library books.

This is the cutest journal to keep track of the books you've read, and the ones you'd like to read. 

Need a fabulous hat for the next book club meeting? This one caught my eye.

And here's another bag to add to the collection. I have so many tote bags that I switch up. 

Finally, here's another hat. I love the color.

And of course, an actual book is always a smart gift choice. I have a list of my fave books if you need recommendations. 

Do you love to read? 

College Graduation Pics Ideas

 "Wow, there are...one, two, three, four, FIVE other people taking pictures right now," my son Tommy observed as we walked his college campus for graduation photos.

He was correct. 

Others had the same idea we did: come on a Sunday. Earlier in the day. When it was overcast. 

Tommy was the only boy. The rest were all girls, all in white dresses, some with professional photographers.

Tommy? Well, he had his Mama and her iPhone 12 ProMax.

Boys can be easier to photograph. They aren't as picky. Heck, when I asked what he wanted to wear under the gown, I was met with a blank stare. 

(In the end I brought a Disney button down top since Tommy is a proud Disney Adult.)

Anyhow, one of Tommy's favorite things to do is eat, so he wanted a photo in front of the cafe. He has an unlimited meal plan, so he frequents the spot. 

We also snapped a pic in front of his dorm building. So he can look back and remember how it felt to lug his crap up two stories. 

Oh, and, a poignant shot is them walking into to the student union. They might remember how frightened and nervous they were as a freshman, and now they walk in as a senior, confident, shoulders back, determined.

Most colleges have poles with their logo on them, so have the graduate step up and make the college sign. Tommy's college mascot is a Roadrunner, and this is their sign.

And don't be afraid to let them get silly! The photos don't all have to be serious---those are boring. I found these glasses at Walmart. 

Take a shot with the gown draped over the shoulder, with the college visible. And yes, that's the Disney top Tommy went with. 

If the campus has a mascot statue, get some photos. Mind you, there might be a line, but be patient. 

Does the campus have a beautiful area? Grab some shots there. Tommy's college has this lovely waterfall spot.

Stair shots are always a fun idea! 

And finally, try to incorporate items that have to do with their major. Tommy is hoping to work in film with his Film & Media degree (he has a Video Cinematography Associate's Degree), so I found this clapboard. 

I was happy with how the photos turned out. I am ordering graduation announcements, so these will be perfect for those. (Snapfish usually has 70% off photo card deals!)  Did I tear up snapping these? Yes. But I am glad I have a bunch of pics I remember this time in Tommy's life. 

Did you get graduation shots? 

Hey, It's Okay

 I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

 

.....to have had the best time taking graduation photos of Tommy at his college over the weekend. We got some good shots in. And yes, as I figured I would last week when I mentioned this, I did tear up. I'm so proud of him!

......to be hoping to see the Michael movie over the weekend. Natalie is aching to see it. 

......to be reading Count My Lies by Sophie Stava. It's about Sloane, who has always been a liar. She stretches the truth often to make her life seem more exciting. She goes a bit too far when she discovered Jay and his daughter at a park--she lies and says she's a nurse when she helps the little girl with a bee sting. Soon after, she's hired as their nanny, and Sloane begins to worry her lies will get out of control. The book is also about Violet, who is the mother of the little girl--and she has some lies of her own. I figured it would end in an explosive way, and I was correct. It did keep me guessing!

......to love this graduation cap topper. Tommy loves Bob Ross, so it's perfect. AdvbelleArtsShop makes a bunch of wonderful ones on Etsy. 

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