Nadine

How are you doing? Are you starting to venture back out into the world yet? Are people wearing masks in your area? We still haven’t been anywhere yet, but we do take care rides on the weekends. We also started ordering take out to be delivered to our house, so we are slowly dipping our toe back into society.

Zoe passed out on our last car ride. I love how she makes sure to make any event fabulous. She gathered toys and snacks for our 20-30 minute ride. Even changed from a princess crown to cat ears mid trip. Also, I would like to note that this is the only nap the kid has taken in the last three months. Lord held me.

I realized that we never got to take spring pictures at school before all this went down. I had purchased this adorable pink dress for Zoe on clearance last year with spring pictures in mind. I couldn’t let it go to waste! We decided to do a little random midweek photo shoot, and I think they turned out so cute.

Favorite Purchase: Every time I see someone post about their Fabfitfun box, I think how fun it would be to get a variety of new products to try. I decided to pull the trigger for the summer box, and it was so much fun! I love that you get to chose a few options, and the rest are a surprise. Plus, I really appreciate the full size products. (I need to use something for awhile before I decide if I like it, you know?) If you sign up with my link, you can get $10 off your first box. Full disclosure, I would receive a credit my account as well. I also have a couple free “friend” boxes (they have 3-4 full size products) to give away, you just pay shipping, if you are interested let me know.

I was most excited about the Draper James straw bag and that Isaac Mizrahi vase….but I can see myself using every single item in here! (The hand cream is on my desk and already in use, hence why it is missing from the second picture.) I added it all up, and my box was worth $269.

Favorite Recipe: I made these keto crackers for the week, and they are full of flavor and hit the spot.

I also tried this chicken carbonara recipe earlier this week. Delicious and low carb.

And I made Chris and I coffee ring pop popsicles. This is just using some Dunkin Donuts brewed coffee and heavy cream. Nice little pick me up in the afternoons when I am outside on the deck with Zoe. Because summer came hard and it is already humid AF here. (Don’t mind the jagged nail job, this is why I don’t paint my fingernails often.)

Favorite Workout: I am still doing the Chloe Ting Shred Challenge. I have two more workouts left. She is kicking my ass every day. I am drenched in sweat and so dead when I finish. But damn, do I feel good. I started noticing results around my stomach in just three days. And according to the scale, I am also down 2 pounds. I will do a final thoughts/results on it next week when I finish.

Favorite Funnies:

It’s book day! Linking up with Steph and Jana. I flew through some Netgalley books this month! Might be the most I have had from my shelf in one month. I am sure they will be happy about that, since I am like 3 years behind on some books. But don’t worry, these are all the newest ones I was most excited about LOL.

Open Book by Jessica Simpson

I did this on audiobook, it is really the only way I enjoy this type of book. I have always loved Jessica Simpson, her empire of fashion, fragrance, kids line (and music)…it’s the dream! I really appreciate how raw and honest she was about her problems in this book. So many people try to wear the perfection mask these days, knowing everyone compares themselves to their impossibly “perfect” life. I don’t wish problems on anyone, but we all have them. It is nice to see the imperfect sometimes too. I felt like I could relate to her struggles with weight and self image throughout her life.

Bottom Line: I enjoyed this book as much as I thought I would. It was cool hearing the story behind the fashion line, and of course, all the dirt and grit of her life and relationships.

Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid

I really loved and really got annoyed with this book. Don’t get me wrong, it was good and I couldn’t put it down. But sometimes I just wanted to shake Janie and be like DUHHHHHH. She reminds me  of Stella in The Kiss Quotient, but I think I liked Stella more. I really liked Janie though, because her character was so different and awkward. And Quinn!!! Even though he remained a little mysterious throughout, it was hard to not love him. Penny Reid can write a love story.

Bottom Line: Cute book, I plan to continue in the series for sure. Love the knitting club aspect of it. There aren’t really any steamy scenes in this book, they are behind the curtains. So if you like a good love story, but tend to stray from romance because you don’t like them….this would be a good read for you.

Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey

This is my first Tessa Bailey book, and it won’t be my last! I didn’t realize when I requested this one that it was part of a series. While the first two couples in the series are in this book, you don’t need to know anything about them to enjoy this one. (And there are some hints dropped at what happened in the first two books to pick right up and feel like you know the whole story.)

I read another book recently, The Honey Don’t List, that had a home improvement couple in it. This one is nothing like that book, it is a lot better. I really felt like Bethany and Wes were relatable characters. Bethany was constantly self doubting herself, and wore a mask around people, letting them think she was always carefree and perfect. Inside she was an anxiety ridden mess. Who doesn’t feel the pressure to be perfect???? And Wes comes with his own problems too. Plus, there is the age difference between the two. Not to mention the little girl, Laura, was too cute. There were several times I LOL’d reading this book.

