Top 10 Posts of 2019

As the year comes to a close, I like to look back on all the things that happened, especially the good. Not counting this one, I wrote 93 posts in 2019. That's up from the previous two years but not as many as 2016. Here's a look at the 10 most popular posts from last year.

1. Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole - This post from June has been in my top five posts for the past several months. If you haven't given this recipe a try, I definitely recommend it.

2. Review: Blue Light Blocking Glasses - This was my first-ever product review post (not sponsored or a paid post), and yes, I still wear these glasses pretty much every day.

3. Why Poshmark Wasn't Right for Me - I actually got quite a bit of negative feedback on this post, but that doesn't seem to have stopped you guys from reading it. And no, I still haven't figured out how to close out my account.

4. The Bubble Gum Saga - This was just a fun story about a mommy mistake in which I may have terrified my child about bubble gum.

5. Pretty in Pink Floral - Apparently you guys liked this outfit just as much as I do. This is still one of my favorite shirts, and the ankle boots have been on heavy rotation this fall/winter.

6. Instagram Roundup: Summer Outfit Ideas - If you need any ideas of ways to dress cute when it's hotter than Hell outside, this post is for you.

7. Speaking My Truth: One Child is Enough - In which I address the never-ending onslaught of questions about why my husband and I stopped with one baby.

8. 10 Things My Parents Taught Me That I'm Teaching My Daughter - This post was inspired by a Facebook post that was making the rounds at the time basically saying that the lessons my parents taught me no longer serve a purpose in today's world. Obviously, I disagree.

9. Solid Tank Dress 3 Ways - This is still one of my favorite casual dresses. In fact, I went back and bought it in purple.

10. Calico Print Dress - This dress was my first experience ordering with Shein, and it's actually still available.

20 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Women

There's less than a week until Christmas, and if you're like me, you haven't finished your shopping! Maybe you live in a place that doesn't have a lot of unique in-store shopping opportunities, or you've got someone who's ridiculously hard to shop for, or you're just a natural-born last-minute shopper (guilty 🙋). So I've rounded up 20 last-minute ideas for women that you should be able to get delivered before the big day. In the effort of full disclosure, I would be glad to find any of these under my tree 😉

1. Rose Quartz Facial Roller - Nobody likes dark under-eye circles. Or wrinkles. This nifty little beauty gadget targets both. And with the vibrating feature, it'll be like a facial massage each time you use it.

2. Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush - I have a cheap version of this, not that I use it often (hello, curls). This one has crazy good reviews and usually retails for $50 or more.

3. White Noise Machine/Night Light - We have a clock with a built-in sound machine that I love. This little gem can be set for noise only, sound only, or both. It has 31 sounds to choose from and eight night light colors, plus can be set on a timer.

4. Laptop Desk - Raise your hand if you sometimes work on your laptop in bed or on the couch 🙋. This laptop desk is perfect! The tray is adjustable, has built-in vents to keep your computer from overheating, and has a cup holder.

5. Rechargeable Neck Book Light - I'm not going to lie. The one thing I've always hated about book lights is having to clip them onto the book. This one solves that problem and you won't have to constantly replace the batteries.

6. Massage Roller Glove - I might be a little obsessed with self-serve massage products. Typically, though, they work best when someone else uses them on you. But with this massage roller glove, I might finally be able to attach that persistent knot in my right shoulder!

7. Ecoffee Cup - I already bought one of these for myself but wouldn't say no to another. Mostly because Alexis wants it. Anyway, this is on Oprah's list this year so I had to try it. It comes in four sizes and seven colors.

8. Makeup Brushes - You literally cannot go wrong with this gift. They're the perfect stocking stuffer.

9. Slipper Socks - How many slipper socks are too many? The limit doesn't exist. I love these faux fur leopard print ones.

10. Wallet on a String - Sometimes, you just don't have time to deal with a big purse, but who says a wallet on a string has to be boring? This particular one comes in gold sparkle too!

11. Tea Towel & Recipe Cards - Make this gift even better by filling out the recipe cards with the receiver's favorite recipes of yours.

12. PJs - I put this on my last-minute list every year, but you seriously can't go wrong with pajamas.

13. Travel Grooming Kit - These things are so handy. You can keep them in your purse, your desk, diaper bag, or throw them in your suitcase.

14. Pictionary Air - Game night, anyone?

15. Karaoke Microphone - Talk about a fun, unexpected gift. And the best part? There's no bulky machine keeping you in one place.

