Hey hey everyone! This weekend marks three years of blogging!!! Where has the time gone? I started this blog as creative escape and something to do during my downtime and boy has it turned into something else. It has given a creative escape, but itâs held me accountable, itâs helped me become a stronger writer, itâs allowed me to be more open, and itâs led me to lead a more reflective life.
I started this blog after my first year of college and now Iâm in almost five months into working my first job. SO much has changed, from meeting new people, MANY looks of the day, travel journals, book reviews, semester recaps, and now currentlys. Itâs been incredible to see how I have grown and changed. Although, my posts have shifted a bit since I started working, it has opened up new doors and opportunities to write about different things. My little blog corner has also given me the opportunity to connect with people in ways I didnât think it was possible. Itâs been cool to see what I was feeling during my junior year of college compared to what I am feeling now. Itâs been fascinating and a good way to appreciate everything in life especially in these uncertain times.
Now, to round up some of my favorite blog posts:
I love any post where I talk about travel so both of my travel posts about Rome are included:
This is just a wrap up of some of my favorite posts or topics. I canât wait to see what this new year of blogging brings, thank you to everyone who have followed me or read my posts, whether you have been reading since I started 3 years ago or just last month. THANK YOU!
Hi friends! With summer winding down and school starting back up again I wanted to take this time to share all the books I read this summer and a quick review on them My goal was to read between 12-15âŚletâs see if I achieved it?!
I had watched Breneâs Netflix special and I loved it. I found it so informative and powerful. After watching it, I wanted to read her previous works. I thoroughly enjoyed Rising Strong, it is all about being vulnerable and opening up to others whether it be in the workplace, at home, or with friends. She also shares personal stories of her being vulnerable in her own life which I loved. There were a lot of valuable lessons in the book and I plan to read more of Breneâs other books. I did find it at times to be a bit heavy and contain a lot information which could be overwhelming, but overall, I found the book to be eye opening and a good read.Â
I have no shame in admitting I am a fan of Sex and the City, Iâve seen the series and movies and I love the message the shows has about women, friendship, New York, fashion, and love. This book documents everything from the book that inspired the series, the behind the scenes of creating the show, as well as interviews with writers, crew members, and cast members. I love learning all the behind the scenes facts when it comes to my favorite shows. This was a fun and light read and it made me want to rewatch the series again! LOL! For any Sex and the City fan-this is a must read. Fall in love with Carrie Bradshaw all over again!
I loved this book by Tina Fey. I love her as a comedian and find her funny in anything I watch, whether itâs SNL, 30 Rock, or one of the many comedies she has starred in. I found this book to be very light and easy to read. I got it done in two sittings. Fey shares her early childhood, making it into the industry, her time working on SNL and 30 Rock. As I was reading, I found myself laughing to myself about some of the antics she was encountering. I found the book to be very real and relatable. I would recommend it for a beach read or something light between more intense reads. You will find yourself laughing along the way.Â
After reading one of Breneâs books, I wanted to try and read another. I found this one to be enjoyable and informative. Once again, she shares her vast knowledge and research when it comes to shame and vulnerability. I loved how she shares her personal stories about dealing with shame in her life. I would recommend reading this book before Rising Strong. Overall, I was happy I continued to learn more about the importance of being vulnerable since it is something that I donât think we talk about enough. I did find it to be a bit heavy with the research so it took some extra time to read and comprehend it. I would definitely recommend it to a friend.
I absolutely loved this book. I finished it in two sittings by the pool after work. I have always been a fan of Reese Witherspoon, I find her so down to Earth and charming. In this books she shares everything she learned from growing up in the south and how it made her into the person she is today. She shares family recipes, tips for decorating, family photos, and gorgeous photos. I learned so much about Reese and how she incorporates her southern roots into her life in California. I also love the layout of the books, she has her favorite recipes mixed in with photos of her home, family, and life down south. I would highly recommend reading this book or evening having it for a coffee table book. Itâs bright, colorful, sweet and charming just like Reese is!
