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!

Ashton's 25 Days of Christmas Movies

Everyone has at least one movie they can't go without watching at least once during the holiday season. For me, that movie has always been Meet Me in St. Louis starring Judy Garland. In keeping with years past, I've rounded up a slew of movies to get you through the month. They range from classic to funny, romantic, and action. In other words, something for everyone.

1. Meet Me in St. Louis - As I said before, this is my favorite holiday movie. Starring Judy Garland, this movie is about four sisters finding their way in the world, with specific attention being paid to Garland's love life. It also introduced the world the classic Christmas song, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

2. White Christmas - Set after World War II, a pair of performers set out on a mission with a sister act to save their former commander's inn.

3. Rise of the Guardians - This is one of our favorites year-round. Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and Sandman are the protectors of children. When Pitch Black, aka the Boogeyman, returns, the Man in the Moon decides the big four need some help in the form of Jack Frost.

4. The Santa Clause - After causing Santa to fall off his roof, Scott Calvin and his son Charlie finish delivering that year's presents. Unbeknownst to Scott, he's also taken on the role of Santa Claus.

5. A Charlie Brown Christmas - There's nothing fancy about the Peanuts gang's first animated holiday special, but it's perfect for teaching kids the true meaning of the season and for adults who grew up on Charlie Brown and friends.

6. Elf - When Buddy, a human raised by elves, learns his father's identity, he sets out to find his roots. Along the way, he meets a girl and helps save Christmas.

7. Red - Die Hard is usually the token action movie you'll find on Christmas movie lists, but it felt too cliche. So this year's action movie of choice is Red. Christmas is never specifically mentioned, but the film is definitely set during the holidays. Three ex-CIA agents and one former MI6 agent are targeted by hitmen and set out to find out why.

8. The Holiday - This is another of my favorite movies. Two women, one American and the other British, swap homes for the holidays in an effort to get away from past relationships.

9. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - I'll be the first to admit that this type of movie usually isn't my jam, but this movie seriously tickles my funny bone. Clark wants the perfect Christmas, but losing his holiday bonus, a visit from crazy cousin Eddie, and a glitch in his decorations can end in nothing but hilarious disaster.

10. Home Alone - Kevin gets left behind for his family's holiday vacation, and finds himself going head-to-head with a pair of con-men intent on robbing his home.

11. A Christmas Story - Ralphie only wants one thing for Christmas: a Red Rider BB gun, but when everyone, including the mall Santa, tells him it's too dangerous (You'll shoot your eye out!), Ralphie sets out to convince them otherwise.

12. The Nightmare Before Christmas - In this cult classic, Jack Skellington becomes bored with his own holiday, Halloween. After discovering Christmatown, he decides to become Santa, but his scary ideas don't exactly match the spirit of the season.

13. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms - A mysterious gift from her late mother leads Clara into a secret world of four realms. The realms are divided and Clara sets out to save the world her mother loved.

14. Scrooged - This is a modern-ish retelling of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. A cynical, selfish TV executive is visited by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.

15. Jingle All the Way - A dad promises his son a Turbo Man action figure, but when Christmas Eve rolls around he still hasn't bought the popular toy, and he finds himself racing all over town to avoid disappointing his son.

16. The Family Stone - Everett takes his girlfriend, Meredith, home for Christmas where he plans on asking his mother for the family engagement ring, but Meredith just can't relax and everything goes to pot.

17. Just Friends - Chris Branner has been in Jamie's friend zone his entire life, but when odd circumstances land him in his hometown for Christmas, Chris is ready to take the next step.

18. Love Actually - Set in London, eight couples deal with their love lives in the days leading up to Christmas.

19. 12 Men of Christmas - Publicist E.J. loses her NYC job and fiance in the same night, so she takes a job in Montana where she hatches a plan to help the local search-and-rescue team raise money by convincing its members to pose for a sexy calendar.

20. Polar Express - A young boy who doubts that Santa Claus is real takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole.

21. You've Got Mail - Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox are professional rivals who fall in love over email. This movie makes my list because of the poignant scene about mid-film showing Kathleen decorating her bookshop for the holidays and reminiscing her late mother.

22. Iron Man 3 - Here's another one for the fellas. After the Mandarin reduces Tony Stark's personal world to rubble, he has to rely on instinct and ingenuity to avenge his losses and protect those he loves.

