Ponte A Leer

Start Reading A blog dedicated to what I'm currently reading. Read my late night rants, my suggestions, and maybe even tears. Everything goes: novels, articles, poetry, graphic novels, comics and in between.

[pontealeermijo]

Looking for gifts or Stocking Stuffers under $10???

I know Christmas is a few days away and some of you are still looking for affordable gifts or stocking stuffers for family and friends. The following are a few items that I’ve found and wanted to share with you all. Let me first say that I make it a point to always take advantage of free shipping. I am an Amazon prime member, religiously use coupons, and always looking for a good sale. Plus I use ebates.com and believe me it’s not a scam. You will earn cash back. It’s not that I’m cheap, I just feel cheated to know that I could have paid less.

Hope these gift ideas help!

1. Movies! - so many of us still love to put on a DVD. The great thing is that so many movies now come with digital copies. Check out Amazon.com, BestBuy, and Target for great deals, they change daily and weekly. Movies make great stocking stuffers and can range from $5-$10.

2. Graphic T shirts- If you have any family or friends like mine who love a good, comfortable T, this is the best gift. Check out JCPenney and Target for comfy and great quality t shirts. What is your friend into? Video games? Movies? Marvel? Music? It’s likely you’ll find at least one shirt that will fit their interests. If you’re shopping with JCPenney make sure to always check out their coupons.

3&4. Makeup sets- Check out Ulta stores for great prices on small make up kits. So many different combinations, all under $10. Eyeshadows, glosses, nail polish, etc!

5. Scarf- Old Navy is having a great sale on scarves, winter accessories, and more. Tops, Jewelry, t-shirts, and scarves under $10. I visited my local Old Navy outlet store and found some men’s scarves for $4.99.

6. Wall Art- Hobby Lobby is the perfect store if you’re looking for a good selection of wall art. Don’t forget TJ Maxx. They also have a nice selection. The great thing about Hobby Lobby is they always have their 40% off coupon (Download their app) but right now all wall art is on sale at 50% off. I scored this cute frame for $6. You might pay anywhere up to $20 if you decide on a larger frame.

7. Books- My favorite stocking stuffer. Check out Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. If your friend/s is not an avid reader, look for something more laid back to read, graphic novels, autobiographies, non-fiction/ cook books/ funny reads, and always check out their sale area, you’re guaranteed to find books under $10.

8. Pajamas- Take advantage of Target’s 50% off pajamas. They do this every year! I’ve been buying pjs for my family for the last few years. I’ve never spent more than $15, and even then you can always use your red card for an additional 5% off.

9. Lotions, Body Sprays, candles Check out Bath and Body Works and make sure you have their coupons at hand. You could find a stocking stuffer for everyone there, especially if you take advantage of their sale bundles. Don’t forget to visit their outlet stores as well. You can find out of season lotions for as little as $3.00.

10. Funko Pops- Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Target…a few years ago my hubby and I chose Funko Pops for each member of our family. We chose something in an area that they’d like (a movie, cartoon, book, music, etc.) Little did we know that most of them would be retired and then worth much more than what we paid. It’s likely you’ll find one pop that they’ll like. Plus they’re collectibles and super cute. Most places sell them under $10.

Hope this list was helpful! Happy Holidays! Stay Thrifty!

[pontealeermijo]

Looking for gifts or Stocking Stuffers under $10???

I know Christmas is a few days away and some of you are still looking for affordable gifts or stocking stuffers for family and friends. The following are a few items that I’ve found and wanted to share with you all. Let me first say that I make it a point to always take advantage of free shipping. I am an Amazon prime member, religiously use coupons, and always looking for a good sale. Plus I use ebates.com and believe me it’s not a scam. You will earn cash back. It’s not that I’m cheap, I just feel cheated to know that I could have paid less.

Hope these gift ideas help!

1. Movies! - so many of us still love to put on a DVD. The great thing is that so many movies now come with digital copies. Check out Amazon.com, BestBuy, and Target for great deals, they change daily and weekly. Movies make great stocking stuffers and can range from $5-$10.

