Happy Wednesday everyone! This Wednesday is a snowy one for me, and I couldn’t be happier.
This week’s favorites are a bit random, as I have less to share than usual. That said, I still have a few awesome picks for you this week to share.
UV Nail Lamp: I love having painted nails. However, I am the worst at keeping them still and waiting for them to dry. So, for many years, I never had painted nails. Last week, I discovered this and I bought it instantly. I did my nails, and they were dry in less than ten minutes. And my nails look great. I am loving this, because it gives me a chance to have pretty nails, but it also does them quickly.
Essie Gala-Vanting Nail Polish Set: With the UV Lamp, I also purchased a new nail polish color — this beautiful Essie red color. I have had this on since Friday and so far, my nails have been really holding up. I also love txhat for about $15, I get the nail polish and the top coat. Definitely a great deal, and this color is perfect for Valentine’s Day.
SV Decker Sleek Heart Necklace: I saw this piece on their Valentine’s Day drop and I became instantly obsessed with it. I bought the silver, and I have already worn it a few times. I love how simple this is, yet it’s different than any other heart pieces that I own. I also can layer it with a few other pieces as well, which I am really excited for.
Katz Deli is famous in New York City. However, what many don’t know is that there is one in Woodbridge, CT as well. It may have no affiliation with the one in New York City, but still worth the trip. This location is convenient for travelers who want to grab lunch or dinner, as it is located just off Exit 59 on the Wilbur Cross Parkway (aka Route 15).
The deli has been a staple for Westville/Woodbridge dining for many years, and still remains standing after an electrical fire in June 2020. As a side note, Katz became a staple for me while in college, and is still remains to be one of my favorite places to get sandwiches.
So, what can you get there?
Their menu has so many different items to choose, including: breakfast foods, sandwiches, soups, salads, burgers, and more. You can truly get any meal at this place. And, of course, you can get the classic Jewish deli staples — Reuben sandwiches, potato pancakes, and of course, black and white cookies. The menu also offers “Rachels,” which is a sandwich with your choice of meat, Swiss cheese, Russian Dressing, Homemade Cole Slaw on Rye Bread.
And, while Katz is a great takeout place, you still can sit down and enjoy your meal. Recently, my boyfriend and I went there for a lunch during our day off. I had a grilled chicken wrap with avocado, and he had the Reuben. One thing that is worth noting is that they have a ton of wraps and sandwiches to choose from, and it’s so easy to customize them to your liking. We both also got fries, which I highly recommend, because they are one of my favorite places to get French Fries.
And, it was amazing. The wrap was so delicious, and you can tell that the ingredients were fresh. The sandwiches came out pretty quickly, which is something that I enjoy in a restaurant as well. With the fries, you can definitely fill up pretty quickly, and not be hungry for the rest of the day.
Overall, I highly recommend checking out Katz deli if you’re in the New Haven area, or even if you’re passing through. It’s a deli that has something for everyone, and you can definitely find something for everyone on your list.
Have you been to Katz deli in Woodbridge? Let me know in the comments below.
It is safe to say that one of the most hyped books of 2020 on Bookstagram and Booktube was the Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. It was my October Book of the Month, and has been sitting on my shelf for a few months.
That is, until now.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue tells the story of Adeline, “Addie” LaRue. Addie lives in eighteenth century France, and wants to explore the world. At the start of the novel, she is in her early 20s, and by those standards, she is considered to be an old maid. On her wedding day, she runs out of the chapel to meet up with this man with curly black hair, and green eyes. Adeline has been dreaming of this man, and has been praying to them to avoid getting married.
She then makes a deal with this gentleman — her soul with the ability to live forever. However, there is a catch. As soon as she meets someone, they will forget her. Addie accepts.
The story is told in two different time frames — Addie’s life in the past and in New York City in 2014. She eventually meets Henry, who is the first person in 300 years to remember her. The two fall in love, until they realize that he has made a deal of that nature.