This book kept popping up on different blogs I read as well as suggested books. I was intrigued and decided to give it a try. I will be honest with you, it was okay, but I could have definitely bypassed it. Overall, it was funny and had a lot of good one liners and pop culture references which made the book relatable and easy to read. However, I found it to be negative towards dating, love, and relationships. I was hoping it would be more reflective and positive about relationships and dating but I was let down by it. Some things were relatable and resonated with me, but for the most part it was hard to get through it. It was okay but definitely not my favoriteâŚoh well, you win some, you lose some.
I loved this book! It was one of my favorites that I have read this whole year. It tells the story of a young women who reads a book and realizes itâs a book based on her whole life by her childhood best friend and first love. This book goes back and forth between her present day life and the book based on her childhood. She must decide if she wants to track her best friend or leave the past in the past. Itâs so well written and sucks you in immediately. Once I started reading it, I couldnât put it down. I finished in two sittings. I enjoyed it so much I looked into other books by this author. I loved the concept of how oneâs first love, maybe oneâs only love. I would highly recommend it.
Another favorite book I read this summer. I have heard about The Last Lecture for years but never got around to reading it. Once I started I couldnât put it down, I finished it in one day. It tells the story of Pauschâs last lecture that he gives before he dies of cancer. He talks about achieving his childhood dreams and what lessons he wants to leave behind to his children, family, friends, and students. I was incredibly moved by this book, I often found myself writing down quotes that I loved. I found this book to be so inspiring and reminded me never to take anything for granted. Highly recommend.
I enjoyed Carlinoâs other book so much, I decided to read another one by her and thoroughly enjoyed it as much. This story follows the lives of college lovers and what happens when they see each other after 15 years apart. The book goes back and forth between college life in the past and the present day. It fills in the blanks of what happened in those 15 years apart. I loved the story it told about how special oneâs first love is and how time doesnât mean anything when you truly care about someone. There are laughs, heartfelt moments and a few shockers. I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a beach read or something to read before bed. We all could use something light and filled with love in our lives.
I came across this book at the library and was immediately intrigued. It is based off a Facebook Community group. People can go on and post small acts of kindness or love they witnessed or that happened to them. Iâm a firm believer in positivity and not focusing on the negative. This book was a collection of many stories from people all over witnessing love and kindness. I read it in two sessions, half by the pool and then the second half inside during a rain storm, both ideal places for good reading! What I enjoyed most about this book was how little acts can make a huge impact on others. Definitely worth the read and your hearts will be moved!
I was really excited for this book going into it, however, it just ended up being okay. I liked the content and reading about Jenningsâ life and the stories he covered during his time as a reporter. But, it was hard to get into the book. I liked the way different people who were friends, family, and colleagues of Jennings contributed to the book. I learned a lot about what it means to be a good reporter as well as the impact Jennings made on the world. I found the book to be informative, but I wasnât changed after reading it. When it comes to books, you win some, you lose some.
This story follows the journey of a young princess who gets left at the altar. Thea must uncover what really happened to her fiancĂŠ Christian and who to trust in her royal family. She meets Nick, who also wants to help her find out what happen to her lover, but with his own agenda. I love anything British and Royals so this was the perfect summer read. This book was the perfect mix of romance, mystery, and adventure, all things I look for in a good book. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a light and carefree book.
Last summer I read Happily Ali After and I found it funny and an easy read. When I saw this book sitting on the shelf, I knew I wanted to try it. Iâm so glad I did. Ali shares personal funny stories about her family, her life, and sweet memories that go along with them. Her topics range from family vacations, her daughters growing up, her girlfriends and her husband. She is real and honest and basically says what everyone is thinking. I finished her book in one weekend. After reading her second book, I feel like I could have a cup of coffee with her and just talk about life and funny stories. Was it the best book I read this summer? No, but It was a fun pool read and I learned more about her than when I started it.Â
I was recommended this book from Shay Shull of Mix and Match Mama, she always shares her monthly reads and this one stood out to me. It tells the story of a young woman the her guy friends, she ends up falling for one of them and the two of them hook up a few times. When her and her group of guys all try online dating, she ends up getting matched with her best friend who she hooked up. There are some twists and turns but a happy ending. I love how they showed the relationships she has with her the guys but most importantly finding herself through the course of the book. It was such a fun book and you will get sucked in. I finished it on vacation and I couldnât put it down. I would definitely recommend it. One of my favorites for the summer.Â
My final book of the summer ended on a positive note. This book stood out to me at the library and I thought there were was no better way to start senior senior year than by being reflective. This book is based on Fred Rogers and is written by the woman who started Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. She talks about being kind to yourself, others, and the world. I’m a firm believer in how a simple act of kindness can change someone’s life. There was also a few references to Brene Brown and the power of vulnerability. I finished this book in two days, and although it wasn’t the best book I read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was inspired by it.
