Yes — bookmarks.

If you flip open one of my paperbacks, you’re not going to find a receipt or magazine postcard wedged in the spine. Nor will you come across an old grocery list, a notecard or a photo. I use paper bookmarks exclusively — the flat, cardstock ones typically found for free by registers at Borders or the like. I don’t like plastic, and I don’t like metal. I can’t get into anything that makes the book bigger or doesn’t let the pages lie flat. I’m not into tassles hanging off the pages, and I don’t like anything that’s going to be longer than the actual book itself. I can occasionally get behind some ribbon — but it depends on the type.

Are you still reading? Do you think I’m totally nuts?

If your answer is a resounding “YES!”, I’m happy to share some of the creations others have made on Etsy . . . because I love them, but I just can’t imagine I’d ever use them. Because I’m just — meh. I have to do it my way! I have about 15 flat, cardstock bookmarks I just rotate from book to book, and I can’t see that changing anytime soon.

The only exception to this is a paperclip bookmark made by the lovely Kristine of beach cottage studio. With an awesome journal I purchased from her in the spring, she sent me one of her creations — and I do love it, and use it often! It was very sweet of her to include it, and I’m glad I gave it a chance.

Ready for some more bookmark love? Then cast aside your reservations and start clicking!

Ribbon bookmark by beachcottagestudio, $4.95

Murano glass heart bookmark by caldon98, $10

Minty the Happy Cupcake bookmark by littlegenschi, $6.50

Set of three corner bookmarks by LilBitSassy, $2.50

But, in reality, I was just trying not to run up a big credit bill! Those London plane tickets were sitting on the statement in black and white, blinking up at me dangerously. I wrote out my little check, paid everything off and can now proceed to look at stuff again — with less guilt. Hooray!

And, as I’m beginning to plan my trip and continuously thinking about England, I’ve been scouring Etsy for Brit-related items to basically serve as eye candy until I commit to buying them. I’m still going to try and behave myself, but what’s a little treat to myself every now and then? I got a pretty critical book review back on my Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award submission, it’s pouring down rain in Maryland and I just need to daydream for a minute!

A few items to sate my Anglophilia (for the moment):

Large London cameo ring by amylynnbuttchin, $8

"I Heart London" original art by DaisyBowDesigns, $16.50

Union Jack bag by CapeBags, $14

The London Times pencil pouch by kaylah7, $13.75

Great British envelopes by Bombus, $8

The Juicy Brit Bag by pudge, $18

Collage journal notebook -- London by beachcottagestudios, $11

Union Jack keyring/bagcharm by PamsPrettyDesigns, $15