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Book Recommendations For Those Who Want to Get Back Into Reading

As an avid reader, reading for the most part comes easy to me because I enjoy it. However, I know that reading can be a struggle for some. That said, I have picked some of the books that I’ve read over the years that have completely engrossed me to help you get started. I tried to get a wide variety of books that will interest anyone who is looking for a good read.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty: This is my favorite by this author and it’s amazing. It is about three mothers who all have children who in a ritzy school. During a PTA event, there is a murder. However, this story is not just a whodunnit type of book. It also exposes the stories of the three women, and their secrets. Definitely worth the read, especially if you loved the show.

The Woman in the Window by AJ Finn: Dr. Anna Fox is scared to leave her home, and her only source of interaction is to watch the Russell family through the window. One day, she witnesses a crime. The story unfolds, and has so many twists and turns. That said, I highly recommend reading this, especially during the spooky season.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah: This is sooo much better than the TV show. This novel tells the story of lifelong friends, Kate and Tully, and tells the story from their teenage years to adulthood. Head’s up, you’ll need tissues at the end.

Harry Potter series: Yes, this is a classic. I highly recommend ANYONE reading this at any age.

Anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Taylor Jenkins Reid is a must-buy for me. I have read all of her books, and all of her books are amazing. If this is the first book that you’re picking up in a while, I highly recommend getting either Daisy Jones and the Six or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

Anything by Colleen Hoover: Colleen Hoover’s books are oh so popular. They are 100 percent worth the hype. Many of her books are quick reads that literally sweep you away. If it’s your first book by her, I highly recommend It Ends With Us and Ugly Love.

Why I Decided to Join Ruf Fitness

I have been talking a lot about my family health history and my journey with health and fitness. My mom was on the heavier side, and had issues with high blood pressure. This played a heavy role in her death, so it soon became something that my doctor kept an eye on.

Over the past two years, my weight fluctuated. After my mom died, I lost about ten pounds because I wasn’t eating much other than soup and my stomach would constantly bother me. During lockdown, I gained that and an additional 10 pounds. Now, I want to preface this by saying that I am not doing this because I want to lose that 10 pounds.

A few months ago, I went to the doctor for my annual physical. My blood pressure was high (well on the higher side, as I do have white coat syndrome), and my doctor strongly recommended I lose ten pounds.

I started doing Jillian Michael’s app. In the month or so that I have been doing it, I began to see some results, but not what I wanted. My nutrition was okay, but I have a sweet tooth, and I have no idea on how to make sure that I am eating enough. So I would either eat the wrong things or not enough. I also have an “all or nothing” mindset, which is something that needs to change as well.

An old childhood friend was posting about her experience with Ruf, and after almost two months of going back and forth, I decided to do it. I decided to do it so that my children don’t have to go through losing a parent at 57. I decided to do it so I can be healthier. I decided to do it for me.

In fitness — or in anything that we do in general — the first thing that they ask is what is your why. Well, that’s my why.

This is my first week of doing this, so I have no reviews yet. But, I hope to keep you in the loop during this journey. I hope that you all can join me.

Recipe: S’mores Trail Mix

Between Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, I know that I will be attending a lot of gatherings that may entail me to have to bring something. However, as a busy gal, I might not always have the time to devote to baking or cooking something.

That is how this s’mores trail mix has become my go-to party snack. It is easy and inexpensive to make. Plus, who doesn’t like s’mores?

Here’s what you need:

Package of Mini Marshmallows
One Package of Snack Size Hershey Bars
One box of Golden Graham Cereal

Here’s what you do:

Take the Hershey Mini Chocolates out of package and break apart.
Throw Hershey Kisses, package of Golden Graham cereal, and mini marshmallows into bowl.
Toss and serve!

This is so simple and easy! While it’s a great party dish, you can serve it as a snack throughout the week as well.

15 Autumn Questions!

I was tagged by Michele of OurRedonkulous Life to answer some questions about fall. Thank you, Michele for tagging me. You can view her post here.

So, fall in New England is something that is unique. I love fall and the cozier days. So, here are my answers to her questions.

1. What Signifies Autumn to you?

For me, it is definitely when Starbucks has their fall menu, which is earlier and earlier it seems.

