Sorry my July reflection is late. I’ve been SO busy lately and as I sit here outlining this post, I’m realizing I was just as busy in July LMFAO. I actually can’t believe I did as many things as I did. Between movies, concerts, bookish events, and a NYC trip, I’ve been booked and busy, and I’m not mad about it! Anyways… let the show begin!!

Noah Kahan Concert

I started the month on a high note by seeing Noah Kahan in concert! I got SO lucky because Noah played two days at Citi Field and one of the nights was cancelled because of the weather… BUT NOT MINE LOL. Noah Kahan is so good live. I don’t care that I was in the literal last row of the stadium, that experience changed my life for the better. Also, he played my favorite song, “Staying Still,” so what else could I ask for?

A Forsaken Prophecy Event

A Forsaken Prophecy, the sequel to A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan, came out and I celebrated its release at The Ripped Bodice in NYC. Fun fact, this was my first time ever at TRB and y’all, it’s just as cute as it looks in photos. I was lucky and was able to ARC read book two a couple of months before its release, and I’m so happy it’s finally out in the world. I loved listening to Stacey talk about her writing process; you can tell she really cares about this series and puts in so much work to make sure she’s giving us the best stories she possibly can. She also recognized and remembered me, which was awesome. I low key forgot that we’re mutuals on TikTok lol.

Tempest Event

Harper Voyager invited me to one of the coolest events I’ve ever attended. They rented a real pirate ship and took us on a voyage around NYC to celebrate Tempest by Victoria Aveyard coming out in September. I’ve already read Tempest, and I absolutely adored it. It’s giving Pirates of the Caribbean in the best possible way. They flew Victoria out for this event and I was so starstruck to meet her. I’ve been a fan of Victoria since she put out Red Queen; like, I ride hard for her. Seeing the Statue of Liberty and other iconic NYC landmarks from the water was iconic. We got a special ARC edition of Tempest and she signed my books! It was a night to remember.

NYC Trip

I somehow also squeezed in a NYC trip with friends into an already packed month, and I had the best time. Some highlights include bookshop hopping, going to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, which I highly recommend, seeing Heathers the musical (life changing), and seeing Hilary Duff in concert! It was a busy and yet very peaceful trip, and thinking back on it makes me smile.

Movies

I saw a lot of movies this month, so let’s talk about them!

The Odyssey - 4 stars

I saw The Odyssey twice, once in IMAX and once in IMAX 70mm. I really enjoyed the movie; it was visually stunning. It had pacing issues for sure, but those 3 hours flew by FAST.

Heartstopper Forever - 4 stars

I’m so emo that Heartstopper is over. The decision to make a movie instead of a final season was interesting, but I wasn’t mad about it. I really enjoyed the movie and I loved how they tackled the situations they placed Charlie and Nick in. My one critique is that I wish the rest of the cast didn’t get axed. There were so many side plots that were either never finished or hastily concluded.

Hadestown Pro Shot - 4.5 stars

Hadestown is one of my favorite musicals of all time and when they announced a pro shot with the original cast, I was locked in. Seeing this story told on the big screen reminded me just how great this musical truly is. I had full-body shivers for “Wait for Me (Reprise),” and you bet your last dollar that I raised my root beer to Orpheus at the end.

Avatar Aang - 4 stars

I’m going to be so real with y’all, I watched this back when it leaked in March or April lol. However, getting to see it on the big screen made it feel like I was seeing it for the first time. Everyone should have been able to experience this movie on the big screen, and it’s a shame Paramount didn’t give it a nationwide release.

Spider-Man Brand New Day - 4 stars

I really enjoyed BND because of its commentary on mental health, and it was interesting to see a world where no one knows who Peter Parker is. I liked seeing Peter get more comfortable with people throughout the film, and it was so exciting to see Sadie Sink and how she contributed to the plot. However, the Samsung promo was insane work. Diva, this is a Marvel movie—did we really need all of that product placement?

Voicemails to Isabelle - 2 stars

This movie was trash and all over the place, but I did enjoy some parts of it. The pacing was odd, some of the humor worked, some didn’t, and watching it with friends is the only reason why I was able to finish it.

TV Shows

I’m in my TV rewatching era and I’m here for it.

I just finished rewatching The Good Place and I forgot what a masterpiece this show is. I love its commentary on empathy and what it means to be a good or bad person, which I think is very relevant in the current political landscape. The fact that this show didn’t win a single Emmy is crazy work. While on the rewatching train, I also started watching Schitt’s Creek. This show is also so funny and I’ll forever miss Catherine O’Hara. Shockingly, I started something new as well! I’m roughly four episodes into Star Wars Visions: The Ninth Jedi and I’m really enjoying it. The smartest thing Star Wars ever did was create stories using anime-style animation.

If you’ve made it this far, I appreciate you! When I said I was booked and busy in July, I wasn’t kidding. Half of me is exhausted, but the other half is so fulfilled. I can’t wait to see what August brings me! Yes, I realize I’m typing this halfway through the month.

I had an amazing time celebrating the release of A Forsaken Prophecy by Stacey McEwan at The Ripped Bodice!

I fell in love with Nina and Patrick last year when I read A Forbidden Alchemy, and I think I’m even more obsessed with them now. This was an amazing sequel that I was lucky enough to read early, and I’m so happy it’s officially out in the world.

If you haven’t started The Artisan Trilogy yet, what are you waiting for?! Pick it up already!

Below is a link to a video of some snippets from the event, which is exclusive for my bindery subscribers for one week before it hits YouTube! I hope you enjoy!

https://youtu.be/yjGZUF3hCGg

Not June flying by in five seconds!! This month wasn’t as busy for me, thank God. Still, I had a great month, so let’s talk about it!

I attended one bookish event this month: a happy hour with Lisa Jewell and Jessica Knoll to celebrate the release of their newest books. Despite being DRENCHED, I had an amazing time. Lisa and Jessica were so nice and personable, and they even signed my books! They really sold me on them. As someone who's trying to immerse myself in more thriller novels, these sound like a great place to start. There was great food, great cocktails, and I got to meet so many bookish creators I'd never met before. I’m so excited to read It Could Have Been Her and Helpless!

I watched two new movies this month. The Toy Story series is such a staple of my childhood. Many people said we didn’t need a fifth Toy Story, but those people would be wrong! This movie was so good—I cried (lol). I liked how this one focused on Jessie and her trauma, and how she unpacked that trauma throughout the movie. Also, we got a new Taylor Swift song, which is also a banger, so no complaints from me. I also saw Supergirl, which was SO much better than people were saying. It wasn’t, by any means, the best movie I’ve ever seen, but it was fun, the story had some important messaging, and Milly Alcock was the perfect Supergirl.

Toy Story 5 - 4.5⭐

Supergirl - 3.5⭐

I’ve been locked into House of the Dragon season 3, and I won’t say anything spoilery, but I’m enjoying the direction the story is going. GO TEAM BLACK! I’m also rewatching Modern Family, one of the best shows ever made. It’s so funny and was so ahead of its time. Child Lily is peak humor—if you know, you know.

I read 13 books this month, the same number I read in May, and I’m really hitting my stride. I didn’t rate a single book under 3 stars, and even though I didn’t have any 5-star reads, I had several 4.5-star reads, so I’ll count that as a win. Now that it’s pool weather, I’ve been reading so much outside and listening to audiobooks in the pool. I’m truly living my best life.

Here are the books I read and my ratings:

• Sublimation by Isabel J. Kim — 4.25⭐

• The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffin — 3⭐

• A Forsaken Prophecy by Stacey McEwan — 4.25⭐

• Fallen City by Adrienne Young — 3⭐

• Funny Story by Emily Henry — 4.5⭐

• Death’s Daughter by S.A. Barnes — 4⭐

• Destiny’s Edge by M.L. Wang — 4.5⭐

• Nemesis Mine by Amy Archer — 4⭐

• A Dance of Burning Blades by M.H. Ayinde — 4.5⭐

• When Dealing with Dragons by Dana Swift — 4⭐

• The Score by Elle Kennedy — 3.5⭐

• Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe — 4.25⭐

That’s all I’ve got! My July is action-packed, which I’m both excited and worried about. I love nothing more than staying home and reading, but I also love going out and doing fun, exciting things. See you next time!

Now that May is over, I wanted to reflect on the month and all of the exciting things I did. Because I accomplished a lot, I’m kinda gagged.

First and most importantly, I turned 29 in May! I can’t believe I’ll be 30 next year and I can’t wait to have an existential crisis about that at a later date. I had an amazing time celebrating with my friends and family. I’m not one to care about my birthday, but this was a good one that I’ll remember fondly.

One of the things I did for my birthday was spend the day in NYC with friends. I had three goals for this day: go to the MET to see the costuming exhibit, see Chess the Musical, and eat at Din Tai Fung. I’m happy to report that I completed all of my goals! Slay. The costuming exhibit was amazing. The theme for this year was “Costume Art,” where they paired an article of clothing with a piece of art. A lot of the clothing provided commentary on abortion and female choice, and I thought the entire exhibit was rather profound and powerful. If you haven’t seen the exhibit, I suggest that you do before they take it down!

I’ve been wanting to see Chess the Musical since Lea Michele was cast because I’m a huge Glee stan. You bet I was front row when she was Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. Kirk was right when he said, “she may be difficult, but boy, can she sing.” Man, did this show not disappoint. All three leads are incredible in their respective roles, and the show is SO funny. I laughed several times, you’re supposed to I promise. Also, I can confirm that Nicholas Christopher is incredible, and the note he holds is just as iconic as it seems on TikTok. I’m so devastated that Chess is closing on Broadway earlier than expected. If you haven’t seen this show, I highly recommend it. You won’t be disappointed!

Finally, to wrap up this perfect day, I ate at one of my favorite restaurants, Din Tai Fung. This might be a basic take, but I don’t care—the food SLAPS. My favorite food items to order are the spicy wontons and shrimp fried rice. I could eat bowls and bowls of both. Did I have to eat Din Tai Fung at 10:30 a.m. because that’s the only time I could get a reservation? Yes, and what about it? We love eating Din Tai Fung at 10 a.m. in this house!