Bottom Line: I just really love an enemy to lovers book, and this delivers. So cute. Read it. You don’t even have had to read the first two books first, I didn’t.

**I received a copy of Tools of Engagement from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

The Dilema by B.A. Paris

This isn’t BA Paris’s typical book, it is more of a family drama. The whole book takes place in one day, and alternates between Adam and Livia, a couple who got married way too young and each have a secret. I wasn’t sure how I was liking it at first, but then I also couldn’t put it down and needed to know how everything played out. There was a twist I didn’t see coming, and I really did enjoy reading. I felt all the emotions between them, and while the whole book wouldn’t have been a story if they would have just communicated to each other in the beginning…..it was very realistic of a marriage.

Bottom Line: While this isn’t her typical physiological thriller, BA Paris writes a fantastic family drama!

**I received a copy of The Dilema from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin

This book is like a train wreck. It is a bit all over the place, and so absurd at times. But I couldn’t freaking put it down because OMG! I was really into Cecily and Grant’s build up of their relationship, and you sort of know what is going to happen to Grant based on the book synopsis…so that isn’t a surprise. There are a few twists to the book, I saw every single one of them coming, so it is a bit predictable. That part didn’t bother me. But there was some serious Jerry Springer shit happening here. And maybe too many coincidences. I feel like the book was rushed a bit in parts. And I don’t even know how I feel about the ending.

Bottom Line: I don’t really know how to rate this one. The chemistry between Cecily and Grant in the beginning, as well as not being able to put it down deserves 4-5 stars. But the rest of the book, ehhhhhh. I am going to call it 3 stars. If you are a Giffin fan, I wouldn’t pass it up. I am still thinking about the book, so that says something. But I was also left a little disappointed too? If you have read this, talk to me!

**I received a copy of The Lies That Bind from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Heartache in Heels by Cate Lawley

This was a cute little read. There isn’t much depth to it, and it isn’t so much a romance as a fun little love story with a witch, fairy godmother, incorporeal bodies and a fun little love story. I read it in a day, and I enjoyed it. Not much else to say. I really liked all the characters in the book, and how it switched from Hillary and Brad’s POVs.

Bottom Line: Fun, quick read if you don’t mind a little paranormal activity.

All Stirred Up by Brianne Moore

This is an interesting modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. The book was written in third person, which isn’t my favorite for a love story like this, but it worked. I really enjoyed all the behind the scenes of watching a restaurant work to make a new name for itself. I liked both Susan and Chris, and some of the side characters are fun too.

Bottom Line: Cute read. There are no steamy scenes in the book if you are looking for a fun second chance romance.

**I received a copy of All Stirred Up from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Currently Reading

Burn For Me by Lea Coll

Hey there! I saw this poem going around yesterday, and it really is powerful, isn’t it? There is so much in our country, the world, that needs to change. I hope this is the year it happens!

I wanted to share a few favorites that I have recently ordered from Amazon.

Oversized Hexagon Glitter Glasses – I saw Chloe designer sunglasses and thought they were so cute! There is no way I would pay that much for something so “trendy” looking, so I set out to find a dupe. I think these are a winner for a fraction of the price! I love how they look on.

Headphone Stand – I recently purchased some Audio-techica headphones and wanted to get a stand to place them on. This stand serves a dual purpose, because it also has 3 USB ports on the bottom so you can plug multiple items into it or charge your phone. Genius since my laptop only has one port. The rose gold is gorgeous and I am in love.

XXL Gray Basket – I ordered this basket for the hearth room off of our kitchen. We have a couch and TV in there, and it is where Zoe hangs out most of the time. Her little table and chairs is in there where she eats when she isn’t sitting with us, and we have tile floors in that whole area, so I dont mind her pushing her baby stroller or shopping cart there. A lot of toys end up in that room, and I needed something big to hide them all! This basket is so cute and such a great size. It is really good quality as well, especially for the price.

Mattress Foundation – We ordered this mattress foundation/box spring for Zoe’s big girl bed. It was super easy to put together and was the perfect size for her bed to not be too tall. I wanted her to be able to climb in and out on her own.

Square Sunglasses – Another designer dupe for way less. I used to have this pair in black, but last year I sat on them in a dressing room and broke them. Winning at life that day. I saw that they had them in a creme/brown color and thought I would try those out this time. They are so cute!

Favorite Funnies: What is a Friday post without some funnies?

