ktmcg82

I live in a suburb of Philadelphia. I currently work for my local school district and I am also a returning adult college student at Penn State University. My majors are Business and Psychology. I have a dog named Sebastian and a leopard gecko named Randall. I have a very full house that includes my parents, 4 siblings, and 2 nephews.

I have an eclectic taste in music. I really like rock, like Maroon 5, Mumford and Sons, and Fallout Boy, and Irish punk rock, like Flogging Molly (my favorite!!). I like pop and boy bands. Even oldies music when I'm in the mood. The "jazzy" sounds of Harry Connick Jr. and Michael Buble, I think mostly because they sound like Frank Sinatra... swoon. Hip hop when I feel like dancing :). I even listen to various white noise sounds and nature music when I'm doing school work, so I can concentrate on my readings. The only things I'm not crazy about are hard rap, country, and gospel.

I love to read, even though I don't have much time for it during the school semesters! Some of my favorites are: the Mortal Instruments and the Infernal Devices prequel series' by Cassandra Clare, Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman, the Harry Potter series, the Diane Mott Davidson food murder mystery series, and Garden Spells and First Frost, both by Sarah Addison Allen.

I prefer books that have anything to do with fantasy or supernatural themes: vampires, werewolves, fairies, witches, and everything in between! I also like mysteries, murder mysteries, suspense, thrillers, young adult, drama, chick lit (as long as there isn't too much sex or romance), or books with some kind of philosophical theme. I like books that are feel-good, easy reads, but I also like books that make me think, or challenge me in some way. And I have the strangest obsession with Amish themed books- easy reads, romance, murder mysteries, I haven't met one I didn't like!

Book Swap Wishlist:

Any book by Sarah Addison Allen

Any book by Suzanne Palmieri

Any book by Lisa Van Allen

Amish Mysteries series by Laura Bradford (I have Hearse and Buggy)

Matched series by Ally Condie (I have Matched!)

Any book by Gabrielle Bernstein

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

Any book that has to do with paranormal or supernatural themes, historical (esp. with paranormal), books that take place in far-off places (esp. Ireland and Italy or anywhere tropical) or even a girl-power theme.

I do not like anything too mushy or romantic or sexual or violent (I have NO interest in 50 Shades of Grey, The Hunger Games, etc.) and nothing too religious, unless it's Amish.

My favorite movies range from supernatural themes like Harry Potter, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings to dramas like Good Will Hunting and Boondock Saints. I also really like girly chick flicks like Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids, Never Been Kissed, 10 Things I Hate About You, The Wedding Planner, and The Wedding Date.

I don't have a lot of time for television, however, between semesters and on the occasional night off, I watch Netflix and Hulu to catch up on my favorite shows. They include Orange is the New Black, How to Get Away with Murder, The Vampire Diaries, Melissa and Joey, The Fosters, Baby Daddy, Young and Hungry, Switched at Birth, The Mindy Project, Rizzoli and Isles, and The Strain. I'm also ridiculously excited that The X-Files will be returning to television next year! :)

Also, I just finished watching Grace and Frankie on Netflix. If you haven't seen it, you need to!!!

My main craft is sewing. However, I like to dabble in all sorts of other crafts as well. For other swaps, I have made a yarn wrapped letter, a kindle cover made from a hard back book, ribbon hair bows, quotes on painted canvases, Gingermelon dolls, several other hand sewn projects, jewelry, etc. I will try my hand at just about anything and I love almost everything I try! The only things I don't like are knitting and crocheting. I'm also not a huge fan of paper crafts, such as ATCs, handmade postcards, or scrapbooks. They are not my cup of tea.

Likes- I love bright, fun colors, my favorites being pink, green, aqua, and orange. I'm a huge fan of fun, inspirational quotes. I love pineapples, giraffes, ladybugs, fairies, seahorses, mermaids, suns, and lions. Things with a fruit or vegetable theme, florals (fun, bright ones, not pale or dark ones), and other nature themes (beach, ocean, lush green landscapes like Ireland, etc). Anything to do with The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings. I like it when things have a purpose. I like fun, girly things. If swapping anything with a scent, I like fruity scents.

Wishlist ideas- I would love anything having to do with any of my favorite things, especially Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Harry Potter, pineapples, giraffes, mermaids, seahorses, or fairies. I would love small handmade crafts such as fabric bookmarks, ornaments, quotes on paper, fabric or canvas, unfilled pincushions, embroidery hoop quotes or art, earrings, personalized address labels, recipes on recipe cards (vegetarian or vegan recipes, if possible), puzzles or puzzle books (logic, crossword, etc), any kind of games (card, travel, board, etc), or any kind of crafting supply (except knitting, crocheting, or ATC supplies).

I'm also open to anything that I might not have thought of, if you have another idea!

Dislikes- neutral, pastel, or dark color palettes (they are ok mixed with other colors), anything with a "country" theme, or anything with an overly religious theme. I don't like coffee or tea, vanilla, cinnamon, lavender, or floral scented things, or things that don't have some kind of purpose. I'm not crazy about stickers unless they are really interesting or different or something having to do with things on my "Likes" list. I'm a vegetarian, so I would not like anything made from animals. Recipes made with meat are ok, because I can usually substitute something vegetarian for the meat. I'm also not a fan of knit or crochet crafts or ATCs, unless I sign up for a specific swap or ask for them.

Owen is 6. His favorite color is orange, but he likes all colors. He loves Pokemon, Power Rangers, Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Legos, dinosaurs, dragons, and superhero things. He loves playing all kinds of games (cards, board, puzzles, etc.) and doing crafts. He loves to paint, write, and read (he can read those easy reader books by himself!!!). He also likes food and he loves to help me cook. And he just lost his first tooth!

I'm interested in private swaps with you! Let me know the kinds of things you are looking for, my wishlist is below:

inspirational quotes that I can display (ideally 4"x6" or larger- can be on printer paper with graphics, hand painted on art paper, embroidered on fabric, mixed media, etc.)

recipe cards with vegetarian or vegan recipes

stationery for writing to penpals

small sewn or handmade items- unstuffed pincushions, small pieces of wall art, your photography, ornaments, etc.

cute souvenirs from other states/countries (no keychains; magnets are ok; smaller things preferred, as I don't have much room)

locally made items from your country, or if you are from U.S., from your area (earrings, change purse, or other tiny items) -you can even make the items yourself, if you wish! I love handmade!

washi tape- rolls preferred, but samples are ok!