Get Lost in a Book!

I haven't always been a huge reader, I think in part related to school. 

When I was in undergrad for my nursing degree I studied a lot and any free time I had, I wanted to spend with my friends. So, reading took a back seat.

Last Spring though I had the itch to get lost in a good book again. I started a book club at work and have been finding so many good reads! Spring Break is right around the corner and I know people love a good book recommendation for their travels. Today I will be sharing my top 5 picks!

The book that got me hooked again!

This was our first book club pick and it was SO GOOD!!!

It follows the story of a girl who was raised in the swamp (on her own) and a murder that happens in the near by town. The people of the town quickly accuse her committing the crime! 

It's a story of survival and love!

I wanted to know what happened but I also would stop reading because I didn't want it to end!

This one is a MUST READ!!!!

I just finished this book last month and I had a book hangover for days!

(Has this every happened to you? I couldn't stop thinking about this book and feared I could never read another one as good as this one! haha)

Ok, it might sound like I'm saying this a lot but this one of was SO SO good!!!

It follows the story of a girl who is about to enter her 16th year (The Grace Year). She is whisked off to this foreign land where she must survive for the next year. (**Think: Hunger Games, maybe with a small mix of Handmaid's Tale**). This one too is a story of survival and love. But I also love the message of supporting each other to get through the most difficult times rather than trying to one up each other. I couldn't put it down!

A psychological thriller that follows the story of a girl who is kidnapped by a man hired for the job but it ends up not going to plan and he takes her out to this cabin in the woods for days. 

Meanwhile, her parents are working feverishly with the police to find her.

This one kept me on the edge of my seat!!

Another psychological thriller that was edgy and twisty and literally made me gasp out loud when they reveal the biggest twist! This one is a little dark, but not too dark where you won't be able to sleep! It follows the story of a pyschotherapist who tries to unlock the mystery of why Alicia isn't talking after she kills her husband. It keeps you guessing!

Lastly, The Woman in the Window is another plot twister that will also keep you guessing! 

It follows the story of Anna who is an agoraphobic who drinks a lot and spies on her neighbors. 

Late one night she believes she witnesses a murder across the street and now she has to figure out what happened. What is real? 

Fun fact: this book is becoming a major motion picture in May so hurry and read the book now!

I hope this helps you pick your next book to get lost in! 

Let me know what your favorite book recommendations are!!

Take a Hike, Part 2

Take a Hike: What to Wear Edition!

Headed to a destination with some hiking included in the itinerary and not sure what to pack?? 

You have come to the right place!

And, even better right now Patagonia is having a S-A-L-E so you can pick up some gear at a deal!

Check it out here: Patagonia Sale.

Another great site for outdoor clothing & gear is: Backcountry.

Here are my FOUR tips on dressing successfully for your next hiking adventure:

1- A good pair of hiking boots.  You need a good shoe, especially if you plan to put in multiple miles! Tennis shoes are not a bad option but a good hiking shoe or boot is better! I recommend a boot so it gives you ankle support as well. Some of the terrain you may traverse is rocky, not flat, and rugged so a supportive boot is key! Also, if you grab some make sure you wear them around the house or on a few walks at home before you wear them on your hike. This is very important because you DO NOT want to get blisters when you're on the trail! I recommend Merrell shoes. I have a couple pairs of these and have been happy with them! 

2-Plan for layers. A lot of hikes (especially out west) will either start at an elevation or you will gain elevation as you. Altitude can be tricky so make sure you plan for layers that you can add or shed as needed. As you go you may get warm so you'll want to take longer sleeves off but when you get to the top it might be cooler! I always usually have a t-shirt, sometimes a long sleeve, and then a zip up jacket too. You can never have too many! For pants, I often wear a comfortable legging. Or, I recommend a hiking pant. If it is going to be chillier/snowy where you are going I would also pick up a base layer long sleeve and/or legging to wear too. Here are a few examples of mine that I have worn.

3- Take along a good pack. You will need some sort of backpack to carry with you if you are doing more than 3 miles round trip. This will help you carry water and any snacks you might want, as well as, a place to put your clothing layers if you shed them! I have a Patagonia single strap one (smaller size) and an Osprey one that I like!

4- Accessories. Depending on the climate you're going to be hiking in, I recommend a hat, gloves, headband, and a good pair of socks! The hat also helps you quickly get ready in the morning  :)

Need inspiration on a destination?? Read my previous post on choosing a National Park to visit 

here.

