A Heart-Shaped Box of OTPs: My Answers

This post is shamefully late, and I apologize. You'd think that after creating the tag myself, I would have filled it out and gotten it posted before now. But hey -- February's not over yet! So, I think it still counts.

So, what could be better for the month of love than a special box of chocolates? Except, of course, a box of donuts from Krispy Kreme, which is exactly what my husband brought home as a surprise on Valentine's Day. But chocolate is definitely the king of the month. And to celebrate everybody's favorite candy -- and the month of love -- I'm finally posting my answers to A Heart-Shaped Box of OTPs. You can find the original post here for more information.

To be honest, this was a lot harder to fill out than I thought it would be. Coming up with all my favorite OTPs was easy, but actually picking only a few of them to include in the tag was the difficult part. There were sometimes way too many couples that reminded me of the same chocolate, so you will notice as you go along that I've included some runner ups -- and only because those couples deserve a shout-out, too, in this month of months.

Also: I should warn those of you who care -- spoilers ahead.

Anyway, let's go!

A Heart-Shaped Box of OTPs: The Basic Set

1. Original Chocolate Heart - The OTP that started it all // Derek and Odette from The Swan Princess

For as long as I can remember, this has been my favorite couple. For my siblings and I, it was one of our favorite movies growing up -- so much so that we actually watched it about once a day for an entire summer one year. Derek and Odette are adorable when you're a kid, but you don't truly understand the depth of their relationship until you're an adult. And I feel like I'll have to save that for its own post one day.

Runner Up: Millie and Charles from A Life of Faith: Millie Keith

~*~

2. Dark Chocolate - The OTP with the most drama // Felix and Izzy from Road to Avonlea

Anyone who's seen this TV series knows this to be true. It took a lot, but this OTP finally got together. Their friendship as children was super sweet and fun, but I was super grateful when Felix finally got his act together and realized Izzy was the one for him.

Runner Up: Harold and Marian from The Music Man (1962)

~*~

3. Caramel Filled - The OTP that's simple and sweet // Kale and Bardon from The DragonKeeper Chronicles

I had way too many couples that fit this chocolate, but at length, I had to settle on Kale and Bardon. I think Kale's way of summing it up in DragonKnight says it best: Poor Bardon needs help discovering we're meant to be a couple, and I can't think of a better person to help him than me. 

Runner Up: Anne and Trask from The Ilyon Chronicles

~*~

4. Raspberry Chocolate - The forbidden-love OTP // Edward and Elinor from Sense and Sensibility

There never was a more forbidden love than this, IMHO. Even though we all hate Lucy's guts, you can't help but admire Edward for sticking to his word -- even if it meant losing the woman he truly loved in the process.

Runner Up: Anastasia and Dmitri from Anastasia

~*~

5. White Chocolate - The odd OTP you still somehow manage to love // James and Sarah from Liberty's Kids

Odd, but super sweet. Ever since their awkward first meeting, I knew James and Sarah would do great together. He's got a lot of bravado, she's got a lot of brains, and between the two of them they've got a lot of spunk. I know the series didn't end with them officially off to their happily ever after, but we all know it's coming. It's just a shame more people don't know about them.

~*~

6. Peanut Butter Chocolate - The OTP everybody and their sisters ship // Rapunzel and Eugene from Tangled

HOW COULD I NOT INCLUDE THEM? They are pretty amazing. And they're perfect together. Probably the largest fandom ever ship I'm proud to get behind.

Runner Up: Hiccup and Astrid from How to Train Your Dragon

~*~

7. Cherry-Filled - The OTP that you fear no one knows about // Arrietty and Spiller from The Borrowers 

Confession: I've not actually read Mary Norton's books, so this is solely based on their interaction together in the 1992-93 BBC miniseries in which they are absolutely adorable. And it's awful... since when you ask someone if they've seen The Borrowers, they go: "Oh, the one with John Goodman?" To which you're compelled to respond: "No, the good one."

Runner Up: // Carliss and Daulton from The Knights of Arrethtrae

~*~

8. Chocolate with Almonds - The fun and nutty OTP // Walter and Ashley from Dragons in Our Midst/Oracles of Fire

Walter's proposal scene is probably one of my favorite proposals of all time. These two are super cute, and I'll admit I didn't call this when they first met, but I loved seeing how their relationship grew.

