Thursday, April 30, 2020

April Reads


Well, this month was a record 9 books!!! I feel like I finally got into the type of reading rhythm I was expecting from being at home. And, I enjoyed most all of these books immensely so maybe that made for faster reading too.
 
The Couple Next Door, by: Sheri Lapena
The first few pages of this book pull you in, and then you cannot put it down. Very fast paced and only taking place in a short period of time. Anne and Marco's infant daughter mysteriously disappears and all evidence points to them. There are actually several suspects in the story and it keeps you guessing what happened. Spoiler alert - their daughter is found and the mystery is solved, but something happens at the end to leave readers hanging. I rated this 5 stars on Goodreads.
 
The Lion's Den, by: Katherine St. John
I received an advance reader copy - thank you Grand Central Publishing! Release date is May 19, 2020. This story makes the reader wonder what went wrong in a friendship, as two women continue to "fake" their relationship. As Belle agrees to a whirlwind vacation on Summer's latest billionaire boyfriends yacht, there are flashbacks giving background to how they grew up and became friends. Summer has changed though, and now will do anything to benefit herself and her lifestyle. And Belle will find out just how far she is willing to go. Another one that I could not put down, and gave a 5 star rating to. The details of the vacation in the Mediterranean was a fun setting for this thriller too.
 
Don't Turn Around, by: Jessica Barry
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Harper - thank you! Expected release date is June 2, 2020. Two women, who are strangers (and who both have secrets to hide) embark on a trip across the New Mexican desert in the middle of the night. Cait is a driver for a women's organization that helps transport women who need help and anonymity. Rebecca is her passenger, married to a man with a high rising political career. They soon encounter danger, and neither of them know which one of them is being targeted. This book touches on current events such as women's rights and the "metoo" movement, and it is interesting to see Cait and Rebecca's relationship develop as it soon becomes clear they are now fighting for their lives. Yet another 5 star page turner!
 
The Second Home, by: Christina Clancy
 Thank you St. Martin's Press for this advance reader copy. Release date is June 2, 2020. When I first read the summary of this book, it reminded me of The Guest Book that I read last year. Estranged siblings are forced to determine the fate of their family's expensive and in disrepair vacation home when their parents pass. While that is the theme of this book, The Second Home was so much more! The story turns in a very unexpected way within the first quarter that had me hooked. I was able to connect with these characters and places so much more than The Guest Book. The family's hometown was Milwaukee, and since I was born and raised in Wisconsin I knew exactly every reference the author used. And, growing up with a similar annual Summer vacation experience, I know how important that connection is. 5 stars!

Station Eleven, by: Emily St. John Mandel
In the beginning of March, my friend Sarah and I were traveling back from Chicago just as the virus was hitting close to home. We were talking about books that reminded us of the current state of affairs, or really more like the aftermath of a pandemic. She recommended Station Eleven and lent it to me. The story is about a group of people, and how they are all connected, 20 years after a "flu" wipes out 99.9% of the population. It flashes back into each of their lives to tell the backstory, and now the focus is on a traveling group of performers on the Michigan coast. While I enjoyed this book, it made me uneasy. Last month I read two books about World War 2, and while they gave me perspective with what we are going through now, we know the war ended and we've had time to work through the effects. Since we don't know when this pandemic will end, or what the long term changes will be, it made reading the book hard. Especially since it takes place during the time of cell phones and internet, and then losing it all.

 The Woman in the Window, by: A.J. Finn
I got a copy of this book from a swap group I am in, and with the upcoming movie adaptation, I jumped into reading it. Anna Fox is a recluse in her New York City home. She spends her days chatting and playing chess online, watching old movies, spying on her neighbors, drinking wine and self medicating. So when she sees a crime committed in the house across the street, it is hard to tell what is real and what is not. The detectives, her tenant, and neighbors all doubt her sanity. In most thrillers, you are able to come up with a few scenarios of who the "bad guy" is or what really happened. But in this book, I was shocked at the end which is a sign of successful writing! I can't wait to see the movie when we are able to go to the theater again. Amy Adams plays the lead character, and she is so good in these type of roles. She was amazing as the lead in the HBO miniseries based on the Sharp Objects book!

The First Mistake, by: Sandie Jones
This is the second book I've read by this author (and I believe it is her second novel as well). The theme reminded me of The New Husband, which I read last month, as it is about a woman whose husband died but is now "happily" remarried. Yet another twisty thriller, it certainly was a page turner for the majority of the book. It was one where you could come up with your own theories, but then it got really far fetched which annoyed me. Then, I guess there was a part that made sense again??? But then, the ending totally sucked! I liked this author's first book better.

