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Friday: October 24, 2024

Happy Friday, everyone! It’s been a busy week but a good one overall. I have quite a few things to share with you, and I’m so excited to do so and then get into the weekend!

So without further ado, here are this week’s favorites!

Coach Flap Snap Card Case: Jessy from Jessy and the Bags shared this on her video about the Coach Hadley from the Coach Outlet. I love this card case. It is small, but it packs a huge punch. I love that it’s black leather and it’s small enough to go into whatever bag I want as well. It’s not on the Coach Outlet website, but you can purchase it from your local outlet!

Coach Outlet Pouch Wristlet: This is my second favorite new Coach Outlet item and I’m obsessed. I love Coach wristlets but this takes it up a notch. It is deeper and it holds so much more than my original ones do. I love it and it’s the perfect grab and go bag.

One Star Romance by Laura Hankin: I loved this book. I gave One Star Romance five stars! I loved this romance and am so happy that I picked it up. It tells the story of Natalie and Rob, who are best friends to Gabby and Angus. I loved everything about this book — the spread out timeline, enemies to lovers trope (Rob gives Natalie’s book one star on Goodreads), gabby and Natalie’s friendship, and the GROWTH of the characters. I highly recommend reading this one.

The Secret Life of Mormon Wives: I have been binging this show all week and that’s all I have to say about that. At the time of writing this, I have less than one episode left to finish.

Made by Mary Live-In Hoops: I have had these in my jewelry box for well over a year now. However, I just recently put them in. I have all of the sizes, but I have been currently loving the mini ones in my second piercing. They are really comfortable and you can leave them in for days.

Q and A with Caroline and Alyssa of Blind Date With a Book

As a reader and a Bookstagrammer, one of my favorite activities to do is a Blind Date With a Book event that is hosted by Bookish Babe and Brews. I’ve gone to two events with one of my bookstagrammer friends, and have had magical experiences with both. That community is amazing, and something that I look forward to; from picking out a book that is gorgeously wrapped to getting a sense of community.

Caroline and Alyssa have grown their business and now travel across the state to bring a cozy atmosphere to all. I got the chance to chat with Caroline and Alyssa, the girls behind @ BookishBabeandBrews to learn their story, and of course, get some spooky recommendations if you’re looking for some.

1. How did you get started with Blind Date with a Book?

We met in grad school in January of 2020. When we found ourselves stuck at home during quarantine, we decided to start buddy reading, or what we like to call our two person book club. Our first buddy read was The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab! We are both lifelong readers, but quarantine had us reading more than ever. Our buddy reading turned into our Bookstagram in 2023. We shared what we were reading and our bookish adventures. In the fall of 2023, we had the idea to turn our love of reading into a small business. We love discussing books, and Blind Date with a Book is our way to do that and create a community of bookish friends.

2. What do you guys do when you’re not hosting events?

When we aren’t hosting events, we are reading books, selling books, and teaching kids to read. Caroline is the lead kids bookseller at an indie book store and Alyssa is a special education teacher and yoga teacher! We are also theater kids at heart and love going to see shows together. In August we saw Cabaret, which will definitely stick with us forever.

3. What kinds of books do you like to read?

Alyssa is a lit fic girl at heart, but does read a bit of everything.

Caroline is truly a mood reader, but is always down for fantasy and contemporary romance. Just like Alyssa, she reads a bit of everything.

4. What is the process of getting a book ready for Blind Date with a Book?

Our living rooms consist of so many stacks of books! First we make sure that each book is in good condition to sell. We add them to our spreadsheets that track our inventory and our blurbs. Then we get to do the fun part which is to write the blurbs and decorate the books! We often watch a musical or listen to music while we work. What used to be a long slow process moves pretty quickly now! Sometimes we finish 30-40 books in one session.

5. Where do you get the books from?

Many of our books come from our own shelves and donations! Donations mean so much to us and we really appreciate them. We also thrift books as needed.

