April Reads

I started April off with a thriller and continued that theme for 3 more books as that is what I was in the mood for. The fifth book I read was much lighter which I will get into with the reviews.

Not That I Could Tell by: Jennifer Strawser

This book reminded me of Big Little Lies, as it focuses on a group on women who are friends and/or getting to know each other in a community. A woman and her two kids disappear immediately following a "girls night" around the fire within the neighborhood they live in. A lot of suspicion is directed at her soon to be ex-husband. As the trail goes cold for the investigators, the women left behind try to come up with their own conclusions as to what happened. While a bit predictable, this was a good read if you enjoy this genre. I bought this at my local thrift shop for 50 cents as all books were half off last month!

The Wife Between Us by: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Another local thrift shop find (this one $1.00 since it's hardcover), I recognized these authors as I have previously read An Anonymous Girl which I liked. This story follows a jilted ex-wife as she obsesses about her ex marrying a younger, better version of herself. She racks her brain trying to figure out what she did wrong in her marriage, but soon realizes she was really manipulated and needs to warn her replacement. What worked well is that you didn't know if the main character was sane or not for most of the book so it kept me guessing.

The Night Before by: Wendy Walker

I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from St. Martin's Press. It comes out in a few weeks on May 14th. Laura has never been the same after her high school boyfriend was murdered and all eyes pointed to her. The unsolved mystery forced her to move away for many years, but now she has moved back and living with her sister and brother-in-law. She disappears after going on a date with someone she met on a dating site. As her friends and family look for her, they fear history may have repeated itself. What I enjoyed throughout this story is that I wasn't sure if Laura was innocent or guilty of doing bad things. It was also a guessing game as to who may have been targeting her. Great suspense and twists in this one!

Beautiful Bad by: Annie Ward

Out of all the books I read in April, this was the one I did not want to put down. The characters were so interesting to me, as was the war tore counties they lived/worked in. Maddie and Jo are best friends who are working in Bosnia and Macedonia when they meet Ian who works in the security field. The story details their friendships and relationships for years, until Maddie and Ian finally end up together and have a child. Settled in Kansas, they can't escape their past and it leads to problems in their marriage. Maddie has an accident which leads her to question many things while she is in therapy, especially her estranged friendship with Jo. When Jo comes back into the picture, there is a huge twist at the end and nothing is what you thought it would be. Highly recommend!

Midnight at the Blackbird Café by: Heather Webber

This is an Advance Reader Copy I received from Forge Books - it comes out on July 16th. I had to travel for work last week, so after reading a bunch of thrillers I was looking for something fun and easy. This book delivered! This book reminded me of Fried Green Tomatoes because the little café, and its legendary pies, tie a small town together. When the matriarch of the Blackbird Café passes, her granddaughter Anna Kate comes back to run the café per the terms of the will. Anna Kate and her now deceased Mother have a long history of staying away from Wicklow due to a feud with another family from decades ago. Anna Kate only intends to run the shop for the 2 months her that was asked of her, but the longer she is in Wicklow the more she falls in love with it. Not to mention, she finds out she is actually related to the family her Mother warned her about. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the mysterious blackbirds and die hard birders who descend upon the town to catch a glimpse of them. This was a delight - loved it!

Kaftan Ease

 I often remind myself that World Market carries a small clothing section. I scored a cute embroidered peacock peasant top there last year and now I've found a few gems there this season. If your style is boho and unique, World Market pieces will remind you of something you would find at Anthropologie. And the prices are super reasonable!

 This peacock maxi dress is so easy - pulls over the head with an elastic waist. I feel this style is complimentary on all body types. The material is really thin so it will be cool for Summer  - anything from throwing it over a swimsuit to going out to dinner. I would wear a black tank under this if I wear it to work because it is a little low cut in my opinion. The colors are print are so pretty! This style black sandal (two strap or ankle strap) has been a favorite of mine for YEARS. As with any favorite that gets a lot of wear, they have to be replaced every few years as was the case here. I've owned a few pairs of Seychelles sandals over the years, so I knew these would be perfect. Great quality and comfy all day on their first day of wear!

Floral and Peacock Mira Kaftan Dress : World Market

Seychelles "Lofty" Wedge Sandals : Anthropologie

Jumpsuit Newbie

 For the past few years I've been frustrated as I shopped and thought "Oh, that's a pretty dress" only to get up close and realize it was..... pants!?!?!? Anyone else feel the same way? If you've been following me for a while, you know I love patterned flowy pants. And I love a "one and done" dress. But a one piece pantsuit? Not to mention the tricky bathroom scenarios since you have to undress your whole top in order to go!

