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If Only I Had Told Her Breaks Your Heart Even After the End

Laura Nowlin’s If He Had Been With Me broke my heart when I read it last year. If you haven’t read this one, it tells the story of Finn Smith and Autumn Davis, whose mothers are best friends, and have known each other for their entire lives. With their mothers joking that they should get together, these two had a deeper emotional connection that can only be described as soul mates.

Nowlin then followed up with the story If Only I Had Told Her, which was released in February of this year. The book tells the story from Finn’s POV, leading up to the ending of the first one. However, what I didn’t realize was the fact that made up only a third of the story. The remaining sections of the book were told in the point of view of Jack, Finn’s best friend, and Autumn once again.

I’m not going to sugar coat this book. This book will break your heart. I don’t want to spoil this one if you didn’t read the first one, but I will say that you will be found with tears in your eyes throughout the entirety of the book.

Now that I gave you the warning, let me add this — reading this book was 100 percent worth it. I didn’t realize that I needed to know more until I was sitting and doing so. This book goes into what happens to your loved ones after tragedy, all while balancing the challenges of coming out of being into a teen in high school to a young adult embarking on their freshman year of college. All of the characters’ reactions seemed realistic and not overdone. Grief and moving on is such a huge theme of this book, and I think this was done in such a beautiful way.

Since this novel is technically a YA one, I do believe that it’s something that teens and adults can read to understand the topics of grief in a way that was done right. It’s hard enough being 18 without dealing with the heavy emotions of grief.

Grief aside, I think the love story of both Autumn and Finn was beautiful. There will be no happily ever after for them, sadly. However, tragedies aside, I still think that this was still a beautifully written love story, and one that is meant to be told.

Aside from Autumn and Finn, I loved the cast of characters. I loved hearing from Finn’s point of view, but I also loved reading the perspective of both Finn and Autumn, because it showed how the events at the end of the first book wrecked them.

So yes, get your tissues ready for this one. However for me, it was a four star read, and I was so happy to revisit this world once again.

Friday Faves: December 13, 2024

TGIF everyone! I have been getting ready for the holiday, and trying to not get too stressed about it. Before we start another weekend (thank goodness), I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this week’s Friday Faves!

If Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin: I am surprised that this is on here. Not in a bad way, but in the way that is shocked that I loved this book this much. I read If He Had Been With Me last year, and this has been on my TBR since then. This not only tells the story through Finn’s POV, but then goes into Jack’s and Autumn’s after the accident. I actually felt an emotional connection to the characters, and found myself tearing up at the end. I definitely think that this is worth checking out if you’ve been wanting to read this.

Brat by Charli XCX: This album has been on repeat for me, and I’ve been bopping to it all week.

Coach Mini ID Case: I have been LOVING this little guy. I got it this on Black Friday in the Aquamarine color, and I’ve been using it ever since I got it in. It is definitely something that I have been reaching for a lot, and it’s something that goes with a lot of, if not all of my bags.

The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score: This was my first Christmas read that I read this year, and I absolutely loved it. In true Lucy Score fashion, it involves a small town, and a grumpy hero. There were moments when I could not stop reading this book, and I was physically unable to put it down. I love Lucy Score’s writing, and a reading goal of mine for 2025 is to read more of her backlist.

A Cat Cafe Christmas by Codi Gray: Last but certainly not least is my current audiobook listen! I picked this up in the search for something that will put me in the Christmas spirit. And so far, it is doing what it is intended, which is amazing!

Top Thrift Finds of 2024

2024 was the year of thrifting for me. Throughout the year, I have managed to pick out so many amazing thrift finds. However, don’t get that fooled that every thrift store trip has been amazing. There have been many times when I’ve walked out thrifting empty handed.

That being said, I wanted to share my top thrift finds of 2024. What makes these finds incredible is that I’ve used them often, and they have become my go-tos again and again. Since they are thrifted, I cannot link them, however, if you are looking for them, I highly recommend just searching for the items as they are typed.

Orvis Sweater: I picked this up for $10, and I have worn it every week since the weather got colder. I love this sweater because it’s gray so it goes with a ton of other items in my wardrobe. What I also love about this find is the quality of the sweater. I have been blown away by how well made this sweater feels, so I am so glad I picked this up.

Spoon Ring: A spoon ring has been something that has been on my radar for years. I found this one for $5.99, and I love this one. It’s a statement piece, but I love the pattern and how comfortable it is.

Kenneth Jay Lane Interchangable Earrings: I had to hound eBay to find these earrings. The hunt was absolutely worth it. These come in a variety of colors, are lightweight, and add a little extra fun to wear with what I’m wearing. Oh, and they go with just about everything.

