Update! May Book Reading Club

Since I've been reading a lot less this year I decided to change how I do my monthly reading lists. Some months I may still share several books that I've loved, but I also want to do some more interactive lists where I can share my thoughts as I read a new release that I am excited about and that I think you lovely ladies are excited about, too.

So follow along for updates and my thoughts as I read How To Walk Away by Katherine Center!

Update #1

Wow. Wow. WOW. This book starts off intense. I had to pause a few times in just the first 50 pages to collect myself because it was really emotionally difficult to read. I think the reason for that is because it's one of those "It could happen to anybody" types of situations. One minute Margaret is on the cusp of everything she ever dreamed of. She graduated college, is about to start a wonderful job, and just became engaged to the love of her life. Things couldn't be more perfect for her, until everything changes in one single moment. It's difficult to swallow how one single event has the power to change everything. It happens everyday. It could happen to me or you. The thought of that is terrifying. So while I can already tell that How to Walk Away is going to be an emotional rollercoaster, I cannot wait to see where the story goes. Bravo to Katherine Center for creating dialog and content that has the ability to draw out so much emotion from a reader so early on!

Update #2

Holy appreciation. This book has me appreciating every little thing. There have been a couple lines that stood out and really resonated with me. One in particular, that I won't include as to not give away any spoilers, is a situation that you and I take for granted and don't give a second thought to, but here is brave little Margaret hoping and praying for this simple little thing to "impress us all". It is incredibly humbling and breaks my heart all at once. 

Update #3

I had to pace myself and not finish this book in one sitting like I was so tempted to do. This touched my heart so deeply. Katherine Center did a wonderful job creating a moving story that inspires and humbles. I think my favorite line that brought me to ugly tears came after Katherine was having a really difficult day and she really just let all her pain show "It's the trying that heals you. That's all you have to do. Just try" I think that's true of anything. You can be going through the most difficult situation of your life and usually there is nothing in particular that will fix it. It's truly the trying that heals you.

This book is about CHOOSING happiness. It's about how even when you are handed the most difficult cards in life, you can choose to make the most of it. Margaret is a likable character that I think we all strive to be like. When she is hit by tragedy, she tries to get back up. When her heart is broken, she tries to be happy anyway. When she is faced with family issues, she pushes through. When the person who is supposed to be helping her isn't exactly helping in the way she thinks she needs, she tries anyway. And we get to go along the ride for those moments when she does give up. We get to feel the struggle with her. And then in true Margaret fashion, she dusts herself off again and we get to experience that as well. 

I recommend this book to absolutely everybody. There are so many wonderful things to be taken away from this story. It changes you. It makes you want to try harder. It makes you want to appreciate the little things. I think the greatest gift this book will give though, is understanding. A deeper understanding for those struggling. And we really need more of that in the world 

Officially on sale today!

https://bitly.com/howtowalkaway

Get Your Natural Looking Summer Glow!

Happy Monday Lovelies! I hope all you mommies had a wonderful Mother's Day as well as any of you who strive to be mommies, those who have miscarried, those who have lost mothers and those who are pet mommies (not the same thing, but in your pets eyes it is, right?) I hope you were celebrated and I hope you feel appreciated.

Today I'm sharing with you the products I've been using to give me a nice glow that makes it look like I've been spending some time at the beach soaking up the rays, when in reality I've been sitting at my desk eating cookies.

Up first: Skin! I recently started using two Lancome products that I'm now completely in love with. They are one of those rare products that start to improve your skin with just a few uses. Used together, the Genifique serum and the Renergie Dark Spot Correcting Moisturizer have given me a healthy glow. I have always struggled with dull and tired skin, so waking up to vibrant, healthy looking skin makes me so excited. They are pricey products, but well worth it if you too are looking for a healthy glow.

Another skin product that has been helping me with both a natural and a faux glow is the PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator. I use this a few times a week to polish off dead skin cells and leave behind new, healthy skin. The tiny little sand like granules really get deep in your pores and leave your skin extra clean and smooth. I'm obsessed with how this has helped the texture of my skin. This is also great to use before using a fake tanner!

There are two tanners that I'm currently loving. I've talked about my love of the St. Tropez tanner and I still love it. Pair it with the mitt and you have yourself a fool proof, natural looking tan in just a few hours! Another option that I started using this year and have really enjoyed is the Josie Maran Liquid Gold Tanning Oil. This is another fool proof option that you can use a mitt with and end up with a healthy looking glow. It's also available in two scents, so you can choose which one you like best. I have been using the Josie Maran Face Tanning Oil for a few years, but sadly I think it has been discontinued. I still have a tiny bit left so that's what I have been using on my face, but I need some recommendations before it completely runs out! If you have any facial tanning products that you enjoy please share them with me!

