October Book Review

Can I get an "Amen," please?  I can't be the only person out there who deals with this almost daily!  I always have a book with me and always want to pull it out and read.  #bookwormproblems  This was a good month for reading as I discovered two new authors that may end up on my favorite author's list.  Now, on to this month's book review.

Home Front by Kristin Hannah

Wow.  Just wow.  I couldn't put this book down.  This book is about a couple whose marriage is on the rocks when the wife gets deployed.  The story goes back and forth between the family at home trying to find their way without their mom and Jolene, the wife/mom, overseas on the battle line.  This book really opened my eyes; sure, I've read some war books, but they all make going off to war seem romantic: the handsome boyfriend goes off to war while the girlfriend stays faithful and loyal while they write romantic letters back and forth.  This book is different, it doesn't romanticize war, in fact, the author sat down with real life military pilots to make sure everything was as accurate as possible.  Be sure to have tissues on hand when you read the book, I can't even tell you how many times I cried.  I can't wait to read more books by Kristin Hannah.

Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig

This was a cute, easy read -- definitely what I needed after reading Home Front.  Ginny rekindles with an old flame and their one night together results in her becoming pregnant.  Ginny's two roommates come to the rescue and are with her every step of the way through the pregnancy and raising the baby.  It was a cute story and there are more books in the series that deal with the other roommates.

To Be With You by Opal Mellon

Very rarely, do I not recommend a book, but this is one of those times.  Seriously, save your money.  I don't even remember downloading this book -- I'm hoping it was a free download from Amazon.  The plot line seems sweet and romantic: A girl joins a dating service and her best friend joins in hopes that he'll be set up with Nicole.  It sounds sweet, right?  Well it wasn't.  The writing was terrible, the plot was shallow, descriptions were weird and the characters were annoying.  It was a short book, but still way too long in my opinion.

Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

I sure knew how to pick out the tear jerkers this month. In high school, Posey had a crush on Liam, but the feelings were unreciprocated.  Flash forward nearly 2 decades and Liam, now a widower and father of a teenage girl, moves back to town.  Posey goes weak in the knees, as well as most of the women in town -- Liam was quite the player -- but is it finally Posey's turn for love?  The book was so sweet and had me tearing up several times.  I'm so glad I was introduced to Kristan Higgins and can't wait to read more of her books.

Now & Forever by Susane Colasanti

I wanted to like this book, I really did, but I didn't.  It was just ok.  This book was about Sterling, just a normal high school senior, whose boyfriend turns into a rockstar overnight.  The story follows Sterling as she navigates her new life in the spotlight.  I found the story and writing to be weak and predictable.  The chapters were short and the story was a little choppy and jumped around a bit.

What books have you read this month?  I'm always up for suggestions!  Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads!

September Book Review

It's finally beginning to feel like fall.  I spent the month of September in New York City and it was hot!  It hasn't been until the last few days that it's seemed like fall.  I'm so excited to wear boots, sweaters and hoodies!  And we can't forget pumpkin everything!  I can't wait to curl up read read read during October.  Until then, let's take a look at the books I've read this month.

The Perfect Letter by Chris Harrison

Is there anything this man can't do?  Not only does he host the most dramatic shows ever, he's an author, too; and a good one at that!  The whole time I read this book, I kept thinking if they make this a movie, I want to play Leigh.  She's a country girl living in the Big Apple and is a book editor...does that sound like anyone you know? ;)  The book reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks book and I hope Chris Harrison writes another book ... SOON!

Meet Your Match by Lindzee Armstrong

I've now read every one of Lindzee's books and am impatiently waiting for the release of Not Your Match.  Remember how I said my only complaint about Miss Match was that I wanted more background into Brooke and Luke?  This was the answer!  Well, actually, it was released before Miss Match but I didn't know that and read that book first.  I've talked about this book so much that my mom has finally downloaded it and is almost halfway through.  In fact, she just called out "My book is going to end too soon!"  Good thing there's another book in the series she can read!

Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke

Another month, another Hannah Swensen mystery.  These books are such great reads and offer recipes, too!  I love the small town setting and feel like I'm at home in Lake Eden.  If Hannah is ever looking for more help at The Cookie Jar or solving mysteries, sign me up!

What books have you read this month?  I'm always up for suggestions!  Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads!

August Book Review

This blows my mind.  It also saddens me how few books I'll read in my lifetime.  I wish I would have started keeping track of the books I've read sooner than what I did; I officially started writing down books I read and the completion date starting in 2013.  This quote makes me want to up my reading game!  Now, onto this month's book review.