What You Wish For, by: Katherine Center
   I received this advance reader copy from St. Martin's Press - thank you! Publish date set for July 14, 2020. This is the 3rd book I have read by Katherine and I must say she is one of those authors for me where you know what you are going to get (like Elin Hilderbrand). Also, we can sometimes get burnt out by cover trends but in this case I love the similar floral designs on Katherine's books! Katherine's characters have complicated pasts which prevent them from finding love, but the endings are usually happy. In What You Wish For the focus was a charming school on an island off of Texas. It touched on the current event topic of school shootings. I really enjoyed Sam and Duncan, their stories, and how they ended up together.

Normal People, by: Sally Rooney
  My friend Sarah loaned me this book, after recommending it. She was reading it in Chicago while we were there. The newly released series on Hulu based on the book prompted me to read it so I could binge the show. This book was a pretty different style than what I am used to, but I really enjoyed it. The story follows the love story of Marianne and Connell, starting in high school. From different social classes, they keep their relationship a secret. As they grow into adulthood and experience the world, they feel a bit more open about their connection. No matter where they travel or who they date, it is apparent that they can only truly be themselves with each other. Unlike most books, there is no huge climax, cliff hanger, or real ending..... but it all feels okay. I liked how each chapter jumped forward in time, usually by weeks or months.  

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Crafty Clothing

 I'm pretty sure being drawn to this type of a chevron pattern is ingrained into me. Ever since learning how to make friendship bracelets in grade school, to eventually bead weaving in my adulthood, I just love it. I've already pulled several accessory options. It's also no surprise that this is from Indian designer Tanvi Kedia (here's a post from 4 years ago about 3 Indian designers I love). The pattern close up looks like beads, and there are tiny sequins dotting the skirt. It's pretty crazy how quickly retailers adjusted their marketing to the "stay home" message, mostly promoting lounge wear. But also, the sales are insane which is hard because you can constantly have a battle with yourself. On one hand, you don't want to spend money. But on the other hand, you want to help the economy. But then, you're not going anywhere to wear this. BUT, one day you will go places again. Plus, the prices are too good to pass up. I'm sure I'm not the only one with these thoughts. At any rate, Anthropologie is having a 30% off all clothing sale this weekend.
Seychelles Sandals : Anthropologie
Black Tee : Meijer
Jean Jacket : TJ Maxx
Sunglasses : Target
Necklace with pearls : Anthropologie
Beaded necklace : Francesca's
Friendship bracelets : local fair


Thursday, April 23, 2020

Season of Tiers (Tears)

UPDATE : Apologies if you are sick of tiered dresses, but I found two more this week so I figured I would update this post. Honestly, they are finding me!!! I am not seeking them out - it is so weird!!! So let's get into the first one - this yellow number. This is what I would call "get the look for less" because this is the EXACT dress that I wanted from Anthropologie for $128! They came out with it last year and have added more colors so it seems like an item they will carry for several years, but I truly always wanted the yellow. I got an email from Steinmart this week with the subject "Tiered Dresses : One of Spring's Hottest Casual Trends" so of course I took a look at it. It lead me to a page of dresses where I saw this one. The brand is Theodore & Chelsea which I recognized immediately as being an Anthro look-a-like brand (see examples in posts here and here). Steinmart price? $49.99!!! Steinmart often has sales and coupons too so it's possible to get it for even less. Less than half the Anthro price and it truly is the exact same dress..... same fabric, pockets, etc.... Love this find!!! Here's the Steinmart link if you want to grab one.
 Then, on my weekly grocery trip to Meijer, I saw this dress added to the rack. It reminded me of the Walmart dress however it has a fourth tier, making it longer which I actually like better! They had this magenta color, and then a black & white floral print so far. It's by their in house brand Falls Creek and like the other two Meijer options below it's $30 but at the time I was there they were 40% off. So, I bit more than the Walmart option but I think the extra length is worth it.
ORIGINAL POST : Last year when I was trying to find budget friendly options of the tiered dresses I was seeing at Anthropologie, I came up short. This year, it seems I am finding one after another which makes me want to cry tears of joy! But I also feel tears of sadness during this odd time. Either way, the tears won't fall - at least not yet. You know what is falling? Rain. Cold, shitty rain. But I still got out to snap these pics quick because I get excited to share good deals.
 