2. What Is the Best Way to Spend a Rainy Day?

Reading, for sure! I also just love watching TV.

3. What Is Your Most Fond Autumn Memory?

My anniversary is on October 10th, so I think the memory of asking my boyfriend out (yes I asked him because I wanted to know where we were on the spectrum of dating) is the fondest, as well as celebrating the anniversaries in the years since.

4. What is Your Favorite Autumn Scent?

Right now, it’s Bath and Body Works’ Pumpkin Apple scent. So good!

5. What Are You Most Excited About This Autumn?

I honestly have so many personal things that I am not ready to share at the moment. However, I am excited for hosting a Friendsgiving with some friends to celebrate having a home with my boyfriend.

6. What Is Your Favorite Autumn Song?

Anything on the Taylor Swift Folklore, Red, and Evermore albums, for sure!

7. What Is Your Favorite Autumn Movie?

You’ve Got Mail. Don’t you love New York in the fall?

8. What TV Show Are You Most Looking Forward to This Autumn?

I am actually not looking forward to any shows at the moment. Could change though.

9. What Is Your Favorite Autumn Color?

Orange and neutrals for sure!

10. What Is Your Most Loved Outdoor Autumn Activity?

I am a huge hiker, so I definitely love that!

11. What Is Your Favorite Autumn Fashion Trend?

I am not sure if this a trend, but I really love wearing boots. They really add something extra to every outfit.

12. If You Could Have a Familiar/Spirit Animal, What Would It Be?

Probably my dog.

13. Name One Place You Wish You Could Visit During Autumn?

I definitely wish I can visit Vermont and New Hampshire, because the foliage is so gorgeous. It is definitely on the bucket list though!

14. Favorite photo you took from last fall.

15. What Are You Being This Halloween?

Last night, I actually had a Halloween party so I was a witch! I also might be going out with a friend one night next Friday, which is exciting.

I tag the following bloggers to answer the same questions:

Crispy Confessions

Your Book Friend

Favorite Fall Fashion Items

Fall Fashion is one of the coziest times of year, but for me, it’s the most confusing. Sometimes, the weather is almost 80 degrees. Other times, the weather is chilly. That said, I’m pretty excited to be pulling out some of my favorite pieces and adding a few more in. So, here are my favorites for the fall season:

Cardigan: I love cardigans, especially when it comes to the fall time. The weather is all over the place so having layers is crucial. I have some robe type versions that are super cozy, but I also have chunky knits as well. Cardigans are definitely a go-to for me during the fall season.

Brown leather purses: For some odd reason, I really love brown leather handbags during this time of year. I am currently using a Dooney and Bourke Satchel bag, but I also use the Madewell Transport bag, the Transport bucket bag, and of course, the Transport bucket bag. Yup, I am a big fan of Madewell’s line right here.

Boots: I pretty much wear boots from October all through April. Fall boots for me are a little different than winter, as I tend to opt for ankle boots versus full blown tall ones. And, of course, Ugg boots are still a must for me since I never got over that phase in high school.

Flannels/Plaid shirts: Flannels and plaid shirts are a must for me this time of year. I really have been narrowing down the ones that I have, since I don’t reach for these types of shirts as often as I did when I was younger. Some ways that I wear flannels is with leggings, or with jeans.

Leggings: Leggings season is back, and I am here for it. I love leggings because they can be worn in a variety of ways. You can wear them dressed down with a tunic sweatshirt and be cozy. You can also wear them for work with a tunic and a sweater as well. That said, I will also be wearing them pretty much for an entire season. I typically have a few high quality pairs, and the rest of them are on the inexpensive side.

Crew Sweatshirts: I love crew sweatshirts in the fall. My mom was a huge crew sweatshirt woman, and I have a ton of hers sitting in my closet that I will never part with. Lately, I’ve purchased a few from Shop Disney and Old Navy and I really love it. They pair great with jeans as well as leggings. And they are super comfy for the weekends as well.

Friday Faves: October 22, 2021

TGIF everyone! I have been doing a little shopping these past few weeks, so I am looking forward to sharing those picks with you. That said, I also have been consuming a lot of content, which I also want to share with you as well. I have a few fun plans this weekend, and I can’t wait to share them on my Instagram.

