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Book Review: Daring to Dream

September 18, 2014

Daring to Dream by Nora Roberts
August 2012
Berkley Trade

Pages: 400

Synopsis from Goodreads: Margo, Kate and Laura were brought up like sisters amidst the peerless grandeur of Templeton House. But it was Margo whose dreams first took her far away . . .

Margo Sullivan had everything a young woman could ask for. But while growing up along the rocky cliffs of Monterey, she couldn’t help but dream of bigger things. The daughter of the Templeton’s stern Irish housekeeper, Margo had been treated like a member of the family. Deep down, she knew that money could not buy the thing she craved most—her mother’s acceptance.

Maybe things would be different if she could be sweet like Laura—or had Kate’s shrewd head for business. But all Margo knew how to do was be Margo, and that meant doing things her own way—no matter what the consequences . . .

My Thoughts: I’ve been so excited to start reading this trilogy! In fact, I included it in my 2014 book list at the beginning of the year. I truly believe you need to read a good trilogy every year. They are always my favorites. Although I’ve only read book #1 so far, I have already fallen in love with the characters! This novel focused on the life of Margo – the maid’s daughter who grew up like another one of the prominent Templeton kids. She decides that she wants to make something of herself one day and runs off to Milan to pursue her career as a model. Certain events bring her back home to her family and friends and of course, a true love. What would a Nora Roberts novel be without a little love story going on? I really loved reading about Margo. Her character was so fun and interesting to read about. I can’t read the other two books that will focus on Kate and Laura as well. I gave this one 4 stars!

For more book recommendations and reviews, visit my bookshelf!

Plaid

September 17, 2014

plaid shirt: c/o oasap here

jeans: lucky brand

booties: target

gray piko: boutique

We are less than a week away from the first official day of fall and it is finally starting to cool off here this week with a “cold front” coming in! The highs are in the 80s and lows in the 60s. I’ll take it! It has been a huge relief. It has made my morning runs more enjoyable and has allowed me to finally wear some of the fall clothes I’ve been dying to get into!

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you already know how much I love fall and booties. I’ve said it a time or two. You might not, however, know my love for plaid. Fall? Summer? Christmastime? Plaid all the time. I love to decorate with touches of plaid, I love my boys in plaid and I really love to wear it.

I love the colors in this top from OASAP. I’m definitely loving gray and navy this fall season. Navy is a great color for fall. In fact, I just bought a gorgeous Essie nail color in a similar shade. I also love the color navy because of Auburn. I do love my War Eagles almost as much as I love my Gators. But, that’s a story for another time.

Do you wear plaid? What is your favorite fall color?

Linking up here: Monday Mingle YOLO Mondays Monday Bloom Style Sessions Trend Spin Fashion The Pleated Poppy What I Wore Wednesdays Random Wednesday Look what I got! Vodka Infused Lemonade I Feel Pretty Be.You.Ti.Ful Casual Friday Fashion Friday Favorite Fashion Friday Friday’s Fab Favorites Fashion Friday Glitterati Gal

Literary Junkies // September

September 16, 2014

1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it.

I’m finishing up The Wife, The Maid and The Mistress for our chat tomorrow night! I am loving it so far! I have been listening to it on audio and I am a big fan of audio books now.

2. There are a ton of movies coming out soon that were based off of books. Are there any you’re particularly excited to see?

I’m excited to see Mockingjay for sure. I am also really excited to read and then see If I Stay. A good friend of mine just finished it in less than two days and said it was incredible. I have it on my list to read very soon.

3. With fall finally here for some of us, are there any books that you’re particularly looking forward to reading in the season of big sweaters, blankets and hot chocolate?

I would love to read The Cousins O’Dwyer trilogy by Nora Roberts. I have book #1 but because they are about witches, I feel like it is the perfect time to read them. I love Halloween, and I feel like they will definitely put me in the mood for the season! I just hope they aren’t scary. I don’t do scary. Just fun.

4. We only have 3.5 months left of 2014. Did you participate in any reading challenges? How are you doing?

The only challenge I set for myself this year was to read 25 books. I have read 19 so far. I’m hoping I can finish in time!