~*~

9. Chocolate with Coconut - The OTP who came from different backgrounds // Mary and Gavin/White Hawk from The Island Trilogy

Mary's a fiery redhead who stashes cows in the house to hide them from Redcoats, and Gavin is her Indian friend. I can't recall how many times I read this trilogy growing up, and I still cheered when they got together.

Runner Up: Phoebus and Esmeralda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Disney 1996)

~*~

10. Mint Chocolate - The OTP you'll love until you die // Caroline and Charles from The Caroline Years/Little House series

I'll admit -- this isn't exactly a fictional couple, but I still think they deserve a spot on this list. I really loved the sweet way they were portrayed in the Caroline books, and I haven't a qualm about going down with this ship.

~*~

A Heart-Shaped Box of OTPs: The Extended Edition

11. Orange Creme - The OTP you never expected to love // Perrin and Zarine/Faile from The Wheel of Time

Once I figured out they were perfect for each other, I shipped these two HARD. But I didn't catch on that Jordan was setting them up to be a couple at first. To be honest, it surprised me, and it surprised me how much I loved them.

Runner Up: Jorgen and Odette from The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest

~*~

12. Salted Caramel - The OTP who worked the most on their relationship // Bella and John from Our Mutual Friend

Bella began as a mercenary bride, but John never gave up on her -- even when she thought he was dead. That's Dickens for you, and I love these two to pieces.

Runner Up: Emma and George Knightley from Emma

~*~

13. Chocolate Covered Raisins - The young OTP you know will work out one day // Janner and Sara from The Wingfeather Saga

I wish Janner and Sara got more attention. We're a small fandom, but proud. I know Janner's busy trying to protect his siblings and help his younger brother be a good king and all, but I know he and Sara will work things out one day. Not that I'm bitter or anything about Andrew Peterson not giving us the story of when they all grew up. Not at all.

Runner Up: Felicity and Ben from Felicity Merriman (American Girl)

~*~

14. Chocolate Jalapeño - The OTP that can't be together but you ship it anyways // Wendy and Peter Pan from Peter Pan

It would destroy Peter Pan as we know and love him if this happened, but who doesn't ship them?

~*~

15. Ferrero Rocher - The best dressed/best looking OTP // Faramir and Eowyn from The Lord of the Rings

I do believe I'm being unfair assigning Faramir and Eowyn to this chocolate. But they are an amazing couple, and I love their outfits, so I'm not apologizing.

~*~

16. Chocolate Covered Coffee Bean - The energetic OTP that keeps you on your toes // Shasta and Aravis from The Horse and His Boy

I don't think this one requires explanation. Long live this ship!

Runner Up: Cat Thorne and Anne Ross from Pirate Adventures

~*~

17. Chocolate Dipped Strawberry - The OTP that's just absolutely adorable // Florence and Walter from Dombey and Son

Yes, another Dickens couple. And yes, I believe they're underappreciated. Their romance is pretty much the definition of adorable.

Runner Up: Daisy and Nat from Little Men/Jo's Boys

~*~

18. Chocolate with Nougat - The OTP full of fluff and nonsense // Taran and Eilonwy from The Prydain Chronicles

Fluff and nonsense and super sweet and adventurous, but with a serious relationship. What more could you ask for?

Runner Up:  Alfie and Minnie from Lark Rise to Candleford

~*~

19. Chocolate with Walnuts - The OTP with the bumpiest relationship // Gus and Felicity from Road to Avonlea

If Felix and Izzy win the most drama title, Gus and Felicity definitely win the bumpiest relationship (which, now that I'm thinking about it, is almost the same thing). I rooted for Gus ever since he first kissed Felicity and told her, "Better than kissing my dog!" Together, fighting, engaged, separate... all the bumps. Felicity was amazing in the later seasons (and much less annoying) as she studied to be a doctor and then still cared for Gus after he went blind. *tears* If that's not true love, I don't know what is.

Runner Up: Eric and Robin from The Bookania Quests

~*~

20. Chocolate Butterscotch - The OTP with the best banter // Raoden and Sarene from Elantris

Now, I've got a lot of couples that banter. I love me some good banter. But I think my current favorite is Raoden and Sarene. Sarene has wit and cleverness on her side, which makes for an epic heroine, but I love how Raoden can just one-up her without really thinking about it.

