Organizing for Spring

Happy spring ladies! It has taken its sweet time to arrive, but we have finally had some nice warm days around here and I for one am so thankful. This time of year always has me so excited to do some spring cleaning and get everything organized. I'm naturally a very organized person and keep things pretty neat, but I enjoy changing things up once or twice a year and updating my system to make it fit my needs at the moment.

Over the past year I have really slimmed down my jewelry, sunglasses, and makeup collection. Rather than having tons of items that I only occasionally use,  I have a small collection of products that I love and use regularly so I need a new organizing system to fit that. But we all know that getting organized can get so expensive! Plastic organizers can be overpriced and can really add up when you start picking out the pieces that you need, but did you know that there are some AMAZING containers at your local Dollar Tree?! I just found so many great options to fit whatever your needs may be and all at the unbelievable price of $1!

I'm switching out jewelry racks and boxes for simple plastic containers that fit inside my drawers and keep things visible and easily accessible. I also was looking for a way to keep my makeup palettes organized and I found just the thing! These clear plastic napkin holders keep your palettes grouped together and are the perfect solution for keeping your makeup drawers organized.

Napkin Holder | 3 compartment organizer | Rectangle Organizer 

I picked up a bunch of the 3 compartment containers for keeping jewelry separate and love that these have a lid which will also keep dust out of your jewelry if you are leaving it out on your vanity. 

These  rectangle containers are the perfect size to keep sunglasses organized and safe among any other items in your drawer that could potentially scratch them. They are perfect for organizing pretty much anything in your home from your kitchen to bathroom drawers so I'll definitely be picking more up once my Dollar Tree restocks ( I may or may not have bought them out. Ooops!) You can also order in bulk online so I might just place an order since I'm in the organizing zone!

16 Compartment Organizer | Clear Drawer Organizer | Square Plastic Organizer 

2 Drawer Organizer | White Drawer Organizer | Medium Drawer Organizer

There are some great lipstick & lip balm organizers available to keep all your lip products lined up and easily accessible. These can be so expensive if you pick them up somewhere else. This long rectangular container would be great for keeping blushes and highlighters lined up.

If you are in need of some plastic drawer organizer for your jewelry or makeup then definitely grab some of these! They are a STEAL at $1 and will keep dust off of your products and keep them super organized. And if clear containers aren't your thing, there are a bunch of white options for you too!

Tiered Organizer | Egg Container | Fridge Organizer

I went completely crazy with Dollar Trees organizing products and found some online that my store didn't have in stock. We love fresh eggs in my home and always have several dozen ready in the fridge so these plastic egg holders are something we NEED. I love that we can buy a whole bunch and not feel have to break the bank. These fridge organizers are great for keeping condiments or yogurts together and making your fridge not look like a complete disaster. As somebody who gets anxious from messes, I am so excited about these!

Drawer Organizer | Can Organizer | Galvanized Planter

Succulents | Succulents | Galvanized Planter 

While I was at Dollar Tree I also loaded my cart up with about two dozen of these little succulent pots. At $1 each they are perfect for creating your own little decor pieces on a budget. I also grabbed a few of these cut galvanized pots to fill with the succulents and some florals. These are such a steal and would cost WAY more if you found them anywhere else. 

Spring Style Cravings 2019

Hey ladies! Let's talk about what styles you're loving this season! I've been really enjoying shopping for a couple different trends lately and have found so many great options and different ways to wear these styles. Let's jump straight into my picks!

Jumpsuits

On first thought you might think that this trend isn't for everyone, but I think there is a style to flatter everyone. There are some more casual and comfortable options and some really girlie and dressy styles and they are all FIERCE!

I personally have picked up several comfortable styles that can be dressed up or down. These jogger styles can be paired with heels for a classy look or paired with sneakers to run errands. I'm obsessed with these!

