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Why We Need to Focus on Our Mental Health More Than Ever Before

Did you know that May is National Mental Health Awareness month? This year, the emphasis of mental health is more important than ever before. We are in a pandemic. We are in waters that no one knows how to swim in. We are adjusting to a new normal. Many of us are on furlough or unsure what the economic impacts will be because of the virus.

This is why we need to focus on our mental health. It is more important than ever before.

There are so many different ways someone’s mental health can be impacted negatively with this pandemic. There are so many things that are just getting cancelled — graduations, concerts, vacations, and so much more. Many people have lost — or have gotten furloughed from their jobs. We are in times of isolation, which as many of you know definitely does not help one’s mental health whatsoever. Furthermore, many people are quarantined with abusive partners or parents.

I am going to be completely honest here — this pandemic has taken an impact on our mental health. For those of you who don’t know, my mother died at home. Being home has without a doubt has amped up the grieving process on my end.

This is why we need to be kinder to ourselves —- especially in this difficult time. This is also why we need to practice self care.

But, how do you practice self care during a pandemic?

Well, first off, I think that it’s so important for anyone to recognize that they just need to get through it anyway they can. This quarantine is not a productivity contest. If you want to read all of the books, you can. If you want to just watch TV, you can do that too. Just as long if you are working from home,that you get your work done.

That said, there is something else that I think everyone needs to do — be kind to you. This means setting boundaries. For example, just because we are bored at home, doesn’t mean that we have to always be on the FaceTime chat. Sure, it’s nice to catch up with friends and family. But, at the same time, I do believe that if you just want to sit and relax every once in a while in isolation, it is perfectly okay to stay out of it.

Being kinder to yourself also extends on one other thing — on my end at least. This is not a productivity contest. Throughout the past few months, everyone’s pretty much living day by day. I am pretty much a creature of habit, so as you can imagine, it is overwhelming to me.

Finally, the last thing we can do to practice good mental health is just to allow feelings. I feel as though we are asked to suppress emotions — and that is not healthy. Therefore, I think it is really healthy to do that. Remind yourself that your feelings are valid. Let yourself cry and feel. It. Is. Okay.

I am no means an expert, but I do believe that we need to focus on our mental health more than ever before. Therefore, let’s practice good mental health habits every day of every month.

What I Love Wednesday: May 20th

Happy Wednesday everyone. I am super excited to reach the middle of the week, because I’m one step closer to a three day weekend. My plans are consisting of pretty much sit in a kiddie pool all day and read with my Kindle. I also might want to take advantage of online sales, if they are offering a good deal on something that I am looking for.

That said, here is what I am loving this week:

Hello Fresh:

I subscribed to Hello Fresh a few weeks ago, and I am loving it. I am fairly new at cooking, so I am really loving the fact that I don’t have to rely on Whole Foods, my minimal cooking abilities, and delivery. Now, I can cook healthy food with ease, which is something that I am loving because it saves me a ton of money on food. Well, if you look at it from the standpoint that I would get delivery a lot versus the $60 for 6 meals.

Kindle:

I bought a Kindle Paperwhite last year, because at the time, it was the only e-reader that was waterproof. I recently went back to it, and let me tell you, it’s something that I am absolutely loving. I love that the battery is only down 26 percent after a week’s worth of use, versus having my Nook Glowlight Plus die many times a week. I probably will continue going back and forth between the two devices, especially since I have a ton of unread books on my Nook, but I am definitely enjoying my Kindle to the point where that may be my permanent one. Now, if Amazon can release a waterproof Kindle in white, that would be great.

My 2000’s Playlist:

Lately, I have been loving my throwback playlists. I know, the songs are over a decade old, but they are still really good. Some of my favorites are Paramore, early Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, and of course, all of the emo bands that I used to blast during my goth phase.

Such nostaglia.

7 New Book Releases I Am Really Excited For

Purple International Children's Book Day School Instagram Post

2020 is the year when there are so many exciting new releases from my favorite authors. Some are long awaited, while others are not. That said, here are the books that I am super stoked for. And, I’m sure that you’ll be seeing them all on my Bookstagram.

That Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin

I am a huge Emily Giffin fan. She is by far one of my favorite authors. I read every one of her books – many within the first week or month of their release. And, that’s a rarity to be honest.

The book is about 28-year old Cecily who moves to New York with the dream of being a reporter in 2001. She questions whether or not she should go back to her home – and to her college boyfriend. She then meets this guy, and they forge a connection. However, he then disappears in the 9/11 attacks.

I am super excited about this release, because like I said, Emily Giffin is one of my favorite authors. And, naturally, I will be actually buying that book versus getting the ebook since it’s my favorite author.

2. Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer

Okay, so I was obsessed with Twilight when I was in Middle School. Naturally, when I heard that Stephanie Meyer was writing the books from Edward’s point of view and actually releasing it, I was so there. As many of you might know, she was working on it, but then it got leaked. Therefore, I am so excited to actually get to read the book.

3. Love and Olives by Jenna Evans Welch

I love this series. With every book, you are experiencing a different country. With Love and Gelato, you are on the journey with Lena to Italy. In Love and Luck, you travel with Lena’s best friend, Addie to Ireland. Love and Olives takes us to Greece, and seems to be a spin on Mammia Mia. It got pushed back because of the pandemic to November, but I am still excited to read it.

4. Heart and Bones by Colleen Hoover
You know that I couldn’t resist posting a Colleen Hoover book. Colleen Hoover is one of those authors that once I start reading, I can not put them down. I don’t know much about the synopsis, however, I know it’s going to be one that I love, because I always love her books.

5. The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine

This book is actually getting released tomorrow, and I am so excited. I actually won this book in a Goodreads giveaway so that’s really exciting. That said, I didn’t end up reading it, but I am still excited to read it, because Liv Constantine is one of my favorite thriller authors, so I am sure this one will not disappoint.

6. Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett

Another book that was pushed back due to the pandemic. This was actually originally supposed to be released on May 5th, but was pushed back. The novel is about Josie Saint-Martin who is a budding photographer and moves place to place with her single mother. She ends up moving back to return to their historic New England town to run the family bookstore, where she knows isn’t going to be a permanent fix. Josie also runs into her childhood friend Lucky, who makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her — which is why she is baffled that he takes the blame for her when things go south at a pool party.

I am really excited to read this release, and even more excited that I have a little more time to catch up with Bennett’s backlog. I’ve read Alex Approximately and The Anatomical Shape of a Heart and liked them. Currently, I’m reading Starry Eyes, so I hope to get to Serious Moonlight before this release.

7. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Last but not least, I am so excited for the Hunger Games prequel that is being released tomorrow. It looks like it talks about President Snow, and I am really excited to read it.

Fashion Friday: Jewelry Trends I Am Obsessed With

I think that I am obsessed with jewelry. I love jewelry for many reasons. I have a lot of it that was passed down, so I love that I have a bit of family history that I get to have. Furthermore, I love that certain pieces make me feel a certain way. I have hoops that make me like I can conquer the world when I wear them. I also have a lot of inspirational jewelry that help encourage me, and some of them just promote good vibes. That said, here are some trends of jewelry that I have been loving:

Gold Jewelry:

Top (L to R): Earrings S.V. Decker, Bangle Madewell, Middle: SV Decker Monica Earrings, Italian Horn Necklace Joseph Conte Jewelers, Bottom: SV Decker Ballsy Bracelet, and SV Decker Stars Bangle

For pretty much my entire life, I have been a silver gal. Recently, I have been into more gold pieces. I’m not sure where the origin of that comes from. Maybe it’s from watching a lot of YouTube. Maybe it’s because a lot of my favorite places have some pieces that come in gold-clad. That said, I really am loving the gold trend.

Stacking Rings/Bangles:

Bangles: Cut out star bangles, SV Decker

I love bangles. I am a huge fan of stacking them — especially mixing metals. I have a few that I love to pair, and they work well when I’m working at home on my laptop because they don’t clink up against it. Some of my favorite brands include Kate Spade, Mantraband, and of course, SV Decker.