Thank heavens for tanners! My highlighter legs were beyond offensive

Next up: Makeup! There are a couple products that I have been using pretty much daily to help me achieve this bronzed look.

One is a new discovery that I was hesitant about. I've shared my love of the It Cosmetics CC Cream and Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer in the past, but the idea of combining those two just didn't seem up my alley. I prefer a light feeling foundation with medium coverage so the Bye Bye Foundation just sounded too heavy for me. I was so wrong! From the moment I put this foundation on my skin was glowing! It applied beautifully and felt so lightweight on my skin while still having good coverage. The best part is that it wears throughout the day like a dream! After a full day my skin still looks great by the time I'm ready to remove my makeup. I love the natural look of this foundation!

A liquid highlighter that I was using years ago and recently rediscovered and have been loving is the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal. I love the natural looking glow this gives my skin. I apply it to the tops of my cheekbones, bridge of my nose, cupids bow, along my collar bone, and on the tip of my shoulder blade. It gives your skin a radiance that looks like you're just glowing from within. I also have the powder form of this highlighter, but I personally feel like liquid highlighters look more natural. I'm not trying to look like a disco ball (usually! some days you gotta rock that disco ball look!) so I just want something that makes my skin look it's best and this highlighter does that!

My favorite bronzer for a natural sun kissed look is the Benefit Hoola Bronzer. There is also a light version if you feel like the original shade is too intense for you. I feel like this is the most natural looking bronzer on the market that still gives your skin a flawless and non shimmery finish. Just a little bit will go a long way on lighter skin and will make you look like you came straight from the beach!

I've also linked below this fabulous lilac top I'm wearing int he photos that is under $10! But hurry because sizes are going fast!

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Workout Outfit Inspiration & Spring Book Reccomendations

Happy Friday! We made it! I'm about to head to my nephew's birthday sleepover party with his little friends. And by little I mean 13. I'm that embarrassing aunt that invited herself and proud of it! But hey, at least I'm sleeping upstairs with my other nephew and giving them their space, right? And I'm making breakfast so that gives me a little leeway, right? Right? I'm trying to justify my actions here.

Do you have any exciting weekend plans? Do share!

I wanted to quickly share this workout outfit I shared on my Instagram yesterday because I still LOVE these shoes and this tank is a new favorite. Also, I feel like I need to mention that these leggings are a $15 Walmart find and I am quite impressed with the quality. Of course they are nothing like my all or Lululemon leggings, BUT I do think that they are great affordable options that will last me for a while. Plus they have a nifty little pocket on the leg!

I also wanted to quickly round up my favorite books from the past year or so that you might now have read yet, but would be perfect for you to read this spring or summer. These are all great thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat and are guaranteed to enjoy!

Click each link to read more of what I thought and check the book out for yourself!

I Am Watching You | Behind Closed Doors | It's Always the Husband | Lie To Me | The Breakdown

A Casual Weekend Look and Fostering Kittens

Happy Wednesday Ladies! Is it just me or is this week moving super slowly? It's been that kind of a week where nothing seems to run smoothly and things that should be simple in quick turn into complicated messes. But hang tight because we're halfway to the weekend and I have some cute casual pieces to share with you.

We all know I love a good casual outfit and lately I've been loving Free People's comfy options! I especially love the cute little lace detail of these bralettes peeking out from the sides of the tank.  I've ordered both this tank and lace bralette in several colors and expect to picking up a few more because they're just so perfect for spring and summer. AND they're at a fantastic price point at $20 so they're guilt free purchases!

I've worn this bag to death and it is completely sold out in most colors, but I'm having a hard time finding another similar style that I love just as much. I tend to use the same bag regularly because I hate switching them out, but also because I love to use my pieces. I hate having too much stuff so I only buy things that I know I will get a lot of use out of. So if you have a favorite everyday bag let me know so I can check it out because I'm having a hard time picking one out right now!

I also want to talk about these super comfortable scallop wedges. They have the most beautiful feminine detail along the edges and are easy to maintain. I've had issues with other suede wedges scuffing, but these just wipe clean and look good as new. I've worn them all day at times and never find them to be uncomfortable or need breaking in. AND they're $60!

I also realized that I haven't mentioned on here that I am fostering a family of kittens. Momma cat was a stray who I began feeding when I noticed she was pregnant, so she stuck around and on March 16th she gave birth to a litter of 6 cute little kittens. They are now running around and only a few weeks away from being able to go to their new families, but in the mean time they are keeping me pretty busy with constant cleaning and fun cuddling sessions. Most of them have already found homes, but my two sweet little girls are still looking for their future family so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for them. I'll be sharing more about my adventure with them and some pictures very soon so stay tuned!