Dear December,

Here we are at the end of the month, none the wiser but that much older. It's been a good month December, I guess I have you to thank for the chilly wind, and happy smiles. You know it's weird it never really to cold here in Southern California. It's always sunny and warm. But now it feels like winter, like you were actually here December. With winds colder than ice, and rain hitting our practically new coats. 

December, the end of the year has me so nostalgic. I'm thinking about the year that's past and it's actually been a good one. This year has been good to me, you've been good to me. You know how sometimes everything feels like it's in the right place and time and moment? That's kind of how I feel now. Everything I've wanted to do, I've done. Some of my favorite moments of 2014 I never planned, yet they happened I'm happier because of them. 

I remember going to Sara Barellies' Concert. I remember meeting John Green. I remember going to the Night Before our Stars. I remember my 16th Birthday. I remember doing my dance concert in may. I remember getting student of the Semester in English. This year has been filled with so many amazing memories that it's almost hard to let go of 2014. But I think 2015 will be better, I will be better in 2015. I'm excited to see what this new year will bring. There's always so much pressure at the beginning of something new. The pressure of the promise it holds, the potential you see, and the hopes you wish to be reality. 

Here's the thing though, although this is my last letter to you this month, In a year we'll be here December. You reading my letters, and me writing them. I want to make promises and resolutions for 2015, but I think I'll take what the year gives me. Make do with whatever life throws at me. And maybe that's the best promise I can make. 

I'll miss you December. Wish me luck!

Love Always

Infinity Dreams Award

Wow! Another award! This is really cool. I know that I was nominated a while ago, but It seems like I finally have the time to do this post. First I want to give a bunch of thanks to the awesome, talented and lovely Cecil for nominating me for this. You should definitely check her out, her blog is pretty cool, if I do say so myself (if I do say so myself, if I do say so myself. I'm sorry I couldn't help it)

The Rules

1. Thank and Follow the blog that has nominated you. 
2. Tell us 11 facts about you. 
3. Answer the questions that were set up for you. 
4. Nominate 11 and make your questions for them.

Now that that's done, here are some random, and not the least bit interesting facts about me.

1. Whenever I really like a song I will play it nonstop until I don't like it anymore or just tire of hearing it over and over again. For some reason I tend to brainwash myself into hating a song that I love because I literally will play it 24/7. If I really like a song then I won't get tired of it or hate it, but that's really rare. 
2. My favorite animal was a Cheetah until I got made fun of the fact that my name is Giselle which sounds like Gazelle which cheetahs eat... Yeah, elementary school was a sad time.
3. My favorite poet is Pablo Neruda. Some time ago I finally received my very own copy of his love poems after "borrowing" my sister's copy. His writing is just beautiful. My favorite line I think is "“Te amo sin saber cómo, ni cuándo, ni de dónde, Te amo directamente sin problemas ni orgullo. Así te amo porque no sé amar de otra manera," which roughly translates to, "I love you without knowing how, nor when, nor where. I love you directly without problems or pride. This is how I love You because I don't know any other way to love" 
4. I have a panic disorder. This fact is a little bit of a downer but maybe someone reading this will be able to relate and thus feel less alone. That's the thing about these things, no matter how many other people may suffer from it, you always feel alone and isolated. My panic attacks aren't' crazy bad, and thankfully my sister is a psychologist and has helped a little bit. But the thing is they suck and I hate it, but I deal with it. I deal with it and survive the episodes. There are exercises, breathing relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation the helps prevent it.
5. When I'm done with university my plan is to travel for one year (coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas). I don't have a set plan, but I really want to go to London, Amsterdam, Dublin, Berlin, Peru, Chile, Australia, New York, Alaska, China, India, etc I guess we'll have to wait and see for this one. 
6. I LOVE Ferris Wheels. If I see one I'm probably going to go on it. I really want to go on the one In London (is it?) I love being able to look down and see this giant panorama of where ever I am. I love it. The sight's are so beautiful.
7. I cry a lot during movies and books. I just finished watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part two and I was blubbering like a baby every single time someone died. I mean like sobbing into my pillow type of moments...Yeah it's bad sometimes. I just am so connected to the characters and the story,
8. My favorite band of all time is Coldplay. I love them so much. I have all of their songs, know the words to about 90% of their songs. I love their music. 
9. My top five book crushes are Will Herondale from the Infernal Devices, Noah Shaw from the Mara Dyer Trilogy, and Adam from If I stay, Charlie from Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Neville from Harry Potter ( I mean did you see him in the last movie??? Plus he's so adorable and sweet)
10. I'm a pack rat. I have papers and books from kindergarten that I have in a drawer. I have so many things put away that I will never use and probably have forgotten about yet I refuse to throw things away.
11. I have been dared to get a pixie cut by the end of my senior year of high school. We shall see how this ends. Personally I can't picture myself with a pixie cut but my friends seem quite determined to get me to do it. And maybe I will, who knows.