2. Graphic T shirts- If you have any family or friends like mine who love a good, comfortable T, this is the best gift. Check out JCPenney and Target for comfy and great quality t shirts. What is your friend into? Video games? Movies? Marvel? Music? It’s likely you’ll find at least one shirt that will fit their interests. If you’re shopping with JCPenney make sure to always check out their coupons.

3&4. Makeup sets- Check out Ulta stores for great prices on small make up kits. So many different combinations, all under $10. Eyeshadows, glosses, nail polish, etc!

5. Scarf- Old Navy is having a great sale on scarves, winter accessories, and more. Tops, Jewelry, t-shirts, and scarves under $10. I visited my local Old Navy outlet store and found some men’s scarves for $4.99.

6. Wall Art- Hobby Lobby is the perfect store if you’re looking for a good selection of wall art. Don’t forget TJ Maxx. They also have a nice selection. The great thing about Hobby Lobby is they always have their 40% off coupon (Download their app) but right now all wall art is on sale at 50% off. I scored this cute frame for $6. You might pay anywhere up to $20 if you decide on a larger frame.

7. Books- My favorite stocking stuffer. Check out Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. If your friend/s is not an avid reader, look for something more laid back to read, graphic novels, autobiographies, non-fiction/ cook books/ funny reads, and always check out their sale area, you’re guaranteed to find books under $10.

8. Pajamas- Take advantage of Target’s 50% off pajamas. They do this every year! I’ve been buying pjs for my family for the last few years. I’ve never spent more than $15, and even then you can always use your red card for an additional 5% off.

9. Lotions, Body Sprays, candles Check out Bath and Body Works and make sure you have their coupons at hand. You could find a stocking stuffer for everyone there, especially if you take advantage of their sale bundles. Don’t forget to visit their outlet stores as well. You can find out of season lotions for as little as $3.00.

10. Funko Pops- Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Target…a few years ago my hubby and I chose Funko Pops for each member of our family. We chose something in an area that they’d like (a movie, cartoon, book, music, etc.) Little did we know that most of them would be retired and then worth much more than what we paid. It’s likely you’ll find one pop that they’ll like. Plus they’re collectibles and super cute. Most places sell them under $10.

Hope this list was helpful! Happy Holidays! Stay Thrifty!

www.amazon.com www.target.com www.ebates.com www.barnesandnoble.com

[justlittlethings]

Buy the Just Little Things book as a gift for the holiday season! :) Currently sold out at Urban Outfitters, but it’s still available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!

[justlittlethings]

Almost one more week until Christmas (yay!) – order now so it arrives on time!

[pontealeermijo]

Perfect gift!

[pontealeermijo]