So without further adue, here are this week’s favorites:

James Avery Sunflower Ring: This is my first new James Avery piece, and I am obsessed. I have the initial script ring, which I purchased on Poshmark. I have been eyeing this ring for a while, and I am so glad that I got it because sunflowers are my favorite flowers. I can tell that the quality is amazing, and this is definitely going to be one of my go-to pieces.

The Rachel Cruze Show: I have been diving into the savings aspect of budgeting, and learned that Rachel Cruze (aka Dave Ramsey’s daughter) has a Youtube Channel. I have been binging her videos, and I love how they all are actually digestible for the average Joe. If you’re struggling with the budget, I highly recommend checking her out.

Decisions Make Destiny Mantra Band: Many of you know, I am a huge fan of Mantrabnd bracelets. I have a huge collection of them, and I found this one while at the Paper Store. I actually did not get it, but started to think about it to the point where I wish I did. That one means so much to me because I am working through so many goals in my life and it served as a reminder to be accountable for my decisions.

Bath and Body Works Apple Pumpkin Soap: I got this soap during my last trip and I fell in love with the scent. It smells like a mixture of pumpkin and apples — the perfect fall scent. I actually hope to also get some body spray in this.

What are some of your favorites this week? Let me know in the comments below.

Shining Starz Dance Acro-Dance Hosts Pottery Fundraiser on October 23, 2021

Branford’s Shining Starz Acro-Dance Academy is getting fired up, literally! On Saturday, October 23, 2021, the dance academy is hosting it’s paint and pottery night at Fired Up in Branford.

The event is located at 1060 Main Street in Branford, Connecticut. Tickets are $10 a person. Note, the ticket prices does not cover the price to paint the piece of pottery, and prices for the pottery vary by piece. Furthermore, the event is BYOB and food.

What is awesome about this event is 100% of the proceeds will benefit Shining Starz in their upcoming competition season. Theresa Shine, founder and owner of Shining Starz Acro Academy, said these will go towards their dance convention and competition fees.

“These grant them the opportunity to perform their art for others and take classes,” she said. “Come support our girls by painting a piece of pottery this Saturday night!”

Tickets are available here at the Fired Up website!

5 Tips on How Not to Break the Budget This Holiday Season

Christmas is known as the most wonderful time of year, but is also known as the most expensive. As the holiday season looms, so is the holiday expenses – gift giving, family gatherings, etc.

That said, while it can be expensive during the holiday season, there are ways to save significantly during the holiday season. So, here are my tips on how to not blow your budget during the holiday season.

Buy In Advance: Who says that Christmas gifts have to be purchased during the Christmas season? I am the queen of getting my shopping done before Thanksgiving. I already started some of my holiday shopping at the time of writing this post. For example, if there is a great sale going on in July, why not stock up on some gifts? It saves so much money, and it even helps eliminate the stress. Just remember where you put them. Also, buying over time helps stretch it out, versus spending it all at once.

Make the Gifts: I crochet a lot of my gifts for the holiday season, whether that may be blankets, hats, scarves, or even coasters. Handmade gifts are always a hit, even when I don’t crochet. I have made a canister filled with candy for someone, I make bracelets, and I even use ceramics. While they may be on the cheaper side, they are gifts that are thoughtful and appreciated, because they were made just for them.

Combine: My boyfriend and I have been living together for over a year. Needless to say, we decided to combine buying gifts. This usually results in the individual spending less on a gift than they would have on their own.

Coupon: Take advantage of coupons, folks! I have a Kohl’s card, and they periodically send out a 30% coupon. Whenever I get that, I typically take advantage and buy a few gifts with it. There are so many apps out there, and especially with Black Friday coming up, you can definitely stack up the savings with a good coupon.

Buy Secondhand: There are so many new with tags items at consignment stores that are sold at a fraction of the cost of the regular price. Definitely check out your local consignment shop, as well as sites such as Poshmark and Mercari. Definitely worth it.

What are your tips for saving money for the holiday season? Let me know in the comments below.