~*~

Congratulations for making it to the end of the post! That was much longer than I expected. But full of all the loveliest OTPs.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go put my daughter down for a nap and go find some chocolate.

God bless!

A Heart-Shaped Box of OTPs Tag

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, the whole world is thinking about love. And chocolate. Because Valentine's Day and chocolate basically are the world's next OTP after peanut butter and jelly. Just saying. It's a well-known truth that February 15th is the nation's second favorite shopping day after Black Friday.

Anyway, to help celebrate Valentine's Day this year, I'm taking love and chocolate and creating a small tag to showcase your favorite OTPs. I mean, because we all want an excuse to talk about our OTPs more. And this is your perfect excuse -- just in time for Valentine's Day! Could the timing be any more perfect?

If you're unfamiliar with the term OTP, it stands for "one true pairing." That's basically understood to be your favorite couple, that pair that embodies the meaning of love, that man and woman who are meant to be together for all eternity, that couple you passionately ship, etc.

But here's the deal: we've got TWO (2) tags below. 

So, pay attention.

The first set of 10 questions is your basic, standard, sweetness package. The tale-as-old-as-time, classic bundle. If you're looking for something a bit quicker, something familiar, feel free to just answer the first ten questions.

The second set of 10 questions is an add-on to your basic set, making it 20 questions altogether. They're what I call the "Extended Edition" since they incorporate more than just your typical box of chocolates. If you're up for something a bit bigger, something a bit exotic, tack those on to your basic set with no extra charge. It's completely up to you.

(The Extended Edition may or may not have been born out of a chocoholic splurge when I couldn't limit my candies to just 10 pieces.)

Rules?

Oh, they're quite simple. Fill out the tag according to your personal OTP preferences on your own blog (or in the comments below). Couples can be from books, movies, TV shows, whatever. For the sake of privacy, please do not include real-life ships, merely fictional ones. Then add your link below so others can enjoy your answers! Sharing any pictures/banners is not mandatory, but it'll add a nice visual touch to your post.

Enjoy!

~*~

A Heart-Shaped Box of OTPs: The Basic Set

1. Original Chocolate Heart - The OTP that started it all

2. Dark Chocolate - The OTP with the most drama

3. Caramel Filled - The OTP that's simple and sweet

4. Raspberry Chocolate - The forbidden-love OTP

5. White Chocolate - The odd OTP you still somehow manage to love

6. Peanut Butter Chocolate - The OTP everybody and their sisters ship

7. Cherry-Filled - The OTP that you fear no one knows about

8. Chocolate with Almonds - The fun and nutty OTP

9. Chocolate with Coconut - The OTP who came from different backgrounds

10. Mint Chocolate - The OTP you'll love until you die

~*~

A Heart-Shaped Box of OTPs: The Extended Edition

11. Orange Creme - The OTP you never expected to love

12. Salted Caramel - The OTP who worked the most on their relationship

13. Chocolate Covered Raisins - The young OTP you know will work out one day

14. Chocolate Jalapeño - The OTP that can't be together but you ship it anyways

15. Ferrero Rocher - The best dressed/best looking OTP

16. Chocolate Covered Coffee Bean - The energetic OTP that keeps you on your toes

17. Chocolate Dipped Strawberry - The OTP that's just absolutely adorable

18. Chocolate with Nougat - The OTP full of fluff and nonsense

19. Chocolate with Walnuts - The OTP with the bumpiest relationship

20. Chocolate Butterscotch - The OTP with the best banter

~*~

Please link below once you've completed shipping, er, I mean, posting! The link-up here will remain open until the last day of February, so get busy!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

God bless!

January 2019 Book Haul

When shopping (especially at thrift stores), it is a truth universally acknowledged by all bibliophiles that it is impossible to walk away without purchasing at least ONE book.

Since I have a little girl who's growing and plowing through clothing like it went out of style (and size) yesterday, I find myself more and more at Goodwills and the like, looking through racks of little pink onesies and purple pants and polka dotted sleepers and frilly dresses. I love it. When you have a small wallet and your daughter outgrows everything so fast, I love finding those bargains at thrift stores/resale shops that only ask upwards of $2-3 for something your child will wear for about a month before it's too small.

