Friday Favorites: Bookshelf Tees (a giveaway!)

Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved to read. The first book series I ever fell hard for was Beverly Cleary's Ramona Quimby books. I spent the whole summer between third and fourth grade willfully sequestered in my room, buried in the tales of the unruly, whimsical Ramona (who I wanted to be) and her older sister, Beezus (who I am really more like). It wasn't long after that I became enchanted by Harry Potter's wizarding adventures, devouring each book within days after its release.

During high school, I was in honors and AP English classes, so we'd have additional assigned reading to complete during the summers. It was usually two or three novels, classics like Fahrenheit 451, Jane Eyre and Anthem. Most kids reviled this extra work, but I secretly loved it. A couple of new books to entertain me during the long, inhospitably hot summer months? Don't mind if I do!

For me, reading feels like an emotional and mental escape into another world. Even if it's a stressful or sad book, it gives me a break from my own stress/sadness. It's more interesting to me than watching a movie because I get to cast the characters in my mind and decide what the setting looks like. It's almost like its own work of art that only I get to enjoy. I also like non-fiction because it allows me to focus my mental attention on some new concept, person or historical aspect I don't know about. No matter what genre, a good book allows me to relax and forget my cares for just a bit.

When my friend Lauren introduced her company Bookshelf Tees, I was ecstatic. Finally, a graphic tee I could relate to! I ended up modeling the Library Card shirt for her site -- my absolute favorite.

Takes me right back to being a kid in the '90's! Coolest shirt ever. It's even in a light oatmeal color, just like the manila cards we used for checking out books back then.

Another thing I like about Bookshelf Tees -- the shirts are so soft, comfy and unisex! These are some high-quality shirts. I have washed mine several times and they show no signs of wear. They also don't shrink or pill. They're just great. I could live in mine. And if you follow me on Snapchat, you know I practically do.

And Lauren's really thought of everything, because Bookshelf Tees even has its own virtual book club! WHAT?! If that's not brilliant, I don't know what is. You can check it out and join here.

Today, I'd like to give away $25 shop credit to Bookshelf Tees! I actually earned this credit by modeling, but since I already own two tees myself (Girls Just Wanna Have Books is my other one -- clever as all HECK), I decided to share the wealth with you all. What better way to show my gratitude for my readers than by giving you stuff? Right?

To enter, browse the Bookshelf Tees shop and leave me a comment HERE -- on this blog post -- telling me which one is your favorite. The winner will be chosen and announced on Monday, August 21 at 9 AM!

Happy reading!