Reading Lately

One benefit of this quarantine life has been more time to get through my giant book stack.  No kidding since the beginning of all of this I have read six books!

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck | This one was a sweet read, about a girl who owns a wedding dress shop and is struggling with her own upcoming wedding.  She randomly purchases an antique trunk and when she opens it she finds this beautiful vintage wedding gown.  She then follows along to discover the history of the gown.  The book switches between past and present following the story of the dress at present and the first owner of the dress.  It was a cute, easy read.

The Bondwoman's Narrative by Hannah Crafts | Deemed the first novel written by an African-American woman, this book follows a slave girl as she escapes her plantation and makes her way to freedom.  The story was interesting, focused on the theme of human desire for freedom.  While sometimes choppy the historical implications are great. 

Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner | This one was just ok for me.  The story focuses on Rachel and Andrew.  Rachel is a high class rich kid while Andrew is raised by a single mom and just getting by.  They meet by chance as small children and then later on as teens.  They fall in love, have issues, break up and get back together (multiple times).  Like I said it was just ok, Rachel comes off as shallow and Andy sometimes comes off as a jerk.  Not my favorite relationship but it was a decent quick read.

Falling by Jane Green | Successful girl leaves her high class job as a banker to move out to the country and start an interior design business.  She rents a little fixer upper from a cute landlord and his young son.  No surprise they fall in love.  I enjoyed the portrayal of multiple relationships in the book, from romantic love to the dynamics of parents and children.  The ending, however,  really wasn't my favorite, surprising and came a little bit out of nowhere. 

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty | This book was probably my favorite from the stack.  The writing was really interesting.  The story revolves around two friends who go to a Bar-B-Q with neighbors one evening.  Something happens that will change everything.  The something is teased for the better half of the book, getting insights from different characters.  She had me guessing all kinds of terrible things that might have happened.  I really enjoyed the way this book was written, if you enjoyed Big Little Lies or any of her other books you should check this one out.

Sisters by Danielle Steel | After a terrible accident four sisters have to draw closer to each other to get on with their lives together.  I enjoyed the sister relationship and getting to go through each sister's character.  The story was interesting and had plenty of drama and relationships thrown in.  It was a quick girly read.

Current Crushes

New series I wanted to try out, my current crushes.  These are items I have found that I LOVE and are on my wish list.  I have seen other bloggers show theirs and I love seeing their roundup of things they want to purchase. 

1. NECKLACE | I have a cheap version of this one and really like it but it has definitely started to tarnish.  This one is 18K gold plated yet still affordable. 

2. SUNGLASSES | I really don't need another pair of sunglasses yet I am always drawn to them.  This oversized tortoise pair is calling my name!  They are also less than $15!

3. TOP | Graphic tees have been a thing a for a while and I've been enjoying the trend.  This sweatshirt is so fun with the horse print! 

4. LEOPARD SNEAKERS | I have been thinking about these sneakers ever since I spotted (haha) them!  They are on a super sale, less than $20 and I'm in love with them!!  They just might be in my cart ;)

5. EYESHADOW | I have heard raves about these eyeshadow palettes and this one is so pretty!!  Gives me feels of the tarte and Stila palettes for less than $10!

6. BAG | Major Rebecca Minkoff vibes for less than $40!!  I love the green version of this bag with the faux croc detailing. 

7. HOOPS | These hoops are gorgeous!!  I was eyeing a pair similar to these from Kendra Scott but these are less than $15 and give very similar vibes.

8. SANDALS | I spotted these in the Nordstrom clearance section and LOVED them!  They look like a Steve Madden pair but these are on sale for $25.  I love the neutral but glam look, perfect for wearing all summer!

Let me know what you think of this new series and let me know your current crushes!

Friday Favorites

It's about time I got back and started talking about my favorites.

Adidas Sneakers: These were a birthday gift and I love them!  They are such a pretty classic sneaker and the rose gold touch adds a chic touch.  Mine are the lilac color, I'd say they are really cram with the slightest tint of lilac.

Torani Syrup: Since we've been staying home I have started making my own lattes.  I have the hazelnut flavored syrup and have really enjoyed adding milk, creamer and the syrup to my coffee for an easy at home latte.  If you really want to get fancy you can froth up your milk with this guy.

The Kennedys: I just started this series on Hulu and I'm hooked.  I had heard about this series when it first came out but never watched it.  I've really been into watching more historical based series and shows.  This one follows the Kennedys and the journey to the White House and the tragedies that follow.  I have really been enjoying watching it.

Blink: I played this game all the time with my siblings when I was younger.  While stuck at home Kyle and I have been playing more games and this has been a nightly pick.  You can only play with two people and its super fast.  If you are looking for a fun card game check this one out!

Kendra Scott Earrings: This was another birthday gift and I LOVE them!  They are so classy yet subtle.  Perfect for wearing with pretty much everything!  Also they are on sale ;)

Hope you all have been doing well and not getting too stir crazy!  Let me know what you have been loving lately in the comments below!  

Stay Safe!

Favorite Spring Shoes

Sneakers, espadrilles, wedges and sandals I've got the bases covered.  Here's a roundup of my favorite shoes for the season.

Eyelet Espadrille Wedges: These are such a great dupe to the Chloe Espadrilles.  The detail on them is so pretty.  I got the mauve color and they are such a pretty neutral.  They fit true to size, are really comfy and will be so cute paired with everything from dresses to jeans.

Rhinestone Sandals: These sandals are so good, thank goodness Target brought them back!  They are so comfy and add the perfect touch of glam to your look.