BUT I'm a bibliophile to the core. So is my husband. Thus, when shopping for daughter clothes, we ALWAYS derail from our purpose and look through all the books for sale. My favorite thrift store in town (conveniently located about five minutes from my house) sells paperbacks for $.50. FIFTY CENTS! If that's not a steal, I don't know what is. And you can get a hardback for $1.00. And children's books for $.25. #musictomyears #needmorebookshelves

So, like every other bibliophile online, I've decided to brag, er, share my monthly finds with you. I may sometimes have a new book that I actually bought for reals, brand new (that doesn't happen often when you're a full-time parent working from home trying to pay off student loans), but typically any monthly book haul I post is going to be majorly thrift store/resale shop finds. I think I have an unhealthy addiction to secondhand books. You just never know what treasures you'll find on those Goodwill shelves, I'm telling you.

(Note: my iPad camera has terrible quality, and my daughter lost my phone, so please excuse the blurry pictures. I did the best that I could.)

~*~

The Comedy of Errors // Shakespeare

I've been slowly adding to my collection of Shakespeare's works. Not that I've read many of them yet, but I've convinced myself I will -- once I've completed the collection.

~*~

Streams to the River, River to the Sea // Scott O'Dell

I don't actually know that I've read anything by Scott O'Dell. He's a pretty famous writer, most notably of Island of the Blue Dolphins, which I'll read one day, I promise. This, however, is a historical novel about Sacajawea. I thought it looked cool.

~*~

The Wishsong of Shannara 

The Druids of Shannara

The Elf Queen of Shannara

The Talismans of Shannara // Terry Brooks

Not one, not two, but FOUR Terry Brooks books. I read one of his Shannara trilogies, like, 10 years ago, and being the fantasy buff that I am, I need to change that. Especially since he's the guest of honor at this year's Realm Makers. #wishicouldgo

~*~

Guardians of Ga'Hoole: The Capture // Kathryn Lasky

I remember watching the film version of this a long time ago, and finding the paperback first volume, thought I'd give it a chance. Besides, the main character's/owl's name is Soren, and I really like that name.

~*~

The Shakespeare Stealer // Gary L. Blackwood 

I know absolutely nothing about this book, but thought it looked too amazing to stay on the shelf. I mean, c'mon, someone who tries to STEAL from Shakespeare? If that's not a grabbing title, I don't know what is. (Update: Just looked this one up on Goodreads, and apparently, it's a trilogy.)

~*~

The Outlaws of Sherwood // Robin McKinley

I've read Beauty by this author and enjoyed it. And since I'm gaining a bigger interest in the legends and retellings of Robin Hood, I decided I needed this one.

~*~

The Count of Monte Cristo // Alexandre Dumas

This was probably my second most favorite find of the month! I've wanted to read this classic for AGES, but couldn't bring myself to jump into a library copy or *le gasp* an ebook version. There's just something wonderful about reading a thick book in physical form. Super stoked about this find. Wow.

~*~

Elsie's Impossible Choice (A Life of Faith: Elsie Dinsmore) // Martha Finley

One of my absolute favorite series growing up. I read every Life of Faith book I could get my hands on. Upwards of five times (Mille, though, I probably read closer to ten times). This is one series I really want to share with my kids, and I was so happy to find this second book to sit companionably next to the first book on my shelf. #sixmoretofind

~*~

The Prophet of Yonwood (Book of Ember) // Jeanne DuPrau 

My sisters and I got into the City of Ember books shortly after the film came out. I don't remember much of the books, but I'm looking forward to re-reading them one day.

~*~

North! Or Be Eaten (Wingfeather Saga) // Andrew Peterson 

BEST FIND OF THE MONTH! I am forever grateful to the person who donated their Wingfeather books to my local thrift store. I found On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness there a few months ago, and lo and behold, there was the second waiting for me this month. I WAS SO FLOORED. I mean, who gets rid of these books??? I'm happy they did, but I still couldn't believe it. This is an amazing series. Can't gush enough.

~*~

Well, that's it for January, folks! 13 books in total for me, if you don't include the odd stack of children's books that I'm collecting for my daughter. Also, kids' books are too much fun. I'm obsessed with board books, seriously.

Anyway, what books did you add to your shelves last month? Have you read any of the ones I listed above? Let me know in the comments!

God bless!