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand: This was my favorite read of 2024. I found the physical book at Goodwill for $3, so I am so happy to have the physical copy as well as the electronic.

Coach Hamptons Bag: Coach recently did a reissue of their classic 2000s bag. Before they did, I had found the black, the red, and the brown versions secondhand. In the summer, they were my go-to bags whenever I was on the go. Now that the reissue is out, these bags are crazy on the resale market, so I’m glad that I grabbed mine when I did.

Do you have any thrift finds from this year? Let me know in the comments below.

Bags I Think Still Are Worth It 2024 Edition

Throughout my time here on the blog, I have reviewed many handbags. At the time of my reviewing them, I was in my honeymoon phase with them. That being said, I wanted to take some time to revisit some bags I discussed over the last few years that I’m still loving.

Baggu Medium Crescent Bag: Baggu has become my go-to brand for more than just bags, but the Medium Crescent Bag was the one that started it all. To this day, I still love this bag, and own it in several of the colors. I love how lightweight this bag is, and I love how comfortable this bag sits on the body.

Coach Teri Bag: This is one of my newer bags on this list, but still one of my favorites. I love this bag because it fits everything I need, has pebbled leather so it’s a no-fuss bag, but still looks polished. I love that the bag is both crossbody and shoulder, and fits my Kindle as well.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag: This was probably one of my first bag reviews here on the blog, but I still take this bag everywhere. I now have the 0.5, 1L and 2L and all three are my go-tos, depending on where I’m going and what I’m taking with me to get there.

I love sharing that I’m still loving certain favorites years after the post was published, so I’m sure that there are more of these posts to come!

Crochet Patterns I Have Been Loving

Crocheting has been something that has become the highlight of my 2024. 2024 is the year that I finally picked up my hook to learn amigrumi, which has been something that has been haunting me for a long time. I wanted to share some of my favorite patterns that I have been loving this year, and have made for all of my friends as gifts. Typically, when I find a pattern that I love and works out well, I will make it for anyone and everyone. These are all easy to understand, and have worked out wonderfully. And yes, all of which are perfect for gifting as well.

Crochet With Bay Green Alien:

Cozy Moon Designs Market Bag:

The Turtle Trunk Easy Breezy Super Chunky Beanie:

Wonder Crochet Hello Kitty:

Camryn’s Cute Creations Velvet Headband:

Celebration of Trees Returns to Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus For the 2024 Holiday Season

Christmas time has arrived in the halls of Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus. The Bridgeport Hospital Foundation’s Celebration of Trees returned for the 2024 holiday season yesterday after being absent last year, and the lobby is decked with the sparkling lights of the Christmas trees, wreaths, and baskets.

The Celebration of Trees is an annual event that has been a beloved annual tradition for the City of Milford. The lobby of Bridgeport Hospital’s Milford Campus is decorated with trees and baskets that will be raffled off.

What is really unique about these trees is that each and every one of them have a theme that will satisfy every interest as well as electronics, gift cards, and holiday décor — just to name a few. Some of the baskets include a Stepping out in Style Basket, with a $200 gift card for Styles International Salon in Milford with a BCBGeneration Black Satchel and scarf; a Our Furry Friend’s Basket with everything that you could need for your feline and canine friend; a Lennox Angel Votive; a Game Night tree with 15 assorted games, and so much more.

All of these items are available to be raffled off with proceeds benefiting the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation. Tickets are available online for $2 per ticket, with the event running from December 6, 2024, to December 15, 2024, and you can also view the complete description and photo of each tree, so you make sure you’re putting in for the exact one that you want.

Honestly, just taking the time to walk around and look at the trees is a fun activity to do during the holiday season. When my husband and I first started dating, he brought me to see them back in 2017, and it’s a tradition that we’ve done almost every year since then with the exception of the pandemic.

In addition to the trees, this year’s celebration will have a festive twist. Santa will be making his visit to the Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus on Saturday, December 7, 2024, and Saturday, December 14, 2024 from noon to 2 p.m. Furthermore, both of Santa’s visits will also include some live music, which will definitely be adding to the holiday spirit and festivities.

As we get closer to the holidays, taking a moment to just walk through these wonderfully decorated trees is an instant way to put you into the holiday spirit, and gives a brief reprieve from all of the holiday stress that comes with the season.

Friday Faves: December 6, 2024

TGIF, everyone and happy first Friday of December! Is it me or everything has ramped up in terms of obligations and stress this past week coming back to work after Thanksgiving? I know I have felt it. Furthermore, here in Connecticut, it is cold and it has been snowy/rainy. I’m not a snow girly, so it’s a bit annoying to me.