This book was really hyped, and with good reason. This story is definitely one of the most unique novels that I have read to date. Schwab’s writing was beautiful, and I loved reading the story about Addie’s relationship with both Henry and “Luc.”
Some may argue that this novel is a love story with the devil, but I personally do not agree. I think that Addie was lusting after Luc, however, I believe that Addie was truly in love with Henry. Addie’s relationship with Luc was more of the captor/captee type, while Addie fell in love with Henry.
I also loved the main character Addie. Addie was a true feminist, but she was born in the wrong time. She wanted to see the world, versus getting married with children, which is something that wasn’t allowed in that time period. I believe that was a realistic desire for women who lived in that time period. I also thought it was interesting that Addie had tip-toed on the line between right and wrong. Addie obviously couldn’t have a job because her boss would forget her on her second day, which resulted in her stealing food and clothing in the efforts to be fed and clothed. And, in a way it worked, because people forgot about her the second she left their site.
Furthermore, I can not imagine what it is like to be Addie. She can not leave her mark on the world, and everyone that she encounters will forget her. How can someone live with that knowledge and survive the mundane day to day tasks? I am sure that she leads a lonely life.
One final point that I would like to bring up is the different time lines. I’ve read on some reviews online that it is confusing. I disagree. I think that they are essential to the story, because each flashback sheds some light on what’s happening in the present. I personally enjoyed it, and I thought it added a great element to the book.
So, have you read the Invisible Life of Addie LaRue? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy Wednesday, everyone! It is a short week for me, but it’s definitely one that is going to be productive.
This week, I have a few favorites to share, and unlike weeks past, they aren’t TV shows. I am excited to share them all with you. So, here are this weeks’ favorites:
Yeti: I got a Yeti for Christmas this year and I have been obsessed with it. I’ve had Hydroflasks, but I have been gravitating towards this one. Since it’s smaller, it is easier for me to drink it, and I end up drinking a few of these per day. I also love that this fits in a car cup holder as well, which is a challenge with those other bottles.
Rachel Cruze Podcast: I have been obsessed with listening to Rachel Cruze’s podcast, because it talks about money, but in a way that isn’t strict or restricting. Instead, it talks about how you spend more money in a mindful way, which I really like.
I have joined the Cricut train, and I am obsessed. I have made a tote bag, mug, book sleeve, and water bottle. While I have so many things that I need to learn about it, I am amazed on how easy it is and can’t wait to make more projects.
As a slow tea drinker, I am always having cold tea. This mug is something that is the answer to my prayers, because it is temperature controlled by your phone and keeps your drinks warm for up to 3 hours. I am so happy that I was able to get this thanks to a Best Buy gift card that I got by trading in my old Apple Watch, because I love it!
Happy January everyone! I’ve been refraining from purchasing items from Amazon lately to try to save up more money, but I have picked up a few items lately. Many of these are kitchen supplies, but that’s okay.
Needless to say, here are my Amazon favorites this month:
Phone Stand: I use this every day and I absolutely love it. I’ve used this as a tripod to take selfies with my boyfriend, a stand on my desk for my phone, and to hold my iPad while I am following along to a workout video. This holds both my iPhone 11 Pro and my iPad 6, and I highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for a phone stand for work, home, etc.
Mini Steamer: This was hands down the best $5 I’ve ever spent, because it has made steaming vegetables so much easier. It is easy to heat up in the microwave, and you don’t burn your hands on your containers. Definitely a win.
Fruit Basket: Yes, I am talking about a fruit basket. But, I really like this basket because it gives me a chance to keep my fruit that is not refrigerated in a place that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
JBL Speaker: I mentioned this last month, but I am still loving this and have been using this almost everyday. This has become my everyday shower speaker and I listen to podcasts while I shower, and I absolutely love it. For the small size, it packs a big punch, and I am sure that I will be taking this with me to the beach in the summer as well as with me when I travel.