16. Wireless Bluetooth Speaker - Listen to your music anywhere! I like this one because it lights up and comes in a bunch of colors.

17. Pretty Bowls - One thing you can never have too many of, in my opinion, is pretty bowls.

18. Instant Camera - This typically makes my list, too, but it's such a fun way to capture special moments throughout the year.

19. Breakfast Sandwich Maker - I love the idea of this so much. Of course, I would probably only use it on the weekends because school mornings are crazy.

20. Fleece Throw Blanket - It doesn't matter how many blankets a girl has, she will never be upset about getting another one. Seriously. We have entire closets devoted to blankets.

Real Outfit Roundup

I feel like the title of this post is a little deceptive. I very rarely style an outfit just to share it on my blog. Most of my outfit posts are of something I wore all day. However, I don't share every single outfit I put together in its own post. (Seriously, who has time for that?) I do try to take a picture of my outfit every day, though, and nearly always share it on Instagram. So without further ado, here are ten outfits I've worn over the past couple of weeks.

 Cami (old): similar | Thermal (old): similar | Jeans: Old Navy | Boots: ShoeDazzle

I don't remember what I wore this to do, or if I did anything at all to be honest. I felt a little 90s nostalgia when I layered this favorite thermal over my old floral camisole. I linked to similar items for both. My boots are only a few weeks old, but I'm already in love. For some reason, I can't link directly to them, even though they're available in every size, so CLICK HERE and search for Dally Cone Heel Booties. I'm wearing my usual size 7.

Jacket: ShoeDazzle | Dress: Shein | Boots: ShoeDazzle 

This jacket was a birthday gift to myself. It's super soft and thin, which makes it perfect for layering in our mild winters. I went with size medium but should note that I have no intention of actually wearing it closed. I shared this dress earlier in the year, and it's actually still available. I'm wearing a large. My boots are a couple of years old, and although the color is no longer available the style is. I wear a 7 in the wide calf in these.

Sweater: JCPenney | Jeans: Kohls | Shoes: Converse

I picked up this sweater during JCPenney's Black Friday week deals, and it's currently on sale for even less. To me, it feels like a mix between a sweater and a sweatshirt. It's incredibly soft, but was a little short in the torso for me, which is unusual. So I got it in a medium, which resulted in the sleeves being a tad big but I don't mind. It also comes in a purple mix.

Sweater: JCPenney | Jeans (old): similar | Boots (old): similar

This sweater is also from JCP's Black Friday week deals. It's a tunic style but I sized up to a medium anyway to make sure it covered my bum. It's soft and pretty thick, and it comes in 5 other colors/patterns. My jeans are from back when The Limited was it's own store. I linked to a similar pair in their brand.

Jacket (old): similar | Sweater (old): similar | Leggings (old): similar | Boots: ShoeDazzle 

I wore this on a magazine distribution day. Everything other than my boots is at least a year and unfortunately those are no longer available. They were already low stock when I ordered them, but I'll link to them anyway in case they get restocked. You never know! Wearing size 7.

Jacket: ShoeDazzle | Sweater: Target | Jeans: ShoeDazzle | Boots (old): similar

I wore this to an outdoor Christmas festival. The weather was pretty mild that day so I didn't need a thick jacket. My sweater is also on the thin side. I'm wearing medium in both. My jeans are from last year but there are still a few sizes available. I'm wearing the 7. They're tight through the hips but loosen up after an hour or two of wear.

Shirt (old) | Pants: Goody's | Boots: ShoeDazzle

I wore this to a Christmas play over the weekend. It felt dressed up just enough without being overdone. My shirt is at least five years old but still a favorite. I also have it in blush. My pants are the perfect ankle length and they're fitted enough to easily tuck into boots. I'm wearing size 6.

Shirt (old): similar | Vest: Old Navy | Jeans: Wranglers | Boots (old): similar 

My husband really liked this outfit. My shirt is from last year, and they don't really have anything in a similar cut, but I linked to a cute striped top in the same colors. I picked up this vest in Old Navy's pre-Black Friday sales. I'd been wanting something lighter in color as an alternative to my black quilted vest. This is not a puffer vest so it's not bulky, which I like. I sized up to a medium, although I could have worn the small. My boots are no longer available, but I linked to the closest style I could find.

