Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Bloomed Through It All... | April 2025 Monthly Favorites

 Hello, all! This month has been a bit much for me- another month off social media, changes in my own life, etc. I've been able to handle certain changes in my own life a bit better (which isn't always the easiest) and the fact that Spring has shown up! Love all the fresh flowers around this time- so bright and pretty (that's saying much for this tomboy here). Anyways, this month didn't disappoint with music, books, movies (yes had a few I've been meaning to watch), and workouts, too. Let's get into the good stuff, shall we?

 All of the good things (cue Blink-182 here)... You know I had to with this month!

Favorite Music (had a good mix of pop-punk & punk-rock music this month):

Favorite Coffee and / or Tea:

Favorite Book(s) I've Read and / or listened to as an audiobook via Spotify:

  • Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte- This read was a bit much in the beginning parts for me to digest but overall a tale told well. The dark, gothic vibes were pronounced in bits of the book and the romantic bits weren't too bad either. I'll link it: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jane-eyre-charlotte-bront/1003646772?ean=9780141441146

  • Emma by Jane Austen- This was such a wonderful, lighthearted read- enjoyed the comedic layer scattered into the book as well. I'll link it: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/emma-jane-austen/1116612326?ean=9780141439587

  • Passion Project by London Sperry (my April 2025 BOTM pick)- This was such a good read! It kept me laughing & crying in bits, a total love letter to New York (felt like I went on the best trip I didn't even know I needed) and the way the author touched on grief (with the character Bennet losing an ex-boyfriend in the book)- she did it so nicely! Most of the side characters I enjoyed including Sal and the up-down-up romance between Henry & Bennet was wonderful to read as well. I'll link it: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/passion-project-london-sperry/1145976141?ean=9780143138563

  • Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez: I enjoyed this book! This story between Xavier & Samantha was one to actually remember (trying to do a pun here but it's failing I already know it is). The relationship between them almost killed me, but I am happy they made it work by the end of the book. I appreciated a grumpy sunshine character- Xavier- turning over a new leaf and focusing on what makes him happy instead of what his parents told him he couldn't do. The book was funny, made me tear up reading (see trigger warnings prior to reading this book), and the few spicy bits didn't overtake from the story. Appreciated the playlist touch in here, too (as a music lover, I am a sucker for these in books). Another one of Abby's I didn't mind- I read one this month last year- Just for the Summer- which I also enjoyed if you need another unexpected book rec here. I'll link it: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/say-youll-remember-me-abby-jimenez/1146129765?ean=9781538774298

  • Enchantra (book 2 in the Wicked Games series- Phantasma was the 1st in this series) by Kaylie Smith: This sequel didn't disappoint! It was told from Genevieve's perspective (Ophelia's POV was in the first book) and meets the Silver family and it spawns a dangerous & lethal series of games. The games were just as fast-paced as the first book, the romance/spicy bits weren't too bad (surprisingly- that's a lot coming from me!), and since I had the Barnes & Noble exclusive edition, it had a bonus chapter to hear from Rowin's (one of the Silver kids featured in the book) perspective which was a nice added touch. And I also appreciated some connections to the first book, too. I'll link it: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/enchantra-kaylie-smith/1146129772?ean=9781538775837

  • Fahrenheit-182: A Memoir by Mark Hoppus (first non-fiction book I've read in a while): This was such a good read! The book ebbed and flowed from the beginnings to the ups & downs with Blink-182, his cancer journey, and getting married (even having a kid also- not him the wife obviously), too. As someone that didn't know a lot about him prior to reading, I have such a deep respect for him as a musician and a human. It made me laugh, cry, shocks & gasps, too. The photos were really cool to see throughout reading this memoir of his. I never thought I would read a memoir by someone I just know as a musician. Definitely recommend this to my friends that love music (not just rock obviously)- you won't be disappointed. I know I wasn't! I'll link it: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fahrenheit-182-mark-hoppus/1146175306?ean=9780063318915

Favorite Workout Videos (only add to the blog post for when I get back into workouts):

Favorite TV Show and / or Movie(s) I've Either Watched or Streamed- all three of these films are based on books:


That's all for this month, everybody! Take today to go do something good for yourself- heck, even treat yourself! Buy the expensive coffee, the fresh flowers, whatever it is just do it! Anyways, thanks for reading! Appreciate the wonderful humans that read these (unless you're a robot then I don't know what to tell ya) blog posts. See you next month!

Sending lots of love + light, 
Lauren



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