April Book Review

Yes please! Is anyone else with me there?

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

This was my book club read of the month and while it's not something I would have selected on my own to read, I'm glad I did. The story was very interesting. I'd never heard of orphan trains before. Back in the early 20th century, orphans were put on a train and it made stops allowing people the chance to adopt the orphans. This story follows someone who was an orphan on the train and then intertwines it into modern day as she forms an unlikely friendship with a teenage orphan.

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

I'd heard so much about this book that I couldn't wait to read it. It's loosely inspired by William and Kate and as someone who loves all things royals, I had to read it. Parts of this book were really good and parts of this book were really long. The parts that were good were good! I'm talking staying up late reading good. The parts that were long were well...long. I'm not someone daunted by long books, but at 454 pages, there were parts of the book that were very slow moving and felt the book could have done without. All in all, though, I did like the book.

UnSweetined by Jodie Sweetin

I grew up watching her on Full House, recently binge watched her on Fuller House and am currently watching her on Dancing With The Stars. I knew Jodie Sweetin suffered substance abuse problems but had no idea just how much. At times, I felt like the book glamorized substance abuse because she would talk about what a great time she was having while using and I never really felt her pain when she hit rock bottom. It's sad what drugs can do to people. The book really skims the surface and doesn't get too deep when it comes to feelings or Full House details.

Cupcakes and Cowboys by Lindzee Armstrong

By now you guys know about my obsession with Lindzee Armstrong books, right? Her latest book is a novella in the Curl Up With a Cowboy anthology. First off, being from West Virginia and loving to bake, I instantly fell in love with the name of the book. I mean who doesn't love cowboys and who doesn't love cupcakes? As I read the book, I fell in love with the story and the characters, too. A small town girl is left at the altar by her Hollywood star fiancee. When a hot, new Hollywood star comes to her ranch to do research for his latest part, Cassidy must decide if she can let go of the past and let someone in, or if her ex-fiancee has scarred her for life when it comes to dating actors. Yet another great, clean read by Lindzee.

Garlic Garlic Recipe

By now you guys know how much I love Tastefully Simple's Garlic Garlic seasoning, right? Well, at more than $10 a bottle, I decided it was time to make my own version and save some money? It's super easy to make and tastes just like the manufactured version.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons dried, minced garlic

1 tablespoon dried, minced onion

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried chives

1/2 teaspoon dried dill

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together and pour into a container

You can use this as a seasoning, but to make the dip I love so much, mix 1/2 cup mayo with 1/2 cup sour cream and 2 tablespoons of the seasoning; chill for an hour and then serve.

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, everyone!  Today, I'm linking up with Narci, Andrea and Erika to share this week's Friday Favorites! I don't know about you guy, but this week was tough and I'm so glad it's Friday. I'm headed into NYC today to meet up with a friend from high school who now lives in Texas.

Did you guys see my spaghetti squash pizza casserole? If not, you need to check it out here, it's super simple to make and yummy as well!

The weather in Jersey has finally been nice and I was able to run outside in SHORTS!! Can you tell I was just a little excited about that?

My commute to work can take anywhere from 45-60 minutes so I've recently gotten into listening to podcasts. I've only listened to 2 so far from Allegedly, but I've loved them. I was introduced the the podcast because Cheryl Burke from Dancing With The Stars was on an episode. These do contain some language and more mature themes at time, but it was worth it to get a little inside scoop on DWTS!

Is anyone else watching The Catch on ABC? I am and I love it! I'm pretty sure I was a spy/private investigator in another life because I love stuff like this. It took a little time to accept the fact that Peter Krause is the bad guy in this show, he'll always be Adam Braverman to me.

And speaking of TV shows, have you seen this picture from the relaunch of Gilmore Girls?!?!?! I died when I saw it! Kirk and Jess in one picture? YES PLEASE! I'm so excited for this show so I have a feeling it will make more than one appearance here on Friday Favorites. You can see more behind the scenes pictures here. #lukeandlorelaiforever

What I Wore Wednesday

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy today for What I Wore Wednesday.

Top//Pants//Shoes

I threw a black cardigan on before I headed out for the day. This cardigan is so old, it's from hen I worked at aerie in high school.

I did find this one though.

Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole

Who doesn't love pizza? When trying to be healthy, pizza is one of the first things to be eliminated. That is until you try out this spaghetti squash pizza casserole! It's low-carb and delicious.

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage (I use a mix of sweet and hot)

4 cups cooked spaghetti squash

3 cups marinara sauce
2 eggs
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
pepperoni
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease 9x12 inch pan
Brown sausage and drain grease
Add in marinara sauce, eggs, sea salt, oregano and garlic powder
Stir in spaghetti squash
Pour mixture into pan
Top with a layer of pepperoni and sprinkle with parmesan cheese
Cover with a layer of mozzarella cheese and top with pepperoni
Bake for 20-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly
Enjoy!

What I Wore Wednesday

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy today for What I Wore Wednesday. Last week tricked us by thinking spring was here, but it's. We're back to 40 degree weather with a threat of snow. I wore this one day when it was spring-like and it made me so happy!

Top & Necklace: Charming Charlie's//Pants: Buffalo (From Marshall's!)//Shoes: Coach

All of my stuff is at least a year old, but I found current items that are similar!

Top

Bottoms Option 1

Bottoms Option 2

Shoes

Necklace

Friday Favorites: FabFitFun Edition

Happy Friday, everyone!  Today, I'm linking up with Narci, Andrea and Erika to share this week's Friday Favorites! This week it's all about my new FabFitFun box! You can sign up to get yours here!  By using this link, you'll save $10 and get $283 worth of product for just $39.99!  Are you ready for a peek inside?

To say I'm obsessed with the box would be an understatement. I didn't get a good picture of the bath bombs because I was only home for a few days and used them up so quickly! I don't have a bathtub at my apartment in Jersey so when I was home for Easter, I took full advantage of having a tub.

Argan & Hemp Oil Therapy by Marrakesh

Shaving Emulation Lotion by HelloLegs

Contour Kit by ISH

Yoga Mat Stray by Merrithew

Tag Necklace by Jook & Nona

I get some of the best jewelry from FabFitFun and this one is no exception. The necklace says "dream" and I've worn it pretty much every day since getting it.

Keratin Gloves & Socks by Bodipure

Herb Garden by Makerskit

I love growing herbs and vegetables and I can't wait to plant this! It came with mint, basil and thyme; plus, how cute is the wooden box?

Not only did I get all these items, I also got a gift card to 31 Bits and Sterling Forever. 

Have I convinced you to sign up for your own box yet?  If so, go here to save $10.

Take a look back at previous boxes here:

Winter 2016

Fall 2015

Summer 2015