At the beginning of the month, I got to attend an event for Fonda Lee to celebrate the release of her newest book, The Last Contract of Isako! I have a review of this book on TikTok, Insta, and Goodreads if you’d like to check it out, but long story short, I loved it! Fonda Lee is such an icon and such an intelligent person. I could hear her talk for hours on end. I was able to get my ARC and other books signed, and overall, it was an amazing evening!

I was also lucky enough to attend a ThrillerFest party hosted by Cosmo Reads and Sourcebooks! This was also how I learned that there is a book festival called ThrillerFest that is hosted every year in NYC. I can’t say that I read a lot of thrillers myself, but I’m definitely more intrigued by the genre now, especially with the books that I took home because they all sound like a slay. I shall come back and update you on how these books are in the fall.

As many of you know, I was able to attend a Heated Rivalry event hosted by Spotify. I’ve already written a blog post about this experience, but to sum it up, it was amazing and one of the best events I’ve ever attended!

I saw The Mandalorian and Grogu this month, and I don’t care what people say—this movie slapped. I gave it 4.5/5 stars, and I stand by that rating. It was a great way to wrap up the series and these characters’ arcs. I cried in the theater, and I’m unapologetic about that. Because it was my birthday month, I got a free popcorn and drink, so overall, it was a great movie-watching experience. 10/10 would recommend.

Some other things of note: I won the Ticketmaster war and secured concert tickets to see Gracie Abrams next March! I lost the war for her last tour, and I’m so happy that I’ll get to see her live. The Secret of Us was one of my favorite albums of 2024 and I can’t believe I’m going to hear Close to You with my literal ears. I’m going to pass out.

I also bought tickets to see Evita starring Rachel Zegler! One thing about me is that I love “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” and another thing is that I’m a major Rachel Zegler stan. I saw her during her Broadway debut in Romeo + Juliet, and I’m so excited to see her in her next Broadway adventure! Fun fact: I’m seeing both Evita and Gracie within three days of each other, so that’s going to be a VERY busy week for me.

That was my May summed up! I didn’t realize how booked and busy I was, and honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I had a wonderful May, and I’m so excited to see where life takes me as we enter June.

This was my experience attending a Heated Rivalry x Spotify event!

The other day, I was extremely fortunate to be invited to a Heated Rivalry event sponsored by Spotify. I know it’s normal to see influencers at these really cool events, and it often seems like you only get a quick glimpse of what actually goes on when they’re there. For my Bindery subscribers, I wanted to go more in depth about the overall experience I had at the event.

This was actually the first event I’ve been invited to that wasn’t specifically put on by a publisher. Never in my wildest dreams did I think Spotify would ever invite me to something, let alone know that I exist.

A fun fact about me is that I don’t technically live in NYC — I’m from Long Island. Because of this, I usually have to be selective about which events I decide to attend because my commute is around two hours each way. Obviously, I couldn’t pass up the chance to meet the icon and legend Rachel Reid.

The day of the event, I arrived at Penn Station and took my Uber (that Spotify paid for, ehhh) to the venue. When I got there, the line to get in was HUGE — like, REALLY long. They had mentioned that the event was going to be packed, but I didn’t realize HOW packed. I got in line and, while standing there, realized that I was probably waiting in the wrong area. They hadn’t mentioned that the event was also going to be open to the public, which, in hindsight, makes a lot of sense. A few moments later, I realized there was a separate line for invited influencers and press. I was able to kiki with other influencers while we waited to be let into the event space.

After checking in, I was handed my Spotify influencer/press lanyard and ushered into the experience. When I first walked in, the first thing I noticed was the Heated Rivalry-themed décor. Against the back wall was a locker room setup with two cubbies on display for our favorite hockey players, Shane and Ilya. The attention to detail was impeccable. They had jerseys, skates, and interactive items in the lockers, including a recipe for tuna melts and a phone-and-headphone combo that let you listen to the Heated Rivalry audiobook! Across the room, there was a station where you could order your own custom hockey jersey and baseball cap. You KNOW I was feral and needed those items in my grubby little hands IMMEDIATELY. I’ve already worn the hat at least five times, and the jersey is so comfortable to sleep in!

Roughly an hour in, we were ushered into a different room where we got to enjoy a Q&A with the one and only Rachel Reid! She told us what it’s been like since the show came out, how her life has changed, how Elton John personally asked for early screeners of the show, and gave us some information about what to expect from Unrivaled! (I have a video of this on my TikTok and Instagram if you’re interested in watching!) Rachel Reid is so personable and funny that I could listen to her talk for hours.

After the talk, we were ushered back into the main room, where we continued to mingle, drink, and eat. Rachel Reid surprised and gagged us all by coming out into the main area, and we were able to meet her and take photos! Honestly, I blacked out during our entire interaction. All I remember is that she said she liked my hat lol. I was wearing a different one btw.

After that, I took another Uber (that Spotify once again paid for, ehhhh) back to Penn Station, and then I went home!

Who else is excited for Unrivaled to be released next year?