We wrapped up summer in the best way possible-a fabulous trip and party! Here is our life lately August and what we have been up to.
Books I’ve Read
- The Perfect Marriage by Angeline Boulley– Sarah Morgan is a defense attorney with her life is going exactly how she planned. However her husband, Adam is a struggling writer who engages in a passionate affair. When his mistress is found brutally stabbed to death Sarah must defend her own husband. This was riveting and I loved the ending! 5/5
- The Summer That Made Us by Robyn Carr– The 6 female Hempstead cousins grew up spending summers at their family’s lake house. It was idyllic until a drowning occurred. In present day, one woman is determined to draw her family together again, and the only way that can happen is to return to the lake and face the truth. This was a great story although I think some of the storylines of the cousins were unnecessary and took away from the story. 4/5
- The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams– Vivian is working at the Metropolitan magazine hoping to become a writer. Then a parcel lands on her doorstep that starts an investigative journey into her unknown aunt. This story really kept my attention. I really wanted to know what happened to the characters. They were mostly likable and well-rounded. 5/5
- What If? by Shari Low- Carly Cooper is 30, single, and unhappy. So, Carly quits her job, her flat, her whole life and sets off on a quest to track down all the men she’s ever loved. This was a cutesy story that was the perfect light read. 4/5
- The Life She was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman– On a summer evening in 1931 Lilly is taken outside for the first time—and sold to the circus sideshow. More than two decades later, Julia Blackwood has inherited her parents’ farm. Upon returning, she becomes immersed in a mystery involving a hidden attic room and photos of circus scenes featuring a striking young girl. This is a heartbreaking story that’s hard to wrap your head around the cruelty, but moving nonetheless. 4/5
- Where the Missing Go by Emma Rowley– Kate Harlow’s daughter Sophie has been missing for 2 years. But one night she receives a call at a helpline where she volunteers and hears Sophie’s voice. Now Kate is determined to find her daughter. This suspenseful story really kept me on the edge of my seat. After all, how do you give up on your child?! 4/5
Products I’ve Tried
- Spin Art- We tried Spin Art in Irving Park early this week and it was SO fun! We did a few different canvases, but our favorite is the heart one. We did a bunch of colors in the middle first then spun it out. Then we did a heart shape in the middle and spun it out a bit. I have it framed and I’m looking for a place to hang it. USE CODE IDODECLAIRE FOR 30% off your booking!
- Trinny London Makeup- I brought the Lip2Cheek, BFF De-Stress, and BFF Eye to Ireland. I love how compact and dual purpose it all is. My skin was moisturized and looked great. The Match2Me quiz is really helpful. I wasn’t sure about the shades, but they look great when I applied them on my lips and cheeks!
Recipes I’ve Made
- Chicken wonton tacos– We had some leftover wonton wrappers in the freezer and made these. They were really good, but keep your eye on the wrappers when in the oven. Some bake faster than others.
- PB Ooey Gooey cake– This looks harder than it is. And it tastes even better than it looks! So good!
- Pierogi casserole– This was really tasty and quick to make. I added in zucchini to bulk it up and make it healthier.
- French Silk Pie Cookies-These were good, but not my favorite of the cookies. The chocolate silk didn’t stay firm and ended up being really drippy.
Currently
- Loving- School is back in session and I’m loving it! We did so many fun things this summer, but the girls were not getting along well. Needless to say, no tears were shed when I dropped them off. Haha!
- Seeing- It was so fun seeing all of friends and relatives this past weekend at Matt’s birthday party. We had a blast.
- Dreaming- I’ve had 2 free days to myself and I’m dreaming of a few more. Free time is amazing!
- Eating- Our neighbors have an incredible vegetable garden and are so generous with their produce. We have been eating a lot of it.
- Using to decorate- I’ve been having fun decorating with a few souvenirs from Ireland. We got a painting, print, and silver plated basket.
- Family Update
- Aveline- Our little kindergartener! She has been liking school so far and has a few friends in her class so that was nice. Avie loved exploring Ireland and seeing everything. She also loved Claire’s haircut from last month so much Avie had 8 inches cut off and donated.
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- Claire- Claire is now in 5th grade and happy to be the oldest grade in the school. She loved seeing new things in Ireland and introducing the things she remembered to Avie.
- Me- I really enjoyed being in Ireland again. It’s such a beautiful country! I’m so happy to have a week before work begins for me to take it easy.
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- Matt– Lordy, lordy, Matt is 40! Matt celebrated his birthday with a big bash this past weekend with a whiskey theme. It was a lot of fun and he really enjoyed himself. The weather was perfection!
AUGUST GOALS Recap
- Do something for myself- Done! I got a pedicure on my birthday and took some time to go shopping as well.
- Visit a charity shop in Ireland– Done. I visited a few. They are a lot smaller than here, but I found a pretty silver plated basket.
- Sign up for a race– I’m so close! I’ve found a few, just deciding which works best for our schedule.
September Goals
- Plan Aveline’s birthday- There are many of her friends with birthdays close together. I’d like to get hers on the calendar.
- Make a haircut appointment- I am in serious need of a haircut and highlight.
- Focus on instagram- With all that has been going on, I’ve been woefully behind responding to comments and staying in touch in insta. I’d love to catch up.
- Focus on protein– I was getting better at getting protein before our trip and I need to refocus on it again.
LINKING UP WITH WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY, OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS, FIRST FRIDAY FINDS