I was thrilled with my $20 (grey) and $30 (red) finds in Chicago last month, but bummed I did not have any links to shop online since stores closed right after that time. Now, with these new finds, I have some links to share and/or they are easy to see at stores you might already be at for groceries. Before anyone judges what you might consider "non-essential" purchases, please know that these dresses were on the outer aisles of the clothing sections. Meaning, I walked right past them on my way to another department or checkout (which makes it seem even more meant to be)! Also, fitting rooms are not open in my area so no extra time spent in the store there. Lastly, stores in our area have suspended returns right now too, so I had to take a chance on sizes and hope for the best (luckily, they all worked out - this style is pretty forgiving that way).
 First up is this one from Walmart. It is $13.88 and comes in 7 colors (most of which I saw in store) but here's the link to purchase online (Time and Tru Tiered Dress). It's the shortest of all the ones I have, but I am glad it goes below the knee at least.
 This periwinkle one is from Meijer (sorry, no links) and is currently on sale 50% off which made it $15!!! It also came in grey and pink. I was unsure of the tiers further down the bottom, because a straight body is not the best for me, but belting it was perfect! The neckline has a raw edge too which is a nice detail.
 This black one is also from Meijer and also on sale for $15! It's hard to see because of the dark color (although you can see raindrops across it), but the tiers start just under the bust which is what I like. I only saw this in black so far, but they might get more colors in. The last tier on this one is an eyelet fabric which is a really cool detail!
In my posts about the grey and red pieces, I styled them with jackets because they were both sleeveless. These all have cap sleeves, but I kept everything pretty simple for these pics (just necklaces and sandals). But of course, as I will always mention, the options are endless...…. jackets, sweaters, belts, jewelry, scarves, headbands, etc.... That is why when I find a basic style that I really like and is reasonably priced, I will gather all the colors because I have proven to myself year after year that I wear these pieces the most. It's why I have 9 colors of a sleeveless shell top from Kohl's that was an Anthro look-a-like. It's why I have 5 colors of chenille cardigans. It's why I have 6 colors of thin Free People look-a-like duster cardigans. You can make something look different EVERY time you wear it by mixing and matching. That is a lot harder to do with a bold print. So I now have a classic tiered dress in grey, red, olive, blue and black. But at prices like $13.88 and $15 (or even clearance later on), I may pick up a few more colors.
 
Okay, so I promised more links to shop online. Here are two options from Target (which I also saw in store before we had to stay at home), and an option from J. Crew which would you want to hit when they are having a sale (right now they have 30% off).
 
 

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Lovebird Kimono

We just had a couple of Spring like days so it seemed appropriate to finally wear this kimono that I purchased and posted about in the Winter. It was $16.99 at Marshalls, and the print is exactly like the Lovebird print in the Spell & The Gypsy brand of clothing. Skinny jeans, basic top underneath, and a long necklace is my formula for kimonos!
Ultra Pink Kimono : Marshalls
Sonoma White Shell : Kohl's
Mossimo Jeans, Universal Threads Flats, Sunglasses : Target
Agate Necklace : Anthropologie



Thursday, April 2, 2020

Ombre Skirt

This skirt was another Chicago purchase - TJ Maxx $16.99!!! I love ombre, and couldn't resist this grey to plum to pink combo! Long sleeves and closed toe shoes are an option for transitional weather, but once it gets warmer I will wear this with a short sleeved shirt and strappy sandals. Wearing another favorite TJ Maxx find - my pink fringe Anthropologie necklace. I've also been finding that with many of these elastic waist pleated skirts, that tucking the top in isn't always the best option. You want the pleats to lay as flat as possible, so to keep that waist definition I'll tie whatever top I am wearing. This is the 3rd skirt I now have by this brand : WD NY or Why Dress. In addition to this one, I have a tulle with dots and pleated rainbow, all of which I have found at TJ Maxx or Steinmart, so I am loving that this brand is chruning out trendy, affordable pieces.
WD NY Skirt : TJ Maxx
Anthropologie Necklace : TJ Maxx
Apt 9 Black Top : Kohl's
Universal Thread Flats : Target
Sunglasses : Target

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

March Reads

Well, this was an odd month as our reality continued to change to finally settle on quarantine. I was thrilled at the thought of reading more, but so far I have not increased my daily reading time due to everyone being home, trying to work at home, home projects, and shows (which I will review at the end here).
 