Wedge Sneakers

Wedge sneakers are something you will either love or hate. As a barely over 5 foot girl I fully embrace a sneaker that gives me some more height. They are still a casual sneaker, but with a little extra pizzaz. 

Statement Earrings

Dress up any outfit with some big fun statement earrings. There are some great options this season at any price point so you can get this trend without breaking the bank.

Espadrilles

This is a trend for everybody! There are flat options, sneaker options and my favorite wedge style. They are comfortable and look effortless.

Leopard

Leopard is truly a neutral. It goes with any color combination and adds interest to an otherwise plain look.

Plaid Skirt & My Steal of the Week

Hi friends! It has been some week! Anybody else struggling to get to Friday? If you follow me on Instagram you may have caught my stories about a current dramas that are causing me a headache and driving me to seek other outlets to let off some steam. It definitely hasn't been the best week, but I'm keeping a smile on my face. We'll get through this crazy week together gf!

Now on to some fun stuff like this plaid skirt that never goes out of style! I paired mine with a henley bodysuit that I adore, but I think it would look so cute styled a number of different ways. You can dress it up or down and I feel like it's a staple that everybody needs in their closet. Of course, by the time I posted it it's sold out, but I found some super similar ones you can check out!

Also for the first time in my life I failed at sorting laundry (I take my laundry stupid seriously) and experienced some dye bleeding onto this beloved henley and only noticed after it came out of the dryer so cross your fingers for me that I can get it out and share any tips you may have. My heart is breaking a little since of course it, too, is now sold out. Cue the violins.

(Have you ever seen somebody so excited about takeout? I needed this pick me up so badly. Plus, It was a sushi burrito, so it's understandable)

So now moving on to my steal of the week! I'm so excited to share this one because it is truly a steal. This gorgeous Michael Kors strap is on sale for $10! (It has an original sale prince of $148) It is labeled as a guitar strap, but is shown as a handbag strap. I think it's perfect for both, but I picked mine up to use as my camera strap! The quality is fantastic with glass rhinestones and metal details. It is a bit stiff, but I think I could easily break it in to fit comfortable against my neck. Is it not the cutest camera strap you've ever seen? There are so many different styles & colors on sale for $10 as well and right now you can get free shipping with the code LOVE. It was delivered to my door within just a couple days for 11! Run and catch this crazy good deal!

February Book List

Happy February friends! Another month has already flown by and I'm back with another list of exciting new releases that I recently read. 2019 is still going strong with it's fabulous new book releases from some of my old favorite authors and a couple new with stories that have kept me glued to my seat. We've surprisingly had a lot of rainy days here in California this month so it's been perfect cozy reading weather and I have been one happy girl!  Here are my favorites being released this month! 

The Second Wife

Sheryl Browne

Full of twists and turns, The Second Wife is anything but predictable. In this unique story by Sheryl Browne we get an inside look into the relationship of Nicole and her new husband, Richard. Nicole finds herself struggling to balance her relationship with Richard and his adult daughter who after a traumatizing incident is now a permanent fixture in their marriage. Is she being unreasonable or is something not right? That is a question that Nicole's best friend, Rebecca finds herself asking as well. After Nicole's untimely death Rebecca seeks the answers to those questions, but will Richard end up being too much of a distraction? This book is a page turner with an ending that nobody will see coming.

Ladies of Intrigue

Michelle Griep

For all my historical fiction lovers, Ladies of Intrigue is a fabulous read following three women looking for love in the 19th century. The book is set up in three parts with each section being a completely different story with a different protagonist which makes it an easy quick read. Each of the stories is equally as interesting and well developed that each could have been its own book on its own. If you love historical fiction and are looking for a romantic book this Valentine's Day season then I highly recommend Michelle Griep's newest book.