Since the day the announcement was made for the Jessica Jones release date, my husband and I made plans to stay in and binge watch the hell out of the show. This means pause for my bathroom breaks. Don’t you dare watch an episode without me…and of course stop when I have a question for the Marvel geek. 
What a show! He’s been trying to get me to read the Alias series for weeks and now I wish I really had. 
Krysten Ritter has left me speechless and I rightfully bite my tongue and apologize at my doubt and lack of belief in her playing this part. (Sorry but I saw every episode of Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23) : ) 
By now reviews on the show are everywhere, great reviews…a few delusional critics with their negative comments, but over all another win for the Marvel characters that Netflix has absolutely outdone themselves with. 
Now if you’re not up for spoilers stop reading, keep watching the show and come back to this when you’re done. 
If you’re done binge watching…then let’s continue. This is not the kid friendly Marvel universe that appears on the big screen. The content and darkness of Hell’s Kitchen is the perfect setting for this series. My husband can attest to how many times I asked him to pause just so I could take a walk and shake off the anxiety and build up of an episode. 
I have to give some credit to him because if it wasn’t thanks to a conversation that we had, the following argument would not have come up. 
He pointed out how this series would be the first series to introduce and give a female super hero the lead since the creation of the MCU. This series’ success would place the bar for every female lead series and possibly film to follow. Especially with the soon to be release of DC’s Wonder Woman, this series has set the bar extremely high. 
Spoilers ahead…
Jessica Jones repeats the archetype of the superhero we all know and are used to. A sad tormented individual, living with guilt and attempting to find redemption, all while dealing with the responsibility of their gifts. But her character experiences something beyond words. At the hands of Kilgrave, a villain who truly shows us the evils of the world through his manipulation of the human mind, she is raped, both physically and mentally. 
Each episode delves into the life of who Jessica Jones was and draws a parallel into what her life has become after escaping from the grips of Kilgrave. 
I can’t help it…I admit that I don’t believe this show is really about super heroes but rather a testament and metaphor into the true evils that women face in their daily lives. Captain America, Thor, and Spider-Man face end of world events….Thanos, Loki, and Skrulls. Yet in this series Jessica Jones faces a darker evil, a much closer truth, that as women and a society many choose to ignore, the daily fear of assault, manipulation, rape and violence against women. 
I’m not sure whether to love or hate this about the show. On one hand it shows truth, and fear because each character is no longer in control of their actions. Yet on the other hand, why is it that this is the biggest or greatest fear that a female super hero must face. I’m having a hard time describing the awesomeness of this show without it becoming another thesis paper. So from here on this will become a list of what I loved and what I didn’t love about this Netflix wonder. I might continue my rant/review later. I loved Krysten Ritter. 
I loved how her beauty and sexiness rode backseat to her awesomeness and wit.
I loved her Wardrobe mainly because the entire show she wore ripped jeans, a bad ass jacket and chunky ass kicking boots. I have a feeling this will be a popular Halloween costume next year. 
I disliked her hesitation and doubt. Her hero complex took over and even when faced with the darkest of villains she struggles to kill. 
I dislike the lack of interaction with other Hell’s Kitchen heroes. 
You would think that with all the running around she does and her PI work that she would have run into Murdock at some point. 
I dislike the missing origin story, but it does leave us with a great lead for the second season. 
I loved the gruesomeness and brutality of Kilgrave’s mind control (even though I walked out of the room a few times) and yet somehow dislike the same goriness on the screen. Then again what would some crazy fuck with mind control do to those who stand in his way. Bravo on coming up with the most devious and yet imaginative ways to torture. (Stand there forever, death by 1000 cuts, put a bullet in your head) 
I loved how for a second I felt utter sympathy for Kilgrave and by the next episode I wanted him to die in the most painful way. That’s enough of my rant for now…I’m about to binge watch Daredevil once again. 
Thanks Marvel and Netflix for achieving continual intrigue, talented writing and perfect casting.

- Married to a Marvel Geek, Waiting anxiously for the next Netflix series, Not an expert but will always have an opinion

[pontealeermijo]

There’s Nothing Superficial about Andy Cohen

My Review and Commentary on Superficial

As the book comes to its end, I realize that it has become more than just a list of the events that have transpired in the life of Andy Cohen in the last few years. Some might say that the book entertains and brings the same appeal one gets from reading Just Jared or Perez Hilton. Others might not see or agree that there is a deeper message or purpose within the pages of this book. Some might agree that the same goal could have been achieved by simply looking back at Andy’s Instagram, social media or keeping up with WWHL. But the truth is that especially close to the end of the diary, and if you search deeper into each day, you will find within the pages of his eventful diary the hidden and somewhat ignored, true feelings of Andy Cohen. His loneliness in a vast world of celebrities and reality tv seem to have been left unexposed and unaddressed and are a juxtaposition of the reality that Andy’s creation of Bravo stands for. He has left the drama out of his life and is too quick to dismiss his own emotions. It’s plain to see that no matter one’s age it is never too late for growth and change. Though Andy questions his daily unchanged routines there is something endearing about the man who seems to be looking for a meaningful relationship. Some of the most painful and yet funny moments have to be his relationship with his dog, Wacha. As he must cope with Wacha’s hostility and often times violent outbursts against those around him. Just like a parent who is at times left speechless and red-faced because of the actions of their children. He then comes to the realization of what he might be really looking for in his life. Some might say my comments are too dramatic for a biography by a man who has revolutionized reality TV. The truth is that I picked up this book with the sole purpose of being entertained and wanting to feel as if I was now part of the inner Bravo circle. But this auto-bio has done so much more. I truly like Andy and wish him so much more success and happiness in the years to come. I still think he has the best late night show on TV. He’s created something original and fun without space for boredom. After reading Superficial there’s no doubt this man is hard working and the definition of a good friend, son, and dog owner. Pick up his book, and enjoy a good laugh, and get to know Andy, as more than just the host of WWHL.