6. What events do you have coming up?

10/27 – Perkatory in Middletown 11:00-3:00 pm

11/17 – No Worries Brewery in Hamden 2:00-4:30 pm

12/15 – New Haven Silent Book Club 12:00-2:00 – All are welcome! @silentbookclubnewhaven

7. What are you reading now?

Alyssa – Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams

Caroline – Heir by Sabaa Tahir

8. What is your favorite spooky book recommendation?

We both recommend our buddy reads from January: If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio. Spooky Shakespeare! But Caroline recommends The Shepherd King Duology by Rachel Gillig and Alyssa recommends Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas!

Friday Faves: October 11, 2024

It’s Friday, guys. If you had a long week like I did, I am happy to report that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Furthermore, I am even happier to report that I have a three day weekend, which is going to be so nice to have an extra day.

As we count down the hours until it’s time to clock out, let’s spend a few minutes reflecting on my favorites for the week:

Charlotte Tillbury Eyes Mezzmerize in Oyster Pearl: I love this eye shadow. It’s sort of a creamy feature, and it goes on so nicely. I love that this is an easy way to put on eye makeup, and it’s something that looks amazing.

Coach Brooklyn 28: I love Coach bags. I recently switched back to this one, and I have been loving it. It is the perfect floppy leather bag. I have it in the maple bag, and it’s great for the fall season. This has become my go-to, and I am so glad that I have gotten this in both colors.

Emily in Paris: I absolutely love this show, and I am one episode away from finishing this season. I can’t wait to grab my crocheting, and cozy up to this show.

Coach Card Case with Handle: I love this Coach card case. I got this mainly to have the ability to use both as a small bag and as a wallet. I have been using it as a wallet for the last few days, and I love it. I have yet to use it as a crossbody, but this is by far one of my favorites from the fall collection. And yes, I got the crystal one and I am obsessed with the sparkle.

Tree Hut Pumpkin Spice Scrub: I just opened this one, and I am so happy I decided to try it. I am a pumpkin spice girly. Give me the lattes, bread, and goodies. However, this smells like fall in a fragrance. I love Tree Hut, and I love this scent.

Is Permanent Jewelry Worth It?

One of the not so new trends on the jewelry scene is the concept of permanent jewelry, which is a bracelet — or anklet, necklace, ring — that is welded to you. Many of these pieces are often small, dainty ones, rather than chunky pieces, and are done with gold fill, sterling silver, or even 14k gold metals.

Now, what is a permanent bracelet?

What makes a piece of jewelry permanent is the fact that it is welded, or “zapped” together with a jump ring.

Last month, I got a permanent bracelet in the name of research of my piece about Interlinked Jewelry, which was a fantastic experience, and I absolutely love the piece. I have a hamsa charm on the chain, and it’s something that I love because I believe that it brings me so much good luck and energy.

When I got my permanent bracelet done a month ago, there were two friends in front of me that got matching anklets as a friendship bracelet. I think getting something like that truly adds meaning to a trend, because truly, it’s a grown up version of a friendship bracelet made out of knotted embroidery floss.

That being said, there are pros and cons to added a piece of permanent jewelry to your stack.

The pros?

Well, there’s no clasps, since it is welded on. No more fighting with clasps, and having to find someone to put the bracelet on for you. Furthermore, there are no worries about metal allergies, as these type of bracelets are in fact made of precious metals (which can be good to note when going through airport security).

A strange thing that I do love about this bracelet is that it saves you so much time in the morning. If you take away from the fact that you’re not trying to put something on, there is also the fact that you don’t have to think about these bracelets. They are there, and you just have a little hint of sparkle always with you.

The cons?

I think the biggest con is that they can be destroyed when going through a medical procedure/emergency. Since it is welded on you, it can get cut off. However, if you’re able to save the chain, then many places can put it back on for you.