Shirt: Amazon | Jeans: Old Navy | Boots: ShoeDazzle

This is probably my favorite go-to outfit this year. If you've been in the market for a leopard print tee, this one is great. Mine is the Leopard01, but there are tons of variations and sleeve lengths. I sized up to a large so it would be a little roomier.

Dress (old): similar | Leggings: Kohl's | Boots: ShoeDazzle

Combat boots are all the rage these days. I've always had a thing for them, though, so not surprisingly these aren't my first pair. Unfortunately, this particular pair is no longer available, but there are plenty to choose from so I linked to a really similar pair above. My dress is old, but I linked to a similar option.

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What I Read November 2019

It's official. My to-be-read list is out of control. So is my in-progress pile. So I've committed myself to whittling both of those down in this last month of the year, or in the case of my TBR list, at least not add anything else to it. Easier said than done with Amazon constantly sending me book recommendations. I did finish two of the books I included in the currently reading section of my October roundup. I haven't given up on The Snow Gypsy just yet, but I haven't gotten into it like I thought I would. So without further ado, here are the books I read in November.

Girl on a Wire
Author: Gwenda Bond

To be honest, I had this book in my TBR list for months before I finally cracked it open. It showed up on my recommendations list on my Kindle after I read The Night Circus (review here). That said, the two books really weren't that similar. Girl on a Wire is about a traditional circus and the decades-old magical feud between two families: the Amazing Maronis and Flying Garcias. In addition to the magical aspects of this story, there's a sweet Romeo-and-Juliette-esque forbidden romance.

Accidental Knight
Author: Nicole Snow

When Bella's grandfather dies, he leaves her everything...including a husband. Bella is now the majority shareholder of one of the biggest oil companies in the world, and her disgruntled parents aren't the only vultures she's got to look out for. I've never read a 'marriage mistake' novel before and won't necessarily be seeking them out, but I do recommend this one. The characters were well-written, I'm pretty sure you'll fall in love with Edison the horse, and there's a surprisingly decent amount of action for a romance novel.

Sins
Author: Candace Wondrak

I debated on including this book on my list because I'm not sure if I recommend it. I finished it, but mainly because I have never read anything like this before and had a need to see how it ended. It is incredibly dark and twisted. It is full of triggers: murder, rape, stalking, kidnapping, and child molestation. It was well-written, and I can appreciate that the victim overcomes her past but I can't say that I necessarily agree with the ways in which she does it.

Dirty Letters
Authors: Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

This was a fun read with a surprisingly serious undertone. Luca and Griffin were across-the-ocean pen pals until a tragedy her senior year of high school turns Luca's life inside out. Eight years later, Luca receives a surprising letter from Griffin, and despite her many fears, she sets out on a cross-country journey to finally meet him and discovers he's a bonafide rockstar. I loved the letters throughout the book, and Luca was seriously funny to me, not to mention her bird-loving therapist.

Traitor’s Masque
Author: Kenley Davidson

This retelling of Cinderella didn't hold many similarities to the original tale, I thought. There's a stepmother and stepsisters and a masqued ball to find the prince a wife, but that's where the similarities end. In this version, the prince has an older brother who's been overlooked for the crown, and a vengeful 'fairy godmother' who uses Trystan, aka Cinderlla, as a means to her revenge. If you're a fan of fairy tales, I definitely recommend this one. It's part of a series, The Andari Chronicles, so I'll be sure to let you know how book number two, Goldheart (a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin), turns out.

Currently Reading...
The Snow Gypsy
Harley Merlin and the Stolen Magicals (book 3 of the series - will wait to review until I've finished them all)
The Darcy Brothers (compete box set)
The Titanic Secret

My TBR List
Year One
The Rejected Writers' Book Club
The Night Crossing
Goldheart
Relative Fortunes
Voice of Power
How to Look Happy
Sunshine and Bullets
Wicked Webs: Black Widow's Revenge
Whisper of the Moon Moth
The Price of Time
The Mermaid's Sister
The Familiar
The Price of Scandal
Chameleon Assassin
Gods and Demons
Shadow Hunter
Elemental Magic
Outcrossing
The Genesis of Evangeline
To Kill a Sorcerer
Charm (books 1-3)
Dark Water (books 1-3)
Storm Glass
The Firethorn Crown
The Strange Journey of Alice Pendelbury
Matchmaking for Beginners

See what I mean? I told you it was out of control, which is why I won't ask you to drop recommendations in the comments this month. Happy reading!