That being said, before we turn off our weekday alarms, let’s take a moment to talk about all of my Friday Faves this week:

Crocheting Amigrumi: I have been crocheting for about five years at this point. However, something that I have always wanted to try, but have been epically failing at is crocheting amigrumi or plushies. However, as time goes on, I’ve finally gotten the courage to pick up a hook to make a plushie. And now I’m hooked, no pun intended. This is your sign to try that new thing that you’ve been thinking about doing.
Coach Laurel Bag: I picked this one up during the Coach Outlet Black Friday sale, and I just switched into it yesterday. Let me tell you, I am obsessed with this bag. I got it in the navy rivets and the black rivets. I love that it can be both a shoulder and a crossbody bag. I also love that it marries both of my favorite bags from retail and outlet Coach: the Teri and the Brooklyn. I highly recommend checking this guy out.
The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score: This is my first Christmas read of the year, and I’m enjoying it. This one is about Cat and Noah. Noah is the City Manager of Merry, a town that just suffered a major hurricane. Cat, the host of a DIY TV show, wants to come in and get the town ready for Christmas, their major season of the year. This is enemies to lovers, and I am obsessed with this book. I can’t wait to finish it. Also, it is available to borrow on Kindle Unlimited, which is amazing.
Rare Beauty Eye Shadow Stick: I love Rare Beauty. I’ve reached for this shadow stick every day this week, and let me tell you, it’s made my morning routine so much easier. Selena Gomez has done a wonderful job with this brand, and I highly recommend these for an easy but gorgeous eye look.
Wonder Crochet YouTube Channel: I love Allison’s patterns, and so I have been binging her YouTube channel as well. There are so many free patterns and tutorials, as well as blogs on there. Furthermore, it’s so motivating to watch her work on her plushies, which are so adorable.
Coach Lori Bag: This bag is discontinued by Coach, but I still think it’s worth mentioning. I got this on Poshmark in a gorgeous wine color, and I’m obsessed with this bag. It’s roomy. It has feet. There are compartments. This looks like the Lana’s more adjustable older sister, and I am hear for it,

How I’m Managing My Mental Health During This Holiday Season

Is it me or my stress levels have amplified so much within the next week? Between balancing work, self care, and all of the family obligations that come with the end of the year, I am overwhelmed. I mean, we all remember when Clark Griswold loses it towards the end of National Lamphoon’s Christmas Vacation. It is the most wonderful and stressful time of the year.

And I am not alone. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 89 percent of Americans felt stressed during the 2023 holiday season. What is even more concerning is that 41 percent of them reported higher stress levels during the holiday season versus any other time of year.

It makes sense. As I mentioned previously, my calendar is getting filled with not only fun things, but other end of the year appointments and obligations. Furthermore, another reason why the holidays are particularly stressful during this time of year for me is the fact that feelings of grief come up as Christmas was my late mother’s favorite time of year.

With that being said, I’m trying to enact some sort of plan, if you will, to prioritize self care during this time of year.

The first is allowing myself breaks and giving myself grace. I am crocheting and knitting about half of my gifts this year. This fact alone is very overwhelming, because I have a lot of things to make. Crocheting and knitting is not only very time consuming, but can also wreck havoc on my hands if I don’t give myself a chance to move around and take a break. One thing that I did months ago is start making my gifts earlier, so about 75 percent of them are already done. This also applies to anything — work, blogging, and more. I’m doing Blogtober this year, and it’s been a challenge to say the least to write 25 posts. In fact, it is day 5, and I already missed one day. At the end of the day, it’s about giving myself grace and allowing myself a well deserved break to read.

Secondly, I am allowing myself to actually feel. Grief is an overwhelming thing that can consume me to the point where it leaves me crippling. Therefore, if I need to cry, I am going to cry! Also, I give myself a Christmas gift every year like I would give my mom, so that’s something that always helps.

In addition, I’m going to be taking care of my body. I’m going to be working out, and blocking out time to get my 10,000 steps, whether it’s outside or doing a class. I’m going to therapy. I’m going to be drinking my water. I’m going to make sure I eat. I’ve been working on taking care of myself, truly, and this is something that I will be doing more so throughout the holidays when it’s just easier to let that go.

Finally, I’m going to be setting boundaries as much as I can. The biggest way I can do so is with my schedule and being selective of what I can and can’t do.

How are you taking care of your mental health this holiday season? Let me know in the comments below.