I get it, though. Permanent jewelry is something that is a trend and is not for everyone. There are people out there in the world who need to remove all of their jewelry prior to going to sleep. However, this is a trend that I love, and definitely am glad that I jumped on with two feet.

Do you have a piece of permanent jewelry?

September Empties

Yes, I know that I’m a little late for this, but I’m finally hopping on here to talk about all of the products that I went through during the month of September. I’m so happy to report that I’ve been going through quite a bit of my products, and have finished a few more than normal.

Into the Night Bath and Body Works Shower Gel: With this being finished, I finally am on the last product in my Bath and Body Works stockpile. I loved this scent, and I am hoping to eventually grab it again once I run out of the last one.
Moroccan Oil Color Complete Shampoo: I love using Moroccan Oil shampoo and conditioner once a week to help bring moisture in to my hair and prevent dryness. I have the color complete one solely because my mother in law, who actually colors her hair, uses it. I do like this brand, however, I don’t recommend (at least for me) to use this daily.
Summer Fridays Vanilla Beige Lip Gloss: This was the Summer Fridays Lip Gloss that started my whole obsession. I love this product, and while I didn’t replace this exact one, I am obsessed with the regular Vanilla one, as it doesn’t have much of a tint.
Cancer Moon Healing Spray: I have been using this for over a year, and I’m actually sad that this spray is now finished. I already have a backup that I am using, and I find it so helpful. I am a cancer, and the healing properties for this one are to give love and support, something that I use when I’m feeling down and in need of extra TLC. I highly recommend getting a bottle of this, or any of their healing sprays, because I find that they really give you whatever you may need.
Sleepy time Roller Ball: I have been having issues with sleeping for a while, and while I can’t find thing one online, I highly recommend using essential oils if you’re having trouble with sleep, or trying to fall asleep, because I found that it helps.
Aquaphor Lip Balm: Yes, I love lip balms. This has been my go-to for the last few months, and yes, I already have a backup that I have been using regularly. I love this because it moisturizes my lips without leaving them too greasy. I am sure that I will be going through this a lot quicker as the fall and winter season come and my lips are screaming for moisture.
Tree Hut Birthday Cake Scrub: I love, love, love Tree Hut scrubs. No, I don’t have a stash of this that I constantly go through. However, I do use it pretty regularly. It is so wonderful on my skin. While I can see the hype of this product, and highly recommend it, I recommend only buying one at a time.

September Faves

It is the first day of October, and for the first time in years, I have decided not to participate in Blogtober. While I am appreciative of all the opportunities that I have had through participating, I am not appreciative of the added pressure. So, instead, we’re going to reflect on my favorites over the month of September.

Coach Cary Shoulder Bag: This bag is my new go-to, and I am obsessed with this one. It is so roomy, and I like that you can wear it both crossbody and as a shoulder bag. I have it in the dark stone, and I absolutely love it, as it is the perfect neutral.
The Perfect Couple: I read this book a few years ago, and I absolutely loved it. I also really enjoyed the show. I didn’t binge it, but once I was in an episode, I couldn’t stop watching.
Jenny Bird Gia Bangle: This bracelet has been in my stacks for the last couple of weeks since I picked it up. I love this because it is both chunky and dainty, if that makes sense. It is also really comfortable for me to wear.
Over the Influence by JoJo: If you’ve been here for a while, you know that I am a huge JoJo fan. I read her memoir this month, and I enjoyed every word. It opened my eyes as JoJo the person, and a lot about the behind the scenes of the music scene. I highly recommend checking this out, even if you did not listen to JoJo as a kid.
Air and Anchor Necklaces: I have been wearing mine since I purchased this during my one-year anniversary trip. I recently added a longer chain to my collection, and I have been obsessed. I love layering them together, and they are definitely my go-to jewelry pieces.
Coach Essential Slim Card Case: I am obsessed with this card case. I love it because my cards are so organized, and I can find whatever I need with ease. However, it is still small enough that it fits in tiny bags as well as large. It is a simple wallet — no branding, just leather, but functional.