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

This was the assigned read for a book club I'm in and I'll admit, I was a little hesitant to read it.  I read Gone Girl earlier this year and was disappointed in it and found it very predictable.  This book however; whoa, totally not predictable.  Every time I thought I had it figured out, a new twist was thrown my way.  I couldn't get through the book fast enough and can't wait for the movie to come out!

Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand

Alright, Shay has been mentioning Elin Hilderbrand for the past couple months and now I'm wondering what took me so long to hop on the bandwagon.  A local bookstore sells library books for $1 and I found two of hers and quickly snatched them up without even reading what the books were about.  I read this book at the beach and fell in love with Hilderbrand and Nantucket -- where all of her books take place.

For the Right Reasons by Sean Lowe

As a HUGE Bachelor fan, I'm embarrassed to say I'm just now getting around to reading Sean's book and have yet to read Trista and Chris Harrison's books.  The book is an easy read and I really liked it.  I just wish we would have gotten more stories of Sean growing up and more behind the scenes details from filming, but I do know there are confidentiality contracts signed for the show.

Miss Match by Lindzee Armstrong

This book was the perfect beach read! I think I finished it in a day and a half ... maybe two days. I loved the book and couldn't read it fast enough. I was sent the book for free to review and can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed it.  The storyline is very sweet and wholesome. It's rare to find a book that doesn't have promiscuity or language, but this one doesn't and it's such a refreshing change! It would be a lie if I said I wasn't on the verge of tears or crying the last third of the book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series (due out in October!!). Lindzee Armstrong has found a new fan in me.

Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand

Remember how I told you I picked up two books at the bookstore?  I read the second one on vacation as well.  I think I might have loved this book even more than the first one.  If that's how it goes with Hilderbrand's books, I might explode after I read all of them.  This book takes place over a wedding weekend and not just any wedding -- a wedding that was planned by the bride's mother before her death, she left a notebook with instructions.  The story is really neat because it tells the story of the wedding without using the bride's point of view.  I can't wait to get my hands on some more of Hilderbrand's books.

My Week with Marilyn by Colin Clark

This book was thrown into the spotlight years ago with the release of the movie with the same title.  I refused to see the movie without reading the book.  Now years after the release, I can watch the movie.  I struggled to get through the book yet can't really pinpoint why.  It was just really slow moving and not what I was expecting.

First Love Second Choice by Lindzee Armstrong

Remember how I told you I'd been sent a book of Lindzee's to read and review?  Well, she was kind enough to send me another book to review and loved it, too!  Guys, I've even talked to Lindzee on Twitter some and she's so sweet!  Anyway, I had just finished reading My Week With Marilyn and really struggled through that book.  I needed something quick and easy to read to lift my spirits after my last read.  This was the perfect book for that.  A wedding planner who loves ice cream and trashy reality TV? Yes, please!! The story may be short, but it has plenty of ups and downs and comes full circle and ends with a bow on top -- or should I say a red balloon? ;)  My heart broke for the main character, Keslee, who is still grieving the loss of her twin sister when she sees an old high school crush. He doesn't know her twin has died and calls her by the twin's name. Keslee tries, but fails at telling him she isn't her twin and ends up going on a date pretending to be her sister. I'll leave it up to you to find out if Keslee gets herself out of this mess!

What books have you read this month?  I'm always up for suggestions!  Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads!

Review: New Radiance Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum

I was sent this product for free to review and these are my honest, unbiased opinions.

Before I begin this review, let me tell you just how incredible this glass bottle is.  Someone may have dropped this bottle...ok, I totally dropped this glass bottle from my night stand and it didn't break.  Did you hear that?  It didn't break!  It all happened in slow motion and I was terrified to look down and see a mess, but there was nothing!  The glass didn't shatter, the serum didn't spill -- NOTHING!  If the bottle could withstand that, I couldn't wait to see how it was in action!

I had to look up hyaluronic acid to see what exactly it is; I've been hearing about it but wasn't for sure.  It turns out it's an acid that's naturally found in the human body -- mainly fluids in the eyes and joints -- that holds in lubrication and fights aging!  The acid is used during eye surgery, to heal wounds, burns and as a moisturizer.  Get this, it's even used as a lip filler in plastic surgery!

So what's the deal with all these serums?  I never realized how important they are until this year.  It's another layer of defense for your skin against pollution and everything this harsh world has to damage our skin.  I don't know about you, but I want all the protection possible!  After discovering the benefits of a serum, I don't go a day without putting it on before my moisturizer -- just give it a few minutes to sink in before applying!