Happy Wednesday everyone! We are halfway through the week, and I couldn’t be more excited. This upcoming weekend is a three day weekend for me, and I am excited to get some r and r and complete a home project that has been on my mind for a while. More updates to come on that.
That said, here are my favorites for this week:
Gentler Podcast: I discovered this podcast while I was listening to I Love You So Much by Kenzie Elizabeth, and I really have been enjoying it. The podcast talks about a gentler approach to life and self care, and I’ve been enjoying it. I have only listened to a few episodes, but it has provided me so much insight about life. Her podcast is perfect for anyone who wants a gentler approach to finances, which I really love because sometimes Dave Ramsey can be a little too intense for me. I highly recommend this podcast, because it serves as a reminder to just be gentler on yourself.
Grown by Tiffany Jackson: I have heard amazing things about this book, so I decided to pick up this book this weekend. Once I started it, I could not put the book down. The story is about Enchanted, who has a dream of becoming a famous singer. Enchanted meets Korey Fields, who is a famous singer who is almost ten years older than her. The two begin a relationship, which takes a twisted turn. Then, Korey Fields is found dead, and Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands. The book is amazing, but don’t be fooled. This definitely has topics such as rape, grooming, and abuse. But, this book definitely opens your eyes to those topics, which I really liked about it.
The Graham Stephan Show: Okay, so I found a new obsession on YouTube that I have been binging. That is the Graham Stephan Show, which basically is Graham reacting to Yotubers talking about spending. It definitely helps you begin to think about the money that you have coming in, and how you spend your money.
Lita Crossbody Purse: I love this purse. It looks like the Prada Reissue, but at a much lower price. I currently have two and I’m obsessed. I got the khaki online when they were on sale over the holiday season, and I loved it. When I went to return a shirt that didn’t fit, I found the black one and picked that up too. And I am so glad that I did. The purse is small, so you can only fit your on the go essentials. What is also cool about this purse is that you can wear it as a crossbody, or you can wear it as a shoulder bag. That versatility is what sells me.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab: It seems like every book tuber and bookstagrammer has been talking about this book. This was my Book of the Month pick for the month of October, and I am so happy that I choose this one. It is living up the hype. It is about Addie LaRue, who makes a deal with the devil to live forever with a catch of not being able to make her mark on the world. This means that she can’t write anything down without it disappearing, and if someone sees her, they are quick to forget her. I am only 20 percent in this book, but so far, I am enjoying this. (Also if you want to test out Book of the Month, click this referral link so we both can score free books — it’s $14.99 a month and allows you to get a brand new release (in hardcover), which is such a deal).
For many, the New Year brings the resolution of healthier eating habits. Of course, this can be challenging, especially if you choose to opt to be gluten free.
However, blogger Natalie of GF Macros with Nat has got you covered. Her blog, which originally started as an Instagram account of the same name, has many different healthy recipes for those choosing to eat healthier in 2021. Natalie’s blog has so many different choices that even have me drooling — even though I am not gluten free.
Be sure to keep reading and check out my interview with her, and then check out her blog!
Photo Credit: Natalie Asarisi
How did you get started eating gluten free?
I started eating gluten free when I got diagnosed with a gluten intolerance about 5 years ago.
What was the hardest thing about beginning your journey about eating gluten free?
The hardest thing was adjusting to not being able to eat “normal” anymore, I had to figure out my new normal and that took some time to get used too. Eating new foods, finding gluten free substitutes and realizing they don’t taste the same at all.
Photo Credit: Natalie Asarisi
What inspired you to start your blog?
I decided to start my blog, since I had many people reach out to me from my Instagram Page and Facebook Page saying how if they go away with social media they would still like to read and see my posts so I thought it was finally time to give the people what they were asking for, a way to access my information without social media. Tell me more about your blog.