Forget You Know Me

Jessica Strawser

How well do you really know the people that you are closest to? Forget You Know Me will have you questioning that for long after you finish the last page. Jessica Strawser created this engrossing thriller with complex characters and a juicy storyline that is impossible to put down. When Liza witnesses a terrifying scene in her best friend Molly's home through a video call she immediately sets out and drives all night to be by her side to make sure everything is ok. She never imagined that this might actually be the end of their friendship. As things begin to unravel, Liza is left with more questions than answers and Molly has a giant mess to clean up. What is the truth? And can their friendship ever recover?

The Promise

Teresa Driscoll

This one started off a little slow for me, but after several chapters I was so antsy to know what the so called "promise" was that I hung in there until it finally hooked me. The Promise follows three women, but are bound together by a promise that they made to each other as teenagers in boarding school. When their former school is going to be torn down emotions and memories get stirred up for these three former bffs. It's a unique story of friendship and how a single wrong turn can change the path of the rest of their lives.

Check out my reading picks for the month of January

and be sure to follow me on Goodreads to see what I'm reading next!

My Favorite True Crime Podcasts & Docuseries

When I was visiting Calico a few months ago we took some time to walk around the Calico Cemetery. I find cemeteries to be so peaceful and enjoy taking the time to read the inscriptions to get a small hint of that individual and what their life was like. I think it's important to have that kind of respect for the dead rather than fear them, but I digress. While I was there I got the idea to write a post about all of my favorite True Crime sources. Sharing the stories of the dead, even those murdered, is so important and I've always had a fascination with hearing these stories. Lately I've been listening to a lot of podcasts about true crime, but I've also watched several docuseries that I felt I needed to share. So here you go! My personal True Crime favorites from the past few months:

Up and Vanished 

This is a podcast series I have been listening to on Spotify. It currently has two seasons with each season following a different missing person case. The first season of Up and Vanished in particular is full of great details in the 10 year old case of missing beauty queen, Tara Grinstead, that in a surprising twist ends with an arrest. Listening to this story unfold after all these years is extremely exciting and I'm sure something that Payne Lindsey, the creator, never anticipated. While the second season doesn't have the same exciting end, it's still a great listen. This podcast has now turned into a TV series which I haven't watched myself, but is something to consider if you're a fan of the podcast. Check it out on Oxygen!

Dr. Death 

This one definitely isn't for the squeamish. Dr. Death tells the story of Christopher Duntsch and the treachery he left in his wake. While the majority of doctors are wonderful and honest human beings who truly want to heal, this story serves as a reminder and a caution to the tiny percent of dishonest and depraved individuals that hide behind their title.  Also, by the same creators, is Dirty John which is worth a listen and has also earned it's spot on your television in a new limited series on Bravo. If podcasts aren't your thing, definitely check out the Bravo series as it follows the real story pretty accurately.

My Favorite Murder 

If comedy is more your thing then My Favorite Murder is for you! Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark tell each other true stories of murder in a fun and lighthearted way. They are always careful to disclose that they do not think murder is at all humorous, but sometimes for our own sanity, it's important to remain lighthearted. Laughter can sometimes be the best medicine. Karen and Georgia are a riot and are the best friends you always wished you had. This is my favorite to listen to when I need something a little less heavy.

The Ted Bundy Tapes

This documentary-series on Netflix was just released and I binged it over one weekend. With voice recordings from Ted Bundy himself, The Ted Bundy Tapes series follows his years of murdering at least 30 and escaping twice all the way to his execution. This one is especially creepy and will definitely leave you looking over your shoulder, but it does a great job telling his story. 

Monster

Monster is currently on its second season that tells the story of the Zodiac Killer and how his identity has remained a mystery until today. It's an interesting and frustrating story full of taunts and gore and is sure to be a favorite of any True Crime lover. The first season, called The Atlanta Monster follows the story of The Atlanta Child Murders when over 25 African American children disappeared and some were found murdered. Both seasons are interesting in their own right without being too graphic so if gore scares you away then these might be for you.

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie follows a different murder for every episode. Each episode is the story of a muder, missing person, or an unsolved case that is summarized as to tell you the story without sharing too many haunting details. I love this one for short car rides.