Grade: B+
Whew, that was a lot of reading and I learned so much from all the stories and genres. I love getting lost in the books and finding new authors. I reached my goal for the summer and although, back to school will be busy I am determined to read more. My top books for the summer are Swear on this Life, The Last Lecture and My Favorite Half-Night Stand.
What books have you read this summer? Any suggestions for fall book reads?
Happy Tuesday! It is finals week for me, thankfully my finals arenât too strenuous, I am looking forward to easing my way out of the semester. With summer right around the corner, one of the things Iâm looking forward to is reading a lot. I have always loved to read but being in college doesnât always give me the time to read for fun. Donât get me wrong, I read a lot for my classes, for example, in one of my classes, I was reading a novel a week. I was definitely getting in my 30 minutes of reading a day. However, I didnât have a lot of time to read for fun. I was able to complete two books for fun through the Spring semester. Although, I wish it was more I was happy to get in a little bit of fun reading.
Such a fun book
I first read Jessie James Deckerâs book, Just Jessie.I have always been a fan of Jessie James Decker. I loved following her show on E, listening to her new albums, and following her sweet family on social media. In her book she opens up about growing up, dreaming of becoming a singer, her career in music, meeting her husband, starting a family, creating her fashion line, but above all being herself. It was such a fun and light read, especially when I needed a break from reading textbook material all day. I read a few chapters every night so it took me a few weeks to read it, but you could finish it in a few sittings. I love when artists, actors, or influential people, write books and open up about how they got to where they are today. I find it inspiring and it encourages me pursue my own dreams. If you are a fan of Jessie James Decker I would highly recommend reading her book. She also just released a new song, Roots and Wings, which is beautiful. You can listen to it here.Â
Grade: A-
Another great read
I also read Matthew Kellyâs book, Rediscover Catholicismover Lent. It was another eye-opening book that made me reevaluate my faith and my relationship with God. This is the third book I have read by Matthew Kelly, I have also read Perfectly Yourselfand The Greatest Lie in the History of Christianity. Although, I liked the other books more than this one, I enjoyed digging deeper into my faith. The books really breaks down the Catholic faith, from The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality, living the authentic life, and how we should live our lives as Catholics. I read a little bit every night and I took me the whole duration of Lent to read it, it could definitely be read in a few sittings, but I wanted to reflect on what I was reading. After reading it, I wanted to challenge myself to make my faith more a priority and be more intentional with my relationship with God. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone struggling with their faith or looking to deepen their faith.
Grade: B-
If you are looking for new books to read I hope this gave you some insights on different books to try. Now, with summer rapdily approaching, I need your help picking out some new books that I should read this summer. What are your current favorites?! I need all the suggestions. Leave them in the comments below! Have a fantastic week!
Happy Tuesday. I found this fun quiz/ survey from Mix and Match Mamaâs Blog. I love learning things about other people, especially fun or unique facts and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to do one for myself. I borrowed some from Shayâs blog and made up a few on my own. Letâs get to my three favorite things!
MOVIES (This one is soooo hard-but current favorites)
A Star is Born
Such a good movie
Life Itself
Again, another life changing movie
Love Actually
One of my favorite movies of all time especially around Christmas time.