Rings: MantraBand Grateful and Mantraband Warrior

What I also have been loving is the Mantraband rings. I have a few in different metals, and one of my favorite things to do is actually stack them. What I also enjoy about them is that they have different sayings. My favorite combination is the rose gold Always in my Heart, and the silver Grateful. Both of those mantras mean a lot to me. Always in My Heart reminds me that my mom isn’t that far away, and Grateful reminds me to be grateful for your blessings.

Hoop Earrings:

This is a new thing for me. I was always the small stud girl — pearls and ball earrings were my jam. However, lately I was looking to change up my earrings. It all started with a pair of huggie style that I got from SV Decker. What I liked about those is the fact that they are really light. I actually really hate having heavy earrings so that works wonders. Since then, I’ve accumulated quite a few new pairs, mostly from SV Decker and Madewell. What I like about those brands are that they are lightweight. I absolutely can not stand heavy earrings, so they are a nice change from my regularly scheduled pearls.

What I Love Wednesday: May 13

Happy Wednesday everyone! In one week, the lockdown in my state will be lifted. Well, somewhat. On May 20^th, hair salons and all retail will be opening up. Furthermore, restaurants will now be serving food outside. However, I think that it’s never going to be the same as it was pre-pandemic. The economic impacts are going to be crazy, so it’s more important now than ever before to set some serious savings goals.
That said, here are my favorites this week:

Apple Pencil:

I love how I said that it is important to save money. However, I did purchase an Apple Pencil this past week. And, I love it. I use it for note taking, for coloring, and word searches. I have an app that I can take notes on, and I can use it as a planner, bullet journal, and take notes. I like it because it eliminates the bulk of a notepad, and the costs of having to rebuy them when they are filled. Therefore, if you have an iPad, I do recommend you getting an Apple Pencil to use to fill out all of those voids. And in the end, you’ll save money, because you won’t be buying notebooks.

Alyssa Lenore Vlogs

I don’t know how I found her YouTube channel. I am going to be honest. All I know is that I am so glad that I discovered her channel. I like Alyssa Lenore’s channel, because she talks about luxury purses, fashion, and savings tips. Because of her, I created a savings goal to save up for the things that I want, versus using my credit card. I also just enjoy her channel because of her travel vlogs, and her reviews.

Gold Jewelry

For years, I was a silver gal. However, lately I have been loving gold jewelry. I think that they are classic pieces that just never go out of style. Yes, I still wear my silver pieces. But, I have been using my mom’s gold pieces – and of course getting a few new pieces. Some of my favorites include: Madewell’s Slider Bangle, SV Decker Ballsy Bracelet, SV Decker’s XS Statement Hoop Earrings, SV Decker’s Monica Hoop Earrings, and SV Decker’s Star Bangle. I also have been bringing out a favorite piece – a gold Italian horn that I bought when my mother died. I don’t know if it’s a trend for me, but I am enjoying getting some use out of pieces that I normally haven’t been wearing.

Madewell Clothing

It’s said in the same. These clothes are Madewell. I purchased a few of their basic tees, a long sleeve shirt, and their jewelry. What I love about Madewell is their quality. Their t-shirts actually are the best material that I have ever seen in a shirt and can go from work to casual things. I am all about quality in clothing over the quantity, and I can tell these are going to last.

I also love their jewelry because they are affordable, and their earrings have sterling silver posts versus nickel. Furthermore, I also have three of their bags that are on the way, because they were the bags that I have been scouring everywhere for.

S’mores Treats

I’ve been making these Rice Krispie style treats for the past few weeks. They are really easy and only require four ingredients – chocolate bars, Golden Grahams, marshmallows and butter. And takes less than an hour to make. Easy and delicious. I won’t disclose the recipe because I got it from a friend, but you can find it online.

TikTok

Yes, I joined the trend. I have a TikTok and basically use it to post videos of Lucy. I also have been enjoying watching them to entertain myself. I can watch them and instantly begin laughing. Definitely follow me at nattbarletta if you have a TikTok and like dogs.