Friday Faves: September 27, 2024

TGIF! It has been a long week, so I am so so happy to report that it’s Friday! I have a bridal shower for a good friend of mine this weekend, so I am so excited to celebrate my friend.

However, before we commence the weekend, I want to take a moment to share my favorites for this week.

Over the Influence by JoJo: JoJo was my favorite singer for as long as I can remember. I have loved her music since I was 11 years old. Needless to say, her memoir was on preorder so quick for me. I have been loving and savoring this book, since she is my favorite artist. However, reading this has made me see her as much more than JoJo the one that wrote the songs I loved as a preteen. It made me see her as JoJo the person, the human, and her strength. I absolutely am loving this one.

Coach Essential Slim Wallet: This has turned into my new favorite wallet. I absolutely love it. I love the organization and being able to just slip out my card without having to dig through. I love how sleek it looks. I also just love the simplicity of it. I 10/10 recommend.

The Perfect Couple: I read the book last year, and I have been binging the series for the last few weeks. I loved the book, and I enjoyed the series. The actors were excellent, and I just love Elin Hilderbrand in general.

The Happy Planner: I have been an inconsistent planner user over the course of my lifetime. However, I decided to get a Happy Planner to help me keep track of things, especially since I have been forgetting so much lately. So far, I’ve been really enjoying having all of my appointments at my fingertips, and it’s been easy to remember what I need to do.

Reading Is Supposed to Be Fun…Right?

I’ve been a reader for as long as I can remember. When I was in elementary school, I was the girl always with a stack of books in hand, found solstice in the library in high school, and I even majored in writing with the hopes of writing my very own book.

My love for reading continued as an adult, and grew when I got my Nook and Kindle. It further expanded when I got a bookstagram account, and connected with readers all around the world who would review their books or take the time to create artsy photos with books. To this day, I still regularly watch booktube, where people vlog about their reading experiences, and I would pull up Goodreads to add what they were reading if it sounds good to my TBR.

However, for the last few months, I have found myself struggling to pick up a book and keep a book in my hands. I swear it’s not the book’s fault — it’s mine. I would find myself scrolling on TikTok after reading a few pages. I would only get through 10 pages before I would close the book for whatever reason.

Because of this, reading has become a chore to me in some ways in the efforts to try to reach my Goodreads goal. I had been behind several books. And the more that I become behind in my goal, the more overwhelmed I would then become.

It is then I ask myself this question: isn’t reading supposed to be fun? Isn’t this supposed to be a hobby that I enjoy to relax, not give me stress and anxiety?

Well, yes. No one is forcing me to read a book, nor am I getting graded on it. Especially since I’m not a book influencer, and reading is something that I do because I enjoy it. I don’t make money reviewing books, nor do I create bookish YouTube videos. Add in the fact that I also work full time, and have other hobbies than reading.

The funny thing about consuming so much book content is the comparison aspect. Oh, that person is finishing 4 books a week, why can’t I? Or when I compare myself to how I was reading last year, a time when I took the train to and from work and had a lot of time to read. I also got married last year and read a lot on my honeymoon, and read a lot in the pool.

However, what I’ve come to realize is that my time reading is changing, as things do in life. That is perfectly okay. The worst thing I can do is force myself to pick up a book. After all, I had a lot of assigned reading as an English major — the last thing that I need to do is continue to force myself to do so when I am not graded or even forced to.

I’ve entered a new season of life, and that is okay. That season is going to be spent doing all of different things, not just spending in a book. It doesn’t mean I no longer love reading. It just means that I am not forcing myself to read when it doesn’t feel right.

After all, reading is supposed to be fun and that’s no question.

Milford’s Mind Body & Soul Wellness Offers Healing for All the Layers of You

As I stepped into the new Mind, Body, & Soul Wellness LLC, I was instantly filled with amazing healing energy. The wellness center just opened its doors last week, and the owner, Milford-born Jennifer Paskiewicz could not be more thrilled to open her business in her hometown.

Paskiewicz got the idea for the center back in May, when a family member was diagnosed was cancer, and another loved one was battling an autoimmune disease. She was looking for a space that had it all and decided to create that.

“My loved ones needed a place,” she said. “So I decided to build it.”

The wellness center offers many different services to, like its name, heal the mind, body, and soul. Currently, the wellness center offers halotherapy (dry salt room), Infared sauna, red light therapy, reiki, and psychotherapy. Booking for the salt room, Infared sauna, and red-light therapy are available online, while bookings for reiki can be done over the phone.

“These are different ways to heal a person,” Paskiewicz said.

There are many benefits to starting these types of therapy. Halotherapy, which is dry salt, can help with respiratory issues, allergies, ear infections, reducing stress and anxiety, and more. The Infared sauna also reduces stress, improves circulation, balances blood sugar, and overall just detoxes the body — just to name a few. Red light therapy has many benefits, including: skin rejuvenating, pain relief and offer an enhanced way to improve overall health in a noninvasive way. However, Paskiewicz urges consulting your doctor before starting any treatment.

Paskiewicz is a therapist who specializes in trauma, anxiety, and depression. Many of the services that she offers are the same things she suggests for her clients, as she very well “practices what she offers” herself.

“I’m a walk-the-walk therapist,” she said. “All of the things I offer, I do.”

Over the weekend, I had visited Mind, Body, and Soul Wellness. I had never been to an actual salt room before, so this experience was calming for both my body and mind. This salt room has meditation music playing throughout our 30-minute session, which allowed me to close my eyes and just relax. Dry salt rooms are amazing, especially during this time of year, when cold, flu, and allergy season begins to commence.

There were two things that I really enjoyed about my visit to Mind, Body, and Soul Wellness. The first was the decor. I found everything to be so calming, from the simplicity of the salt room to even the decor of the lobby. The second was Jennifer herself. When I went, my mother-in-law and my husband had joined me. Jennifer was more than happy to accommodate the three of us and walked us through the process. We all had a lot of questions about the services she offered, and she was extremely informative and passionate about everything that she was saying. I also really enjoyed her energy that she projected to those around her.

I definitely will be returning to Mind, Body, and Soul Wellness soon.

Yes, I Am A Husband’s Girl, And I’m Perfectly Okay With It

I am one of those fortunate people out there who is lucky enough to have a spouse that doubles as my best friend. I’ve been with my husband since 2017, and we’re one of those people who always do things together even after the wedding vows were said last year.

Needless to say, my husband and I do a lot together. He also is the person who I look to for support, and yes, even gossip. I call him when I’m driving home from work. We tell each other secrets, make jokes, and yes, make sure that we have some fun stuff planned because we genuinely love to spend time together. He is truly, as I mentioned earlier, my best friend.

And I am perfectly okay with that. In fact, I am actually proud of that if I’m going to be honest.

In high school and college, I’ve had friends that spent all of their time with their boyfriends. While I agree that sometimes too much of any one thing can be a bad thing, I also think that it’s okay to spend a lot of time with the person with whom you’ve elected to be your partner. In fact, I hate it when people use that as a way to cut down someone or insult them, either out of jealousy or as being insecure in their own lives.

And that is not to say that my husband and I don’t have our own friends, interests, and things that we like to do on our own. My husband likes to do fantasy football. I like to go to book clubs. Those are things that we like to do with the people that share the same interests, and then we go home and talk about it. We are supportive of that other person doing things that make them happy.

We do not, in any way, shape or form, prevent the other from doing the things that we like to do. Nor do we isolate the other from making new friends or seeing existing ones. I think that’s the key here.

So yeah. Proud husband’s girl over here, raising my hand loud and proud.