Reading Lately + Future Read

Good morning!

Today, I am going to be talking about books that I have read so far this summer! Last summer, my job was babysitting a few days a week and my friends were living in their college towns for the summer giving me a lot of free time. It was really nice looking back since I was making a huge move to Chapel Hill that August. It allowed me to be stress free (although I found a way to be stressed about my move)... Anyways, with my free time I picked up reading. Honestly, I had not read a book for pleasure since elementary school. That is kind of embarrassing to admit to say the least. 

During my time last summer, I found reading to be soooo relaxing. I didn't have reports to write on these books or Accelerated Reader goals I had to meet. I was reading at my own pace. Reading became my own personal escape. I read probably 8 books last summer which was phenomenal. 

So far this summer, I have read 5 books, but the summer isn't over yet! I was in summer school the first part of the summer, so I had a slightly later start. So far, I have read "Modern Lovers", "Crazy Rich Asians" (series) by Kevin Kwan, and I read Emily Giffin's latest "All We Ever Wanted" (in three days). Giffin's book was very fast-paced and enjoyable. 

I'll be honest, I started Modern Lovers in November... I did not have a lot of free time during the school year and when I did, reading was the last thing I wanted to do since I had so much for class. Once school ended before summer school, I began to really read the book. Honestly, it was one of the worst books I have read. There seemed to be a lot of hype behind this author given her other book "The Vacationers" which I have not read. 

I have raved about this so much to everyone I have talked to, but I loveeee Crazy Rich Asians. I read all three books within a month. The last one only took me a week to read. I have to say the last one might have been my favorite. They are just so light and funny. There's a few plot twists which kept me on my toes! I can't wait for the movie come August 15th (a Wednesday!!!!!)

Next on my list, is "The Identicals" by Elin Hilderbrand. The book came out last summer, but I believe only hardback was available and since I was just getting into reading I didn't want to full on splurge. But this summer, I HAD to get my hands on it. My mom is currently reading it and I am waiting to steal it back from her! (I was the one who bought it hehe) Even when I made the purchase at Barnes and Noble, the cashier said it was a great book which makes me even more excited to get to it!

Our 3 Year Dating Anniversary

On Tuesday, Matthew and I celebrated 3 years of dating. Technically, our actual anniversary is Saturday, but Tuesday worked better with our schedules. We went to Charlotte (one of our favorite cities) and spent the day there!

Upon arrival, we immediately went to Shake Shack... Matthew had not been there since we went to New York for Thanksgiving 2 years ago! It was sooooo good per usual.

Afterwards, we went to SouthPark and Swoozies. Surprisingly, I did not find anything at the mall... (shocking, right!?) Then at Swoozies, Matthew bought me this hat as an anniversary gift. I have been wanting an aviate hat for a few months now and what a fun way to remember our trip to Charlotte!

Matthew had never been to my aunt's house that's about an hour away from Charlotte, so we decided to stop by there. It was such a beautiful day there and we got to explore their land on the gator!

We ended the night with dinner at Bonefish which was really good and different because I don't eat seafood that much, but I really enjoyed it.

Here's to many more years together!

Birthday Party Inspiration

Good morning!

My birthday is coming up in just a little over a week (July 21st to be exact). I really haven't had a party since I turned 19. That year, I asked for a surprise party and ended up with two! 

Now that I am finally away from home and have an apartment, I thought it would be fun (and nerve racking) to have my hometown and Chapel Hill worlds collide. Also, Pinterest has so many cute party decoration ideas that it was hard to resist to not plan something for my day!

I really think I'm going for a cactus/pineapple/gold theme. I have found some pieces at Target (hellooooo dollar section) and have searched Amazon and Pinterest as well. 

I found this cup at Urban Outfitters for $8 the other week with my mom. Everyone on their 21st has their special cup and I felt like this one really fit my theme!

These cheers balloons were in a pack at Target for like $5. I know you can find them almost anywhere for fairly cheap, so make sure you don't completely over pay!

Lastly, everyone seems to have a wall for photo ops which is one of the last decorations I am still trying to narrow my vision on. 

I really like this option, of course I wouldn't have the "one" balloons, but the "CHEERS" banner would be a good replacement! This could be done very easily on a budget as well!

I really like the pom poms from this backdrop as well and I found a party set on Amazon that had some similar. 

Side note: Amazon has some great party sets with balloons, streamers and tassel banners that end up being like 36 pieces all for $20 or less! I am tempted to order one myself, but there are so many options that I cannot commit just yet! If I go with one of them I will post about their quality and if it was worth it!

If you want to follow me to continue seeing my 21st birthday vision check out my "celebrate" Pinterest board!

Do you have any party supply suggestions!?

xo,

Bailey

My Recent Purchases

Good morning, friends!

In preparation for my trip to Charleston and just wanting to vamp up my wardrobe for the summer, I am sharing some things I have purchased recently.