5. What has been the best book you’ve read so far this year?

I love The Husband’s Secret and The One and Only. Both of them were surprising story lines for me, and they were great! I’m really not sure about any others because I feel like the last several books I’ve read, I’ve been a little disappointed.

What are you reading?

Mama Mondays // Party Planning

September 15, 2014

Hampton’s birthday invitations came in the mail a few days ago and I have been busy gathering addresses and writing them out! It’s official. Party planning is in full swing. I ordered his birthday outfit (the part that I’m not making) and bought a few crafty things to make his garland and birthday cake banner! I really hope it all turns out the way I want it to, but you never know with my crafting skills. 😉

I honestly can’t believe I will have an eleven month old in a week. His birthday will be here before we know it and we still have so much to plan/buy/do before it gets here. That reminds me, what do you buy a one year old boy for his birthday? The practical side of me wants to buy him clothes or put money in his bank account, but the fun mom side of me wants to buy him everything in the toy store! Decisions decisions.

Speaking of babies, fun moms and what not, I hope you will link up for Mama Mondays below!

What would you buy a one year old for his birthday?

Proud Supporter of Messy Hair and Sweat Pants

September 12, 2014

I received products as compensation for this review and giveaway. Opinions are 100% my own.

baseball tee: c/o windsor here

keds: dsw

shorts: old navy

As a new mom, my wardrobe, most days, consists of yoga pants and T-shirts. As much as I love to get dressed up, it’s really hard to get motivated to dress nice knowing I will be working from home all day and chasing around a 10 month old. Let’s be real. I normally have spit up, pee and some kind of food on me by 9am. Because of this, it is with great honor and pleasure that I received this adorable baseball tee to wear. It is my anthem now days, after all.

I am a proud supporter of messy hair and sweat pants. Don’t believe me? Show up at my house when we aren’t expecting you. No further proof needed. 😉

I am in love with this top! It is so soft and comfortable! Perfect for every day. It’s so cute and can be styled a million different ways. It can be worn with jeans, yoga pants, sweat pants, black pants or shorts and the list goes on. It is so versatile and I mean, come on. Every mom needs one.

I love to add accessories to my wardrobe as well. I have only recently started accessorizing more. I have seen so many cute bags/purses/jewelry that it’s tough to resist it. Isn’t this clutch so adorable? Guess what? It is up for grabs! That’s right! Windsor is giving it away to one of my lucky readers! Just enter in the rafflecopter below:

Disclaimer: This product is being given away by Windsor store. Only U.S. residents may enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Frisky Fall TIU Challenge

September 11, 2014

I’ve been so excited to participate in the #FriskyFall challenge! You may have seen my check-ins on IG and Twitter. The challenge started Monday and will last 8 weeks. I absolutely love Tone it Up. They helped me lose my baby weight and then some and have encouraged me to live a healthy life for myself and my family. I have completed 9.8 miles so far towards #100byHalloween and I have completed all of the workouts so far this week. It has felt so good to get back into a workout routine after not being on a very consistent one the last couple of weeks.

My favorite part of the day is early mornings with Hampton. We normally wake up, I feed him his breakfast and then we go for our run/walk. I love that time with him. He is so happy and loves to ooo and ahh over every little thing. He loves being outside and seeing all of our neighbors and dogs, It is really precious time for us. This has also really motivated me to get in that morning booty call (aka morning workout according to TIU).

What has been your motivation this week? Are you participating in any challenges this season?

Linking up with Katie!

Fall Fashion Trends

September 10, 2014

wool hat: h&m here

jean shorts: old navy via thred up

gray piko: boutique

booties: dsw here

I’m not always on the bandwagon with every little fashion trend that comes through, but I am partial to wool hats. My mom dressed me in cute little hats throughout my childhood and I’ve always loved wearing them. Fedoras, cowgirl hats, baseball caps and lately, wool hats. Thank you to whoever set this fashion trend. They are so much fun and you can seriously wear them with anything and everything. Well, maybe not a prom dress. Don’t do that.