How many times a week do you plan to post? Will you be growing to different meals, like dessert or breakfast, or stick to dinners and snacks?
I plan to post every time I make something new. Lately I have been doing dinner, breakfast and snack. I hope to include dessert sometimes soon.
How do you come up with new recipes?
I get a lot of my inspiration for my recipes through Pinterest, of course I have to modify to fit my Gluten Allergy.
You have an Instagram account as well with so much delicious content. Will some of the recipes you share there make on the blog as well?
Yes, I have a few on my blog now.
Photo Credit: Natalie Asarisi
What is your favorite gluten-free meal?
I would have to say, four cheese Alfredo with gluten free penne pasta with shrimp and gluten free garlic bread!
Do you have any tips for someone who is beginning a gluten-free journey, whether it may be for health reasons like yourself, or just trying to lose weight?
I would say do a lot of research before just jumping into gluten free. I did a lot of research read a lot of articles looked at different recipes and use Pinterest that is your best friend.
Do you have any tips for anyone who is starting a food blog in the new year?
I would say if you always wanted to do it and still never did it, nows your time to shine! Go and make that blog!
Last year, I created a TBR that consisted of my “mashed potato” books. The definition of a mashed potato book is a book that has been sitting on your shelf for at least six months that you haven’t read yet. Many of these books have been sitting on my shelf for at least one year, if not more than that. Yeah, I really need to work on trying to get to these.
That said, I really want to try to read at least two of these a month for the year. If I don’t, I won’t penalize myself for it, but I want to really try to reduce the number of unread books that I own.
So, without further adue, here are the Mashed Potato Books that I hope to get to this year:
All The Light We Can Not See by Anthony Doerr
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
A Court of Thorns and Roses (and hopefully the series) by Sarah J. Maas
The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
Tempting Fate by Jane Green
The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz
Lady Midnight (and hopefully the series) by Cassandra Clare
Followers by Megan Angelo
The Lies We Told by Camilla Way
Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
How to Hack a Heartbreak by Kristin Rockaway
November 9 by Colleen Hoover
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan
With the Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevado
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Still Me by JoJo Moyes
The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
The 7 1/2 Lives of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
Happy Wednesday everyone! This is the first What I Love Wednesday of the year, and I am really excited to share my new favorites with you! Many of these are TV shows, since I’ve been doing a lot of binging, but that’s fine. That said, here are this week’s favorites:
90 Fiance: I started getting hooked on this show on a complete and total whim. I love watching reality tv, and I love that it just is simple and entertaining. If you don’t know what 90 Day Fiance, it basically documents the day to day lives of couples who have someone who is coming to the U.S. on a K-1 Visa, which basically means that they have 90 days to get married. It’s interesting to see the dynamics of the couples, and yes, I do love the drama.
Chrissy Teigen’s Cookbooks: I found the best deal on these cookbooks on Poshmark– two for $20. Normally, these are $30 a piece, so I thought that these were a steal. I got them on Monday, and have enjoyed flipping through them. So far, I’ve tried the Caeser salad, but I can’t wait to try more recipes this year, and to get more into cooking.
What’s Happening with Snooki and Joey: I am a huge fan of Jersey Shore, and I recently discovered this podcast so I had to listen. It’s really entertaining, and discusses lifestyle and celebrity gossip. It’s something that I’ve enjoyed listening to in the morning, because it’s something that always makes me laugh.
Pandora Elevated Heart Ring: My boyfriend gave me not one, but two promise rings. I have been wearing both equally. This ring is super special to me because every time I look down at it while I am working, I think of him. Cheesy, yes. But, it makes me really happy and I’ve been wearing this one a lot.