Anyway, this serum helps plump up skin and fill in wrinkles.  Being 24, I don't have too many wrinkles to worry about just yet (thank goodness) but it's never too early to start fighting them. I love this serum and within a few days, I noticed just how soft my face felt while putting on my moisturizer. The serum is lightweight and doesn't clog pores and it's very gentle. Not only does the serum contain hyaluronic acid, but it has vitamin C as well. The serum is all natural with no added fragrances. It does has a light smell to it, but it's nothing added. The serum absorbs quickly and a little bit goes a long way with this stuff. My only complaint is I didn't know just how little I needed and feel I used too much the first few uses. Other than that, no complaints here! 

The serum is currently on sale and you can get yours here, I definitely recommend it!

Review: Gnome Workshop Portable Charger

Always be prepared.  I could have never survived as a boy scout.  We're known for having summer storms that knocks our electricity out; when they come through, I'm never prepared, my phone is usually at 25% and my Kindle about the same.  I have to rummage through my house to find a charging brick and then have to pass it around my family so everyone can charge a little.  Well, the sweet people at Gnome Workshop sent me this:

a portable charger that has 2 USB ports and that has made such a difference.  I'm more than willing to share now or I can charge two of my own devices at once.  This is extremely helpful as we road trip.  Usually I have my GPS plugged in the cigarette lighter until we get to a long stretch of road, then I unplug it and alternate between charging my phone and my iPod.  (What is a road trip without some great music to go along with it?!)  Now, the GPS remains plugged in and I get to charge everything else at once.  Plus, there's a flashlight built in!  That comes in handy when it's dark and I need to dig through my bag to find my charging cords.

The charger is solid, but not too bulky. It's still easily portable and considering I don't have a car charger for my phone, I love that I can take it with me! The charger also stays fairly cool to the touch, just around the USB does it get a little warm, but overall, the whole charger stays cool. The charger is also very quick. It usually takes my kindle a while to recharge, but within 20-25 minutes, I had charged 20%! The charger has a great battery life! I was able to charge my phone twice in the car and still had 3/4 of my battery left!

As a bookworm, this charger is so convenient! Now, I never have to wait for my kindle to charge again! I simply plug my kindle into the charger and it's instantly portable and I can read anywhere! Definitely a HUGE plus!

I highly recommend this charger to anyone looking for one!  You can get it here and it's currently on sale for $19.99!

July Book Review

Because of my New Month Resolutions for July, I didn't read as many books this month.  I read 4 though which is up 1 from last year!

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

I read this book for the first time last year, but the sequel came out this year so, of course, I had to reread the first book.  This book is so relatable; the main character, Lara Jean Song, writes letters to guys she's had a crush on -- ahem, this sounds familiar to me ;) -- as her way of "getting over" them.  When her 5 letters accidentally get mailed, you can imagine her embarrassment.  A fake relationship is quickly formed with one of the guys as a way to really drive in the fact that she's over all of the crushes, even though she may not really be.  Things get complicated when feelings turn real and rumors are spread.  It's an easy read and I loved it just as much the second time around.

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

The second book picks up right where the first one left off as Lara Jean decides to turn the fake relationship she was in into a real one.  However, insecurities creep in when the boyfriend starts spending time with his ex-girlfriend and drama follows.  Mix that in with the fact that one of the boys Lara Jean wrote a letter to comes back into the picture.  I didn't think this book was quite as good as the first one, but it was still enjoyable and a quick, easy read.

Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke

It's time for the winter carnival in Lake Eden and a celebrity chef comes to town for the festivities.  When the celebrity is found murdered in Hannah's bakery, she jumps into action to catch the killer.  Again, this series is a light-hearted mystery.  (Is that even such a thing?  Well, it is now!) The books are easy reads and I feel as though I'm friends with all of the characters.  I love working alongside Hannah to figure out whodunnit???

Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

If only I'd have read this book a few weeks earlier in July because it takes place around July 4th!  I like this book in the series because the person who was murdered is someone we were introduced to earlier in the series and not just a new character brought in to be killed off.  These are fun reads and the recipes included sound delicious!

What books have you read this month?  I'm always up for suggestions!  Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads!

Carpool Book Club

I'm linking up with Narci today as part of Carpool Book Club.  The 3rd Wednesday of every month we're linking up to make new friends, talk about books we've read, give reviews and get recommendations.  I'm listing all the books I've read since May 20th, the last Carpool Book Club.

