lifestyle

Everything I Read – October 2024

1. This is Why We Lied

This is part of the popular Will Trent series that Karin Slaughter has been writing for years. The good thing is you don’t have to read the prior ones to know what is going on in the later ones so you can pick and choose the ones you are interested in. This was an entertaining “whodunit” type of mystery that I love to read. Will Trent and his new wife Sara are on their honeymoon at a remote mountaintop resort in the Georgia mountains. The resort is run by Mercy and her family though Mercy is the main one who interacts with the guests and runs the day to day activities.

After only being there one night, Will and Sara hear a terrifying scream and race to find Mercy nearly dead after a brutal stabbing. Will stays with her while Sara goes to get help and in her final breaths she tries to tell Will who did this to her. But unfortunately Will is unable to understand what she is saying. When Will notifies Mercy’s family that she is dead, their reaction is not typical of those who just lost someone they really care about. Will knows something is off here and while he is not officially assigned to the case, he decides to personally investigate Mercy’s death. Lots of twists and turns with a surprising ending. Rating: 8

2. The Perfect Couple

I only read this after the Netflix series came out and everyone was buzzing about it. So I decided to read the book first and then watch the series. The book was amazing but the series was so different from the book that I ended up not finishing watching it. LOL This was another Elin Hildebrand hit and so easy and fun to get through.

One of Nantucket’s most prominent families is hosting a wedding for their son and soon to be daughter in law. Party prep is underway until the maid of honor is found dead the night before wedding. Was it an accident? Was it murder? As chief of police Ed Kapenash looks more into the family and surrounding friend group, secrets are uncovered that could destroy families and relationships. This is such a fun and easy read that will keep you entertained until the very end! Rating: 8.5

3. Such Charming Liars

Ugh, this book was a struggle for me to get through and I found my mind wandering during the entire thing. My mom and I normally listen to each book I download at the same time and then chat about our thoughts as we get through it (it’s our own mini book club! LOL). Normally we are on the same page, but she had to help explain some of this book because I was losing interest and could not follow the plot.

Kat and her mother, Jamie, have been on their own since Jamie and Kat’s father split. He was abusive and went to jail for his abuse towards them. Since then Jamie has struggled to provide for her daughter and is currently working as a jewel thief for a theft ring. Jamie has decided however that this will be her last heist and then she wants to go straight. But things during this last job are not going right and Jamie and Kat believe that someone may be after them. The premise may sound a bit entertaining but honestly it was not enjoyable for me at all. Rating: 5

4. The Secret Book of Flora Lea

Honestly I can’t even give much feedback on this book because I didn’t finish it and had a hard time even following it from the beginning. It had amazing reviews but it was way too slow and drab for my personal taste. Rating: Did Not Finish

5. Home is Where the Bodies Are

A mystery/thriller that will keep you entertained but was a tad bit predictable for me about halfway through. Three siblings must return to their childhood home to sort out their late mother’s estate. Beth is the oldest and has spent the last few years of her life caring for their mother and was present during her final moments. Before she passed, Beth’s mother says something cryptic that Beth doesn’t understand but worries that it was a warning.

While cleaning out the house, all three siblings come across some home videos that their mother and father made that incriminates them in some horrific crimes decades ago. Was their mother really complicit in these horrible things? Did their father really disappear one day never to return? So many unanswered questions but one thing Beth knows for sure is that her life may be in danger if she doesn’t get the bottom of this soon. Rating: 8

6. Somewhere Beyond the Sea

This is the highly anticipated sequel to one of the best books I’ve ever read – The House in the Cerulean Sea. And this book was just as heartwarming, hysterical and amazing as I had hoped. I’m not someone who typically enjoys fantasy fiction but this book really captivated me from the first in the series. Arthur runs an orphanage for magical youths who have been shunned from society. Together he and his partner Linus create a loving and openly accepting home for these adorable kids to thrive and find their place in the world. But the government is trying to do what it can to shut them down and demonize those that are part of the “magical community”. So Arthur must testify in front of a governing body to protect these kids. But in doing so, he must reveal some secrets of his own magical past.

This is the most beautiful story of acceptance, being different and creating community against all odds. I cannot recommend this book enough! And if you have a chance to listen to it instead of reading, the narrator is absolutely wonderful and his voices for all the characters makes the book 100x more enjoyable! Rating: 9

Amazon Prime Day begins today!! I have so many items included in the sale so I am doing a huge post with all my sale recommendations and personal picks. It’s a great time to get a head start on holiday shopping or buy things that you’ve been eyeing for a while! This list is a mix of clothing, home, beauty and other random items I have ordered from Amazon. LOL

Amazon Prime Day Deals

Matching Set

This set is actually one of my top selling Amazon clothing items I’ve ever shared! It’s very similar to the Spanx Air Essentials but MUCH more affordable and comes in a ton of cute colors.