A few questions: How did you meet Bruce? When you eat at the Palm, do you have to pay? How did #BAS feel or react to his presence in this book?

@pontealeermijo

📖📖📖

[pontealeermijo]

Harry Potter Question- Open for Discussion

Wouldn’t it have been a better choice to use the poly juice on Harry, rather than everyone else?

[beepbeepbeepbeep-deactivated202]

What’s yours is mine.

[pontealeermijo]

Always!

[pontealeermijo]

I'm hooked on reading Superficial by Andy Cohen during my maternity leave. I have to admit that I'm a sucker for celebrity autobiographies, especially those who name drop hundred of interactions with other celebrities. It takes tenacity to keep a diary and stay on top of writing everything you did for over a year. But I am extremely appreciative and so excited for this book. This book has truly been the best read for my winter blues. It also makes a great gift for any Bravo or housewives fans in your life. I really wish that Andy had included a photo index with the name, picture and brief description of those he mentioned in the book. For the most part I know who most of them are, but some of his closest friends and coworkers who he mentions on a daily basis, I can't put a face to. A few questions have come up during the reading of the novel. I think I'll keep track of those and post them once I finish the book (which I'm really close to). With a 4 year old running around and breastfeeding a three week old it's been difficult to just sit and enjoy the book without stopping. Normally I would have finished the book within a day or two. What I would like to ask Andy is that I'm curious as to how he came to be this amazing producer and creator of the secretly desired reality TV genre. That should be his next book. His journey to where he is now. He does mention quite a number of jobs and internships he did along the way. We all love to read about how he has befriended some of Hollywood's (mainly New York) top celebrities and how willing he is to share with us his life, but the truth is that this man is responsible for creating reality TV that even other celebrities are fascinated with. Somehow he has in the most humble and nonchalant way shared with us amazing stories, (talking to Madonna or Paul McCartney, vacationing with DVF or Anderson Cooper, and hosting the best and most original Late Night Show on TV) and never in the bragging tone that would make you despise a person. Let me just say it's genius to have a late show on the weekends...there's no competition! Keep the books coming. Follow me at @pontealeermijo

[pontealeermijo]

In the next few weeks I will be sharing with you a more personal series of stories. I am a mother of two beautiful boys. Motherhood has been tough for me, and it has taken me some time to find the light and beauty in its journey. Through immense prayer, an amazing support system and a loving husband, I found peace and acceptance of many fears and questions. I greatly believe that my out of control hormones and maybe even undiagnosed post-partum depression carry part of the blame of why I felt the way I did. What I know now is that I’m not alone, I was never alone. My story is a successful one. My son is home, but I feel the need to share and open the space to discuss what I experienced and saw during that difficult time. Though I’m sure many of you have battled heavier burdens or had your child for much longer in NICU care, it is now my purpose to share what many don’t tell you before, during or even after you become a mother.

[pontealeermijo]

Coming soon a review for Ghosts! So excited to read! Raina Telgemeier always killing it!

[pontealeermijo]

Some Sunday Book Humor...

[penguinrandomhouse]

#ChallengeYourShelf with our Women’s History Month reading challenge!