1. What phone do you have?

For a long time I had a basic phone. Just for text. But this past Monday I got a Samsung galaxy s4 mini which means I can now use the Internet and blog from my phone. Which is what I'm doing right now actually.

2. Black or white? 

Black. Black just goes with every thing and looks bad ass. 

3. Go-to winter outfit.

A sweater cuz us cold with a skirt because I live in southern California and knee high socks because I'm obsessed

4. Favourite clothing shop.

Forever 21.  I love the clothes and styles they have. It so fun to go and  create outfits with different style clothes

5. What social media app do you use the most?

tumblr!!!!!! I love tumblr. Tumblr is life.

6. Would you like to be somebody else for a day? Who? (yes, I've copied that one).

Hermione Granger because she's badass, smart, and kind.

7. Do you prefer drawing or colouring?

coloring. I can't draw well so I just end up frustrated.
8. Do you like exotic food? If yes, what type
10. How long have you been blogging?
11. Favourite book and why.

I live all food as long as it's vegetarian friendly but I love Chinese food.
9. What's your favourite city you've ever been.

Monteverde. It'd so beautiful and they have amazing coffee.

Since June. I finally just did it and I love it.

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly. It's a beautiful and heart wrenching story. It's really good and something everyone should read.

My questions.

1. Strange reading habit?

2. Who would be your book best friend and why? 

3. The perfect day would consist of...

4. What's one embarrassing moment from school? 

5. What's something that always makes you happy?

6. If your life was a musical what would be a theme song?

7. What did you want want  when you were a kid.

8. 2015 goals?

9. What would be your patronus.

10. What does your life look like in 20 years

11. Who is your idol and why?

I nominate!

1. A Day in Bookland
2. The Collection of Knowledge 
3. Holly, Quills and Ivy
4. Another Serendipity 
5. Marianne Says...
6. Downright Dystopian 
7. The Book of Jules 
8. Katie's Great Perhaps 
9. Books by J
10. Pretty Little Pages
11. Girl in The Woods

Letter to December #12

Dear December,

It seems that no good thing ever really lasts. Christmas has come and gone faster than I wanted it too. All this work is put into this holiday that ends up being nothing more than a day long. But somehow it works out. Christmas eve is filled with food and jokes and drama. While Christmas day is calm and happy and beautiful. 

For most people the big day is Christmas day. For me, December, it's Christmas eve. We have a meal, a movie, and plenty of conversation to go around.  Though if I'm being totally honest, there was some unforeseen drama that caught me off guard. It was kind of crazy and even a little more in like. It was at that point that I really wished that my life was anything but a movie is because if the issue had continued, let me tell you that this movie would have an interesting ending to say the least.

Regardless Christmas was good. It was great. It was a cold day by California's Standards. We exchanged presents in the morning. I loved seeing people's faces when the opened their presents, presents I have had planned out since the beginning of this month. I love how well my family know me. I mean My sister got me a Stitch stuffed animal. I'm a 16 year old girl who was really really happy to get a stuffed animal :). I'm lame I know. It was great. I love what I received as gifts. But the thing that makes me smile the most is the fact that these people, my family, my friends, took the time to look for something for me that they knew would make me happy. In the end that's all Christmas is. A feeling you get.

There's this thing we do on Christmas. Where we all stay in our Christmas P.J's and stay home and watch movies. As you know December, we go out into your chilly embrace to go rent movies. So that means that we (and I mean me) go out and rent movies in pajamas and bed heads. Needless to say I got my fair share of stares. Yeah...But I think it's worth it. That's usually the only outing we do all day. The rest it movies, food, and tea. That sums it up! It was great and oh so worth the wait!

December, i'm so happy with the way things are at the moment. It's been a little cray on the way here, but I think its been worth it. I can't believe that Christmas is gone and all that are left now are memories and pictures and things. But I guess it works out better this way.

Love Always

Letter to December #11

Dear December,

I've been thinking about how many times a day I say the word "I". I say it a lot. I think most people say it an uncountable amount of times a day. I say it too much, I think. It seems that I always find a way to bring things back to me. Like if i'm in a conversation about something random I seem to always say something like "I think", "I'm just saying", or "In my opinion". Lately I've been noticing this "I" take over.

It's important to have self value, it's important that every one know that they have a voice. But what i'm getting at is that so many people think  a lot about themselves and never once let themselves think about other people. Never venture into someone else's shoes. Never think in a different point of view. It seems that we all have just become our little islands. That's why you're so important December. That's why Christmas is so special.

It's during these cold days that we all begin to remember that other people matter too. That other people matter to us. That maybe instead of using  "I" all the time we can use "us" or "we". We think of others and we feel good about it. Christmas reminds us that bringing happiness to the people we care about, and maybe even those we've never met, or never will meet, is the best feeling. I know it's cheesy and corny, but that's what the holidays are about, saying the cheesy stuff, doing those simple corny things. I finished watching Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas, one of my favorite holiday specials, and I think a lot of us are like Donald Duck's nephews, focused on presents and ourselves.