Bevello is my go to store. They have GREAT brands all of which are of great quality. I can always count on them having clothes that are in my "vision" of the perfect outfit. Since I am on the shorter side, I have really struggled trying to find a jumpsuit that won't swallow me whole. (I did find one at bevello, but I prefer the one I am sharing with you!) I have been loving this trend of the capri jumpsuits because they would fit me better. I found this one and it is perfect! The material is sooo soft and light aka perfect for Charleston! I will also be able to wear it on game days in August and September! (Go heels!) 

I have also been eyeing these trendy tortoise earrings as well through bevello's instagram for WEEKS. I love the twist on this classic print and I finally got them! I can't wait to pair them with my everyday outfits!

Next, I decided to update some parts of my make up routine at Sephora. I have seen so many recommendations for IT Cosmetics' CC cream "Your Skin but Better". I honestly do not have a make up "holy grail". My mom is constantly trying out new products and she's always switching up products. She's always giving me products that she's tried, but didn't care for so I would give them a try. I guess I get my desire to switch up my routine from her. I had been using Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer. I have liked it, but I feel like my make up looks more oily. I have normal skin so I can definitely notice this difference. (Note: When I looked up the tinted moisturizer on Sephora's website to link it for you, I noticed that there is an oil free option... maybe I will give that a go next time)

Lastly, I had seen lots of recommendations for NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Mini. I'm not a huge concealer girl, but I know I need to start adapting it into my everyday makeup routine. I love NARS products. They are all just really pretty to look at in the store lol. I have only used the Orgasm Blush Stick from NARS so I am excited to try a new NARS product!

What are your most recent summer purchases?

Bailey

Summer Vibes

Today I am sharing songs that I've been playing non-stop this summer. I know these songs are not super new, but I have been in a music funk for the last year! These songs are my first steps as to getting out of it lol. I also didn't realize that I had two songs by Electric Guest UNTIL I was making the graphic for the post. Also, 'It Feels Good' is off of Leon Bridges latest album and I loved his first album so much (it literally sounds like songs from fifties). His second album has not disappointed!

Follow me on Spotify here!

What songs have you been listening to this summer?

Bailey

What I'm Loving Lately

Hi friends!

Summer school is officially over and I am now adjusting to not having ANY due dates. I also started a new job this past week, so I am learning the ropes there. Here are just a few things I've been loving post-summer school!

1. Foreo Play- I received this in my Fab Fit Fun box and this was the main item I wanted from it. It is a face cleanser, BUT it syncs with an app and has skin sensors on the back that tell you how moisturized regions of your face are AND the age of your skin. I use the sensors before I wash and after (idk if that's normal, but it keeps me motivated). One day, prior to washing my face, it said my skin was 21 years old and then after washing it said my skin was 19 years old! Then, I skipped a few days of washing my face (oops!) and the sensors said my skin was 23 years old like whaaat?! Then I washed it and it said it was 21 years old. Also, when you wash your face with foreo, the vibrations pause when you have washed the area of your face long enough. I find this product really fascinating because I never wash my face with a cleanser.  I usually just use a hot rag in the shower before washing my body. BUT my skin rarely breaks out and when I would use cleansers I would actually break out.... weird I know. But I really love the analytical side of this product, so I can see what my skin needs!

2. Planet Fitness- Yes, there is a gym at my apartment, but I have literally been there once. I joined planet fitness because there are wayyyy more machines and I can watch TV while I work out without having to read the subtitles. I also am planning to meet with a trainer to get a work out routine in place. Something else I never do: work out. Before I joined Planet Fitness last week, I hadn't worked out since OCTOBER. Although, going to the gym is not a part of my everyday routine, I have enjoyed my membership at Planet Fitness thus far!

3. China Rich Girlfriend- Fun fact about me: I like to read. I discovered this last summer when I was only babysitting a couple of times a week, but needed to find something to do in my free time. I am a little behind on my summer reading this year. Last summer, I read about 8-10 books. I hadn't read that much since elementary school. I didn't get to read for fun during the school year and summer school because I was really busy and when I had free time I wanted to do literally anything else. (oh and I had to read for class ;) ) Anyways, this book is apart of the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy. China Rich Girlfriend is the second in the series. I'm really enjoying it, but am trying to figure out why it has this title and I'm almost 300 pages in, but I still like it! Last summer, I read a lot of Elin Hildenbrand and Emily Giffin. I hope to get my hands on Emily Giffin's new book after I finish this trilogy!

4. Straw bags- My mom bought me this bag for our trip to Charleston (!!!!!) coming up in August. Honestly, I have not had the chance to use the bag yet, but it is soooo cute! I am loving the straw bag trend this season. Take a cute bag + some espadrilles (another trend I am LOVING) and you have yourself a chic, on trend outfit!! Shamefully,  I will admit that I am already planning my outfits and photo ops in Charleston. I PRAY that I see a cast member from Southern Charm aka my inspiration for this trip! I have been watching the show from the very first season aka my JUNIOR year of high school and I am obsessed!!!!!!!!

What have you been loving so far this summer?

Bailey