Sweet Summertime Reads: And That's a Wrap!

It's hard to believe another summer has come & gone.  Weren't we just talking about the books we were looking forward to reading poolside + all the fun things that come with summertime?  I hope you've enjoyed another year of Sweet Summertime Reads.  It's been so much fun talking all things bookish during my favorite time of the year.  I hope you've found a new book to read & gotten to know myself, Estelle, Magan, & Tara's blogs a bit better as well.

For our final post we thought it would be fun to do something a bit more collaborative.  Today I'm handing over the blog to Tara from Fiction Folio.  She's got some fun stuff to share.. but wait! there's more.  Be sure to stop by Rather Be Reading where I'll be guest blogging for the day.  Then you'll want to head over to Fiction Folio, to find out what Estelle + Magan are chatting about.

Below are Tara's answers to some fun questions we asked each other. I made a collage of the pics to her answers, but you can read the detailed explanations just beyond that.

1. Movie you can't stop thinking about?
I saw quite a few movies this summer, but the one that has stuck with me is The Way Way Back. This coming-of-age story was heartwarming, heartbreaking, and just so well done that I can't recommend it enough.

2. Favorite summer buy?
This is actually sort of funny because the answer is very unlike me. I don't enjoy clothes shopping at all. Nothing ever fits right and I end up getting extremely irritated and stabby. But this year, I bought a dress from Express that I have worn more times than I can count and it's the most comfortable dress I've ever owned. And bonus? It was on sale!

3. Favorite summery nail polish?
I tend to gravitate toward a lot of pinks year-round, but there's just something about a pretty teal that screams summer to me. Teal is one of my favorite colors and looks good (I think) on both your fingers and your toes.

4, 5, 6. Favorite pic you took this summer?
Wow, that's a tough one. Since I can't pick just one, I'm totally going to cheat and share three. Bear with me!

The first one is of my boyfriend and I before the Fun. concert with the Chicago skyline in the background. We usually suck at taking selfies but this one turned out pretty good. It just epitomizes my summer and I can't get enough of the city :)

The second one is my big accomplishment of the summer: throwing a surprise 50th birthday party for my mom. My stepdad and I worked on it for months and she had no clue. Mission accomplished!

And finally, the third picture is of the train stop by my house. I loved the shadows that were created by the late afternoon sun and it just looked artsy and cool to me (thanks to Instagram).

7. Furthest distance you traveled from home this summer?
That would be New York City for BEA. It seems like forever ago but it was only three months back that I was reunited with some of my favorite bloggers and had the most terrifying airplane experience of my life...

8. Favorite summer memory?
Gah, so hard! I have so many great memories...watching fireworks, listening to good music, hanging out with friends and family. But I won't cheat on this one and I'll say G's visit to Chicago :)

9. Favorite book you read this summer?
I'm cheating again! There are two books that are tied and I just can't choose. I read The Book of Broken Hearts in May and Dangerous Girls in June, and both are books I still think about.

10. Places you vacationed this summer?
This is pretty easy since I technically only took one vacation this summer. We literally just got back from Chateau Chantal in Traverse City, Michigan last weekend and it was GORGEOUS. You can't beat the amazing scenery, sandy beaches, and WINE that is Northern Michigan :)

In case you missed them before, here are my favorite posts from Ginger and Magan & Estelle. Be sure to check them out!

Ginger: Oh, Hello Chicago! (how could I not pick this one?!) CLICK HERE!
Magan & Estelle: The Yearbook (I thought this was just such a cute idea!) CLICK HERE!

It's been so much fun working with these ladies this summer and thank you all so much for reading our posts!
- Tara

AND THAT'S A WRAP!

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Just wanted to say another HUGE thanks to Estelle, Magan, & Tara for joining me this summer with another round of this feature.  They've each put a lot of work into their posts & came up with some fun, unique things to go along with summertime and the books we read.  If you've discovered a new book to read this summer due to our posts, I'd love to hear about it in the comments!  Hope you've all enjoyed your summer!!! Now where's that pumpkin spice latte?!