Tech Tuesday: Nook versus Kindle

I have had a Nook since 2012. I had received it as a gift from my dad for Christmas one year. I liked it because it was so small and I could fit all of the books that I wanted to read. The only problem was I didn’t have a job at the time, so I really could not order books as much.

That same Nook sat in my house for a few years until 2018. My mom had a Kindle Fire 7 (I think) that she never used so I borrowed it. I liked the Kindle format, but I will be honest. I loved Nook. I wanted a Nook. I used a gift card to buy myself a Nook Tablet 7.

A few months later, I began to get headaches and eye strain. At that time, I would use my Nook for hours on end. At the time, I lived at my grandma’s so, I used it to read a lot. So, I went to the Barnes and Noble in my area to purchase the Nook Glowlight 3. It was basically like my older one, but had a glowlight. I was happy and I was able to move on.

Then, I went to San Diego that summer, and kept on noticing how much I would read at the pool. My boyfriend also had a pool, so I would bring a book and dip my feet in there. It was then I learned that at the time Barnes and Noble did not have a Nook that was waterproof.

I then decided to get a Kindle because I was having too many near death experiences with it. So, I bought the Kindle Paperwhite, which the never one was waterproof. The only downside was that the Kindle was not white, which was something that I wanted.

And, I liked it. The biggest problem that I was having honestly was that I was not used to the Kindle interface and that it didn’t have any page turn buttons. However, I loved it. The resolution was so much clearer than my Nook Glowlight.

Then, I saw that Barnes and Noble introduced the Nook Glowlight Plus. At first, I thought why would someone want a Nook that was bigger? Isn’t the point of it to be small? I then learned that it was waterproof.

A Nook that was waterproof? Sold.

I got it to celebrate that I landed my first real job. I really loved the size of it, because it fit beautifully in the hand. I also loved that the screen was so much better than the one that was on my Glowlight.

The only problem was that the battery life sucked. At first, I thought that it was because there was a defect with mine so I got a new one sent to me because the older one was still under warranty. It didn’t end up working and still had that problem, despite all the ways I tried to reduce it.

Seeing as I had both devices, I wanted to compare the Nooks versus the Kindle Paperwhite. During the pandemic, my ereader has been my savior, so I created this guide comparing them:

Now, both devices have pretty simple interfaces. In fact that they are very similar. However, I do find the Nook one to be easier to use. I have been going back and forth between the two devices as well because they both have different features that I enjoy.

That said, if I had to pick one, I think I would go with the Kindle. The battery life on it is amazing, and the resolution on the screen is honestly amazing for a device that size. I have been using it for a few days with the WiFi turned off and it only went down 6 percent. Yup.

It’s literally as if I am reading something that is comparable to the actual book. The only downside is that there is no page turn buttons on the device, which is frustrating.

Will I turn to Kindle and leave my Nook behind? Stay tuned.

That said, there is one conclusion I would like to make clear. At the end of the day, since they all are about the same, it really comes down to which book industry leader do you want to support. Do you want to support Barnes and Noble? Or do you want to support Amazon?

That decision, is entirely up to you.

Kindle Paperwhite:

Pros: Great Screen, Amazing Battery Life, Simple Interface, and a great library selection.

Cons: No page turn buttons

Price: Normally $119.99

Nook Glowlight 3/Nook Glowlight Plus:

Pros: Great screen quality (especially the Nook Glowlight Plus), Page Turn Buttons, Comfort in Hand

Cons: Terrible Battery Life

Price: $130 for Glowlight, $199.99 for Glowlight Plus

What Mother’s Day Is Like For Someone Who Lost Her Mom

Colored Sprinkles Blog Graphic

This is going to be the second Mother’s Day without my mom. Last Mother’s Day was a hard day for me, because it was the first time that it truly hit me that my mother was gone. This year, Mother’s Day is just going to be different because of the pandemic.

I don’t think that anyone truly understands what it is like to experience Mother’s Day when your mother is deceased unless you do so yourself. For me, it starts when you see advertisements to get Mom the perfect gift. It then dawns on me that I don’t have a Mom to buy a gift for. Sure, I have my grandmother, my boyfriend’s mom, and my stepmom to get gifts for. But, it’s not the same as getting your own mother. It continues until the actual day, when I realize that my mom is not here to go to brunch or to get dinner. Instead, I visit her grave at the cemetery, and drop off flowers.