But, it seems that jumpsuits are here to stay for a while so I figured it was time to try one. It was this gorgeous print that sucked me in. As with many Old Navy prints, this butterfly motif comes in jumpsuits, dresses, blouses for both woman and girls with white, black and lavender backgrounds.  

Since I have loved butterflies for so long I had no shortage of necklace to choose, from when I used to make jewelry. I made this one when I was pregnant with Richard!

I went easy and threw on my usual cropped jean jacket, but as with any multi-colored prints the options are endless here. Many cardigans or jackets and I even thought to try a tee layered under sometime. You could make it look just like pants by putting a chambray button-up over it and knotting it at the waist. I'm also thinking about swapping the matching tie belt for my own belt which would break up the pattern a bit. As you can tell, I love coming up with lots of variety!

After boycotting jumpsuits for so long, the funny thing is I just bought another one AND it happens to be a butterfly print too! Stay tuned for that outfit, which REALLY tricks you into thinking it's a dress.

Tie-Belt Flutter-Sleeve Jumpsuit : Old Navy

Jean Jacket : TJ Maxx

Leindo by Sechelles Sandals : Anthropologie

Necklace : made by me

Sunglasses : Target

Peacock Arms & Charms

Before I get into anything else, let's talk outfit details (all items linked below)! This white tee has a peacock print on the arms - it's currently $39.95 with an extra 20% off at Anthropologie. Around the holidays, I was raving about the charm necklaces Anthro was churning out, and they continue to do so with this one I am wearing. These are my newer Old Navy jeans. And this popular style shoe from Target is my new obsession! They are dupes of the more expensive Free People style and I love them so much I've already bought a backup pair. Being able to try them at a fraction of the price makes me think that one day I might invest in the real deal.

Maybelle Tied-Sleeve Top : Anthropologie

Art Festival Charm Necklace : Anthropologie

High-Rise Rockstar 24/7 Sculpt Super Skinny Jeans : Old Navy

Universal Thread Wenda Cut Out Bootie : Target

My hair is back to normal and it feels great! In my last post, I was pretty vague about things that I do to improve my mood (yoga and reading) and I thought...... I can do better than that! So I am going to be a little more specific, no matter how small the action is (and I am sure I will forget a bunch I want to list). Sometimes, the smallest things can make the biggest impact! Also, please note that of course spending time with my family is important but that these are things solely for my self care. Self care is not selfish, it is necessary! And, I am an introvert so we tend to need alone time to feel good.

Listening to and watching the birds at the feeders outside our window.

 

A hot washcloth on my face to wipe the day away.

 

My warm lavender neck wrap.

 

Being in my house alone.

 

Working or reading at a coffee shop.

 

Going to a movie by myself.

 

My weighted blanket.

Same, But Different

*Buys top at Meijer last night. Wears it immediately this morning.*

Here I am again in my usual black jeans, flats and sunglasses. I spotted this cute top at Meijer last night and it's currently 30% off (around $16). This brand - Ophelia Roe - is one they started carrying last Fall. I can't resist a good peplum, or a good hi-lo hem! And the floral pattern is too cute. It's funny that the shirt in this post is the exact same style and also from Meijer! Same story as the other 2 new tops I've recently posted from Anthropologie within the last week, this blouse is going to go with black jeans, blue jeans and green cargo pants (the standard three!) and it can be layered under various colored sweaters and jackets.

Are you like me and want to wear new things immediately? In touching back to my post about depression and anxiety, what kind of things do you do for yourself that make you feel better? Because let's be honest, the weekday routine can certainly be monotonous. Besides dressing/blogging, I like to focus on reading and yoga.

Michigan Monday

Today was our warmest day yet, but it's supposed to get cool and rainy again. Of course I wanted to bust out a dress but didn't want to look too out of season! I thought this black number with the jewel green and blue was a good compromise. My toes aren't ready for sandals yet, and of course I threw on a jean jacket, and it felt perfect. I sound like a broken record but I love greens and blues together because they remind me of peacocks! I have lots of clothing in these combos and I've found that chevron patterns are also very flattering. 

