WHAT I'M READING

I set a goal to read 60 books this year. I set that particular goal...hoping I would at least read 52...which has been my goal the last several years. I've always missed by a book or two. Something tells me that this year won't be much different. I'm currently 18 books behind schedule.

Despite a several month lull in reading earlier this year, I have been busy here lately. I thought I would do a little run down of what I've read lately.

IT WAS ME ALL ALONG by Andie Mitchell. I was pretty excited to read this as I have followed Andie's blog for several years. Unfortunately, it was not what I expected. It's definitely a memoir...but I thought it would be more about how she lost. I feel like her blog is more informative on that particular subject. Her book is more focused on her family and early life. Andie is beautiful and a great writer, but honestly, her book is kind of depressing.

THE GOOD GIRLS by Sara Shepard. I love YA books and Sara is one of my favorites. I think you definitely know what your are getting when you read her books. They all follow a very similar formula....so if you love her books...you'll love her books. If you are bored with that format...maybe don't read her news stuff. Ha. This series (this is just the 2nd book in the series) is VERY similar to Pretty Little Liars. But, I love it.

IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME by Beth Harbison. Love Beth's books. This one is pretty good...not my favorite...maybe only because I feel like this topic (going back to high school) is kind of overplayed. BUT...I did enjoy it (save for the sad parts that hit too close to home).

THE BEST OF ENEMIES by Jen Lancaster. I love love love Jen. I feel like I have said that numerous times on this blog. BUT....I've also said that I prefer her memoirs. I wanted to love it as much as I love her. And even though it started kind slow, I did end up enjoying it. Still prefer her memoirs over her fiction though. Womp Womp.

I REGRET NOTHING by Jen Lancaster. A memoir! I laugh and laugh and laugh. I wish she would just write a diary and let me read it. I feel pretty confident I would love it. Ha. I really did enjoy this book. Had me wanting to learn Italian and ride a bike all over Italy.

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN by Paula Hawkins. So, I kept seeing this in the store. I kept seeing people talk about how it was the new Gone Girl. And I loved Gone Girl....so I finally picked it up. I see the similarity. It's very dark. And depressing. And you don't feel good at the end. But, I still sort o enjoyed it. I guess it's just not really my type of book. But, I'm glad I read it. I'm definitely a follower. Ha.

FRICTION by Sandra Brown. LOVE Sandra Brown. LOVE. She is from my hometown. And I just adore her. Her writing is just plain good. I'm always immediately wrapped up in the story. I usually read her books in a day because I can not put them down. Friction was no different. I wanted to zip through it to find out what happened but I also wanted to read it slowly so I could savor it. So good.

IS EVERYONE HANGING OUT WITHOUT ME? (AND OTHER CONCERNS) by Mindy Kaling. I know this book is kind of old. But, I was browsing the digital copies available on my library account (there is rarely anything good available for immediate reading) and this was there. I love memoirs...and I think she is hilarious...so why not?! It was cute. Written in more of an essay/ random thoughts type format. Which is fine. Anyway, it was cute, and now I want to read her new book. If you love her (and haven't read this yet)...go go go!!

Okay...sot that's the last 8 books I've read. I'm currently reading a few other books...and I'm REALLY hoping to hit my goal this year. So, if you need me, I'll be reading.

CAPTAIN QUIT

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Obviously, I've abandoned my big plans for the write 31 days challenge. Though I am EXTREMELY good at making plans and not finishing them....I actually hate doing it. BUT...I was just biting of more than I could chew with that particular challenge. By the third day, I was actually dreading trying to come up with a blog post. And, that's really the opposite of why I blog. It's supposed to be fun, right?!

Anyway...so even though I'm quitting that particular challenge,  I am still going to push myself to blog some more this month. Maybe even a couple of "wear this room" type posts....because I do find them fun....when I'm in the mood. Ha.

Other than that....not a whole lot going on around here. I'm currently watching PLL on Netflix and trying to get motivated to do all the chores I did not do this weekend.

Going to my weigh in tonight....praying for another loss!!!

WEAR THIS ROOM

Day 2 of my Inspired Outfits challenge. I'm already struggling! Ha. Story of my life.

But, I had this cute image that I pinned earlier this week...so I thought it would be a fun wear this room subject.

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Adorable, right?! Okay, so here is the outfit I came up with based on the above image.

shirt / jeans / jacket / earrings / bracelet / bag / shoes

I've been wanting those shoes forever. Leopard is totally a neutral. I think I'm actually going to put them on my weight loss rewards list. And the bracelet is SO fun...and it's like $8. Yay for bargains!!!

Okay, so I'm going to try to get a little more organized for the rest of the challenge....that way I'm not scrambling to get a post done in the late afternoon/evening.

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

click image to see all posts in this 31 day challenge

INSPIRED BY :: JOANNA GAINES

Like everyone else that has watched the show, I'm absolutely in love with Fixer Upper on HGTV. I adore Chip and Joanna. They are just the cutest...not to mention how talented they both are. And Joanna's look always kills it. I love how she always pulls simple, classic pieces...she looks modes...but still chic. LOVE it.

So, for today's inspired look, I had to go with Joanna!

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I just loooove it. The sweater, the boots. The hair color (ha!). Everything. So...here is my look inspired by the above picture.

sweater / jeans / boots / ring / earrings / necklace / bag / polish 

Everything in this look can be purchased at Kohl's...with the exception of the bag (Target) and boots (Country Outfitter). The boots are the most expensive thing  (I think everything else added together is less than the cost of the boots)..but I LOVE LOVE LOVE them...and would definitely get my wear out of them.

I'm not much of a jeggings girl, but I think this longer babydoll sweater is perfect for covering up the trouble areas, right?! And, there used to be a hard and fast rule about not mixing leather colors. But, here I am mixing two different brows with grey and black....and I think it's okay. In fact...it's one thing I think Joanna is great at...both in her fashion and interior design skills.

So, that was a fun start for this month long challenge I'm doing. I've actually got a few more Joanna Gaines looks as well as Fixer Upper room I am hoping to use for inspiration pieces later in the month.