Book pins and a reading challenge

It is said that the way you spend your New Year’s Day will predict the way you will spend your year. I don’t know if there’s any truth to that old saying, probably passed down by grandmothers and mothers advising their children not to overdo it on New Year’s Eve. But if so, I enjoyed a lovely, laid-back first day of 2017 and I’d be lucky to spend the rest of my year in the same way.

I relaxed at home with my husband and pup. Stayed in my pajamas until way too late, blogging, reading and organizing a bit. In the evening, I grabbed a few snacks and went off to visit two of my best friends for our after-Christmas get together and gift exchange. We had such fun and I dearly wish that we can spend more time together in the upcoming year.

Now that presents have been given, I can share these lovely enamel pins that I gifted.

When I received this small delivery in the mail a couple of months ago, I knew with a label that promising, it had be good.

And these little gems exceeded my expectations!

If you’re into fandom style, are a frequent Etsy shopper, or spend time with children, you are probably aware that enamel pins are having a moment. These bookish pins from Ideal bookshelf, by Jane Mount, have been featured on Book Riot’s holiday shopping guide, but first showed up on my radar in my Etsy recommendations, likely based on my Harry Potter themed favorites.

The only benefit to a work requirement of wearing a lanyard with a key card identifying me as library personnel is, that I can personalize it with pieces of flair. I knew I had to have one, but there were so many precious options that I couldn’t stop at one and found pins that represented my friends as well. Who doesn’t have a favorite book?

The details and craftsmanship make these less like pins and more like miniature works of art. For my classic novel loving bestie, there were a few options, but she has let it be known how significantly she relates to Jane Eyre, so that was easy.

For my more contemporary reading buddy, I searched until I found the perfect pin. Not everyone would appreciate this, but she happens to work as a part-time proofreader for W.W. Norton publishing. She appreciated it even more when we realized it contained double meaning and applied to her other job as a clothing retail manager, too.

I loved and wanted multiples including the Harry Potter series pins, but the completist in me would buy them all. Instead I answered the call of my childhood heart. Little House on the Prairie was one of my first loves from even before I could read. My sister used to read it to me, then we would pretend to be the characters and I always got to play Laura.

If you aren’t lucky enough to wear a lanyard everyday, these are fun to display on jackets, tote bags, purses, hats, pinboards, just about anywhere. They cost $11.00 each and have an easy-grip rubber pinch back.

Of course, there’s a whole world of beautiful and cheeky pins out there. Did I mention the Shakespeare playbill ones? I know that I’ve opened the floodgates and will probably have two lanyards worth of bookish fandom pins before long!

2017 Reading Challenge:

I did not read nearly enough books in 2016 and was disappointed in most of what I did. In order to challenge myself to read more and read better, I joined The Redolent Mermaid’s book challenge.

If you’re looking to expand your reading growth or just love a good challenge, you should join us! It isn’t too intense at 24 reads, it could even be a fun side challenge for avid readers. Much of the list falls right into my genre wheelhouse, with just enough options to stretch my reading muscles. Go to the above link to check it out and comment to let Julie know you wish to join.

You can also comment here if you prefer (I’d love if you did so) and I will let her know how many are joining. Look for challenge update posts throughout the year. I’m already into #12 on the list, and excited about #14, not too sure what to choose for #21…

What novel suggestions do you have for me in 2017? I hope you enjoyed the holiday, what did it predict for your upcoming year?

– jaybird