23. The Christmas List - I've wanted to put this movie on my list for years but could not remember its name. When perfume saleslady Melody Parris's boyfriend won't commit and she's passed over for a promotion, she decides to write a Christmas list. After it's dropped in Santa's mailbox at the store where she works, Melody starts getting everything she asked for, but things don't turn out like she expected.

24. Miracle on 34th Street - Kris Kringle claims he's the real Santa and fills everyone at the Macy's department store where he works with Christmas spirit, except for his boss who's raising her daughter not to believe. When Kris is declared insane and put on trial, everyone's faith is put to the test.

25. The Christmas Chronicles - Siblings Kate and Teddy plan to capture Santa Claus on camera on Christmas Eve. They end up in Santa's sleigh, which breaks down in Chicago and the kids end up helping Santa track down his wayward reindeer.

Two Outfits with Olive Pants

I have been looking for a pair of olive pants, not jeans, for quite awhile. So when I found these in a store back home on sale for about $20, I couldn't pass them up (and now they're only $15!). They sit above my hips but aren’t anywhere near being high waisted. Uncuffed, the legs stop at just above my ankle. I’m wearing them in a 6 and they fit snug without being too tight. I've worn these pants several times since getting them and wanted to share two different ways I've worn them that don't include a striped t-shirt and denim jacket.

Outfit 1: Metallic Shirt + Olive Pants + Edgy Booties

Okay, so technically this is a striped shirt but it's far from a t-shirt. The drape of the shirt keeps things casual but the metallic gold stripe elevates it just enough to keep it interesting. Unfortunately, I can only find the plus-sized option online, but there were a lot of the regular sized ones in my local store, and I linked to a similar option in a couple other colors below. I'm wearing size medium.

I decided to ground this outfit with my edgiest ankle boots. I've had these for several years (which is probably why I had to reattach one of the chains right before taking these photos). I linked to a couple of similar options below. I typically wear size 7 in shoes and so far everything I've gotten from ShoeDazzle has held true to that.

Shopping Details

Shirt: Old Navy (plus size, similar)

Pants: Goody's

Boots: ShoeDazzle (similar, similar)

Outfit 2: Dark Floral Top + Olive Pants + Brown Booties

I love dark florals for cooler weather, and this is probably my favorite shirt from last fall/winter. Aside from the print, the ruffle detail on the sleeves gives this that little something extra that I look for in otherwise basic shirts. Because it's from last year, it's obviously not available any longer, but I linked to some pretty floral shirts below. And good news! Old Navy's Black Friday sale is already underway!

I kept the rest of my outfit simple with plain brown booties. I got these a month or so ago to replace my favorite pair that I've worn almost completely out. They're currently on sale for $30.

Outfit Details

Shirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Pants: Goody's

Boots: Shoe Carnival

The Working Mom Christmas Gift Guide

Last year I put together a gift guide for working moms, and I had so much fun with it, I decided to do it again this year! All of these gifts are under $50, with some costing as little as $10 or less. They all have great reviews and would work for an office gift exchange, as stocking stuffers, or a fun gift for your significant other. So whether you work with one, are married to one, or are the child of one, these 15 affordable gift ideas are for you.

1. Leather Journal - You can truly never go wrong with a unique notebook. I linked this journal because of the beautiful leather cover, unlined parchment-like pages, and the fact that you can add more paper when you've filled up what it comes with.

2. Snarky Coffee Mug - I mean, we've all been to a meeting that could have been put into an email before. Even non-coffee drinkers can add a little daily snark to their work day by using this mug to hold their pens.

3. Knock Knock Sticky Notes - Who doesn't love sticky notes? These in particular are some of my favorite finds.

4. Novelty Pen Holder - I've got my eyes on a giraffe version of this, but I couldn't not share this elephant!

5. Zodiac Necklace - This one isn't strictly work-related, but it is a nice way to give your lady something personalized without it being an initial or name necklace.

6. Catchall Tray - Is there such a thing as too many of these little trays? (The answer is no.) They're perfect for holding the earrings you forgot to take off before bed, the change you empty out of your pocket, car keys so they don't get lost, or even paper clips!

7. USB Desk Fan - This is perfect for moms who work from a laptop. They can set up outside and not die of heat stroke!

8. Statement Earrings - Nothing makes you feel like a #bossbabe quite like the right accessories. These amethyst earrings add just the right amount of sparkle.

