Popping in today to share such a great staple piece! This black midi dress can be dressed up or down, and is extremely comfortable! What more could you want?! I really love the gauze material, which I've noticed trending lately. It's a great material for summer. This particular dress comes with a tie belt that I've worn in the front and in the back. True to size, and I think you'll love the pockets!
-Kristen
This post contains affiliate and referral links! | Blog Disclosure
After my little brother and his wife moved to New Orleans, we were very excited with the prospect of visiting them! Neither Blake or I had ever been to New Orleans - or Louisiana for that matter. We were able to travel with my whole family to visit them over Memorial Day weekend. It was a really nice weekend and overall we had a really good time. Mostly because of being together though!
Here's a few things we got up to:
- Walking around French Quarter just to site see.
- Exploring M.S. Rau's to see some amazing art and sculptures.
- Enjoying delicious food at places like Molly's, The Ruby Slipper, and The Blue Crab
- Popping around a few local breweries like Urban South, Meil, and NOLA.
- Smiling the whole way through a Swamp Tour with Ragin Cajuns airboat tours.
My favorite picture of the whole weekend. My nephew is hilarious!
Me and my siblings!
-Kristen
This post contains affiliate and referral links! | Blog Disclosure
I've been sharing my paper planner journey here since 2014! I put a lot of thought into which planner I want to commit to for the year, and enjoy sharing my thoughts on them with you. Office supply girlies, where you at?! I know I'm talking to a specific niche here, but this is something I get really excited about.
For the past two years, I've been using the Simplified Weekly planner and really enjoyed it. The weekly suited me really well during the pandemic and when things were much slower for us. But, 2023 has already kicked my butt and I really needed something *more*. I wear many hats, and my schedule really does vary day by day. So, after a lot of thought I went with the Simplified Daily for the 2023-2024 calendar year. And here she is!
Unboxing
Even though I wasn't thrilled about spending so much on a new planner, when I received my box I instantly felt the price was justified. The quality is just down right great. Starting with the keepsake box it comes in. I never end up saving these boxes, but I do think someone more sentimental would love it. You can keep your treasures from the year and store them in this box for memory keeping.
My planner came with a cute newsletter, a card about my chosen pattern, and then a booklet of resources. In addition to the planner, I decided to try out the pen clip as well. It's really nice, and I think I will like having it. It's a little stiff at the moment, so I'm hoping it stretches some and doesn't become irritating. I already have the magnetic book mark from my previous planner, and I'm happy to continue using it with the new one.
My Pattern
Choosing a pattern is always such a dilemma! Simplified always has really great choices. Last year I even employed my friends on Instagram to vote for a pattern because I couldn't choose. This year however, none of the patterns really stood out to me. So, I went with the classic Happy Stripe. I actually always love this one, and have had it before. The colors are just so beautiful and fun! I'm happy they always bring it back, even if it varies year to year. The last time I had Happy Stripe the stripes were thicker and there wasn't any white. I really like this version!
Layout
Of course, there are monthly spreads. Then each day has an hourly layout, with an equally long to-do list section, and a notes section. All perfectly simple enough to customize. If you are curious the weekend - Saturday and Sunday are on one page.
A Few Other Features
There are some great workbook pages in the front that I'd like to use for some habit development. Also, I'm really happy that the Simplified 30 Day Challenge is in the planner as well! I did it (and documented it) in 2019 and found it so beneficial and motivating. There are also some super cute stickers that come in the front pocket. I don't really use stickers to much anymore, since I went sticker overboard with my Erin Condren planner. But, these are really sweet and I will probably use them!
Comparison
So funny to see my weekly and this new daily edition next to each other! The daily is certainly hefty! But, I think it'll do just the trick. My weekly will be finished in July, but we've already got dates for the rest of the year set in stone, so I'm most likely going to have both of them nearby as we head into the summer.
Shop This Post:
-Kristen
This post contains affiliate and referral links! | Blog Disclosure
I could not be more excited to tell you about this swimsuit! It's such a gamble to buy cheap swimsuits on Amazon. As a Floridian, I personally need quite a few bathing suits in my stash. I bought a few last year so I do have 3 good ones, but really felt like a 4th would round out my collection. But, swimwear is also super expensive! My checklist for a swimsuit is pretty specific too. I want it to be good coverage, but I also hate that all the bottoms seem to go up to your rib cage now. Long story short, I took a risk and ordered this CupShe suit. It's awesome. It fits me SO well. Plus with all the ties, I'm certain it will fit most people. Tons of color options too. I've already added the navy color to my cart to buy next. For reference, I bought my normal bathing suit size.