Before I continue, let me say this: my mom was a single mother. She was one of the best mothers I could have asked for, and we were very close. I’d like to think that she’s cheering me on in heaven with our dog, Maggie and happy to see my growth and progress through life.

And, it hurts that she’s not here.

Last Mother’s Day, my boyfriend, his mom, and I did a Mother’s Day and then had dinner with my grandmother. Due to the pandemic, things are a lot different. I do think that this one will be a lot more challenging for me to deal with, because since there won’t be much to distract me with, I’ll be focusing on my mom no longer being with us.

Honestly, whenever you lose a parent, your holidays are nowhere near the same – from Christmas to a holiday that celebrates that parent. It stirs up emotions, because it reminds you that they are gone forever.

That said, I think that is perfectly okay. I think that many of us often forget that it is okay to feel the strains of grief – even though it may have been a bit of time since the person had died. Grief doesn’t go away overnight. In fact, sometimes it never goes away.

Furthermore, I also try to put things into perspective. I am not the only one out there who lost her mom. And, Mother’s Day is something that is not hard for just me. It’s hard on my grandma, who had to bury her daughter. Even though it doesn’t erase the pain, nor do I understand what others are going through, it does help me to know that I am not alone.

What I Love Wednesday: May 6, 2020

Happy hump day everyone! It looks like better days are coming – we are reaching the end of the quarantine and things are beginning to open up once again.

This week, I have quite a few favorites that I am so excited to share with you. So, without further a due, here are some of the things that I am loving this week:

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid: I am absolutely loving this book. I started this book Monday morning, and I have been reading it every chance that I had. The book is about Emira Thomas who gets racial profiled at an upper crest grocery store. But, the story expands to so much more than that. The book also is told in the point of view of her boss, Alix who is a lifestyle blogger and is working on her first book. I am loving this book so far, and I am probably doing a terrible job describing it, but I highly recommend it.

Parks and Recreation Special: Okay, I could not mention this. I am a huge Parks and Recreation fan. Therefore, I was so excited that they made a special recorded in their homes. The episode was really funny, and it really talked about the Pandemic in a way that’s relatable and entertaining. If you haven’t watched this, I highly recommend that you do.

S.V. Decker Star Bangles: It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of S.V. Decker jewelry. I actually purchased the first silver star bangle during her summer sale back in the summer. Since then, it’s been one of my most worn bracelets. Recently, I decided to purchase a second one with a multiple of stars. And, I’ve been really loving layering these whenever I do go into the office. They look great, and better yet, they don’t clang on the computer. Since I had the first one, I can honestly say that they do last a while too. There are minor scratches, naturally, but overall they are really great bangles.

Impress Nails: Brooke Miccio talked about these a lot in her videos. That said, I decided to give them a try. The verdict? Overall, they are pretty easy to put on. And, they stayed on. The only reason why I did end up taking them off after a day was because I think that I put them on wrong, and it began to hurt. I do want to try them on, and make sure I put them on correctly.

S.V. Decker Rose Gold Chillers: Okay, I have another piece of S.V. Decker jewelry to talk about. Many of you know that I recently got into wearing hoop earrings more and more. I saw these on her site, and got them as a Mother’s Day gift for my grandmother. When they came in, I really liked them. So, I decided to get them for myself. Since getting them, I absolutely loved them. They are really lightweight – to the point where I even forget that they are even in my ears. I also love them because they are perfect for letting my ears breathe for a little while, which is great. They are currently sold out, but you can check out her website for other earrings like these.

Good to Know by JoJo: Of course, I had to mention that JoJo has a new album that has been on repeat since it came out on Friday. The album is art, plain and simple. It showcases JoJo’s vocal talent, and growth since 2016’s Mad Love. Some of my favorite songs include: So Bad, Pedialyte, and Comeback.