9. Unique Desk Light - I want this for myself. It's a book lamp.

10. Aromatherapy Bracelet - I'm intrigued by this bracelet. Not only is it pretty, but it's a diffuser for essential oils. So it's essentially a stress relief bracelet.

11. Heated Neck Massager - Anyone who spends their day sitting at a desk knows the pain of knotted up shoulders and neck muscles. This heated massager is super affordable, can be plugged into your car's adapter, and has great reviews.

12. Borrow My Pen Set - These are a great gift for an office Secret Santa, especially if you've chosen the office pen thief!

13. Card Wallet - I'm in the market for a new wallet, so I decided it should make the list this year, and since no one carries cash anymore, this sleek card case is a good alternative to a full-sized wallet.

14. Insulated Wine Tumbler - I didn't know these were a thing until recently. I'm not a big wine drinker, but I love the sayings on these!

15. Travel Jewelry Case - For the mom who travels for her job, this cute little case will keep her jewelry from getting lost or tangled on the trip. (I actually need one of these.)

**This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog!

Real Outfit Roundup

I'm trying to get back into the habit of posting daily outfits to my Instagram feed. We've been renovating our house so the mirror I usually use for those pictures has been out of commission for awhile. When I got my office set back up, I moved it in there until we get it hung back up. So here's a look at what I wore over the last week, featuring several new additions to my closet.

Sweater (old): Old Navy - similar

Pants: Goody's

Sweater: Walmart

Jeans: Kohl's

Sweater: Kohl's

Jeans: Wranglers

Boots (old): Old Navy - similar

Sweatshirt: Old Navy

Jeans: Old Navy

Boots: Target

Sweater: Amazon

Leggings (old): The Limited - similar

Boots: ShoeDazzle

Sweatshirt: Amazon

Jeans: Old Navy

Boots: ShoeDazzle

Sweater: Target

Jeans: Wranglers

Boots (old): Old Navy - similar

Green Dress + Ankle Boots

We've been replacing the floors in our house, including my closet. So I had to temporarily relocate my shoes and dresses so the workers would have a completely clear floor. I moved all my dresses into the closet in my office, and they took up the whole thing! Dresses are always the first thing I look at when shopping. I love how versatile most of them can be. Simply change your shoes and accessories and you've got a whole new outfit!

This waist-defined keyhole dress from Old Navy is such a nice addition to my fall/winter/spring dress collection. The keyhole has a button that makes it easier to get on and off. I like the elastic waistband because I can use it to create a blousing effect for the top, and the skirt has a little flounce hem that adds to its femininity.

I wore this on a mild day where the high was in the lower 70s, so I decided to go with a pair of cognac leather ankle boots. On cooler days, I would add tights or tall taupe boots. When spring rolls around, I'll keep right on wearing it with sandals or open-toe booties.

This dress is 100% rayon so it's pretty thin. I'm usually a medium in Old Navy and that's what I'm wearing so I would say it's true to size.

Outfit Details
Dress: Old Navy
Boots: Old Navy (old) - similar

What I Read October 2019

This edition of What I Read would be more accurate named 'what I finished reading in October.' Because I started quite a few books and series last month, some of which I'm still in the process of reading and others that I ditched after only a few chapters. Since I only finished five books last month, three of which were shorter and made up a series, I thought it would be fun to share what I'm currently reading. As always, leave your recommendations in the comments!

Surviving Amber Springs
Author: Siobhan Davis

This is definitely a YA book, and I feel like I need to include the fact that it features a polyamorous relationship early in my review. I decided to read this book because the underlying conflict was so different from anything I've read recently. The main female character's twin brother went on a shooting spree at their high school, targeting the group that made his sister's life hell. Blair and her parents flee their town in search of a new life, but even with new identities it all catches up with them.

The Bette Davis Club
Author: Jane Lotter

Not gonna lie: I decided to read this book solely based on the car in the description. A middle aged woman whose life has been good but not great sets out on a road trip with a jilted groom in search of his runaway fiance in her late father's classic MG. This is definitely a story of a woman who has lost her way in life finding her way back to herself. The main character has a dry wit and even drier taste in martinis. This book proves that the journey is just as worthwhile as the destination.