Do your storage containers disappear as fast as mine do?! I feel like I just recently purchased some, and they are already declining in condition. I have heard great reviews on these containers from Rubbermaid and I'm super pleased so far! They stack great, they have an excellent seal, and they really do seem to stay shiny.
I'm doing some house cleaning again to make a little extra money. I was lugging all my stuff around using reusable shopping bags - so quite the look. My friend, who also cleans, gave me the suggestion to buy one of these cleaning supply caddies. Such a great investment if you want your stuff portable! I really, really like it.
Miss Delly, our 12 year old pug, has been struggling with arthritis in her back legs and hips. Our vet has her on some pain management and an exercise regimen. But, I wanted to supplement her joints too. In the past glucosamine has upset her stomach, so I'm always skeptical about trying anything new. These Amazon Basic chews are such a great price, so I figured it was worth a shot. She loves them, and they do not upset her stomach. We've only been using them for a couple of weeks, but she really does seem to have a pep in her step that wasn't there before.
One of the more random things I've purchased in the last few years, haha. Our upstairs gets a lot of morning sunlight, and I just imagined one of these crystals would be a cute addition to the window. I can't tell you how much I love this thing. It casts such beautiful rainbows and honestly it makes me so happy every morning.
A wish list item I've been hoping to invest in one day! I've been using my regular at home printer for all my Etsy shipping labels, which works fine. This is just a nice upgrade! Plus, I can use it to make stickers. I'm sure there will be a learning curve, but I'm happy to have it.
Shop These Finds:
-Kristen
This post contains affiliate and referral links! | Blog Disclosure
Olivia has started over with her son after leaving her abusive ex husband. Now she's a beekeeper living in the house she grew up in. But, everything changes again when her son Asher's girlfriend Lily dies.
In the past I've either really enjoyed Jodi Picoult books, or hated them. (ie: Small Great Things = loved, Wish You Were Here = hated.) I hate to say it, but I just didn't like this one. You have to know going in that she writes about hot button issues and she definitely picked one of the things that is most talked about in the news right now. I don't think I can explain without spoiling the big twist, but I just don't feel like this was very believable. It seemed like any and every hot topic was thrown in just for drama. Also, there were several sections of this book that were completely repetitive. Rating: 2 Stars ⭐⭐
Sewanee is a audiobook narrator. One of the world's most beloved romance novelists wants her to record her last book with the industry's leading male audiobook narrator Brock McNight.
I had such high hopes for this! I absolutely adore anything Julia narrates, but just didn't love her own book. Some parts were really interesting, especially because you know she has inside information. But, honestly, I can't really remember this book. So, in other words, just okay - not great. Rating: 3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐
Pippa and Gabe have a house that is right on a cliff. Unfortunately, that cliff has become a popular place for people to end their lives. Gabe has gotten really good at talking people off the ledge, and has become somewhat of a hero. Until, one day when he doesn't save the person. And then Pippa finds out he knew her. This is a classical thriller. I guessed part of the story pretty quickly, so that takes my rating down. I just can't get past why they bought this house in the first place. It makes no sense to me that they'd have two small kids and live on a cliff. Rating: 3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐
Tova has been working the night shift at an aquarium, where she forms an unlikely friendship with a grumpy giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus. This book is a DELIGHT. If you read one book this year, let it be Remarkably Bright Creatures. It's just so sweet and just a lovely read. Marcellus is clearly the star of the show, and I absolutely loved reading his POV. Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Buck is a dog, who goes on quite the adventure. He starts out as a pampered pet, and then is sold to pay off a gambling debt. He journeys up to the Yukon and works as a sled dog. I picked this book up after reading The Unsinkable Greta James (My review in Recent Reads #24!) because Jack London was a big part of that story. This was a quick read! I liked it, but also found that is a pretty rough read too. Rating: 3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐
Sarah is a defense attorney in Washington DC. Her husband Adam is a struggling writer, who is having a secret affair at their lake house. Kelly, his mistress, is found stabbed at the lake house - and now Adam needs Sarah defend his innocence. Such a great premise (great not the right word for an affair and murder, but you know what I mean!) with a wife having to be the lawyer for her cheating husband. I believe my Goodreads review was something like: ''Just ridiculous." LOL. That might be harsh, but I really can't think of another way to review this book. It really is ridiculous! None of it is plausible. Super twisty, can't look away kind of book. I was able to predict some of it, but it really does keep your guessing until the end. And then the end doesn't really add up, but hey, it's entertaining. Rating: 2.5 Stars ⭐⭐✨
Lea is a designer, who has it all together. She takes her best friend/cousin Stephanie and Stephanie's daughter with her on her next job in France for the summer. They definitely complicate matters as she tries to do her work and impress the family she's designing for.
Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC of The Perfect Vintage!
I cannot imagine a more beautiful cover!! Definitely a book you can decorate with. I actually would love a print of it.
I really like the author, and totally have to admit I pictured her as the main character because I knew she wrote it. Probably not what she was going for.
Our main character was refreshing in that she is in her late 30s and childfree. I liked that a lot. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the scenery and decor throughout the book. I did feel like I had no idea how to pronounce a lot of the French words/places/phrases and that did disconnect me from the reading experience a few times. Overall, this was good, but slow. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and wasn't really rooting for anyone along the way. Rating: 3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐
A decade ago, a bunch of high school seniors were in a terrible bus crash. Only a few survived. Now, every year the survivors get together in the Outer banks to support each other and commemorate the ones they've lost. But, when one of the survivors goes missing at the beach and a storm coming - things don't seem right. For me, this book dragged. Some parts were really good, but overall it felt really long. I will say I was surprised by the twist and maybe I just wasn't in the mood to read this or something because it seems well reviewed. Rating; 2.5 Stars ⭐⭐✨
Amelie is building a life for herself in Paris. She's young, and her parents are gone. After a few twists and turns, she ends up married to a billionaire named Ned. But, then Amelie wakes up in a dark room, held captive. She actually feels safer here than she had become to feel with her new husband. I really liked this one! It's easy to read, and starts off right in the middle of the action! It's not really realistic obviously, but still a good thriller. Rating: 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Javier is a little boy who lives in El Salvador. His parents live in the United States, and have been trying to save enough money to get Javier to join them. Finally, the time has come and he has to make the 3.000 mile journey over the border all by himself. Gosh, this book. First of all, I have to give warnings for all the language and rough content. I listened to the audiobook, which I recommend because it definitely adds to the story. It's just such a sad reality, and especially because this is a true story it's very emotional. Rating: 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dani was about to get married when her fiancé cheats on her with their Realtor. So out of spite, Dani buys the lot next door to mess with him. She teams up with an architect at her firm Wyatt to make the spite house happen. Honestly, this was really dumb. I liked the plot summary, but in reality this book was just so unrealistic and silly. Rating: 2 Stars ⭐⭐
A modern retelling of David Copperfield, which I have not read. Demon is a nickname, as everybody in this Appalachia area goes by a nickname. This story is about a young boy who grows up without his dad, and eventually his mom. His goes through child labor, foster care, poverty, and loss after loss. His journey is quite eventful! So, ultimately, I liked this book a lot. It was written SO well, and was totally engrossing. I feel like I can't recommend it though, because *gosh* alarm bells for CONTENT. Literally so much language, drugs....you name it. It's also really grim, and sad. But, then it ends so nicely and you can't help but root for Demon. I didn't rate this one.
Lauren and Ryan have been together forever. Once totally in love, now they can't stand each other. Ryan suggests separating for 1 year with no contact to see if that can save their relationship. I have to start my review by saying this is the DUMBEST idea ever. If you have problems like this, go to therapy. That being said, it was still an entertaining read, with the writing style we all love from TJR. I actually usually hate marital problem books, because it's so obvious to me how to fix the relationships. But, I didn't hate this at all, and thought it was a good reminder to not let the things you used to love about someone become what you hate. Rating: 3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐
Nisha is a globetrotting wife of a wealthy man living it up. Sam, not so much. Sam is actually at a pretty grim point in her life. These two women accidentally swap bags at the gym, leaving them to literally walk in each other's shoes. Alright, so book didn't really do it for me. I think the premise is great, and I like what it was going for - like a 90's rom com. The characters just didn't click for me. I didn't really care about either of them, which is the whole point of the book. Some of the plot was really fun and I think it might make a better TV movie someday. Rating: 2.5 Stars ⭐⭐✨
Someone Else's Shoes was my Book of the Month pick! If you want to try out BOTM, you can use my link to sign up and get a $5 hardcover. It's mail I get very excited about!
Shop These Books:
-Kristen
This post contains affiliate and referral links! | Blog Disclosure