Tweed slingbacks

These are very Chanel-esque but at a fraction of the price. I bought them a few years ago and still wear them all the time. I purchased the tweed option but there are solid colors to choose from as well. A great workwear shoe for fall.

TirTir Mask Fit Cushion Foundation

TirTir markets this as a medium to full coverage, weightless foundation with a soft satin finish and I can say that is really spot on with my experience. It’s designed to give you that “glass skin” look that is been popular in Korea for many years and is now trending heavily in the US market. Glass skin is the term coined to describe skin that looks like glass. Shiny, smooth and almost translucent in its clarity. This foundation definitely delivers somewhat on this claim for as much as real skin can actually look like glass. A bit of hyperbole but the foundation really does smooth out and hide imperfections in the most amazing way.

Drugstore Makeup Favorites

L’Oreal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

As I have gotten older, I definitely find that lightweight foundations and skin tints look better on my face. I have tried this Tinted Serum Foundation before but had the wrong shade so this time I got the correct shade and fell in love with it even more. It’s designed to be lightweight skin tint with skincare benefits – most specifically hyaluronic acid which helps hydrate the skin. It’s not thin and runny like a serum and has a thicker texture much like a foundation. But product names aside, the texture is still lightweight and super easy to blend. It truly feels like I am not wearing anything on my skin – so weightless! (Full review here)

L’Oreal True Match Serum Concealer

I have a few serum concealers in my collection that are all quite amazing so I was not sure how this drugstore version would compare. Like the Tinted Serum Foundation, the L’Oreal True Match Radiant Serum Concealer contains skincare ingredients that helps to hydrate and smooth the under eye area. It’s can be used anywhere on the face that you want to conceal. I had high hopes for this concealer after loving both the foundation and tinted serum and I am happy to say that it lived up to my expectations. (Full review here)

e.l.f. O Face Satin Lipstick

Out of all my lip picks, this is the most traditional type of lipstick and formula. It’s a creamy satin texture that gives medium to full(ish) coverage but still feels so smooth and comfortable on my lips. This is a one swipe lipstick and it lasts the longest out of all the options I have in this post. The shade I love in this is Dirty Talk.

NYX Butter Gloss

For $7, these are one of the best lip formulas around! They give sheer to medium coverage and the pigment is very rich. Some glosses or lipstick/gloss formulas won’t deliver the exact color on the tube to your lips. It will be duller, less intense or a sheer wash of it. But these NYX Professional Butter Glosses really look exactly like the color on the packaging. The NYX Butter Gloss is a top seller for good reason. It’s never sticky or tacky and wears beautifully on its own or layered over a lip liner or lipstick.

L’Oreal Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss

I’ve been wearing these for a few years and they are still some of my favorite lip formulas. These balm-in-gloss give good pigment and can be built up to be slightly more medium coverage. The L’Oreal Glow Paradise Hydrating Lip Balm-in-Gloss is infused with hyaluronic acid and pomegranate extract that help to condition them throughout the day.

Maybelline Lifter Gloss

I want all the hyaluronic acid in my facial skincare and ALSO in my lip products! Hyaluronic acid is one of my favorite skincare ingredients because of its ability to maintain moisture and plump the surface of whatever it is applied to. In this case, the Maybelline Lifter Gloss is chock full of hyaluronic acid which will help smooth and hydrate the surface of the lips. While also minimizing the appearance of any lines. The shine on the Lifter Gloss is worth mentioning as well because it makes my lips look like glass without any tackiness.

L’Oreal Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick

The formula is truly the best of both worlds. It’s a lipstick that wears and feels like a moisturizing lip balm. Whether you wear makeup or not, I definitely think the L’Oreal Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick is a lip product that almost everyone would love. It’s quite sheer which makes it easy to throw on and go and it’s gentle enough for sensitive lips. I have a few colors in this formula but my favorite by far is Peach Charm. It’s a vibrant bright coral in the tube but goes on like a subtle hint of peach color.

L’Oreal True Match Foundation

Wow. Wow. Just wow. Every time I wear this foundation, I am blown away by how beautiful it looks on my skin. The color match is perfect, the coverage is buildable, it feels weightless on the skin and is very long wearing. The finish looks skin-like without being too glowy or too matte. You can build this foundation up to be more medium coverage or sheer it out to be quite light.