Unfortunately, no matter how in the mood I am for the fall season, it is simply not fall yet. We still have a few more days until the season officially begins, however it will be hotter than …why can’t I think of anything appropriately right now? until probably mid-December here in Alabama. No, I’m not kidding. We experience fall weather in the winter. Our leaves finally start turning around December. It’s pretty crazy. Anyway, I may not be able to wear my sweaters yet,but I can sure wear my hats and booties!

Linking up here: Monday Mingle YOLO Mondays Monday Bloom Style Sessions Trend Spin Fashion The Pleated Poppy What I Wore Wedn

esdays Random Wednesday Look what I got! Vodka Infused Lemonade I Feel Pretty Be.You.Ti.Ful Casual Friday Fashion Friday Favorite Fashion Friday Friday’s Fab Favorites Fashion Friday Glitterati Gal

What is your favorite fall fashion trend? Do you have any new favorites this year?

He Heals The Brokenhearted

September 9, 2014

I’ve been in a huge…. funk lately. I guess that is a good word for it. Since the passing of my close friend, I’ve gone through so many emotions. I’ve been so angry at times, relieved he is no longer in pain, so so sad, and praising God that he took him home to sing and play the piano again. I know that I have a permanent angel who is looking over all of us now, but I can’t help missing him. I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach all the time. I know that it will get better with time. I know the sick feeling will go away, but it hasn’t yet. I can’t believe I won’t get to hear him sing again. My heart is hurting so much for his wife.

I don’t know if this sadness has come through my blog. I hope it hasn’t, but if it has, I’m sorry. I want to be able to write happy encouraging posts again. I want this to be a place that my readers look forward to coming and reading, but I am just having a really hard time getting that out right now.

The pain will ease and we will always have these incredible memories. I will always have his CD so that I can hear him sing when I need to. I know that God had a bigger plan for his life that was bigger than my sadness or his family’s sadness. Maybe it will be revealed to us and maybe it never will. God is always here with us (and with you). He is holding our hands. He will get us all through this difficult time as we grieve the loss of this incredible life.

With all of that being said, I’m ready to get out of this funk. I wear my emotions on my face. I’m tired of looking and feeling so sad. I want to have joy again. I want to feel happy and healthy and present. Very present. It isn’t fair to my husband or my son. I need and want to get out of this for them.

I’m giving God the glory for healing, whether it be in life or in death. I’m giving God the glory for healing our broken hearts, because I know he is doing that a little more every day.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
-Psalm 147:3

Mama Mondays // Baby Lead Weaning

September 8, 2014

Welcome to our second week of Mama Mondays! Link up all of your mama related posts and grab our button or link back to us!

Has anyone tried baby lead weaning? I heard about it for the first time when Hampton was around 6 months old. I decided to try it out. He only has 2 teeth, but his doctor said that because his gums are so hard, he would be fine to chew soft foods. So far, Hampton is doing really well with fruits, toast, and green beans. Carrots on the other hand… yikes. Let’s just say Pippa eats her fair share of carrots.

Have you tried BLW? What BLW foods have been successful for your baby?

Labor Day 2014

September 5, 2014

Hello! Did you know today is “Be Late For Something Day?” Finally a holiday I can get into! haha I am rarely on time for anything these days which is funny because being late used to be a huge pet peeve of mine. It’s funny how having a baby changes things.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend! Our Labor Day Weekend was filled with food and family. We traveled to Jacksonville, Florida where my grandparents live and we stayed for almost a week. We enjoyed the beach a couple of days, caught a few of the labor day sales and ate tons of food. I seriously feel like I’ve gained 10 pounds. Not really, but we ate a lot.

No pants and flip flops – a true beach bum! 😉

We watched lots of football and I am excited to say that I am winning my fantasy league after the first week. And no, Ryan did not help me at all. I just have a gut feeling about these things. Or I choose based on team colors…either way. 😉

In front of Me Me’s famous pink doors!

I loved taking Hampton to the beach one last time this year. He loves the sand and he is warming up to the waves. It had so much fun and was in the best little mood. It made for a really great week.

What did you do over the holiday weekend?