Missing Alissa

If you aren't a fan of crime stories without a real ending then skip this one, but if you don't mind then definitely give this one a listen. It tells the story of the disappearance of Alissa and all the details around her "running away" story that her father has stuck to that just don't add up. Missing Alissa is one that I hope keeps having developments and I really hope has some sort of resolution.

Teacher's Pet

Lyn Dawson's disappearance wasn't getting the attention it deserved until this podcast came to be. Unsolved for 36 years, it seemed the family of Lyn would never have their answer of what really happened to her. Teacher's Pet is another podcast that was able to end in an arrest finally being made in the case. Take a closer look at the marriage of Lyn and Chris Dawson and decided for yourself what you think really happened. 

I didn't want to flood you with too many podcasts or series even though I could go on and on. Here are a few more that I also enjoyed, but didn't make the top 8:

Honorable Mention:

The Staircase Docuseries (Netflix)

Also, just released is a podcast called Over My Dead Body by the same creators of Dr. Death and Dirty John. I barely started listening to it yesterday and it seems promising. I'll repot back if I think it deserves a spot on my list!

My New Release January Book Picks

Happy 2019 friends! How are your New Years resolutions coming along? If any of you added "read more" to your list of resolutions this year then this post is definitely for you! I've been back to reading up a storm and I'm sharing with you my favorite new releases of January 2019! If these four books are any indication of what the new books released this year are going to be like then I am going to spend my whole year with my nose stuck between pages. I read most of these within two days so you know they're good!

The Only woman in the Room

Marie Benedict 

For all my historical fiction lovers and lovers of one of my favorites from last year, Carnegie’s Maid, comes Marie Benedict’s new book, The Only Woman in the Room. This fictional story follows the life of the ever so fascinating Hedy Lamar through the early days of the rise of Nazis to her days in Hollywood. Hedy Lamar was truly a woman way ahead of her time and doesn’t get enough credit for her brilliance, until now. Benedict did yet another fabulous job creating a story that fit into some of Hedy’s greatest accomplishments and most disappointing failures. Hedy was brought to life with all her spunk and intellect, but was humanized in the most relatable way with naivety and ignorance. The Austrian dinner parties of the late 30’s and all of the familiar names in attendance are brought to life beautifully and were some of the highlights of this story. I was engrossed in this book in it’s entirety and can’t recommend it enough to any lover of historical fiction or books with intelligent female protagonists. 

An Anonymous Girl

Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen have done it again with the twisty and unpredictable plot of An Anonymous Girl. It’s everything you want a suspense thriller to be with an added hint of psychotic. Morality, truth and lies become a jumbled mess that you’ll rummage and sift through till the very end as you try to fit the pieces together.This unique story about Jess, a young makeup artist, is a must read! 

The Girl in the Corner

Amanda Prowse

Pull out all the tissues for this one girls. I was glued to this book and read it almost in one sitting mostly because it really was striking a nerve with me. I have never wanted to reach out and shake some sense into a somebody in a book more than I have with the main character, Rae. The Girl in the Corner is a story that could happen to anyone which is why it had such an impact on me. Amanda Prowse is a wiz at creating real life situations and filling them with so much emotion and drama. Pick this one up if you're up for a good cry!

The Red Address Book

Sofia Lundberg

The Red Address Book is a walk through memory lane of the life of 96 year old Doris. Doris lives alone in Stockholm and spends her days in near isolation except for her Skype calls to her niece in the US, but she's got so many stories to tell. She has spent her whole life writing names in her red address book and crossing names out upon their death. Now, as most names are crossed out, she revisits these very important figures in her life and how they fit in to her own story. From Sweden, to Paris in the 30's, to New York upon WWII, this story takes you on quite an adventure. 

Check out my last book picks post

and be sure to follow me on Goodreads to see what I'm reading next!