L’Oreal Lumi Glotion

If you want to add a bit of shine and moisture to the cheeks without disrupting your powder bronzer or blush, dab the L’Oreal Lumi Glotion (I wear shade Fair) to the high points of the cheekbones. It gives a radiant glow without being too shiny. I apply it either with my fingers or big fluffy brush. It can also be worn as an all over primer under your foundation but I use it the most as a highlighter. It gives my skin the perfect amount of radiance while still looking like skin.

L’Oreal Lumi Le Liquid Blush

If you love the Lumi Glotion, you will probably love the Lumi Liquid Blushes. They are hydrating and creamy while still delivering a ton of pigment and intensity. I like to apply them onto a makeup mixing palette and work off that so I can control the amount I am putting on.

L’Oreal Le Shadow Stick

I will forever be a one and done eyeshadow gal and these shadow sticks are absolute perfection! They are smoooth, creamy, long lasting and come in a ton of everyday wearable shades. I also recommend these to any one that struggles with crepey lids because they show very little texture and have a subtle blurring effect.

L’Oreal Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick

As someone who primarily likes very sheer or slightly glossy lip formulas, this is a true old school medium coverage lipstick. And I LOVE IT! It has a satin finish and feels very comfortable on the lips. The shade that I wear regularly is Worth It and it is the perfectly neutral nude pink for everyday.

Fall Fashion Finds

Striped lady jacket

Striped lady jackets are everywhere this season and I personally own a few. LOL But if you don’t want to spend a ton or want something that is very budget friendly, this one looks perfect.

Knit cream and white cardigan sweater

The gold button details mixed with the cream and white makes this knit cardigan look so expensive!

Tweed blazer

A tweed blazer is a classic fall piece that you can wear year after year. If you are hesitant on what colorway to get, black and white is always a safe bet.

Black and white lounge set

I don’t like to put much thought into my casual lounge outfits so I tend to buy matching sets to make it easy for myself.

Cream braided top handle bag

This bag has been sitting in my cart for two months and I’m still trying to decide which color to get. It looks JUST like the Bottega Venata one but at a fraction of the price.

Gold circular bag

This bag had really great reviews and comes in a million colors! I loved the metallic gold but there are tons of options to choose from if this isn’t your vibe. It’s a fun evening bag or would be perfect for vacation.

Crossbody woven bag

Another bag that has been sitting in my cart because I love the size and larger braided weave.

Birkenstock style clogs

The clog trend is wearing me down and this is a really affordable option.

Mesh leopard ballet flats

Leopard is everywhere this fall and I love that it is mixed with the mesh ballet flat trend.

Top handle woven clutch

Another great evening bag or if you want something small to carry for an event.

Silver teardrop earrings

These continue to be a top selling earring and I love them in silver.

Gold and silver rectangle earrings

If you don’t want to splurge on Heaven Mayhem, this is a super budget friendly nearly identical option.

Striped knit vest

If you love the lady jacket look but live in a warmer climate, this striped knit vest would be a good pick.

Red mesh ballet flats

Again with the mesh ballet flats but this time in a fun bold red color!

Mixed metal ring

I’m mixing all the metals in daily jewelry so buying pieces that are already gold and silver makes mixing even easier.

Chunky gold ring

I saw this ring styled in a Tiktok video and it looked so good. The influencer had it for a few months and raved about the quality and shape.

Black top handle tote bag

This is a great workwear tote option for under $100.

Green tie front cardigan

I’m not normally a bow gal but from time to time I find a version that I like. I think it is because the bow is the same color as the sweater so it is not as noticeable which I really like.

Burgundy suede flat mules

I have these in the kitten heel version and they are by far one of my most worn shoes every fall. I am planning to get a pair of flats next and this burgundy shade is calling my name.

Long Puffer coat

I call this my comforter coat and it literally wraps you up like a puffy comforter. It has zippers on the side so you can make it a tad more fitted and allow less cold air to get in. I am so glad I got this last year for the winter – it was absolutely perfect!

Striped turtleneck tunic sweater

Out of every single Amazon sweater I own, this may be my favorite. From the simple classic stripes to the perfect length and fit, I adore this tunic sweater. It also looks VERY similar to the insanely expensive designer version by Toteme if you love that look but don’t want to spend that amount of money.

Puffer Coat

This is not my warmest puffer coat but it is perfect to grab and run out the door. And I bought it when it was on sale for under $30. Especially if you live in a climate that is mild in the winter but still want a proper coat, this is a great option. And the shiny rose gold color makes it much more fun!

Elemis Cleansing Balm

I’ve been using this cleansing balm for 10 years and it’s still my tried and true favorite. It’s worth every penny but it’s always on sale during Prime Day so now is the perfect time to grab one.

Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm

I use this cleansing balm more as a treatment than to remove my makeup. The indigo formulation helps to soothe and nourish the skin more intensely. I like to massage this on as a second cleanse, leave on for a minute or two and then rinse off.