Wishlist from The Fall 2021 T Jazelle Launch

As many of you know, one of my favorite new jewelry brands is T Jazelle. Located on Cape Cod, T Jazelle has gemstone bracelets (many with healing properties), some with sterling silver charms and some without. The owner, Tiffany Jazelle, claims her bracelets offer “your story on a stack,” and I could not agree more. Over the past year, I have developed a collection of bracelets, and almost all of them have a unique story tied to them.

Tomorrow, (Thursday October 21, 2021), is the official launch of the new fall collection. Based on what I have been seeing on the T. Jazelle Instagram and on a special Tickled Pink Tuesday on the Tickled Pink app, there are some good ones.

One of the biggest ones that I had to get (I actually already ordered it through Tickled Pink) is the Evil Eye Bracelet. I picked this little guy up during the live last night. This one is so cool, and comes in amazonite or lapis tiger’s eyes. I picked up the Amazonite one, and I can not wait to receive it in the mail.

In addition, there are a ton of new stacker stones, including indigo gabbro (promotes grounding), and red brick jasper (renewal). There are also a few new stones for the Cape Cod bracelets (aka my personal favorite), including red and green opal ones. The Cape Cods are my personal favorite T Jazelle bracelets because they mix and match so well. There also looks to be a new angel wing charm, which is something that I want to grab as well potentially.

In addition, there also appears to be some T Jazelle merch, such as sweatshirts that Tiffany teased in her Instagram. And trust me when I say this, it is so adorable!

That said, what do I plan to pick up in this launch?

Well, as I mentioned earlier, I already snagged an evil eye bracelet. However, I have my eye on the red opal Cape Cod bracelet, and perhaps a bracelet with the angel wing gemstone. I also really want to grab a terahertz bracelet as well, because they look gorgeous and pair so well in a stack. All of these are great to stack in the fall and winter season, and of course, make great gifts.

So, what do you plan to grab in the drop? Let me know in the comments below.

*In the effort to promote transparency, I was not sponsored in any way shape or form for this post. All opinions are my own, and I just love the T. Jazelle brand.

5 Things I No Longer Buy

I have been working throughout the last few years on really tightening up my budget. I am proud to say that I’ve come a long way from where I was at the beginning of the year. Because of that, there are some items that are just no longer in the budget. And, that’s okay! Here are some items that I no longer buy.

Items Influencers Promote: I am a huge fan of watching influencers and Youtubers such as Michelle Reed, LuxMommy, Danielle Caralon, and Brooke Miccio. I have found so many great Amazon finds through them, amongst other things. Sometimes, they promote products that I buy and they work with my lifestyle. Others, not so much. Therefore, I’ve gotten better with thinking harder about the purchases I make before I make them. I will add them to a wish list, and see where it goes. I think that this is something that I have gotten better with not mindlessly consuming as much. I still do it to some degrees, but in those cases, those really have helped me in the long run, such as organization for my pantry.

Costume Jewelry: I used to go hard on Amazon or Kendra Scott jewelry. With those pieces, I would maybe wear them once and never wear them again. Or they would cause a reaction. Therefore, I have learned that I want to have sterling silver pieces, such as James Avery, Tiffany, and Pandora, because those get a ton of wear. And, don’t turn my fingers green.

Daily Starbucks Runs: I used to be a regular at my local Starbucks. Then, COVID happened. Then, I got a Nespresso. Since then, I can count on one hand how many times I have been to Starbucks. I used to spend $6 a day on a soy latte. That said, a box of 10 pods costs $9.99. If you count the milk, it costs about $1.50 a day for coffee. That’s a $5 savings per day, $25 per week, etc. Yes, the Nespresso was pricey. However, I have saved so much money by having it, so it paid for itself.

Takeout/DoorDash several nights a week: During lockdown, I became addicted to Doordashing foods from Shake Shack, Five Guys, and more. It allowed me to have my favorite foods, which I was a fan of. However, it’s expensive and it adds up. Nowadays, I just meal plan throughout the week.

Random Stuff At TJ Maxx: TJ Maxx is a great store and you can find a ton of great items for a great price. However, it is easy to spend a lot of money there. Therefore, I try to avoid going there unless I have a specific need.