The weekend after Christmas my Mom and I spent a night in Chicago, and I found this dress at Macy's. The past few years, Macy's has changed their clearance layout. Rather than have the clearance racks within each department, they throw them all together in this "Last Act" type setting. Y'all know I'm no stranger to hunting through discount racks, but I have to say this setup is one of the messiest in my opinion. I mean, it's easier to find things at TJ Maxx! But I did manage to score this gem and after all discounts applied I think I paid under $20 for it! The top part of the dress is knit and the bottom is rayon so the fit is really good! I am wearing the black statement necklace I wore in my last post - I like how it fits perfectly into the v-neck. I rely on my staples so much so you'll see me wearing them in almost all posts - a handful of statement necklaces, jean jackets, black flats, favorite boots or sandals, same sunglasses, same jeans.

INC International Concepts Dress : Macy's

Necklace & Jean Jacket : TJ Maxx

Black Flats : Payless

Sunglasses : Target

Colors

A lot of people will give the advice that when you are shopping you should try to come up with several different ways you will wear something before deciding to purchase it. I can't say that I do that all of the time, but this top and the top from my last post are great examples of that. The top in my last post is sleeveless with many colors in it - so it will go with black jeans, blue jeans and I can wear it alone of with various colored sweaters or jackets over it. This colorful top I have already worn with black jeans and blue jeans and my next outfit will be with olive cargo pants (which I saw in store and looked really cute).

 

I first wore this a bit dressed up for jean Friday at work. I wore black flats and in keeping with the geometrical pattern I wore a black statement necklace with a very symmetrical bead placement. Since losing some weight recently, I've been needing some new jeans but I never like to spend a lot on denim because I feel they are one of the pieces that I fluctuate the most with. If you've been around for a while, you know I like high rise and I am glad they've stayed in style. While I do appreciate the stretch in jeans over the last few years, my grip now is that it's hard to find a pair that is just true denim and that's what I wanted this time around. I hadn't really had luck with Old Navy jeans in the past, but it seems they are working for me now. I recently bought 2 styles - one light wash and one dark wash. These light wash ones are the High-Rise Rockstar 24/7 Sculpt Super Skinny. They do have a little stretch but they are a thicker denim than others in the Rockstar line. 

For a weekend look, with the hottest weather we've had thus far, I paired the top with my black jeans and black waterproof faux Birkenstocks. I got these at Target last year but they still carry them and I've seen them at other stores (Kohl's for instance) as well. I'm thinking of doing a Target specific post soon which will include these. 

Blue Jean Outfit Details

Conditions Apply "Kynsa" Tunic : Anthropologie (I had Anthro perks % off + a gift card)

High-Rise Rockstar 24/7 Sculpt Super Skinny : Old Navy 

J. Crew Statement Necklace : TJ Maxx find years ago

Black Flats : Payless

Black Jean Outfit Details

Conditions Apply "Kynsa" Tunic : Anthropologie (I had Anthro perks % off + a gift card)

Rock & Republic High Roller Jeans : Kohl's

Neida Eva Two Band Slide Sandals - Shade & Shore : Target



 Thank you for all who reached out to me on my last post regarding depression and anxiety. I am gathering thoughts on a more extensive post!

Wanderlust

Please disregard my odd hair color and roots. Hopefully it will be fixed next Thursday. I know it sounds silly, but when things are off I don't feel like myself. And I am not just talking about appearances - I am realizing that January, February and March are not good months for me and this year they seemed especially hard. They are always plagued with sickness - I started the new year with strep throat, all 4 of us had a stomach bug at some point, and Carson had a ear infection last week. They are always plagued with bad weather - this year we had several ice storms and days of record cold temperatures which caused school/daycare closings weekly. Everything just looks desolate and gross - it's dark when you go to work and dark when you get out. And, so I am not sugar coating anything, I am going to go ahead and say that I suffer from depression and anxiety. This is something that has gotten worse after having kids - and aging I suppose. Since I've been thinking about it a lot lately, I've realized that I am hearing the same thing from almost everyone I am in contact with - whether it be a close friend or simply another blogger I follow. It makes me wonder what is going on in our society that is causing this. I mean, I know it is more out in the open now to talk about but I think it is more than that. I think it's a mix of a lot of things which I hope I can articulate someday. But it makes me scared because I feel like it will be a constant struggle as I age.

 

The good news is, with the increase in daylight and hearing the birds in the morning, I am coming out of my fog. It feels good to blog again! Today I am showing off this cute new top I got from Anthropologie. Originally $68 it was marked down to $39.95 and then I got an extra 20% off. It keeps going in and out of stock online, so I will update this post with a link when I can. I love the jewel colored floral print!