8 Books to Give Mom For Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is next week, and like Easter, it’s going to look a bit different. One of the best gifts that you can give Mom is a book for two reasons: one: it provides entertainment to your mom, and it helps support the book industry, which is one of the many that is suffering right now.

That said, of course, this list would only apply if the mom in your life likes to read. If she doesn’t, then maybe this list isn’t for you. Of course, this list can be used as gifts for anyone — or even if you’re looking for a read for yourself.

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin: This was my favorite book that I read in 2012. The book is about best friends Darcy and Rachel, who have been best friends for over 20 years. Darcy is the center of attention, while Rachel is someone who is smart and quiet. On the night of Darcy’s 30th birthday, Rachel and Darcy’s fiancé, Dex sleep together. Now, you would think that the this would be the end. Nope. This leads Rachel to question if she should put love or friendship first.

Funny story — I actually found this book in the clearance bin for $3 at TJ Maxx. And, I absolutely fell in love with Emily Giffin after reading that book. Since then, I have read every one of her books. If mom likes this — or if you like that — I highly recommend the sequel Something Blue, which tells us the story of Darcy after the events unfolded in the first book.

2. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: Okay, everyone and their mother seems to be talking about this book. When I first began reading this book, I was questioning why. It started out really slow.

The novel is about Kya, aka the Swamp Girl. She was uneducated and she basically lived isolated near the swamp. The novel tells her life story — as both of her parents abandoned her at some point. At the same time, Chase Andrews, a popular and beloved towns person is found dead. As the story unfolds, you learn about the mystery of who killed Chase, as well as learn Kya’s life story.

3. Talking as Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham: Gilmore Girls was a show that my mother and I absolutely loved to watch together. In fact, we can quote all of the episodes together. This is her memoir, and talks about her life during Gilmore Girls, Parenthood and other projects. It is a really quick read, and I really enjoyed it — especially since I am a huge Gilmore Girls fan.

4. Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid: I am actually currently reading this book now, and I really am enjoying it. The book talks about an incident at a grocery store where 25-year old Emira is questioned while babysitting. I am only on page 60 of the novel, and I already am enjoying it.

6. Separation Anxiety by Laura Zigman: I read this book last month and absolutely loved it. It is about Judy who is kind of stuck in her life. Judy’s marriage is falling apart, she’s obsessed with a lifestyle influencer, and her 13-year old son is beginning to separate away from her. The book is comical and relatable and something that I think anyone can relate to.

7. Girl, Wash Your Face and Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis: I loved this books. This is perfect for the moms who just need motivation for whatever reason. When I read these books, I was honestly was so inspired that I was constantly reaching for my journal to reflect. This book made me think ‘yes I can,’ and helped me to see my self-worth and motivate me towards anything.

8. You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero: I loved this book. I actually read this book when I was going through a breakup in 2016. I’ve read a lot of self help books since, but this one is favorite because she talks in a way that is motivating and entertaining.

April Reading Wrap Up + May Reading Goals

Wow. It’s May already. I can’t believe that it’s already the springtime. I am hoping that May brings out a brighter month.

That said, this month I read 11 books: three audiobooks, and eight physical ones. I blame a lot of this due to social distancing, and I discovered that I really loved Jane Green’s book. I am just finishing up her third book in a row.

This month, I have a few different reading goals. The first is to read my first book club book, My Dark Vanessa. I also want to finish The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black to finish the Folk of the Air series. Finally, I want to try to read a few nonfiction self help novels.

Anyways, here are the books I read this month:

1. In Pieces by Sally Field — Five out of Five Stars

2. Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare — Five out of Five Stars

3. American Royals by Katharine McGee — Five out of Five Stars

4. Separation Anxiety by Laura Zigman — Five out of Five Stars

5. Most Likely by Sarah Watson — Five out of Five Stars

6. Sadie by Courtney Summers — Five out of Five Stars

7. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens — Five out of Five Stars

8. Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertali and Aisha Saeed — Five out of Five Stars

9. Falling by Jane Green — Five out of Five Stars

10. Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus — Five out of Five Stars

11. Mr. Maybe by Jane Green — Three out of Five Stars