BOOKS
Year of Yes
Another life changing book
Grace not Perfection
Grace Not Perfection- an inspiring book for all
Pride and Prejudice
A romance that never gets old
TV SHOWS (OF ALL TIME)
Bones
One of my favorite shows of all time
Grey’s Anatomy
Old photo but I can’t get enough of this show
This is Us
Another fantastic show
RESTAURANTS (FAST FOOD-ISH)
Chipotle
Panera
Chick-Fil -A
PLACES IâVE VISITED
Rome, Italy
Hershey, PA
Getting away for a bit at my favorite place-Hershey, PA
New York City, NY
One of my last visits from NYC, can’t wait to go back soon
PLACES I WANT TO VISIT
Paris, France
London, England
Dublin, Ireland
FAVORITE HOLIDAYS
Christmas
Christmas morning spent well, the tree all lit, a warm cup of hot chocolate and time spent with family
Thanksgiving
Forever thankful for family on Thanksgiving
Fourth of July
Rocking my Red, White, and Blue for the 4th
THREE THINGS I ALWAYS HAVE IN MY PURSE
A closer look at what’s in my purse
Earbuds
Phone Charger
Wallet
FAVORITE DESSERTS
My favorite fall dessert made by my mom
Warm, homemade chocolate chip cookies
Chocolate cake
Apple Crisp
FAVORITE WAYS TO MAKE TIME FOR MYSELF
Read
I always like to read after a long day
Do my Nails
Nothing makes me feel better than a fresh coat of polish
Watch a movie/latest tv show Iâm binge watching
Such a good mini series that I just finished watching
Well there you have it, some of my three favorite things. If you guys liked it, let me know and I will do it again, this was so much fun and it really made me think about my favorite things. Pick a few things and add your responses to the comments below! Have a great start to your week!
Happy Tuesday. How is your week looking? Hectic? Calm? Too early to tell? The past few weeks have flown by for me, I think between getting into a new schedule for the semester and working the past few weekends the weeks have gone by much faster.
Today, I am finally getting around to sharing my Winter Break Book Review, I know itâs way overdue, but better late than never right? During my month home I read two books. I wish I read more but time got away from me. I read âMy Oxford Yearâby Julie Whelan and âThe Biggest Lie in the History of Christianityâby Matthew Kelly. Both were very good books but very diverse in the subject matter and genre. Letâs dive into these tales.
My Oxford Year
âMy Oxford Yearâ tells the story of a young American student, Ella Duran who is studying in Oxford. She meets Jamie Davenport, a handsome date who turns out to be her lecturer. She has high dreams and aspirations and doesnât want to be derailed by a romance abroad. There are many unexpected twists and turns, especially the ending. There were so many times when the book changed directions that I never would have expected. Overall, this book tells the story of hard work, pursing your dreams, making friends with people who never expected and putting your goals on hold for those you love. I had seen this book on many book reviews over the summer and I was so excited I could finally read it, I was not disappointed at all.
One thing that was different about my experience with this book is that I tried the audiobook of it instead of reading it. Iâve heard many people make the transition from reading books to listening to them, and at this point, I hate to say I am not one of them. It was nice to listen to the book while I did other things such as clean, wash, or computer work, but I still like the feeling of reading for leisure. Now, I know people listen to the books while they drive and I havenât tried that yet, so I plan on giving it another try soon but for now I think Iâm going to stick to the reading of books.Â
The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity
The next book I read was âThe Biggest Lie in the History of Christianityâ by Matthew Kelly. Last summer I read âPerfectly Yourselfâby Matthew Kelly and I loved it so I couldnât wait to read this on and it didnât disappoint. Hereâs my book review with Perfectly Yourself.âThe Biggest Lie in the History of Christianityâ is all about living life to the fullest and doing things and making choices that truly make us happy. It also shows us what things we can do to make our lives happier and be more content and not be overwhelmed by so much noise. I found this book to be therapeutic and relaxing. I read a chapter or two a day and I loved the positive message that it spread. I loved it so much I went on to gift it to two other people. I read this book as opposed to listening to it and I preferred it much better, especially when I was reading it with a candle burning and a warm cup of hot coco, can you think of anything better?!