Dark Legacy Trilogy (Broken Wings, Broken Trust, Broken Legacy)
Author: Jaymin Eve & Tate James

I don't know why I keep getting drawn in by these dark romance books lately, but this one isn't quite as cliche as others I've read. Of course, the main female character is thrown into a world she doesn't fit into where she goes up against so-called 'kings' before falling for one of them. What sets this book apart is the fact that the MFC was born to a mega-rich couple but the mother pretended she died and gave her up for adoption. Then, when her older brother was killed, the mother reclaimed her daughter, and it is anything but a happy reunion. Now Riley and the other heirs are on a mission to uncover the real motive behind her mother's actions.

What I'm Reading Now

Traitor's Masque: A Reimagining of Cinderella - After her father's death, Trystan's stepmother keeps her hidden away, but Trystan isn't ready to give up just yet. Freedom may be within her grasp if she attends the royal ball and not ask too many questions.

Accidental Knight - Bella is the sole beneficiary of his will. He's left her control of the family business, the family ranch, and, oh yeah, a husband.

The Snow Gypsy - Rose Daniel is searching for her brother, who disappeared during WWII somewhere in Spain leaving behind a pregnant girlfriend. That child is rescued by Lola Aragon, whose entire family was killed. Rose, Lola, and the child set out on a journey that shows them war's darkest truths and changes their lives forever.

Instagram Lately: When Fall Feels Like Summer

For the past month my Instagram feed has been filled with people wearing sweaters and boots, but here in the South summer is just now starting to relinquish its hold on the temperatures. So what's a girl to do when the calendar says fall but the thermostat reads 100? Fake it with sleeveless plaid, fall prints and colors, and ankle boots.

Top: Walmart (wearing size M)

Jeans (old): Walmart

Sandals (old): Old Navy

This sleeveless plaid top is ridiculously soft. I love the ruffle detailing on the shoulders. I sized up to a medium for a comfier fit at my hips. It comes in a pretty white and green plaid, as well.

Dress: Old Navy

Boots: ShoeDazzle

Unfortunately, this plaid dress is only available in XXL online, but there still may be some available in your local store. I like that it can be worn on or off the shoulder. It's thin and unlined, which isn't a problem for our mild winters, but certainly something to consider if you live somewhere cold. I'm wearing size M. My boots are only available in white, but ShoeDazzle has a bunch of options when it comes to combat boots. I particularly like this pair.

Jeans: ShoeDazzle

Shoes: Academy

These leopard print pull-on sneakers just might be my favorite find. I've been wanting a pair but refused to pay a ridiculous amount, so when I stumbled onto these at Academy for only $15, I didn't hesitate. They've got memory foam but it's not very thick so don't get too excited about it. I haven't had any issues with rubbing, but if I wear them all day my feet sweat, which hasn't been a problem in similar style shoes. Maybe the canvas on these is thicker? Anyway, I'm wearing my usual size 7.

Dress: Amazon

Shoes: ShoeDazzle

I was super excited about this dress when I ordered it, but when it came in and I tried it on, I almost sent it back because I just couldn't get the top to lay right. I hung onto it for a few days and tried again. I ended up pinning the top just above my boobs because no matter how I tightly I wrapped the dress, it just kept falling open. Otherwise, it fit perfectly and was super flattering. I'm wearing the size 6/8.

Shirt: Amazon

Jeans: Aeropostale

Boots (old): Target - similar

Bag: Target

This top comes in a bunch of different shades and sleeve lengths. I'm wearing the Leopard01 in a large. I typically wear a medium in shirts. I like that I can wear this as a basic tee with jeans or layer it under a jacket or pair with a leather skirt for a more dressed-up look.

Sweater: Target (wearing size M)

Jeans: Kohl's

We did have a couple of days where temps stayed in the 70s. It wasn't really cold but the humidity was low and there was a breeze so I wasn't uncomfortable in this light-weight sweater. Plus, I was inside in the a/c all day. This sweater comes in a bunch of colors and is under $20 regular priced.

Shirt: Walmart (wearing size M)

Jeans: Kohl's

Bag: Target

This year I've been all about the casual dressing, and I've got a feeling this thermal henley will be one of my go-to's this Fall. For some reason, I could only find the yellow version (which is only showing as available in size M) online, but there was a whole display table of them at my Walmart with a bunch of different colors. They're less than $10 so you won't feel guilty for buying more than one color!