Bridgerton: Everyone and their mother is talking about this show, and I just started this show once I finished the third season of 90 Day Fiance. So far, I can see why everyone is obsessed with it. The best way to describe it as a 1800s London version of Gossip Girl. It is dramatic and addicting, and I am here for it. It is based on a book series, so I am sure that I will be reading that soon as well.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett: I was listening to the I Love You So Much with Kenzie Elizabeth podcast episode where she was discussing this book. This is already on my TBR, and I wanted to read it. I’m only a few pages in, but it’s about two twin sisters who escape a small Southern town in the 1950’s, and one of them returns many years later. There are a lot of jumps for this book, but so far, I am loving this book and understand the hype.
We can all agree that 2020 was a year, and 2021 was welcomed with open arms. However, there is something about the new year mindset — it is the time that many of us set goals and some of us stick to those said goals.
That said, I wanted to take a moment and share my goals for 2021. Yes, they are late and probably should have been posted about a week ago, but I wanted to still share them anyways. After all, better late than never, right? So, here are my 2021 intentions. Notice that I didn’t say resolutions?
Read 75 Books: We all know that I constantly go over my Goodreads goal every single year, but I want to make sure that I read at least 75 books this year. I do want to slow down a little bit in my reading by reading more quality books over quantity, which is why the goal is to read the 75.
Focus on my Health: I think that I am one of the many people that have gained weight in 2020. I gained about 20 pounds since the pandemic started. While I know that I’ve gained muscle and it’s not about being skinny, it’s also been about being healthy for me since my mom was overweight and had high blood pressure. So, I want to make 2021 the year I just focus on being healthy and growing my fitness abilities. For instance, I want to try to take four Jazzercise classes a week for the month of January, and work out everyday to some degree. My plan is to set a goal for the month and grow on that versus doing the same thing everyday because I tend to get bored of doing the same workout quickly. I also want to try to eat more vegetables, reach 10,000 steps a day, and drink more water.
Invest and Prioritize In Myself: I heard about this recently, and I want to make 2021 the year I put me first. I have a habit of feeling guilty about doing things that are right for me. This could mean a number of things. For instance, I have an Audible subscription. It’s $14.95 a month, but I learn a lot when I use my subscription, since I listen to a lot of self-help and nonfiction books that have been lingering on my TBR. Another thing I want to do is to prioritize what is best for me at all times, such as not going out whenever I need to take some time for myself and not apologizing for it. I also want to make more time for things that bring me joy, whether they are crocheting, playing Animal Crossing or reading a book. These things bring me joy and often help me to relax. There are so many other instances, but this year, I want to make sure that this is the year of doing what’s best for Natalie and for Natalie to grow.
Allow myself grace: I am one of those people who doesn’t allow themselves grace whenever they make mistakes or aren’t productive all of the time. This is the year where I am going to stop that, when I stop feeling guilty whenever I sleep in, and listen to my body whenever I am tired. For the record, I am talking about the responsibilities that I have outside of work. I am no longer going to be beating myself up for not doing the most, making mistakes, and always achieving. I am allowing myself to feel things, like exhaustion when I get out of bed to work out, and saying that I’m sore whenever I work out a lot. It is okay to allow myself to feel, and allow myself to not be perfect — and be okay with it.
Shop More Intentionally and Up My Savings: I have been working on this for the last month, but my goal this year is to shop with more intention and purpose. This means making sure that everything that I buy will fit a certain area of my life. For instance, I needed a new sports bra after throwing away three of them in one go, so I allowed myself to buy more of them. Furthermore, I also want this year to be the year I add more to my savings account, and just save more money for a rainy day and to have for bigger purchases in my later 20s.
Change Who I Follow Online: I firmly believe that you are who you surround yourself with, and you are what you’re following online as well. Last year, I watched a lot of haul videos, which in my mind, made it more okay for me to shop more and buy things that were more expensive that I needed. As the year drew closer to an end, I began watching more and more savings and minimalistic videos, which I believe that inspires me to save and finally get organized. I also want to follow more people who change my mental health for the better and are positive to watch versus negative.
So, those are my 2021 intentions. Did you set any this year? Let me know in the comments below.
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