Tag: kids

January Reads

Published on by gotmeghanLeave a comment

Hello!

PSA: If I finish another book after Saturday, the last day of January, I will try to add a mini review and photo to the collage sometime next week.

For the past year or so, I’ve been updating my monthly reads on social media. At first, it was purely for friends and family on my Facebook, I was only giving out my number stats, with a banner of the book covers in case anyone wanted to search for them. I am asked what I’m currently reading on there and sometimes even on Instagram, so I started publishing my own wrap ups on there for a bigger audience of other readers. I follow Ashley on BubblyBooknerdReads and every time I felt down about my posts, especially the banners, I always saw her stuff and have been inspired to improve on everything.

I’m not sure how I’m going to continue on social media now that I’ve decided to do my posts on here, but we’ll see whether or not I continue to do these posts too.

❄️The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
❄️ Super Fun Facts: Fascinating Facts About History, Holidays, Science, Traveling and More by David W. Leon
❄️ Interesting Facts for Smart Kids with Curious Minds by David W. Leon
❄️ Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
❄️ The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Before we start, I wanted to say, I’ve decided to do a reading challenge this year, and it’s called 26 for 2026, and it consists of 26 books into two categories in various genres. I put my own spin with it, and I have made two lists, one is dedicated to the book series and novels. The first post went up on Wednesday, so if you haven’t read it yet, you can click here and it’ll open another tab so you can finish this one and go for that afterwards.

I don’t want to go too into TBOSAS, but I thought it was pretty good, I was worried I would be a bit bias as Snow is considered the villain in the original trilogy, but I was very curious about his origin story. By the way, I’ve never read the other books either, just watch the films years ago. I think I will hold off on watching the adaption of this book until I am finished with all five books.

These next two books are similar in nature and written by the same person. Super Fun Facts and Interesting Facts by David W. Leon. Despite my age, I enjoy these books a lot. It’s a duo of my favorite things, genuine curiosity and trivia.

I find these books so unique because I have yet to find a book, especially a kindle book, that allows you to play along. When you first open it up, it has five sample questions, and your job is to click on the answer you think is correct. However, if you’re wrong, it’ll jump to a page in the back and will give the option to return to the question or you can continue on your way through the book. I give myself three tries before I stop and see the next question. I have left many score sheets in my notebooks in the past while taking the tests. They range from common knowledge to history to food; it’s made for kids young as eight years and what they would know already. I would like to quiz my nephew as he’s pretty smart for his age.

Afterwards, I moved onto “Sunrise on the Reaping” and boy, did I underestimate the emotional roller-coaster that turned out to be! I vaguely remember Haymitch in the films, but I do know he was a sad character, and I was curious to know more about him, and what lead him to become this person. I cried more in the last four chapters than I have in any book in a long time. It broke me. Everything those films project of an older Haymitch Abernathy makes 100% sense now. I knew it was going to be bad but not like that.

Once I was done, I got started on the start of the whole franchise, and I definitely have some issues with The Hunger Games, mainly the fact the other “tributes” were not written–I enjoy learning character’s names, so that was a bit of a letdown, that was fixed in the newer books. I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy hearing Katniss’s point-of-view after two males, but I really love the girl on the audiobook, she brings out a sort of energy, emotions of the character. She even reminded me of Jennifer Lawrence, and I thought was a great fit!

I am really curious about doing these posts. I think it would be a way to create mini reviews of interesting books that I know I will not include in my reading journal, but I also want to include everything that could inspire you to read the book–especially if I truly loved it to pieces!

What have you been reading lately? Tell me your favorite(s) of January 2026!

snowflake

Let’s Talk Advent Calendars!

Published on by gotmeghanLeave a comment

Hi 🙂

I wondered when I should have published this post, but I decided on this date, because it is Black Friday and the sales on the items below might be cheaper than they were for me.

As an American, I never had an advent calendar. I remember my nana receiving something through the mail as she supports some charities and one of them would be a Christmas tree that you could place on your refrigerator, and it came with ornaments with their respected numbers. I used to do them anytime I came over, but I never really knew the whole purpose of keeping an advent calendar.

So, what is it exactly?

ADVENT: A season of preparation; the arrival of a person or event.