Platform sneakers: These might be my new favorite slip on sneakers.  They are so classic and I love the elevated platform look.  They are also Dr. Scholl's so they are really comfy!

Eyelet Espadrille Flatforms: I picked these up last year and am still obsessed with them!  They are so classy and feminine with a boho touch.  They are also really comfy!

Ked's Platform Sneakers: Updated classic Ked's!  These have a hidden 2" wedge that gives you a little height yet are still really comfy with a cloud-foam sole.  They are also on sale right now for $24.95!!

Jack Rogers Wedges:  These shoes are so classic and perfect for spring.  I love the metallic detail, perfect for dressing up a look.  I will definitely be getting my wear out of these!

Leopard Espadrille Slip On: YES Another Target favorite that was brought back!!  These are so good!  They are so comfy and perfect to slide on and go with ALL your looks.

White Vans: I have been wearing these all the time lately.  They are so easy to slip on and go.  I got the checkered white print and love the classic print in an understated look.

That rounds it up, my favorite shoes for warmer weather!

So many cute shoes with nowhere to wear them...

I may or may not have busted out the espadrilles to wear on Easter Sunday, even though the only person who saw them was my husband. 

 

Let me know your favorites and if you own any of the pieces above and what you think!

Instagram Roundup

It's been a little while, I'll be honest I haven't been posting on instagram a lot so I didn't have a ton of content.  My daily outfits are not post-worthy, trust me.  Here's a small roundup of my instagram pictures:

These shoes and MORE are STILL on sale for $24.95!!  Don't miss out on this deal!  I picked up the Ked's Rise sneakers in the classic white.  They look very similar to the classic Ked's however these have a trendy platform and a hidden 2" wedge.  Super cute and classic yet give you a little height and add a trendy touch to your look with the platform.

We have been making  lot of acai bowl lately!  So delicious and filling yet you don't feel too full.  Check out my blog post to see how to make your own!

National Sibling Day was last week, had to give a shout-out to my three younger (and also taller) siblings.  Thankful to have been able to grow up with them and continue to share life together.

I jumped on the overall train and I'm about it.  They are really comfy and I love all the different ways people are styling them.  I only have this boyfriend fit right now but I want a slimmer pair for more styling options as well!

Celebrating Easter was definitely different this year, but it was no less important or meaningful.  Our church had a drive in service where we sat in our own cars and listened to the service through the radio.  It was different but it was still nice to be there as a congregation together.  I also took the time later that day to watch an online service from another church.  This time of separation has made me so thankful for the technology that we have to stay connected.  

This Easter was different, the church was empty, but so was the tomb.  Hallelujah, The Savior is alive! 

If you aren't following me on instagram yet, check me out here!  I hope you all have a wonderful week!  Stay Safe!

  

Weekend Adventures: Birmingham Vulcan Statue

*DISCLAIMER: This trip was taken back in February*
I love exploring and checking out new places.  We recently played tourist and visited the Vulcan Statue and Museum, something I have wanted to do for a while.

It was my birthday weekend and we just decided to finally make it happen.

We toured the museum and learned all about the history of Birmingham.  With rich coal, limestone and ore deposits this lead Alabama to be the nation's fourth-highest producer of iron and steel in the 1880's.  This lead to a rapid expand of the city of Birmingham.

We then climbed up to the top of the Vulcan Statue (and by climbed I mean we rode the elevator).  

 This statue is a whopping 56-foot, 60-tons and is the largest iron figure ever cast.  At the time is was made it was the biggest statue created in the US, and second-tallest in the country (right behind the Statue of Liberty).  It was made for the 1904 World's Fair and cast with iron made from ore mined at Red Mountain (where the park is now).

 Alright y'all here's a secret, I was scared to death once we got up there.  We stepped out of the elevator and I immediately wanted to go back down.  Don't get me wrong, the view was great but the fact that I could see the ground through the grates in the floor felt a little too unsteady for me.

Once we got back on land we walked around the park area (which was lovely).

If you are in the area it is definitely worth a visit.  It is free to walk around the park but you do have to pay to go to the museum and go up on the statue.  Tickets are $6 per adult and $4 for children but if you are a AAA member you get 20% off.

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DIY: Acai bowls

Kyle and I are big fans of acai bowls!  So fresh and filling yet you don't feel too full.  We will sometimes treat ourselves to acai bowls but they aren't exactly cheap.  I found out you can order acai powder and make your own at home for way cheaper!

This bag of acai powder lasts forever!

Since we haven't been able to go out and pick up bowls we have been making plenty of acai bowls!  So delicious!

I don't really follow a strict recipe, throw some things in a blender until it reaches the consistency I want and then top it with everything!

Here's a recipe to start you off and then you can figure out what works for you:

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons Acai powder

1 cup Milk of choice

1 cup Frozen fruit

1 frozen Banana

Toppings:

Granola

Coconut flakes

Sliced Fruit (strawberries, bananas, pineapple, kiwi, etc)

Peanut butter or any other nut butter

Nutella

Honey 

Chia seeds

Directions:

1. Add the frozen fruit, acai powder, and milk to a blender.  Blend until creamy and smooth, adding extra milk if needed to get blender running.  You should aim for a frozen-yogurt like texture (thicker than a smoothie).

2. Spoon the acai mixture into bowls and top with anything you want!

Notes:

- Optional additions: You can add yogurt, protein powder or other additions to bulk up your bowls if wanted.

Let me know if you try this one out and your favorite toppings!