Suede mules

I have been raving about these mules for years now and I won’t stop anytime soon. LOL They look nearly identical to the Manolo Blahnik ones but at a fraction of the price. They are chic, comfortable and timeless. Especially if you work in an office, these are a must have but I personally wear them day to day too.

Pullover and leggings

A simple comfy pullover to wear when it’s chilly in the mornings and there is a zipper detail on the side which I love. The leggings are the 2nd most purchased item out of all the Amazon pieces I’ve shared. They are under $30, have a slight compression to help slim and are insanely comfortable!

Puffer coat

This coat went viral a few years ago and for good reason. It keeps you SO warm and I reach for it on the coldest days in the winter. It comes in a few different versions and styles but this particular one was my favorite.

Sweater

If you need a simple tunic sweater to wear all fall and winter with your leggings, then this is the one to get. I had another Amazon tunic sweater that used to be my holy grail, but this one took the top spot. It’s long but  not too long, oversized but not too shapeless and feels so soft and cozy.

Shoes

I hardly wore any other shoe last holiday season because these went with every single outfit. They make me think of Cinderella and her glass slippers which makes me love them even more. They look great with dresses, pants, jeans – basically anything! I have styled them a few ways in this blog post.

Blazer

This is my tried and true classic black blazer that I have had for yearsssss. I recommend to everyone and think it’s one of the best fitting blazers for the price point. It comes in a few colors so grab black and another color that you think you will wear often.

Clear organizers with dividers | Bamboo drawer organizer | Refrigerator organizer bins | Underwear organizer | Clear plastic drawer organizers | Plastic apothecary jars | Acrylic shelf dividers | Food storage containers | Lid organizer | Lazy susan organizer | Under sink organizer | Closet organizer shelves | Wall mount broom organizer

I put together this roundup of organizing finds from Amazon a few years ago but everything is still in stock and most of it is on sale for Prime Day!

Suitcases | Electronic organizer | Clear pouches | Makeup brush covers | Packing cubes | Makeup brush holder | Travel steamer | Travel lighted mirror | Travel toiletry bottles | Travel wireless chargers | Jewelry case

If you travel often, here are a bunch of travel things that are included in the Prime Day sales.

Nightlight (updated version)

I bought this for Miles a few years ago and we still use it EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. This exact model is no longer available but they have updated it and made it look a bit better but it still performs the same way. Out of all the toys and things I have purchased Miles over the years, this may be one of the best things and the one we use the most. It’s perfect for kids of all ages – not just for the little kiddos.

More Amazon Prime Day Deals

Makeup sponges

I’ve been buying these for a few years now and they have replaced all my other makeup sponges.

Missha BB Cream

This is one of the best skin tints/foundations I have EVER tried! And it’s on sale for under $10!!

Shower steamer tablets

Both myself and Miles love these. You place one on the floor of the shower and they dissolve and release the most amazing spa-like scent as you wash.

Clip-on light for phone/computer

This is absolute magic and is like your own personal lighting crew. If you do zoom meetings or film content, this light is a must have.

Air fryer

We upgraded our air fryer to this one because it has two baskets so we can cook separate things at the same time. It’s a life saver.

Electrolyte packets

I go through two of these a day and they really help me to drink more water.

Slippers

These have a memory foam insole and are so comfy!

Jergens Wet Skin Self Tanner

I already repurchased this self tanner. So easy to apply on damp skin and it doesn’t smell like self tanner.

Weighted Vest

I wear this every time I go on a walk. I bought it after seeing a menopause doctor I follow on social media recommend it for helping with bone density in perimenopausal and menopausal women.

Flameless Lighter

A rechargeable lighter for my candles. Every time I gift someone a candle, I gift this with it.

Eye Massager

I bought this for Stan to help with sinus pressure and headaches. It is heated and massages the eye area and temples. It’s absolutely a game changer for headaches and sinus pain!

Foot Massager

Amazing for sore feet!

Powder Puffs

These are the puffs I use to apply my pressed powder and they are fantastic! So velvety smooth and the perfect shape.

Exfoliating foot cream

I’ve been buying this for 4 years because nothing makes my feet as smooth as this.

Terrycloth wristbands

This keeps the water from running down your arms when you are washing your face.

Bathtub Pillow

A total splurge but man this is so LUXE! A huge pillow for your bathtub and it is so insanely comfortable. You will never want to get out of the tub.

Makeup Organizer

This is currently the organizer I have on my bathroom counter.

Pearl embellished sweater

One of my newest sweater finds and it is a STUNNER!

Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

A long time favorite cleansing balm that gets off every last bit of makeup effortlessly.

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