This is a Love Story by Jessica Thompson

I loved this debut novel from Jessica Thompson.  It's a love story, but neither person knows the other one likes them.  Throughout the novel there were several times I wanted to yell at the main characters and let them know the other person loves them back!  It's frustrating, but I loved every minute of it -- the "will they, won't they?" kept me turning every page.  This is a great Chick Lit read for the beach.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

I first read this book, and several from the series, back when I was in middle school.  The Hallmark Channel recently made a movie out of the book; I haven't seen it yet but decided to reread the series -- which is up to 18 books!  Even though the books focus on murders, they are easy reads about a small town baker, Hannah, who has a knack for finding dead bodies.  Possibly my favorite part of the book is the fact that it includes recipes!!  I'm sure throughout the next few Carpool Book Clubs you'll be seeing several of these books.

The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You by Jessica Alba

This is a super easy read and an informative book.  All of the information can be a little overwhelming, but Jessica Alba says the book is to be used as a guide and something you can reference constantly.  While the book does suggest using products from Alba's company The Honest Company, she gives DIY recipes and other products to try.  I can't wait to try some of her tips to make my life healthier.

What books have you read this month?  I can't wait to get new book suggestions.  Follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads and I hope you'll join us next month, July 15th!

Rent the Runway: A Review

As some of you may know, I was lucky enough to attend this year's Grammy Awards as part of the mosh pit.  This was my second year going and I had a blast.  I saw some incredible performances and some living legends.

When I applied to be a part of this pit this year, I had no idea what I was going to wear.  Last year, I went with a trusted red sequined dress that's fabulous.  This year, though, I was stumped.  I didn't want to spend a ton of money on a new dress nor are there many places to buy fancy dresses in Huntington.  I decided to try something different this year, Rent The Runway.

Several of the celebrities I follow on Instagram have posted pictures wearing dresses from the site but I hadn't actually met anyone who had used them.  I was a little nervous but read through their website and decided I would try a cheaper dress and take a back-up with me to LA.  After days of deliberation and asking people's advice, I ordered Yigal Azrouel's Ian se Beijing dress.  The dress retails for upwards of $1,200 but I got it for a total of $60!


I had a great first experience with Rent The Runway.  After placing the order, I realized I entered the address incorrectly and freaked out; however, customer service was great and changes were made within minutes.  I went ahead and added in the second size for free just in case.  My dress arrived on time in a cute box.  I got to keep the fabulous garment bag the dresses came in as well as the hangers with the company's logo.  The return process was super easy!  A pre-paid UPS envelope came with the dresses so all I had to do was put them in that and drop it off.  The hardest part was finding a UPS in LA, but we did!


My experience with RTR was so great, that I quickly became a pro-member.  For $30, you get free shipping and insurance (a $20 value!) plus a free birthday dress (up to $50!).  I used RTR for a wedding I was in a couple weeks ago.  I rented two dresses.  One dress didn't fit, so I filled out a form and sent it back within 24 hours and was credited the amount of the dress.  The second dress, Lilly Pulitzer's Freja Dress, was so cute and fit like a glove!  It was girly and perfect for the rehearsal wedding.  Plus, included in the order, I was sent a little care kit consisting of Q-Tips and a face scrub/mask.

Have you used Rent the Runway?  If so, what did you think?  If you haven't, let me know and I'll send you a referral code, that way we both get credit!

Rent The Runway: A Review

As some of you may know, I was lucky enough to attend this year's Grammy Awards as part of the mosh pit.  This was my second year going and I had a blast.  I saw some incredible performances and some living legends.

When I applied to be a part of this pit this year, I had no idea what I was going to wear.  Last year, I went with a trusted red sequined dress that's fabulous.  This year, though, I was stumped.  I didn't want to spend a ton of money on a new dress nor are there many places to buy fancy dresses in Huntington.  I decided to try something different this year, Rent The Runway.

Several of the celebrities I follow on Instagram have posted pictures wearing dresses from the site but I hadn't actually met anyone who had used them.  I was a little nervous but read through their website and decided I would try a cheaper dress and take a back-up with me to LA.  After days of deliberation and asking people's advice, I ordered Yigal Azrouel's Ian se Beijing dress.  The dress retails for upwards of $1,200 but I got it for a total of $60!

I had a great first experience with Rent The Runway.  I went ahead and added in the second size for free just in case.  My dress arrived on time in a cute box.  I got to keep the fabulous garment bag the dresses came in as well as the hangers with the company's logo.  The return process was super easy!  A pre-paid UPS envelope came with the dresses so all I had to do was put them in that and drop it off.  The hardest part was finding a UPS in LA, but we did!

My only complaint is that I had to pay almost $20 in shipping, taxes and insurance!  The dress was only $40 but then tack on all the extra fees... :(  Oh well, I had a great experience and LOVED LOVED LOVED the dress.  I can't wait to use the company again.  If you're interested in using them, let me know and I can give you a code, that way we both get credit!