I know some places they tend to keep candles or as the British like to do, eat small bites of chocolate. If I’m being honest, this is one tradition that I wish would’ve came to the US a long time ago. There are so many options to choose from, and quite a few of them can be enjoyed for years to come!

For the last couple of years, I’ve managed to stay within my own standards as far as money goes. I don’t like to buy anything beyond $20, however in this economy, my “rule” doesn’t apply to must things. I just don’t believe you need to spend out the wahzoo for something such as this, but you do what you want.

This is what we’ve collected for this year. All of the Advent Calendars are available on Amazon. One thing to remember is that the prices CAN change and like one of my calendars can disappear – the one that was on the website, is for 24 days and costs over $70.

Advent Calendar Christmas Coloring Book

Advent Calendar 2025 Women Socks, 12 Days Countdown

24 Days Christmas Countdown Calendar, DIY Wooden Magnets Painting Art Crafts Kits for Kids

Disney 5-1 Advent Calendar: Story & Activity Library with 24 Books

How do you celebrate the days leading up to Christmas? Do you do candles, chocolate, or something else? For those of you who grew up with doing advent calendars with your families, what did you enjoy?

snowflake

September October & November Playlists

Published on by gotmeghanLeave a comment

Hello!

Welcome back to my blog and I’m here to share my favorite songs within the last three months.

I think I’m getting used to only doing these posts every three months. You get a bigger selection of music, and you also get a chance to see how my tastes change. I was just thinking about this earlier in the month, my nephew Nolan is now seven and he already has an eclectic of songs buried deep into his brain. He is obsessed with Kpop Demon Hunters and sings “Golden” like crazy, and he’s influenced his baby sister Kimber now. He also dressed up as Mystery Saja for Halloween, and he was so happy about his whole getup. He loves pop, rap, rock, heavy metal and worship. He’s heard these genres since he was in the womb, so most of his favorites are shared from his parents, but as he is allowed to hang out with his little friends, he’s being introduced to other artists and songs, and I love seeing the love of music blossom.

Kimber on the other hand is heavily influenced by Nolan of course, but also at her little school. She’ll come over to our house and sing little songs she’s heard at daycare. For a while, she was constantly asking us if “We Want to Go on a Bear Hunt”. She would basically turn into little Princess Anna at the beginning of Frozen and whisper “Do You Want To Build a Snowman?”. It’s actually pretty cute! She likes the bear version, but also the Dinosaur and Werewolf hunts.

Now that I’ve told you about that, here were my Top 15 to 20 songs for September, October and November. Oh, and I have to mention, Nolan isn’t the only one in his Kpop era…

Waiting Between Worlds by Zack Hemsey
Awake the Fire by Forever Still
Dear Agony – Aurora Version by Breaking Benjamin featuring Lacey Sturm
Already Damned by Crimson Villainous featuring Lauren Babic
End of You by Poppy featuring Amy Lee and Courtney LaPlente
When Does It End by Rivals
Monster by Besomorph
Teresa by YUNGBLUD
Kiss Her In Front Of You by Morgan Wallen
Holy Smokes by Bailey Zimmerman
Fireflies by Owl City
House Tour by Sabrina Carpenter
Voices In My Head by Falling In Reverse
THRILLER by BADVILLAIN
Nara by Mimiffy

In September, I was able to get my summer playlist post out to you, so that was the main reason why I decided to forgo an individual post. If you want to check it out, all you have to do is click here.

He Asked for It by Ella Red
To Kill a Queen by Karliene
What It Sounds Like by Rain Paris
Opalite by Taylor Swift
If You Love Her by Forest Blakk featuring Christina Perri
What Have They Done To Us by Rachel Hardy featuring Dan Thiessen
Teardrop by BANKS
Circles by Colbie Calliat featuring Gavin DeGraw
Last Dance by Butcher Babies
Bite Me (Nightcare) by Aiyun
Skin Cleared by Ashnikko
Siren by Ekaterina Shelehova
Metamorphosis by Holy Wars
We Go Up by BABYMONSTER
Broken by Design by Izzy Reign
Lights by Henri Werner
STFUATDLAGG by Ruby Darkrose
Shhh! by VIVIZ
Slay by EVERGLOW
Justice by Dreamcatcher

Left Right by XG
Sand by Dove Cameron
Anarchy by Lilith Czar
Does She? by Ruby Darkrose
Don’t Ever Leave Me by Faouzia
Unravel by Poppy
Something I Can Never Have by Sam Tinnesz x UNSECRET
Lost Control by Dakota
Head In The Clouds by Unprocessed featuring Jason Aalon Butler
Real American by Brantley Gilbert
Specter by Bad Omens
Monster by Paramore
You (Haunt Me) by Raven Knight
La La Love Me by VIVIZ
Psycho by BABYMONSTER

I’m not sure what I’m doing in December. I would like to do something for Blogmas, but I don’t want to push myself too much. We’ll just have to see what happens in the next few days.

snowflake

March, April & May Playlists

Published on by gotmeghanLeave a comment

Hello!

This post is about ALL of the music I’ve consumed in the last three months. It’s been interesting to wonder what will continue to grow as anthems as summer approaches. I’ve thought about getting an early start on that playlist but I’m willing to wait a month or two.

As the weather changes and I’m able to go out on the back deck were our semi-feral cats hang out, I’ll be busy with them and my book, and have the opportunity to listen to whatever my dad wants to while doing garden work. There’s a lot of country and occasional Five Finger Death Punch. However, on Mother’s Day, he gave the connector to my mom, and she got to play her music. It’s funny to think my sister and I have influenced her music over the years. It’s a cluster of pop-rock, and some hip hop.

My nephew has also expanded his musical tastes in the last few months. I really adore when he comes over and says, “Aunt Meghan, I have a new favorite song!” I feel blessed when this happens. He knows I have made him a playlist of all the songs I knew he’s enjoyed since he was born, and every song he shares with me goes into that playlist and we listen to it quite a bit.

This past month he had his spring program at school, and he had told me beforehand what kind of songs he and his classmates would be doing, and he explained “Hakuna Matada” from The Lion King and Sia’s “Impossible”. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go to the program, but mom came home with videos, and it was so precious! They did such a good job! They danced and belted out the course of Impossible as loudly as they could and I tried not to cry by it.

Here are my Top 20 for all three months.

I Come Alive by Dorothy
Maid of Lorraine by Leaves’ Eyes
The Wolves by State of Mine
Fxck Up The World by LISA featuring Future
Catalyst by Arankai
Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife) by Kamelot featuring Elize Ryd and Alissa White-Gluz
Pressure by Conquer Divide
God Fearing Man by Imminence
Garden by Tommee Profitt featuring Sam Tinnesz and Maryjo
Tiptoe by Lauren Presley
Money Where Your Heart Is by Lakeview featuring Gideon
Looking At Me by Sabrina Carpenter
Sand by Dove Cameron
Stress by Chung Ha
The Promise by In This Moment
Emergence by Sleep Token
Can’t Get You Out of My Head by Saint Wander
Legend by Alexa Ray
White Noise by The Fear featuring Kellin Quinn
Primrose by Dream State

If you want to listen to even more, click here for the full March playlist.

MEGAVERSE by Stray Kids
Anarchy by Lilith Czar
Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
Arcade by Duncan Laurence featuring FLETCHER
Still Here by League of Legends
Oratores by Apashe
Hard Fought Hallelujah by Brandon Lake featuring Jelly Roll
Mocking Bird by Eminem
The Search by NF
Ain’t No Other Man by Christina Aguilera
Play With Me by Extreme
Shadow by Livingston
Red Lights by Stray Kids (Bang Chan, Hyunijn)
Sacrifice by Royale Lynn
Drag Me Out by Archers
Highest In The Room by Travis Scott featuring Rosalia and Lil Baby
Afterlife by Evanescene
Un-Break My Heart by J2 featuring 3AUM
Ordinary by Alex Warren
Darkness Always Wins by Halestorm

There is even more that came to me in April, so come check out the full playlist on Spotify here.

No by Meghan Trainor
Power by Little Mix
Pink Pony Club by Rain Paris
What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts featuring Backstreet Boys
Where Have You Been by Kelly Clarkson
What Do I Do Now by Celeste Buckingham
Old Phone by Ed Sheeran
Eye of the Storm by Epica
Damocles by Sleep Token
ABCDEFU by Gayle
Dance! by Attack Attack featuring Will Ramos
Young & Dumb by Avril Lavigne featuring Simple Plan
Mr,. Magic by Reliqa
Disturbia by Mac Glocky
Play with Fire by Sam Tinnesz featuring Yacht Money
Bardaginn by Kalandra
Lalalala by Stray Kids
Iris by MGK featuring Julia Wolf
Let You Fade by Linkin Park
Look At You Now by Malinda

And now for the finale, here is your link.

Well, I’d really be surprised if you made it this far. Don’t worry I don’t have anything else to say, so go and enjoy the music I’ve given you today.

What have you been listening to lately?
snowflake

July & August Playlist

Published on by gotmeghanLeave a comment

Hello!

Does anyone get to the middle of a month and suddenly forget you haven’t switched to the next? I was so confused a couple of weeks ago, I almost gave you the Summer 2024 playlist. We even moved my calendar closer so I could get a feeling to blog and map out the scheduling and I still didn’t realize it. For some clarification, II do not publish until summer is officially over, which will happen on September 22nd, for any of my autumnal folks out there!

For today, I thought I would do what I did back in May and give you August’s top 20 and July, because since we went up north, we were all forced to listen to my sister’s music. She has pretty good music, but she likes the skip button just as much as I do! The thing was, every once in a while, we had to listen Cocomelon’s nursery rhymes for a good twenty minutes for Kimber… Thankfully, it wasn’t Blippi. I hated that guy when Nolan was her age. Now Nolan loves BMTH!

Anyways, here is what I was into for July. If you’d like to listen to the full playlist on Spotify, click here.

Sweet Escape by Alesso featuring Tove Lo
Body Say by Demi Lovato
Who’s Laughing Now by Ava Max
Tough by Lana Del Rey featuring Quavo
DUN DUN by EVERGLOW
Clarity by ENMY
Sinner by Of Virtue
Justice by Dreamcatcher
Me and My House by Brantley Gilbert featuring Struggle Jennings and Demun Jones
Please Please Please by Sabrina Carpenter
Houdini by Eminem
AmEN! by Bring Me The Horizon featuring Lil Uzi Vert and Daryl Palumbo
Sun To Me by MGK
He Knows by Camila Cabello featuring Lil Nas X
Chk Chk Boom by Stray Kids
Can U See Me In The Dark by Halestom x I Prevail
I Will Not Bow by Breaking Benjamin
Unfolding by Luca Fogale
Deal With It by Ashnikko featuring Kelis
Hurricane by BADVILLAIN

Whenever we start on another year or slide into August, I tend to dive into the nostalgic pool for a while. In the last couple of years, I have found a way out of this habit and exchange it with the current aesthetic playlists I’m creating for a certain book. I’ve finally stopped with The Empyrean by Rebecca Yarros. I’m still in the process of reading the novellas Victoria Aveyard wrote with the rest of the Red Queen series, but I’m slowing down on it, so that’s good.

I know you’re probably over me talking about the aesthetic playlists, so I’ll just tell you my Top 20 for this month. Again, if you’d like to hear the rest of the songs, you can click here too.

How Did You Love by Shinedown
Possession by Jen Janet
GODDESS by Written By Wolves
Immortals by Fall Out Boy
Light Up The Sky – Reimagined by Thousand Foot Krutch featuring Icon For Hire
Unraveling Madness by Ghostwriter
Resilience by Mattia Turzo
See What I’ve Become by Zack Hemsey
Unholy by Sam Smith featuring Kim Petras
Raise Your Flag by Hidden Citizens
The Reckoning by Daughtry
Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark) by Papa Roach featuring Carrie Underwood
Bring Me Down by Point North
Bullet by Rain Paris
Walk On Water by 30 Seconds To Mars
Alive by Tigress
Dark Horse by Power-Haus x Berlin Aires
Be Your Ghost by ATLeins featuring Roniit
The Fold by Wickerbird
Part Goddess Part Gangster by Madalen Duke
Super Villain by Stileto featuring Silent Child x Kendyle Paige

Okay, well that is it for me. I have one other post going out on Wednesday, but I hope you have a good week ahead and maybe these playlists will help you along the way.

What were you listening to?

snowflake