Time can slow down whenever it feels like it – HOW in the world is it August?! Especially with baby boy on the way, I feel like it’s crunch time trying to get as much done as possible before his arrival. With that said, I plan to fully enjoy August (and September) before diving into all of the Fall things! Summer is just too sweet to rush through. I did have a handful of favorites this past month and I’ve been looking forward to sharing them all here. Keep reading to check out my July faves! ◡̈
One of my favorite things about Instagram is connecting with people over books. I often share what I’m reading and love putting out the call for recommendations from fellow bookworms! I’ve teased this post for so long and it’s finally here!
I love to read – more so for entertainment than education – but regardless, there’s something about finishing a book that feels like a darn good accomplishment. I wish I did it more.
Labor Day weekend, my hometown library puts on a HUGE book fair that sells everything from books to DVDs to records to games to magazines – all in great condition, and all SUPER cheap [like $.50-$3 dollars cheap]. My Mom & I like to go together & scope it out. Lucky for me, I picked up a ton of great books from some of my favorite authors- for only $7!
Inside the book fair
I can’t wait to read them all! 🙂
While on the subject of books, I always find myself reading the most in the Summer months. This year especially, I was able to get a few great reads in.
One of which [although a little late to the game], I was SO glad I could get my hands on…
After hearing that the film would be coming out in October, I was dying to read Gone Girl! My Mom lent it to me and I couldn’t put it down. What a story. Really bizarre concept, super strange ending, interesting characters, and twist & turns for days!
I cannot wait for this movie – especially since there’s an alternate ending! See the trailer here:
Also – have you seen Amy Dunne’s Pinterest page?! It is the creepiest/strangest/coolest thing ever. I have a hunch that social profiles for fictional characters are about to be popping up all over the place! Check it out here.
There’s no better way to beat the New England cold than to escape somewhere warm. I’m heading to the Cayman Islands for a nice little vacation, and I couldn’t be anymore excited! While writing a packing list, I realized there are some things that I couldn’t imagine being on the beach without:
1) Fun, printed bikinis. Bright colors, of course!
2) IPad -it’s perfect when you’re unable to use your cell, and much easier than toting your laptop around!
3) Big sunglasses – need I explain more?
4) A good beach read. I’m currently in the middle of Safe Haven, I want to finish it before I see the movie.
5) Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion. I love the gold shimmer in this one.
6) Floppy hat – love these when I’m laying out.
7) Gold flip flops – they’re perfect for the beach & going out at night.
8) A fun manicure! I’ll probably go with a Gelish polish so that it’ll last my whole vacation, but I’m not sure which color just yet – something bright!
9) A beach cover up. These are essential – perfect for when you want to get up and grab lunch, take a walk, or need to cover your skin.
I cannot wait to get away, I am really looking forward to soaking up some sun! These are just a few of my must-haves, is there anything else that I should throw in my beach bag?
So glad I finally have a few minutes to post. Work has been beyond busy, there have been a lot of family and friend events recently, I’ve been super committed to my 3 week diet/exercise plan, and I’ve been sick the past few days! It’s been a horrible combination for blogging; but hopefully I can get back on track!
I wanted to re-cap my efforts of my goal to get in shape before Memorial Day weekend (ahh only 5 days left)!
So I bought Bethenny’s book, Naturally Thin for some inspiration! I’ve been reading it regularly and picked up some great tips, but over all I don’t know if I could fully adapt to her methods of eating…it honestly sounds like she barely eats! Regardless, it’s an interesting perspective.
I’ve upped my exercise trying to do some arms/legs/butt/abs and cardio everyday. I picked up some new hand weights and have been using them regularly. I try to work out every night- out of the last 2 weeks I’ve only skipped 2 work out days!
I’ve been pre-cooking and packaging all of my meals and snacks. In the morning I’ve been eating a hard boiled egg or an egg white muffin! I found this recipe and loved it- especially because they can be frozen for the week. Mix egg whites, green peppers, black pepper (add any veggies you’d like), pour into greased muffin tins- bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. Freeze and heat up in the morning 🙂
You got a peek into my healthy snack prep a couple weeks ago, but I’ve extended to non-refridgerated items as well: peanuts, dried fruits, multi-grain chips, etc.
I’m a frozen food/veggies fanatic lately! I use them for lunch and dinner. I’ve been making salads with a veggie burger or chik patty with vegetables, hard boiled eggs, walnuts, etc, and hot dishes with eggplant, squash, zucchini, onions, shitake mushrooms, black beans, broccoli, and organic salsa.
Results have totally been paying off- I even picked up 2 new bikinis 🙂
Props to Old Navy- I have such a hard time finding a swimsuit that fits properly, I always need to shop at stores that sell separates, and even then I struggle, but this suit is amazing! The cut on the top fits so well!
This one is a little flashy, and definitely has less coverage, but I love it 🙂 I’ve been looking for a metallic/silvery suit forever!
I plan to continue my efforts, and definitely up my game the next few days! I like setting a goal and seeing it through. I’m not dropping the ball on this one!
And as always…a picture of my current mani 😉
Forever 21 Polish- no name on it though :-/
This polish is crazy! It appears neon orange, neon pink, and red in different lights!
So many people have told me they’re currently trying new diet and exercise plans, how are you getting ready for the bikini season?
Theme by BluChic | Customized by Designs by Virtual Bren
Unauthorized Use and/or Duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site's owner is strictly prohibited.
