Lets start with our stay in Cambria. This was the most relaxing and beautiful place I've been in a while. It has the feel of a small North Eastern town without having to leave the state of California. Our stay was magical.
Instagram Outfit Roundup
It's been a while since I've done one of these! Since my last roundup I've gone on a little getaway to the coast and another to Vegas, so I have lots of new items to share with you that I picked up for those! I'll be splitting them into two separate posts so stay tuned for that!
Lets start with our stay in Cambria. This was the most relaxing and beautiful place I've been in a while. It has the feel of a small North Eastern town without having to leave the state of California. Our stay was magical.
Lets start with our stay in Cambria. This was the most relaxing and beautiful place I've been in a while. It has the feel of a small North Eastern town without having to leave the state of California. Our stay was magical.
New Releases/ July Reading List
I went on vacation a couple times this month so I fell behind on reading a little bit (I went to Vegas which isn't ideal for reading) I did manage to get through several books, however, and am sharing some of those with you today!
The Breakdown is by the same author of Behind Closed Doors that I raved about a few months ago. This is another thriller that leaves you on the edge of your seat and questioning everything- including the main character's sanity. Though, to me, it wasn't as good as Behind Closed Doors, it is still a wonderful mystery that shows that B.A Paris isn't a one hit wonder.
Reading with Patrick
Reading with Patrick is one of those stories that will stick with you for a really long time. Telling the story of how the education system and justice system fails poor youth in the south, Michelle Kuo shows how just the smallest encouragement and changes could have made all the difference. Michelle Kuo is what the world needs more of; People who just care without needing anything return. This book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions ranging from anger to hope. It is a touching story that touches on a place in the map that doesn't get the attention it needs. I took my time writing this review because I couldn't quite organize my thoughts on this book and honestly, I still can't. It hits a nerve and leaves me speechless. My eyes have been opened and Kuo has encouraged me to be a better person. I guarantee that anybody who reads this story will be changed as well. Although the story is quite slow to unravel, every word and every description is absolutely vital in piecing together the story and it's purpose. I definitely recommend especially to anybody in the education field
The Wardrobe Mistress
Out August 15th
Out August 15th
Step inside Versailles during the French Revolution and get a taste of what life was like not only for the royals, but for those serving them and those outside the castle walls outside in this wonderfully written work of historical fiction. Giselle Aubry has the rare opportunity to be able to be on both sides of the fight and struggles with her loyalty to her queen and that of her family and friends. I felt Giselle grow before my eyes through her actions and experiences in a time of complete unrest. While this book is fiction, Meghan Masterson did a wonderful job researching and staying true to factual events and creating a beautiful and believable story that was never short on excitement and intrigue. I enjoyed this story immensely.
Out September 12th
This story centers around the Seattle Worlds Fair and all the life that Ernest lived between the first in 1909 and that of 1962. Ernest Young was born into poverty in China. Half Chinese and half white, he never really fit in anywhere in the harsh times of the early 1900s. Through a series of events he came to be in a very unique situation at the very first Worlds Fair that would pave the way for his entire life. It is during this time that he meets the love of his life and we hear about the troubles they, along with a very close friend, faced and how a series of decisions so easily changed the course of their lives.
Out August 22nd
A horrific crime is the center of this thriller full of romance and intrigue. When a respected college professor is murdered in his home in a brutal way, young Miranda Radar of the Harmony, Louisiana PD has no idea that her past is about to be exposed and her world is about to be turned upside down. Could events from nearly 15 years earlier be connected to the crime? Miranda has to find out the answer whether she likes it or not.
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Check out my picks from last month here
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks
Everybody brace yourselves, the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is here! And there are some great deals available! Here are my top 20 favorites to start building your fall wardrobe
1.Nike Flyknit 2.Stripe Tee 3.Vince Camuto Bootie 4.Rose Gold Necklace 5.Reebok Leggings 6.Split Bootie 7.Cold Shoulder Sweater 8.Halogen Leggings 9.Fresh Sugar Lip Set 10.Rebecca Minkoff Bag 11.Moto Jacket 12.Zella Leggings
1.Nike Flyknit 2.Stripe Tee 3.Vince Camuto Bootie 4.Rose Gold Necklace 5.Reebok Leggings 6.Split Bootie 7.Cold Shoulder Sweater 8.Halogen Leggings 9.Fresh Sugar Lip Set 10.Rebecca Minkoff Bag 11.Moto Jacket 12.Zella Leggings
Playa Vox Box
The latest Influenster Vox Box I've received is a mix of different products perfect for the summertime. I'm not a fan of Frank's and I'm lactose intolerant so I can't review the Daisy Sour Cream (although once upon a time I LOVED this stuff) but I'll share with you my thoughts on the other products.
I love getting these boxes from Influenster and getting to try a bunch of random products I probably wouldn't have picked up on my own. It's led to a bunch of new favorites over the years. Anywho, lets jump right in!
I love getting these boxes from Influenster and getting to try a bunch of random products I probably wouldn't have picked up on my own. It's led to a bunch of new favorites over the years. Anywho, lets jump right in!