Linking up with Kristen today. I started to write a few posts this week, and just didn’t know what to say. It didn’t feel right. Like many of you, my heart is hurting at the state of our country. I don’t understand why in 2020 we are still fighting the same battles we always have. Be kind to others. Why is that so hard?? I am not a political person, and I rarely ever bring these types of things up. I like to keep my space mostly light and happy. So many are sharing great resources and information on their sites and social media. I have learned a few things, and have been understanding different perspectives for sure. I am raising my daughter to be kind to everyone, and I hope that when she is older, the world looks different.

Reading: All Stirred Up by Brianne Moore. I am only about 35% into the book. I am not sure how I feel about it yet. The last few books I have read, I have not been able to put down and am finished in a day or two. This one I have been working on for a week. It may also be the times. I have been on social media a lot reading, learning.

Watching: We caught up on the latest season of Blacklist. I am not sure how I feel about the season finale. I understand they were in the middle of filming when the pandemic started, and I appreciate they did something to tie things up. It was also…weird? Anyone else?

Purchasing: One of my friends opened an online boutique called Holly Harper. Morgan used to live in Birmingham, and was a blogger for awhile. She now lives in Florida with her adorable family and is doing something I have always wanted to do! This isn’t sponsored, just a shout out to a bad ass woman doing her thing. I purchased the CUTEST dress that came in just a few days after I ordered. I am obsessed.

Everything she has on her site is reasonably priced, and you can DM her on Instagram to ask about sizing questions. She usually has a few new pieces up each week. I will be wearing this dress alllll summer long.

Working: I started the Chloe Ting challenge this week. She is kicking my ASS!!!! I love that she has several free workout programs on her site. Let me tell you, I am only 4 days in and I am already seeing results in my ab area. The workout moves don’t look hard, but there are so many moves and barely any rest times. I struggle towards the end of each of the videos and am drenched in sweat when I am finished. I can’t wait to see where I am at the end of the 14 days. I highly recommend. Below is the workout you start with every morning, then you add which ever others she tells you. Usually abs, and then lower body, upper body, more abs, all of them, a few of them, etc.

Eating: I have been eating some carbs for breakfast and lunch, and trying to still eat keto/low carb snacks and dinner. It has been helping me maintain my weight loss for sure, but the Chloe Ting challenge will hopefully help push the scale down some more. I made sticky meatballs and cheese steak casserole so far this week. For lunches I am having my usual spinach salad with a side of the Mediterranean quinoa salad in the first photo below. Delicious!

I have just spent my last month in my new norm. Working from home while trying to school and entertain Zoe. On the weekends we have been doing a lot of time outside with her slip n slide, water table, bike and walks. She spends her days changing into different princesses and is really into “doing her make up” and playing with barbies and baby dolls. Chris and I started ordering take out food two weeks ago to be delivered at our house. We still haven’t been anywhere.

We are waiting another two weeks or so since there has been so much activity lately to see what happens, then we might start venturing out. We have some dance makeup classes available in July that I would really like for Zoe to attend. I think seeing some of her friends would be good for her emotionally. She misses them and speaks about them every day. We had a zoom meeting for work this week, and were told this is our new norm for the unforeseeable future. I honestly really enjoy working from home. It has been great for me and I hope we stay this way long term. Or at least a few days a week anyways.

Happy Friday! Another week spent at home. Did anyone else have a really hard time keeping up with what day it was this week??? With the holiday Monday, it has really thrown me for a loop. We had a lot of rain this week, so we have been cooped up inside a little more than we have this entire time we have been home. Zoe has asked pretty much every day when she can go on her slip and slide again. This weekend is looking more promising, at least.

How many of you plan to keep your summer travel plans with everything going on? Just curious. We always go to the beach in July, and I figured this year we probably wouldn’t….but it is still up in the air. It is hard to know the right thing to do.

Favorite Recipe: I made this spicy thai chicken recipe with asian slaw the other day, and it was so delicious! Low carb friendly, and pretty quick to come together.

Favorite Purchase: I ordered a bunch of popsicle molds for Zoe to create some fun cold treats for the summer. This kid lives for a popsicle, so she is really excited about them. We tried out the unicorn ones first with this funfetti pudding pop recipe. Super simple, and she loved it. She is really excited about the ring pop style that we plan to try out this weekend with a fruit recipe. I think these are going to work great for her because they are smaller. She couldn’t finish this entire unicorn pop.

I love having regular molds (I am going to make a coffee popsicle for Chris and I to try out!) but also fun shapes! These monster ones are so cute and on my list!

I also scooped up this Hempz Pineapple & Honey Melon lotion on my last Ulta order. It smells absolutely incredible!!!! It is the perfect amount of moisture without feeling too heavy or greasy for summer. I am in love. And so is Zoe, she keeps stealing it.

Favorite Workout: This cardio workout had me sweating. It was all standing, I hate having to drop down to the floor for cardio. I added on a 10 minute arm workout after and it was perfect.

Favorite Funnies: