5 Tips to Read More

Over the last few years, I’ve been doing a lot more reading than ever before. I blame that partially on the fact that I am no longer a college student who has to read for English class. That said, I have been reading on average 100 books per year, which is a lot. So I wanted to share some of the tips that I have to help you get more reading time in.

1. Make time for reading.

I think the number one thing when it comes to reading more is making time to read more. Simple right? It doesn’t have to be a lot either. You can read a half of an hour before bed or with your coffee when you wake up. I personally read every morning with a cup of coffee, and it’s a good way to get some pages in before starting the day.

2. Read what you like.

Reading is supposed to be fun. Therefore, why read something that is not interesting to you or something that just isn’t peaking your interest? I am so bad at stopping books, because I always want to give books a chance. Sometimes, you just got to put the book down and read something else. And, just because you put a book down doesn’t mean that you’ll never read it. There might be a time when you feel like is a better time for you to read the book. For example, it took me three tries to actually get through Game of Thrones, because it was such a dense and thick book. I finally finished it in 2018. I personally recommend you DNF-ing books, because it will take you twice as long to read a book that you really don’t like versus one or two books that you’re excited to read.

3. Get a Kindle/Nook.

Okay, I get it. There is something about holding a physical book. However, my ereader is my BFF because it fits in my purse and I can take it everywhere. What’s nice about an ereader is that you can also carry many books on one single device, which makes it so easy to carry your entire library, versus having to lug a few books around.

4. Listen to your stories.

I love audiobooks, but I can be picky when it comes to what I actually listen to. One of the reasons why I love audiobooks is because you can just listen to it while you’re doing just about anything else. I listen to books while I’m walking, doing chores, and even while I am blogging. It’s also fun to read books when an author reads them to you as well.

5. Bring your book everywhere.

My last tip is to bring your book everywhere. This is why the ereader is my BFF. I bring books with me when I wait at doctor’s offices, breaks at work, or any time I know that I am going to be waiting. It makes the time go by so much faster and I get a chunk of my book done as well. Win-win.

Is the Coach Nolita 19 Worth the Price?

It was about a year ago when I saw this on the Coach Outlet website. A black leather Coach Nolita 19. I thought this would be the perfect bag to carry the bare essentials. It is also a great bag to carry inside a larger tote bag, which is something that I always love having for when I just run in and grab my coffee or just want to make a quick errand.

The Coach Nolita bag is one of the most simple bags. She is a little pouch, with two card slots on one side, and a little pouch on the other.

I currently have six Nolita bags: the black leather one, the cherry one, the Snoopy one, the leopard print one, the dark brown signature and denim (and don’t worry, if they are still available on the Coach Outlet website, they will be linked). The price on this does vary depending on the Coach Outlet sales. The best way to make sure that you’re getting the best deal is to check the website constantly. I do not purchase ones from every single collection, but as I find ones that have meaning to me, I do like to grab them.

So, is this bag worth it?

My answer is yes for many reasons. The first is that this tiny bag surprisingly fits so much. I can fit my Louis Vuitton Recto Verso, my Touchland Hand Sanitzer, a Chapstick, and my iPhone 14 Pro. I used this last week (my fiancé was driving so I didn’t need to have my car remote) to run some errands and it was just so easy. I’ve also used this bag with just the basics for me, which is: Louis Vuitton Recto Verso, my Six Ring Key Holder, and my car key, which is attached to the Recto Verso.

The second is how functional this bag truly is. Yes, this bag is small. But, there are multiple ways to wear this. The two that I personally use it for is a wristlet and as a catch all. But, I’ve seen people on TikTok get a crossbody strap and attach it to use as a crossbody (something that I am considering to get the cost per wear down even further), and add a little chain so that way it can be worn as a shoulder bag as well. I personally think that taking a look at the different ways that you can wear it is crucial when you are going to make a purchase. If you know it’s something that you are going to use everyday for multiple purposes, then for me, it’s worth the investment.

Finally, this bag is a great dupe for the Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessories and the mini pochette. If you haven’t heard, these items have increased in price both on the Louis Vuitton website and on the resale market. And, they are not coming down. But, this is a fraction of the price of those and has leather. Plus, it’s Coach so you know that it’s a good quality item.

Plus, this bag is just a fun little bag to add to your collection. Whenever the Coach Outlet does its drops, the Nolita always has a print of its own — and is usually the first piece to sell out (usually it’s something that is on the cheaper side of each drop). And, it’s something that is so fun to add to your day to day life. With its affordable price point, you can collect a few that not only go with everything but is something that you can have some fun with.

After all, isn’t that the point of fashion?

Friday Faves: March 3, 2023

Happy Friday everyone! It is the first Friday in March, and it is snowing here in CT. As much as I love a good snow day, I am ready for spring, guys. I have a very light weekend in terms of plans, so I am excited to just get some time to relax. I have some TV shows I need to binge, so I am sure that my weekend will be spent doing that. But, before we sign off of work for the weekend, here are this week’s Friday Faves:

Kindle Unlimited: I am so late to the Kindle Unlimited party, and I am not mad about it. Many of the books that I am looking to read are not available on my Nook, which is annoying. However, they are in fact available on Kindle Unlimited. If you are not familiar with Kindle Unlimited, it is basically like Blockbuster for books. You can rent up to 20 books at a time, which if you’re an average to heavy reader like me, that’s more than you read in a month. I have found so many good books out there, including The Perfect Marriage, which is a book that I could not put down this week.

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose: This book was a wild ride. Imagine having to defend your husband as he’s being accused of murder of his mistress. Yup. That is basically the summary of this book, and I could not put this one down. It is on Kindle Unlimited, so if you have that, be sure to check this one out.

Hoo Hoops: Y’all know that I am a hoop girl through and through. I am always on the hunt for a good pair of hoops. And, these are definitely my new obsession. These are hoops that are both hypoallergenic and light weight. I stumbled on Hoo Hoops while scrolling on Instagram. After a few weeks of hemming and hawing, I decided to pick them up. And, I am obsessed. I have a few colors, and they are one of the most comfortable earrings that I own. And, they are so fun. I already have a few more pairs on my radar, which I am sure will be added to my collection in the near future.

Love is Blind: I am binging Love is Blind. We had a snow day, and I basically binged season two so I can be caught up on it before the new season releases later this month. I also wanted to watch Daisy Jones and the Six, so I knew I needed to wrap this show up first. And, I am addicted. I am a reality TV junkie so I am always drawn into the drama, which is okay.

Budha Girl Tzubbie Bangle: I have been talking about my love for Budha Girl bangles so much lately, and that’s perfectly fine. I picked this up during their Super Bowl sale, and I absolutely love it. I pair of with another color of bangles for a chunky touch. I also can see myself wearing it on its own, or layering it with other dainty pieces. I have the silver, but I want to add a few other colors to stack.

Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings: This book is all over BookTok so I decided to pick this one up. The best way to describe this book is that is a mixture of Gossip Girl and the After series. It is about BJ Ballantine and Magnolia Parks, who are meant to be together but can’t. BJ cheated on Magnolia while she was sick. So she should stay away. But, she can’t. This book is the first of a series of four, and I managed to finish the first in a period of 24 hours. It is available on Kindle Unlimited, which is really nice as well.

Cafe Atlantique: Small Town Coffee Shop with Big Flavor

I am a sucker when it comes to coffee shops. Even though I don’t drink as much coffee as I used to, I still love the vibe of sitting down in a coffee shop by myself with a book and a delicious drink. Milford’s Cafe Atlantique does just that — and is an amazing brunch spot to check out.

But first, let’s talk coffee. Cafe Atlantique has the standard coffee shop menu — hot/iced coffee, lattes, cold brews and more. What I love about them is that they have such an extensive list of coffee flavors. Over the years I’ve been to the cafe, I’ve had sugar cookie coffee, and have seen Almond Joy on the menu as well. Their coffee is so delicious. And, even though they do have flavoring, it doesn’t taste sugary or artificial which is something that I really enjoy.

However, their coffee is just grazing the surface of their menu. Cafe Atlantique also has a huge variety of teas to choose from too if coffee is not your thing.

When it comes to food, they have a huge variety of breakfast items including: muffins, bagels, avocado toast, and more. For lunch, they have a variety of paninis and salads as well. Sandwiches come with a side bean salad, which is so delicious. In addition to sandwiches, they also have crepes that are both sweet and savory. I’m talking Nutella crepes, which is something that makes my mouth water. And of course, we can not forget their variety of baked goods. They have an assortment of treats supplied from Kathy’s Cookies, and they are definitely worth the splurge.

But, what makes a good coffee shop in my opinion is not the food it serves or the coffee that is being poured. It is the community. Cafe Atlantique has live performances, and is an inviting place for people to gather. There are so many events held here, such as open mikes and more.

However, Cafe Atlantique has that cozy coffee shop feeling that makes people feel at home. This is a great place to get coffee to catch up with friends, have a lunch meeting, study, or just hang out.

I am going to end this post on a honest note. Cafe Atlantique has become my go-to lately. I’ve been going there for years, but lately I’ve been coming in for a cup of their chamomile tea. However, my favorites also include the pesto chicken panini and the avocado toast. And, each and every time I try something different on the menu, I get more and more impressed, so I am sure that I will be adding to that list over time. After all, when you find a gem like this, you definitely want to explore their menu overtime.

February 2023 Faves

I still can not believe that tomorrow is going to be officially March and we are almost at the end of the winter season. As a fan of warm weather, I am so excited for that. But, before we say goodbye to February, I want to share with you some of my favorites of the month:

1. Longchamp Le Pliage Large Totebag: I have been a Longchamp girl forever. I recently started using the large Le Pliage bag as my work bag, and I am obsessed with it. I love that these guys are workhorses, because I can be a little rough on these bags. I also can fit everything but the kitchen sink in these bags, which makes them so wonderful for work. Next on my wishlist is none other than the Navy one, which is something that I still have yet to add to my collection.

2. Longchamp Le Pliage Pouch with Handle: In addition to my Longchamp bag, I have been loving one of the latest additions to my Longchamp collection, which is the Le Pliage Pouch with Handle. This is basically my wallet, but I’ve been known to wear this as a handbag as well. I am going to be honest, this is the perfect grab and go type of bag. It fits just enough when you need to take the essentials on a quick errand or for slipping in a large tote.

3. Jazzercise On Demand: At the beginning of the month, I was finally cleared by my doctor to begin working out again after a month of not working out from a health scare. I started doing Jazzercise to ease myself back in to start doing HIIT and running again. But, I fell in love once again with the workout, so here we are. I love the app, because you get an unlimited amount of classes and they are just so fun. I do a variety of strength, and there are a ton of different length classes to choose from. And, it is so fun.

4. Budha Girl Bangles: Budha Girl has quickly become my new favorite brand of jewelry. It’s mindful, and they are bangles that are silent. As someone who can not wear dangly bracelets to the office, this is a dream come true. I have a variety of the colors, and I can see myself wearing these more and more into the spring. My personal favorite is the silver all weather bangles.

5. Touchland Hand Sanitizer: I am obsessed with this hand sanitizer. I have the lavender one, and it has quickly become my go-to. I love this, because it’s dry. There is virtual no residue when you use this, which I really love about it. I also love that it fits into pretty much any bag as well. I know it’s weird to take about the size, but the size is pretty much amazing.

6. Booktube: I have been binge watching YouTube, mainly the booktube ones. Booktube is basically YouTube about books. Watching Booktube has been something that has been helpful for me to not only get excited about reading, but also introduced me to some great books on my TBR. I have been doing a lot more reading than usual so it’s nice to get more inspiration to do more reading. Some of my favorites are Haley Pham and Sara Carolli.

What are your favorites in February?

Friday Faves: February 17, 2023

Happy Friday everyone! I am so excited for the three day weekend, and I am looking forward to getting some r and r. But, before we get into the fun of the weekend, I want to take some time to share some of the favorites of the week:

Diamond Dazzle Ring Stick: I think this is one of the best purchases that I’ve made on Amazon to date. I have a morganite ring, and I am honestly not sure how to clean my engagement ring. I saw someone on Instagram clean her SamNSue morganite ring with this diamond stick, so I decided to try it. I am so happy that I did. My ring sparkled. And, it was less than $10. I definitely will be purchasing this again, and recommend this to anyone who wants to clean their rings.

Longchamp Pouch with Handle: Longchamp is one of my favorite brands to date. I shared what’s in my Longchamp Le Pliage bag a few days ago. I saw this little guy on Instagram, and I fell in love with it instantly. I use it as a little wallet, that holds my recto verso and my 6 ring key holder. I still have enough room for things like a Chapstick and hand sanitizer, which makes this perfect for quick errands too.

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory: I am such a huge fan of Jasmine Guillory’s books, and I finally got to this Beauty and the Beast spinoff. It was about Izzy and Beau. Izzy is an aspiring book editor who lost interest and passion in her job as an assistant. Beau is a celebrity who promises a memoir, yet has yet to deliver. While in Los Angelos at a work trip, Izzy was given the task to convince Beau. She inspires him to write. I could not put this book down. Apparently this is in a series, so I do plan to read the other spin offs too, but I am so glad I picked up this cute book.

Coach Nolita 19: I’ve had the Coach Nolita 19 in my collection for the past year or so. I stopped using it for a while, but then recently I was inspired to grab it as a little bag for my tote bag. This bag is such a cute little guy. I have the black leather one, which is no longer available, but they still have the signature one online. I also love using this as a grab and go type of bag as well.

Celesse Disc Initial Necklace from Foster Jewelry: This was one of my Valentine’s Day gifts from my fiancé, and I am so obsessed with this. This has three discs with my initial, my dog’s and my fiancé’s. When I opened it, I started to tear up. I am such a huge fan of Foster Jewelry, and everyone of her pieces is handmade. This also is a great everyday piece of jewelry, and I know it is something that I will cherish for years to come.

Bridgeport’s Meritt Canteen: As Seen on TV, Delicious In Person

When Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives makes a stop at a local Connecticut join, you know it’s going to be good. Meritt Canteen, located in Bridgeport, was on season 11 of the show, where Guy showcased the famous hotdogs, hamburgers, and seafood.

Meritt Canteen has been a Bridgeport staple since 1942, and has a menu that is so freshly cooked that you can tell from that very first bite. The vibe is casual, and it’s perfect for when you just need to grab something quick to eat. It’s fast food — but better and fresh.

Of course, they are famous for their hotdogs, burgers and seafood. However, their menu also offers other specialities such as the Red Hot Dog, the Chili Dog (with a warning that it is extremely hot with no refunds), fried Mac and Cheese bites, and deep fried Oreos. You can view the complete menu here.

I took a trip down there a few days ago, and I can not begin to describe how impressed I am with the quality of the food. The hamburger I had was so fresh from the bun to the quality of the meat. I also played happy fork with my fiancé’s chicken tenders, and let me tell you that not only did the chicken taste like it was freshly out of the oven, but the honey mustard did too. After all, you know it’s saying something when even the sauces taste delicious. Of course, we also got a side of French fries, which were delicious as well

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I will say that the portions were also extremely generous as well, which is something that I always look for whenever I am grabbing anything to eat. Furthermore, I also wanted to point out that when they brought the food over to us, they also bought us a ketchup bottle as well, which I thought was a nice touch.

Guy gave Meritt Canteen three out of five stars, however, I think that they are a five out of five for me. This is the place to go if you just want a juicy, delicious burger and a side of French fries. And, therefore, it is definitely worth all of the hype.

What’s In My Bag Wednesday: Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag

The Longchamp Le Pliage tote bag is by far my favorite tote bag. I got my first one about four years ago, and my collection has grown to many colors and sizes. My favorite, by far, is the black large size with the brown trim. I’ve used it to death over the last four years, and trust me, it looks as good as the day I purchased it. There is some corner wear, but it did hold up well.

This is my favorite tote bag also because it is so much more secure than my Louis Vuitton Neverfull. There is a zipper along with the buckle, which makes it more difficult for someone to get in. Definitely perfect for travel. I also love that this bag folds up so it makes storing it so easy, and again, great for travel.

Now, this bag holds a lot. And, with the nylon, it is super lightweight but does get a little heavy when you load it up like I did. So, here’s what I carry on a daily basis in my Longchamp Le Pliage Tote:

An Honest Review of the Viral Coach Heart Bag

I am going to be completely honest here. If I was not getting married this year, I would not have purchased this bag whatsoever. I saw it last year on TikTok, and I was not interested whatsoever. I am a classic bag type of girl, so I passed on it. But, since 2023 is my wedding year, I saw the preview on the Coach Outlet and knew that this was the perfect bag for my honeymoon, bachelorette, and bridal shower. That bag, is none other than the Heart Crossbody bag from the Coach Outlet.