Vanessa Virginia "Wanderlust" Top - Anthropologie

Nail Polish Painted Rhinestone Necklace - I made years ago

Gap Jean Jacket - consignment shop

Rock & Republic High Roller Jeans - Kohl's

Black Flats - Payless (RIP Payless!)

Sunglasses - Target

February / March Reads

It seems I have some catching up to do as far as blogging goes, so I thought I would ease back into it with my monthly book reviews. This post is 2 months worth! In February and March, I read authors I know and love (hello Elin Hilderbrand, Katherine Center and B.A. Paris) and a few new ones! 4 of the books were also Advance Reader Copies.

 I received The Bride Test by Helen Hoang as an advance reader copy (comes out May 7th, 2019). Thank you Berkley Publishing for this! It is not pictured in my stack above because I immediately loaned it to fellow book club member Kim (she in turn loaned me Helen's other book, The Kiss Quotient). Khai is a young man with autism and his mother is determined to find him a bride. While she is on a trip to Vietnam, she finds Esme - a single mom maid in a hotel. She makes Esme an offer she can't refuse - come to America, all expenses paid, and if Khai doesn't fall in love with you no harm done. Of course Esme is drawn to handsome Khai, as well as all the opportunities America has to offer (for instance, she starts going to school). But Khai is determined not to get close to anyone, no matter what he is feeling for Esme. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the other one by Helen that is waiting on my shelf. 

 I received The Guest Book by Sarah Blake from Flatiron Books - thank you! This one also comes out on May 7th, 2019. This book trails 3 generations, and a Summer house on an island in Maine that is passed down. The Miltons are one of the richest families in the 1930's when they purchase the island, and as they raise their family they are confronted with issues of racism as well as the accidental drowning of their son. In present day, the great-grandchildren no longer have the money to keep up the house/island so they are torn between memories and letting go. Two sisters embark on finding out some of the secrets their family kept as they spend time at the house in a last ditch effort to save it. This book was a little slow for me at times, but what kept me interested was the "character" of the house as I know from personal experience how important it is to have a Summer vacation like this in your roots!

 The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand. Every time my friend Sarah hands me an Elin book, I read it almost immediately! This book intermixed a few characters from the Winter Stroll series, so that was fun. And as always, that wonderful "character" Nantucket. This story is juicy with affairs that are real as well as rumors. As usual, enjoyed it!

 The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand. This book followed the story of twin sisters and how differently their lives turned out when their parents split and one went to live on Martha's Vineyard while the other stayed in Nantucket. There is a huge misunderstanding between the two of them, which is reconciled at the end of the book, but not after the two of them switch islands (Parent Trap style) to try to avoid personal drama each of them are facing. Super fun read!

 I received Things You Save In A Fire by Katherine Center from St. Martin's Press - thank you! This is released on August 13th, 2019. This is the second book I have read by Katherine, and based on the first one I had a feeling this would be good. Cassie is an up and coming firefighter in Texas. She is born for emergencies, as long as they are not her own. Still dealing with her mother leaving when she was 16, she works hard to keep people out. But when her mother begs her to come and stay with her - needing help from medical issues - Cassie reluctantly goes. This means she is transferring to a tough, old-school Boston department who won't take too kindly to a female colleague. Once there, she discovers the truth about her mother - not only her true medical state but also what happened when she left all those years ago. As she lets her guard down, she also can't help but fall for a rookie who starts the same day as she does. Will she find peace and happiness if she breaks all of the rules she's made for herself? Highly recommend!

 I received Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton from Grand Central Publishing - thank you! This is due out on August 6, 2019. I love a good dystopian book, and when I saw this one was told from an animal point of view I was intrigued. It also took place in Seattle, which is a city I love. The main character is a domesticated crow, but he has many friends throughout the book. The world they know is turned upside down when humans start behaving oddly. They are now merely trying to survive and rescue other animals who are alive. There is a good twist as the humans start to "evolve". I really liked this!

 The Break Down by B.A. Paris. This is the second book I've read by B.A. Paris, so again I knew it would not disappoint. The story takes off right from the beginning as Cass drives past a broken down car during a terrible storm. The next morning, she finds out the driver had been murdered..... and even worse, she knew the victim. She cannot rid herself of the guilt of possibly stopping or alerting someone and that is coupled with her fear that she has early onset dementia like her deceased mother. Her world continues to turn upside down, but is it her mind playing tricks on her or something more sinister? This is one you won't be able to put down!