Recent Reads

In keeping with my new years resolution to read more, here are a few books I've enjoyed lately. (Some were via Audible (it totally counts!), which is a sanity saver during long commutes.) It's also helped that we've had a long, cold and snowy winter which provided the perfect setting to curl up with blankets and a good book. Here's the scoop in small sized snips!

• What Remains - Love, heartbreak and history all rolled in one. If you love the Kennedy family like I do, you'll enjoy this one. 

• The Husband's Secret - Twists and turns you'll never expect. An awesome audible listen. The narrator's voice gave life to the unknowingly intertwined characters that I thoroughly enjoyed. For one week, I actually wished for traffic. My favorite of the year so far.

• Yellow Eyes of the Crocodile - A good find via the Refinery29 book club. Not what I expected but worth reading in one weekend (which I did).

• Divergent - Young adult literature for young adults of all ages. Perfect for my post-Hunger Games cravings.

• Crazy Sexy Diet - ok this isn't a diet diet. It does contain a 21 plan, but that's just a small part of this book. More like a lifestyle read, I love Kris' friendly tone and how she breaks down nutrition in a simple way that might finally convince you to make those changes you've been pondering. 

• Waiting to be Heard - You'll hardly believe this nightmare was someone's reality. Not guilty!

Bonus round: I read these but they're not favorites for the reasons below.

• The Dinner - Not all books are made for Audio, and this is one of them. The narrators voice made the main character sound so whiny and over-analytical that it honestly just got on my nerves. (Not to mention I couldn't stand the way he drew out the name "Serge" like "Searrrrrrge.") Each "course" just seemed to drag on and on. I really wanted to like it but it was seriously the longest dinner of my life. 

• The Fault in our Stars - Sweet and sad. I liked, but not loved. I'm sure it'll be an amazing movie. 

Currently reading: 

The Cuckoo's Calling on Kindle / What Alice Forgot on Audible 

Up next: 

The Goldfinch on Kindle / The Hypnotist's Love Story on Audible

St. Patty's Shenanigans

Chicago turned green again this weekend! My cousin came in from North Carolina to help us celebrate and can I just say, it's awesome having a family member that gets just as excited for dress up opportunities as I do. (Recognize the wig?) We donned our festive gear (plus coats - unfortunately, the weather wasn't as fabulous as this) but we did have some sunshine so the water looked extra festive and I was able to bust out my Patrick tee again so no complaints here. We started at the river and made our way north over the course of about eleven hours, with loads of green beer, dancing, and photo opps in between. All in all, a success.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Spring Beauty Faves

I recently acquired a few more "can't live without" items in my beauty repertoire that you might enjoy, too. Also wanted to mention a new favorite site... Mom turned me onto BeautySage a few months ago and so far I've been very happy with the selection and items ordered, including several of these.  Definitely worth a peek.

Now, onto the products:

Lollitint - Benefit stains are the bomb dot com.  Posietint and ChaChatint have been long time favorites and Spring 2014's new Lollitint is so Radiant Orchid inspired my inner hue guru could just squeal. For a warmer weather glow, it's absolutely lovely on cheeks and it gives lips the prettiest pop when paired with gloss.

Essie Play Date - another Radiant Orchid homage. I'm so NOT a purple gal, but something about this fresh lilac/lavender shade is right on.

Black Soap - Strange, but awesome. My face feels squeaky clean but not stripped. Use as a soap or a mask!

Rose Body Oil - I've been big on body oils since the end of last summer. After trying a few, this one definitely rose to the top (see what I did there?). Applied on damp skin, it moisturizes like a dream. The floral scent is divine; fragrant enough to please the nose, yet faint and fades quickly so it won't interfere with perfumes.

Scotch Polish Remover - This product could also be called, "the marriage saver polish remover." Technically, it's been a chiller weather beauty fave since at some point this dreadful winter I realized I couldn't torment my hubby and his sensitive smeller with traditional polish remover any longer. I took a chance on this one and holy mackerel, why'd I wait so long before trying a non-toxic version?? Spritz once or twice (trying to hit most of the fingers at once), let set a few seconds, then swipe. Fragrance free, gentle, and has saved many a mani argument. (Just be sure swipe nails with an alcohol pad before painting as it does leave an oil-like residue.)


What products are you loving lately?