So even though Christmas has become this very materialistic holiday it's important to remember that at the root of all the money and capitalistic gains, the whole point is to make someone happy.There's nothing wrong with stuff, everyone wants and needs things. It's just bad when all you care about is getting things. Like Donald Duck said "Christmas is about the hearts you touch".

December, it's toward the end, it's toward this festive season that humanity seems to show it's face after a year of being vacant. You help remind people that us humans don't actually totally suck all the time. Because lets face it people suck most of the time. Christmas is my favorite holiday, not because of the tinsel, the lights, or the food, well maybe the food. It's because I get to be part of something that makes the people who care so much about me, happy.

Now, I'm so excited that it's Christmas. Now, as you know December, this month has been crazy, but tomorrow all the craziness, all the work put into gifts, DIY stuff, food, will all be worth it. So yeah, And in typical Giselle fashion, I'm writing this late in the morning, with a nice mugful of tea :)

Merry Christmas, December

Love Always,

Christmas Gift Guide: Books

As a book blogger i'm bound to have books that are perfect for people you're shopping for! Enjoy the list :)

YA contemporary Reads (for further book ideas here are my top ten favorites)

• Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira (book review here)
• If I Stay by Gayle Foreman
• Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell (pretty much anything by Rainbow Rowell)
• The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp ( Book Review here)
• Say What You Will by Cammie Mcgovern 
• The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider 
• The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
• Crash and Burn by Micheal Hassan
• The List by Siohban Vivian

YA Dystopian

• Divergent by Veronica Roth
• The 100 Kass Morgan (book review here)
• Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
• Uglies by Scott Westerfield 
• Cinder by Marissa Meyer (book review here)
• Champian by Mary Lu

YA Fiction

• Sinner by Maggie Steifvater 
• The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
• The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkins
• Liar by Justine Larbalestier
• The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
• Die For Me by Amy Plum
• Throne of Glass by Sarah J Mass
• The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare

Christmas Gift Guide: Last Minute Gifts for Men

Part Two of a four part series. So this is the Men's gift ideas, here are the Ladies' gift ideas, and there will be a book gift guide :) Of course people tend to not to fit categories so feel free to mix and match, but at least the types of presents are under categories!

The Mountain Man: The nature is mans best friend guy. You know the one, the one who loves spending time outside, hiking, walking

• Hiking Boots or Running Shoes
• Backpacks
• Tumbler
• Earbuds
• Sweater
• Flannel
• Adventure hats (yes this is a thing my friend and brother have one)

The Classy Bro: The guy who wears really nice cologne, has cool shoes, and wears bow ties

• Nice Dress Shirt or a Polo
• A Suit
• Messenger Bag
• Bow Tie
• Belt or suspenders
• Journals

Indie Kid:The hipstery boy in your life that wears a lot of flannels, wears beanies, and reads poetry

• Aviators 
• Cool button ups 
• Sweaters
• Watch
• Lenses for phone cameras
• Mug
• Wreak this Journal (great for everyone!)

Skater Dude: The guy who is chill, laid back, and wears snap backs, and graphic tees

• Headphones
• Vans or other skating shoes
• Beanie or snapback
• Baseball Tees
• Cool printed sweatshirts
• Backpacks
• Funny Books
• ex) Get Sh*t Done

Christmas Gift Guide: Last minute Ideas for Ladies

So Christmas is in a few days. For some people, the lucky, organized, responsible people are getting a few last minute things, but are all set with presents. The rest of the human population is freaking the fuck out because Christmas is in a few days and we have absolutely nothing. So seeing as this is a plight I am all too familiar with I thought I would help by doing some last minute gift guides for those of us who a little late to this party.

Here are links to gifts and links to gift ideas. :)

Ladies:

The Girly Girl: The girl who loves to dress up, do her make up, and really likes pink.

• Nail Polish box or Nail Stickers or Both :)
• Make Up Brushes
• Eye Shadow
• Mini Make-up Kit
• Rookie Yearbook
• Purse
• Hair Bows

The Edgy One: The one that's not afraid to wear leather, spikes, and all black. She's fearless

• Headphones
• Nail polish
• Combat Boots
• Bold statement pieces
• Bracelets
• Watches
• Earrings or Ear Cuffs
• Faux Fur vest or jacket
• Flask

The Boho Chick: Has a flower child influence to her wardrobe, chill relaxed.

• Tribal Inspired jewelry
• Rings
• Earrings 
• Head Accessories 
• Candles or fairy lights
• Journal
• Scarf
• Hats
• Beanie
• Fedora

The Creative, Craft-y girl: The one who likes to scrapbook, make DIY things, and always goes full out on school projects

• Scrapbook
• Jewelry making kit
• Wreak This Journal ( great gift for everyone!)
• Notebook
• Nail Art kit 
• Disposable Cameras or a Polaroid