Q and A with Kristen from Kset Shop

Kset Shop is your go-to place for any and all holiday attire shopping. During this time of year, I’m craving something new, sparkly, and something that just will be something that I reach for for all of the holiday events that are coming up. I had an opportunity to chat with the founder, Kristen, all about her personal style, and recommendations for those who are looking for a little something special to wear. Be sure to follow her shop on Instagram, where you can follow her pop ups and drops as well.

How did you get started with Kset?

I just started Kset on September 13th. I was originally working for an agency that temporarily hired people for fashion trade shows while also working for a personal stylist in Greenwich. I recognized I really enjoyed the markets held by these fashion companies and I loved seeing the new trends before they came out. I liked working for the different vendors, but I definitely quickly realized I preferred being the buyer. I was always the friend in high school and college that everyone borrowed clothes from and I always heard that people had liked my style. When I mentioned the idea to my friends they were all so supportive and told me this is what I was meant to do so after being confused of what i wanted to do after graduating it seemed like everything just fell into place.

What are your top items for the holiday season?

My top items for the holiday season are definitely jackets, sweaters (especially ski inspired sweaters), and sweater dresses.

What do you recommend for any upcoming holiday parties?

I recommend the burgundy velvet dress, this sequin cheetah one (maybe for new years!), or a sweater dress for upcoming holiday parties.

What is your go-to outfit on a daily basis?

My go-to outfit on a daily basis is honestly our Polly jeans. They are the MOST comfortable jean (I can eat in them and do not feel restricted at all; they are so stretchy) paired with a sweater or off the shoulder top.

How does sizing work?

My sizing depends on each vendor. Typically I am wearing a small and if I am not I will include that information in the description of the product. Certain pieces are S-L and others are XS-XL. It really depends on the vendor because the items come to me prepacked (aka I don’t get to choose the sizes).

How would you describe your personal style?

I am not really sure what my personal style is. I think I dip into a lot of different buckets. I can be super girly one day and super edgy the next. I just like items that I find interesting and different. I never liked wearing the same thing as everyone else.

What are the same basics you recommend getting on your site?

Some basics I recommend getting on my site are definitely my jeans and sweaters/ cardigans.

You share some of the pop-ups you do online. Where are some events that you’ll be popping up?

I will be popping up at SkinbarCT on 12/5 in Wallingford from 5-7, Westport Museum for History and Culture on Saturday 12/7 from 11-4 PM and at Stony Creek on Sunday 12/15 from 12-5.

Welcome to Blogmas and the Benefits of Blogmas!

Merry Blogmas 2024! This is my fourth year doing Blogmas this year, and I am so excited to participate to help get into the habit of blogging at a more regular basis again.

At this time, I don’t have a complete list of the posts that I plan to share with you, but I did want to spend some time talking about the benefits of participating in Blogmas if you’re on the fence on participating this year.

But, before I begin, let’s get something out of the way. What is Blogmas? Blogmas, or vlogmas for those who post vlogs on YouTube or TikTok, is posting a blog or a vlog everyday for the month of December leading up to Christmas. Yes, it’s exhausting. However, I have found that it is worth it. Here’s why:

Create Traffic: One of the best parts about doing Blogmas is the fact that it is such a great way to boost your end of the year statistics by boosting the amount of SEO that you have going onto your site, simply by producing more posts. This is a great way to not only end the year, but to start the year. January is historically a slower month for content creation, but having a little bit of the page views straggling from the previous month definitely helps.
Start Creating a Habit: Consistency is key when it comes to creating content of any kind. As I mentioned earlier, Blogmas is going to serve as my way to create a habit as a blogger. This challenge, at least for me, is a way to reinstate a habit that has slowly begun to slip away. I’m not saying I’m going to post 25 posts in the month of January, but I want to try to get better at writing more than 1-4 posts a month. Furthermore, I do balance blogging along with working full time, so I do want to make sure to share the importance of giving myself grace as to when it comes to my lack of writing.
Start the New Year Off Right: As I mentioned, Blogmas causes a huge spike of eyes in my page views. This bleeds into the new year, which is extremely motivating for me to continue another year of blogging. I still get page views on posts that I’ve written back in 2021/2022, so this definitely helps keep my page views on the higher side long after the post has been published.
Grow Your Audience: Oftentimes, Blogmas has caused me to venture out of my comfort zone and create a post that I normally would not. Let me just say this — it is really fun to experiment with different types of posting! With this, it definitely helps me grow the people who read my blog on a regular basis, as well those who follow it on social media. That growth alone is 1000% worth it if you ask me!

Are you participating in Blogmas? Let me know in the comments below!