I took these Eva hair towelettes on vacation with me to the beach and they were LIFE SAVERS. My hair gets so frizzy and unruly, but these helped smooth it and fit into my pocket. If you're planning on hitting up the beach this summer then you must pick some of these up!
The Suave lotion in Shea Butter smells heavenly and left my skin feeling super moisturized, but didn't feel greasy or heavy. Suave lotions are also a great price so I highly recommend this scent. As far as its claims at smoothing skin, I personally haven't seen a difference yet, but it is a nice basic moisturizing lotion.
The white packaging of this toothpaste is super pretty and definitely stands out from other brands. I found that this Radiant Version does a better job at whitening than the previous version, however, like a lot of effective whitening toothpastes it can cause sensitivity so be sure not to overuse. Overall I am quite impressed with the results and am definitely replacing my old toothpaste.
I received all these items for free in exchange for an honest review
Summer Gluten & Dairy Free Favorites
So you’re wondering about the update on how my diet change is going are ya? I’m going to be completely honest, but it depends when you ask me. Ha! Ask me on a weekend and I will tell you that I am struggling big time, but ask me on a weekday and I’ll tell you it’s going really well. And if you asked me last week I would have told you I was a complete failure and I felt awful. It happens. Sometimes you slip up but you just have to dust yourself (and your uncomfy tummy) off and start over.
It can be really HARD when you are surrounded by your friends and family who are enjoying foods that you love enjoy. It takes so much willpower to say “no” and put your health first. And sometimes you will fail. And that’s ok.
June Reading List
I have been on a serious reading spree lately! I'm knocking books out left and right. This month I have a few to share that I'll be reading and sharing my thoughts on them as I go along. Most are pre-releases, but should be on sale within the next month or so, but I'll be sure to link everything that I can!
Let me just preface this by saying i cried just a few pages in. Yes, it’s that kind of book.
I don't quite know where to start with this one so I'll just jump right in and say WOW! Bring Her Home is a thrilling and heart wrenching puzzle with twists and turns that nobody would be able to predict. This is the kind of book that is perfect for people looking for a quick and easy mystery without compromising the integrity of a great story.
When Bill's daughter, Summer, goes missing and is brought to a hospital a few days later he has no idea that it is only the beginning of the roller coaster that has now become his life. With so many twists and turns this book is never short of surprises and left me unable to put it down. It's far from predictable and a very enjoyable read and I recommend it to anybody looking for a summer mystery with substance!
This book by Michelle Richmond was very strange in a lot of ways. Think Scientology meets extreme marriage counselor. A couple receive a gift at their wedding from a client of the bride who is quite nearly a stranger. Within weeks they will find themselves wishing this "gift" had never come into their lives. The Gift? A spot in a super exclusive group called The Pact based on a simple question "are you willing to do anything to make your marriage succeed?"
Far fetched, but highly entertaining this story definitely kept me interested. Maybe that's in part due to the fact that I recently watched a documentary on scientology and this cult-like group reminded me a lot of ideas that they follow. Telling your deepest darkest secrets and then being blackmailed to stay? Sounds familiar
As the title suggests, this book is about Destiny. How a girl and boy met at the tender young age and their lives became a series of fateful run-ins. Little do they know how much their run-ins will change their lives through love and tragedy
Carnegies Maid is historical fiction about a woman named Clara who through a series of fortuitous events becomes a maid to the wealthy Carnegie family upon immigrating to the United States from Ireland. Andrew Carnegie, a self made multimillionaire and also an immigrant from Ireland, strikes up a friendship with Clara stemming from their similar background and thirst for knowledge. This is a beautiful story with wonderful imagery that takes you right into the home of the Carnegie's and gives one theory on what made Andrew Carnegie suddenly become the philanthropist that he is known as to this day. Marie Benedict's novel is very well researched and written. I highly recommend this one to anybody who enjoys history and knows a little bit about Andrew Carnegie
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Check out my reading picks from May here
Instagram Outfit Roundup
It's feeling a lot like summer! The heat hasn't been as bad here as it is in past years (yet!) which is a godsend because this is migraine season for me. Any migraine tips are greatly appreciated! And by "not as bad as in past years" I mean mid 90's as opposed to 105 😂 So with the warm temps I've been living in these jean shorts. With shorts I always size up a size or two in order to get a longer oversized look and in order to get the trendy distressed look while still covering my bum! So anytime I link a pair of shorts keep in mind that to get them to look the way I wear them always size up! Here's a look at my super simple outfits I've been wearing to beat the heat!
May Book List
It's Always the Husband
This is your classic "who done it?" murder mystery. It's the story of 3 girls who are placed together as college roommates and their very complicated relationships through their first year. These 3 girls with very different backgrounds come together as best friends, but are their relationships as they seem?
My Love of Off the Shoulder Tops | Instagram Roundup
The past couple of weeks have been a little bit chaotic between family issues and shopping for a new vehicle hence the lack of outfit posts. So this is actually a roundup of about 3 weeks worth of outfits. And since I waited so long to post (for shame!) pretty much everything is sold out, but never fear I found some very similar products that you can still shop.