The Falcon Thief, by: Joshua Hammer
I continued my fascination with bird books, and after reading The Feather Thief last month this book was on my radar (just replace bird feathers with bird eggs). I picked it up at a local book store. This was another true story, and again mind boggling to me the lengths people will go through. I think the summary of the story does it justice better than I would, so here it is:
On May 3, 2010, an Irish national named Jeffrey Lendrum was apprehended at Britain’s Birmingham International Airport with a suspicious parcel strapped to his stomach. Inside were fourteen rare peregrine falcon eggs snatched from a remote cliffside in Wales.

So begins a tale almost too bizarre to believe, following the parallel lives of a globe-trotting smuggler who spent two decades capturing endangered raptors worth millions of dollars as race champions—and Detective Andy McWilliam of the United Kingdom’s National Wildlife Crime Unit, who’s hell bent on protecting the world’s birds of prey.

The Falcon Thief whisks readers from the volcanoes of Patagonia to Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park, and from the frigid tundra near the Arctic Circle to luxurious aviaries in the deserts of Dubai, all in pursuit of a man who is reckless, arrogant, and gripped by a destructive compulsion to make the most beautiful creatures in nature his own.
 
The New Husband, by: D.J. Palmer
This book is set to release on April 14, 2020 - I traded for it in a book swap. This is the second book I've read by this author, and he is really good at fast paced twisty plots. Nina's husband disappears, but no body is ever found so she and her kids never have closure. As a new man enters their life, everyone except Nina's daughter is accepting of him. He's almost too good to be true, but as time goes on, more and more odd things keep happening. Was it fate, or was it planned for Simon to come into their lives. If you like this genre, I would highly recommend.
 
Always The Last To Know, by: Kristan Higgins
I received this advance reader copy from Berkley Publishing (thank you!), set to release June 9, 2020. This is another author where this is the second book I have read by them, so it's safe to say I enjoy their writing. Right before their 50th anniversary, Barb decides she is going to ask John for a divorce. But then he has a stroke and while he's in the hospital she finds out he was having an affair! The story also follows their two completely different daughters, who rally around their parents during this difficult time. Juliet is a successful architect, married with two girls, but lately going through her own midlife crisis. Sadie is a free spirited artist who is drawn to New York but soon realizes the mistake she made with the love of her life in her hometown. All around a very relatable story in so many aspects! Kristan was able to hit so many nails on the head here, as the chapters switch from character to character. I believe it was chapter 5 in particular, where Barb was describing her life with John, and it was EXACTLY what I talk to my close girlfriends about...… it was a perfect description of how woman feel. I love this book!
 
The Long Flight Home, by: Alan Hlad
Since I've been craving books about birds, this was another book swap for me. Also, I thought reading war stories would give me good perspective during this odd time. This was based on the true stories of using homing pigeons to carry messages to war torn France. It also included an unexpected love story. I enjoyed this and learning more about these amazing birds was a bonus (I love seeing pigeons walking the streets in Chicago). And, reading about night after night of bombing made me realize I can handle being in my comfy home if that is what is required of me.
 
At The Wolf's Table, by: Rosella Postorino
This has been on my "to read" list, so I was thrilled to pick it up on the bargain table at Meijer ($5.97). I thought I would jump into another WWII book, again, because of our current situation. Unfortunately, this book was not as good as I had hoped. It follows the story of Rosa, who is one of 9 "food tasters" for Hitler. Her husband is off at war, and soon to be declared missing. Three times a day, she goes to the "Wolf's Lair" to eat, not knowing if it will be her last meal. A strong theme in the book is the relationships the women (tasters) form. Rosa also falls in love with an unlikely person, which torments her. I just couldn't really attach myself to any of these characters, and the ending was odd. Plus, I had so many logical questions myself...…. the main fear was food suppliers trying to poison Hitler. The women would eat the meals, and then wait an hour to see if anything happened to them before the food was served to Hitler. So what if someone on the inside of his lair poisoned the food within that hour?
 
Okay, let's talk shows we are currently watching.....
 
Schitt's Creek: So sad this is the final season, and next week is the final episode!!! So much for a fun themed viewing party, but maybe we can do it another time.
 
Brockmire: This is the third and final season of this show, and I have to say the first season was the best. It's dark humor, and while this season was filmed before Corvid came along, it's hauntingly odd. It takes place 10 years into the future, and some states are apocalyptic, the Amazon forest is completely gone, and things like baseball are no longer of interest. There is a medication for "content overload" which was pretty hilarious!
 
Little Fire Everywhere: So anxious for this after reading the book, and it does NOT disappoint! It is SO GOOD!!! Reese just nails this character, just as she did in Big Little Lies - love her! Kerry is really good too and their scenes together? Soooo tense!
 
Have not watched Tiger King yet, but so want to!!!