The Monday Mix (34)

The Monday Mix basically gives me the opportunity to share with all of you the links I loved online from weeks past. This includes everything from great reviews, articles about writing, inspiring posts and perhaps other things too. I've always valued the opportunity to share the great things I've read or seen, and this is my way to share the love with all the bloggers, authors + pubs out there!

It's been quite a while since my last collection of interesting links was posted! This has a lot to do with some awesome blog events (Something Strange & Deadly Surprise Party) and blog features (Books in Real Life) starting up recently. But never fear, I haven't forgotten about this little feature I do, and have still been gathering all of the links that encouraged, inspired, taught me something in the past few weeks.

In terms of real life, it's been weeks of adventures! So many things have been happening: horseback riding, hanging out with my closest friends, a Color Run, spontaneous meals and staying out until the sun sets - and it's been wonderful to just truly allow myself to be in the moment and enjoy it all. Summer is my favorite time of year for this very reason: the endless possibilities that I feel I have on any given day.

Without further ado, here are the links that interested me. Be warned - it's been a long time since the last edition, so there are quite a few links on this list!

• These cute illustrated motivational post-its are awesome! If you need a pick-me-up, check them out (and pass them on if you can think of someone who needs them too). (Thanks hubby!)
• If someone were to make me this ice cream cake for my birthday, I would be very pleased indeed. Birthday cake Oreos! Ice cream sandwiches! Rainbow sprinkles! It's the motherload.
• Honestly, I just love how Rachel chose to share her passion for all things French by recommending books, films and food for us. OBSESSED. Paris, I will make it to you one day!
• Though fantasy is my main squeeze, contemporary novels have fast become a genre I enjoy and find relatable. Kelly Fiore shares her thoughts on contemporary novels in a fascinating post.
• I try my hardest to maintain a positive attitude in the face of the things life throws my way. This post with six thoughts that positive people generally have is pretty spot on, in my opinion. Hope it encourages you to think differently!
• I already wanted to visit Judith, but then she did this post for Ginger's Sweet Summertime Reads Road Trip. Now I'm seriously plotting a stop in Amsterdam to be added on my first foray into Europe (hopefully next year)!
• Last week, there was a little celebration for the re-release of Disneylanders with a fresh cover! Estelle wrote a post about visiting Disneyland, and succeeded in getting me pining for a visit to the West Coast.
• Ginger is the reason I ever picked up the Summer series by Jenny Han, and for that, I will always be grateful. She revisited the books recently, and shared her thoughts!
• I'm just the teensiest (see: COMPLETELY) obsessed with these fairy-tale inspired photographs. They are so, so gorgeous.
• I've always thought that Hannah is one of the best bloggers when it comes to writing thoughtful discussion posts. Her latest one, talking about how or if we express our admiration & love for the books we loved, is spot on.
• I may have only read The Chocolate Thief, but you can bet that I'm totally going back in for another dose of this series from Laura Florand. This guest post from Maureen about this series is totally one of the reasons I'm so eager. (Check out the rest of the event posts too!)
• IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Here are the official US tour dates for Sarah J. Maas' Heir of Fire! You don't want to miss out on seeing this lovely lady and some of her amazing friends :)
• Nowadays, I think a lot about my relationships, with friendships coming into particular focus. Aia perfectly expresses how I feel about friendships these days.
• Meg shares her thoughts on sex positive YA! Her post is really thoughtful, and honest, and definitely one you shouldn't miss.
• My friend Estelle is so creative + clever. I love that she picked out lyrics from Disney songs that match our feelings about books :)
• I really enjoyed this post about being an old soul. I'm proud to be someone who enjoys a quiet night in, and time spent with my closest friends, and if that makes me different from everyone else, that's okay with me!
• Jamie shares her love story with her husband Will, and it's so sweet. I loved getting a chance to see how their relationship began! (Go and greet them on their anniversary, even if it's already the day after!)
• Every now and again, I do pick up a non-fiction novel to read. If you're interested in doing the same thing, but have NO idea where to begin, well, I suggest you check out Hannah's post with tips on where to start. It's pretty much the best thing ever.
• I admire Marissa Meyer's writing in her Lunar Chronicles series so very much. Her tips for aspiring writers are pretty practical, and definitely ones I can get behind.
• Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins came out last week, and I hope you are all prepared to read and be giddy! But to get you in the mood, check out Hazel's playlist for Isla and the Happily Ever After. (I think it's awesome!)

I hope you enjoy reading these posts as much as I did! Now it's YOUR turn - Are there any posts (on your blog or other blogs, bookish or non-bookish) that I might've missed out on? Please feel free to share links in the comments, and I'll do my best to check them out!