I've been loving off the shoulder tops lately so be prepared to see a lot in future posts. I feel like they give a trendy yet effortless look that can easily be dressed up or down. The only downside is that if you find yourself in an impromptu game of volleyball you'll find yourself to be pretty useless since you can only lift your hands up so high. The sacrifices of looking good!
I've been loving off the shoulder tops lately so be prepared to see a lot in future posts. I feel like they give a trendy yet effortless look that can easily be dressed up or down. The only downside is that if you find yourself in an impromptu game of volleyball you'll find yourself to be pretty useless since you can only lift your hands up so high. The sacrifices of looking good!
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Books I read this April
I have briefly talked about reading on a couple of posts here before, but I don't think I went into detail about just how much I read. I have always been a fan of reading, but the older I got
I found myself reading less and less. Up until last year that is. I set a goal for myself at the beginning of last year to read a book a week. There were weeks where that was easy and I found myself reading two and there were weeks where I would barely get through half, but in the end I accomplished my goal and decided that it would become a regular thing for me. So every month I pick out 4 books to read and I decided to share with you the ones that I read during the month of April.
April/Spring Beauty and Fashion Favorites
Happy May lovelies! I wanted to share my monthly beauty and fashion favorites with you. If you follow me on Instagram you have probably seen all of these already whether in my posts or in my stories. I didn't make too many new discoveries this past month, but the ones that I did make are REALLY good.
April Showers bring May Allergies?
Are you a fellow sufferer of allergies? I wasn’t until last year. They suddenly crept up on me and I quickly realized how inconsiderate I had been towards others who had them all these years. It’s like a whole different world opens up once you start going through something yourself and you finally see how others were feeling all that time.
Allergies are awful! I felt awful. I looked awful. It is definitely no picnic. Actually avoid the picnic all together and stay inside! They cause such a wide range of symptoms that vary from person to person so it is important to find the perfect remedy for yourself. I didn’t find it last year. I struggled trying pill after pill, but none completely alleviated my symptoms or those that did had not so pleasant side effects. Some that claimed to be non drowsy made me very drowsy and some made me sick to my stomach. But after summer they finally subsided and I was free.
Till this year that is. This year though I tried something a little different. Honestly, it wasn’t even my idea. I would have gone back to trying other pills without thinking that there were other ways of relieving my allergies. I was sent Clarispray to try and initially I wasn’t the least bit interested in trying it. How could a nasal spray help the wide variety of issues I was having? Then I was sent an Olbas inhaler. I finally gave in and told myself that the world was trying to tell me something and I needed to get my nose (literally) in the game!
Hallelujah! That combination changed the game for me! One of the main symptoms I get from my allergies is severe congestion and migraines. Why I didn’t right away think that Clarispray would work perfectly for me, I’m not entirely sure. But it really did clear that right up. And on days that I know they are farming in the area and I know there’s extra dust and pollen I keep the Olbas inhaler in my bag and use it from time to time to ensure that my nasal passages stay clear. It’s simple and incredibly effective for me. The only additional symptom that they don’t take care of is itchy rashes that I get around my neck and chin area, but I just carry some Benedryl cream and I’m good to go. No nausea, no drowsiness and NO allergy symptoms. This season has been so much more tolerable than last year!
Some of these products were sent to me for free, but opinions are as always all my own
The perfect spring glow
I have found the PERFECT highlight for you this spring! I like wearing liquid highlighter for a more natural glow and also because sometimes I like to mix it in with my foundation for an all over healthy look. I was previously using the Becca Liquid Highlighter in Opal which is the perfect shade for my skin to look natural and it doesn't have too much shimmer. I have been using it for over a year and hadn't found anything I liked better, until now. I was sent the new Marc Jacobs Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter in the shade Dew You and I fell in love instantly!
Reading Goals of 2017
I may have already talked about how since the beginning of last year I started setting a book reading goal for myself. I love reading, but I wasn’t always setting aside the time for it so I decided that I would read 52 books a year. Basically a book a week with a little leeway for the unpredictabilities of life. Fast forward to today and reading before bed has become one of my favorite times of day. Sometimes I read for a good hour, sometimes no more than 5 minutes before my eyelids grow heavy, but every night without fail i pick up a book or my E reader and unwind in the pages of a story.
Originally I was just keeping track of my books in my planner. On the opposite side of my January calendar where there is space for notes I started my list. It wasn’t at all an exciting way to keep my list, but I didn’t think anything of it. And then Goodreads walked into my life. Have I been living under a rock?! The app is not only a wonderful way to share your reviews on books and get recommendations for your next read, but it also has a goal tracker to keep track of the books you read. Holy game changer! I’m hooked!
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Mid April Instagram Roundup
I just realized how much I have been using this Rebecca Minkoff bag. I can't help it. It is the perfect size to carry my necessities without being too big to comfortably carry. Plus the color is perfect and goes with any outfit. If you don't have a small nude bag then I highly recommend you get one. It is easy to throw on without much thought, but chic enough to look like you tried. I imagine you'll be seeing this bag a lot all spring so bear with me!
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