As I mentioned earlier, this bag went viral. All over my TikTok, I saw people with this one, or the other versions from the previous year. Furthermore, Kate Spade also has its own version called the Loveshack, another bag that went viral. And, when the bag came back in stock, it seemed like the Coach Outlet Valentine’s Day collection was all everyone could talk about.

This year’s version comes in red, black, and the classic Coach monogram that we all know and love. I went with the black, since it would be the perfect bag that would go with any outfit. I also am a sucker for the Coach black leather.

Like I said, I would not have gone with the bag if I was not getting married. But, now that I have the bag, I can totally see the hype. I broke the bag out for the first time during my Valentine’s Day date with my fiancé, and I am obsessed.

For the first time I wore this bag, I kept it really casual — a pair of jeans, Birkenstock clogs, and a hot pink sweater from TJ Maxx a number of years ago. This bag made the perfect accessory.

Now, what fits in the bag?

This bag has two sections and two card slots. And, I am going to be honest, it doesn’t really fit a lot. I was not able to fit my iPhone 14 Pro when I had this configuration. I was able to fit my cardholder with my car keys, ladies products, hand sanitizer, chapstick and a lip gloss. And, that was pretty much filled to the brim. If I did not have the lady products, I’m sure my phone would have slipped in with ease.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this bag and actually could see myself using it for more than just my wedding era. Of course, it’s a Coach bag, so you know the bag is really good quality. It is also just a cute and fun bag to add into your collection. And yes, now I can finally see why this bag blew up on the Internet.

Friday Faves: February 10, 2023

TGIF everyone! My goal is to try to get back into the rhythm of sharing my weekly favorites on a more regular basis, and I am so excited to be sharing them with you!

1. Jazzercise On Demand: I have been getting back into doing Jazzercise, and I have been enjoying it. I have been going through some health things that have caused me to have to take a step back from my more intense workouts. Now that I am able to work out again, Jazzercise has been a fun way to work out, and something that I look forward to. What is nice about this app is that you can access classes 24/7 and do as many as you want. There are cardio, strength and stretch classes at all different time intervals. I definitely recommend this if you’re someone who just needs a fun workout to get through the day.

2. Budha Girl Bangles: These are my new favorite bracelets. At work, I can not wear jewelry that makes noise. Enter these in. I bought a few sets, but I am obsessed with the crimson and the champagne ones. They feel kind of like plastic, but they do not look cheap by any means. I am such a huge fan of the AWB (all weather bangles), which are TSA and water proof. And, the meaning behind them is incredible — according to the website, in the morning you affirm your intention and as you remove them, fill yourself with thoughts of gratitude. I love that. There are dupes of these, but I highly recommend saving up for the real thing.

3. Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives: This show has become a comfort watch for me. I am a foodie, and I love watching this at night to unwind.

4. Weather Girl by Rachel Solomon: I was a huge fan of her other book, the Ex Talk, so I am happy to announce I finally picked up Rachel Solomon’s other book, Weather Girl. I have been in a romantic comedy kick lately when it comes to reading, and this was the perfect rom com that my soul needed to feel good. It tells the story of Ari Abrams, who is a weather girl who suffers from a cloud of depression. Her boss (and former idol) Torrance Hale has been making work hard for the office, as Torrance is working with her ex husband, Seth. Talk about awkward. She, along with another member of the news team, Russell pair together to “parent trap” them together. However, they soon find a spark as well. I loved reading this book, and it was perfect for Valentine’s Day.

5. Outlander series: Ladies and gentlemen, I finally started to read Outlander and I finished book one last week. And, now I get the hype. I have the second one loaded on my Nook, so I can’t wait to get to that once I read a few other books on my TBR. But, if you were debating on picking this book up, I highly recommend checking it out.

6. Touchland Hand Sanitzer: I have been seeing this on TikTok, and I am so obsessed with this. Yes, I am excited about hand sanitizer, because I have been a tried and true Bath and Body Works fan forever. I love this one, because it is dry and it’s a spray. This makes it easier than ever, and I even use this way more than my Bath and Body Works ones.