One of my favorite quotes from Matthew Kelly’s book
Thatâs a bit of a recap of two great books I read over break. Although, I am back to school and in classes, Iâm trying to carve some time every day to read, even if it is just a chapter.
What are you guys currently reading? I love new suggestions? Also, do you guys prefer to listen to books or read them?
See you on Thursday for warm and toasty outfit for the winter months!
I started classes yesterday and it was so nice to get back into a routine!
In honor of the first week of school, I’m sharing the books I read this summer. My goal was to read 6 books and I exceeded my goal by reading 11 books! I feel very accomplished. Today, I’m going to share a small review for each book, now I am not an expert on book reviews but this is just a little something reflecting on what books I read and if I enjoyed them. Let’s get to it!
Perfectly Yourself- Matthew Kelly
This was such an inspirational book, it allowed me to reevaluate areas of my life that needed work. I would recommend getting your own copy and highlighting it or making notes. The biggest thing I took away from this was “Thriving Not Surviving”
Grade: A-
Who Do You Love-Jennifer Weiner
This was such a good book, it was about a boy and a girl who meet at different times all through their lives. There were some twists and turns but I loved the ending. It was a fast book to read and I was hooked throughout the whole reading. This was a favorite of mine this summer.
Grade: A
This is Me-Chrissy Metz
Any other This is Us fans out there?! I loved getting to learn more about my favorite actors and actresses. I love to learn about where they come from and how they go to where they are now. This was a very moving book and I love Chrissy even more now if that’s possible! I cant wait till season 3 of This Is Us is out!!
Grade: A-
Talking as Fast as I Can-Lauren Graham
This was such a fun and light read. I finished it in two sittings and laughed a lot. I love when writers get candid with their readers! Once again, I loved getting to learn more about Lauren Graham. Also, after finishing her book, I want to watch Gilmore Girls, I have never seen it before and I am very eager to watch it.
Grade: B+
The Nanny Diaries- Emma McLauglin and Nicola Kraus
I had high hopes for this book, it was a good book but it did have an unexpected ending. My heartstrings were pulled a lot while I was reading it. It told the story of a college student nannying for a young boy and all the responsibilities that come with it. It was a good story but wasn’t what I thought it would be.
Grade: B-
Happily Ali After- Ali Wentworth
This was a funny book, I really enjoyed it. I have seen Ali do comedy so it was great to read about her from her point of view. Although it was funny, she talked a lot about parenting and her children which was great but it was hard for me to relate too. I know mothers would really enjoy it, overall it was a light read.
Grade: B-
Paris: A Love Story- Kati Marton
This was such a good read. It was a true story about how a women has to move on after her husband’s death and find herself again. She tells her story starting from her childhood to present day. It was inspirational to see how she continues on after life without her husband. It was a heavy read but it was worth it.
Grade: A-
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?- Mindy Kailing
I love Mindy Kailing and I have read her other books. This book was so funny, raw, and honest! I felt like she was reading it too me. This is a perfect book for the young adult. It was super treatable and had a great message. It was a fun summer read.
Grade: B+
Love Letters of Great Men-John C. Kirkland
Any Sex and the City fans out there?! This is the book Carrie is reading in the first movie. I loved reading these beautifully written letters. It was a perfect read to break up a stressful day.
Plus you may recognize this page
Grade: B+
The Star Attraction- Alison Sweeney
I read this while on vacation and it was a fast. It’s all about a publicist in LA and how she balances work, her relationship, and herself. It was a chick flick read and although it was predictable, it was fun to read a different genre. I could see this being made into a movie if it isn’t already.
Grade: B+
Ed Sheeran: A Visual Journey-Ed Sheeran and Phil Butah
I have always been a fan of Ed’s music so it was great to read about his journey. This pictures that accompained his words were beautiful. This was a quick read perfect for a day by the pool. Once again, I always like to learn more about people that I look up to or I am a fan of.
Grade: B+
Whew, that was a long one. Thanks to those who stuck through till the end! I read a lot in the summer, which I was so pleased about. Not sure how much reading I will get done in the school year but if I do get some reading in, I’ll be sure to review it. Do you like the reviews and would you want more of them? What books did you read this summer.