[pontealeermijo]

Bosch Review

My husband and I have an unspoken rule, you don’t watch an episode ahead without each other. But I have to admit that with Bosch I broke the rule. I couldn’t resist. And then one particular episode made me pause and I was unable to press play and continue watching. I won’t say which, but it was one where I could sense something detrimental was about to happen. So I paused and decided to go back and rewatch the last three episodes with my hubby. I’m no cop, have no experience or direct contact with any cops, but I’ve done my fair share of reading about cops and detectives to last a lifetime, and this show does an amazing job representing and shining a light on what it entails to be an officer and serving their community.

I have to say that Titus Welliver isn’t the only one who shines in this series. Lance Reddick as Irvin Irving is amazing! Truly amazing! His performance left me speechless and was heart wrenching. Even in silence this man acts the shit out of his role.

Spoiler ahead… There’s a particular scene that shares a powerful message…I’ll refer to it as “end of watch.” This has to be one of the most emotional scenes I’ve ever seen on TV. Beautifully created.

There are books that I can read over and over again. They carry such a power and presence, and with every read I pick up on something I hadn’t noticed before. Bosch is like that book. And for that reason I’m now rewatching season 1. This shows makes me pause and go back to rewatch a scene. So much is packed into each scene that I feel at times that I’ve missed something. This genius tv show couldn’t be done without the help of amazing actors playing their roles to perfection. Thank you Amazon for picking up this show, because the truth is that this show on any other network would have failed at creating the world of Detective Bosch. This show on any other network would have been starved of its true potential and become a cold case.

So if you’ve enjoyed the show as much as me, comment, review, and tweet about it. We need a Season 3.

🍩🍩🍩

For more reviews follow @pontealeermijo

[pontealeermijo]

Spring Break is officially here! I am ready to binge watch Amazon Prime TV shows, Netflix and do some much awaited reading! As a huge Michael Connelly fan, I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to see that Bosch was renewed and that Season 2 is out. Now, you must be an Amazon Prime customer and I have to admit that besides the free shipping, I was skeptical, but Amazon Prime has really stepped up their game and is releasing some amazing shows.

Bosch is definitely one of them! A must watch detective show! Titus Welliver is amazing and brilliantly cast as Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch. Any Michael Connelly fan must watch this series. This is one of those shows that truly brings our beloved character to life.

Review will follow as soon as I’m done watching and get some sleep. 💤

Image credit to IMDb.com

For more reviews follow @pontealeermijo 🍩

[pontealeermijo]

I feel like the 10yr old girl who would come home from the grocery store, lock herself in her room with a bag of donut holes/lemon bismarks and a new Archie comic or Baby Sitter’s Club book.

Thank you Raina, you have given me the opportunity to remember and relish in the most safe, beautiful and imaginative moments of my childhood by creating amazing artwork and republishing these novels. I can’t express how thankful I am that twenty years later these books are still a part of my life. I’m looking forward to the next book! Go out and purchase these amazing books! Keep the graphic novel alive!!

@scholastic

Follow @pontealeermijo for more reviews!

[pontealeermijo]

Reviews to follow…

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[pontealeermijo]

A few weeks past due... I spent every single free moment of today reading this book, and I finished it. I read through my lunch break and haven't done one bit of cleaning since I got home. I will admit that I've seen Jojo Moyes' novels at Barnes and Noble but wasn't drawn in or felt the impulse to buy. I will also admit that merely watching the trailer was enough for me to say okay I must read this novel before the film is released. Plus, Finnick won me over, and of course Emilia Clarke's beauty and quirkiness was too cute to resist. Her character was somewhere between Mindy Kaling and Bridget Jones. The novel is everything you want and expect from a romantic novel. It's sappy, predictable, humorous, and a cry fest. But my biggest reason for loving this novel was the fact that I found myself laughing and crying with my entire body at the simplest of moments. There's something extremely special about this novel, and as much as I'd like to share more about it, I feel it would give everything away. What I can say is that it's more than just a love story between two people. It's about the love you have and need for yourself. Truly one's happiness and purpose lies in seeing and finding your worth before you can ever focus or love someone else. This novel explores love, humanity's selfish nature, and the often rejected idea that putting yourself before others could be something acceptable and helpful when searching for happiness. Read this novel. Follow @pontealeermijo for more book reviews