Take a Hike, Part 1

If you follow me at all on my Insta account or elsewhere you will know that my husband & I love to travel. Our destination is usually based around visiting a National Park.

We have fallen in love with visiting the parks!

The pristine beauty they have to offer is unlike any other experience!

There are many places to take a nice hike but,

 at the parks we have found some of our favorite ones (with the BEST views!)!!!

The U.S. has 61 National Parks you can visit. 

Here is a complete list you can check out to find which one fits you best:

National Parks USA.

The last four parks that we visited in 2019: Cuyahoga Valley, Isle Royale, Crater Lake, Acadia

Here are my SIX tips on making your visit to a N.P. successful:

1- Find your park. Explore what they have to offer and which match your interests. Is it hiking? Or does location maybe play a factor? 

2- Plan your trip. I would highly recommend staying inside the park (there are often a handful or less of N.P. lodges available) BUT the kicker is that these fill up FAST! Like a whole year in advance! Staying inside the park will cut down on drive time at the beginning and end of your day in the park. Be prepared to rent a car if you decide to get there by plane versus road trip. A lot of parks are off the beaten path and you will need to drive to from the airport. I recommend Enterprise for car rental. They have been the best for us! Check out what is recommended as the best time to travel to the park you choose. I would say try to avoid very busy or high peak times if you can. We have found the best time to travel to most is to usually late Spring or early/middle Fall. Large crowds really take away from the experience! Here is a Lonely Planet article with suggestions on when to visit the parks:

When should we go?

3- Use the All Trails app!  If you plan on doing any hiking, this is a definite must to download on your phone! I am pretty sure it is free to download. You can search by the area you will be in or the park itself and it will give you a list of trail routes with descriptions, people's photos they have submitted, and their reviews of the trail! It is great!! It also has a GPS feature that will help you stay on the trail and not get lost while you do the hike! A lot of the parks have limited (if any!) cell service. 

4- Know what the climate is going to be like and plan accordingly. Keep in mind that altitude does make a difference! Speaking of which-- remember to adjust for altitude-- it can sneak up on you! Drink plenty of water!!! Plan for layers, the climate can quickly change at different altitudes and while hiking you will get warm! But you will definitely want to have some warmer options too just in case! A "What to pack for a hiking trip" post is coming soon! Stay tuned!!!

5- Know what kind of animals may be present (IN THE WILD!!!! THEY ARE WILD ANIMALS!!! So please treat them as so!) and how to plan for that as well. If there are known grizzlies or black bear, pick up a bear bell and shout/clap every so often as you hike. It is better if you do not come around a corner on a trail and surprise a bear! Be smart and be aware of your surroundings. And PLEASE respect the wildlife!!!!!

6- Consider buying a year pass! If you plan a trip around hitting several parks I would highly suggest purchasing the year pass! This will get you in to any of the 61 parks for the entire year. A definite cost savings if you even plan to visit 2-3 (or more!) within a years time! It is also transferrable to one other person if you want to pass it along to a friend too!!

I hope that you find your next vacation destination at one of the National Parks. 

I know you will fall in love just like we did!

Let me know if you have any other questions! 

Olive Vest

If there is ONE Fall must have item to get I would say it is an Olive Vest.
It's the perfect transitional piece to layer up with as temps get cooler.
I've styled mine eight different ways...

Mine here is a few years old from Old Navy but I did find a similar one from Target, here.
If you're looking for heavier layering you can definitely sub in a green army/military type jacket.
Which look is your favorite??
Do you have an olive vest? What is your favorite way to style it?!

Jackets to Fall For!

As Fall starts to show it's true colors, don't break the bank buying a whole new wardrobe for the new season! Take your current favorites with you by adding on a few easy layers. Today I am showing how I took my favorite, comfy jumpsuit from this Summer & got it ready for Fall!

These are a mix of old loves and new faves that I grabbed from my closet!
Which look is your favorite?!

Here are six options that you can shop today!! Check them out!
1. Leopard (& Black-- it's reversible!) Stella & Dot bomber jacket!
Shop here

2. This Camo jean jacket is SO cute!

Shop here

3. A suede moto jacket are what dreams are made of!

Shop here

4. Faux leather jacket must have!

Shop here

5. Distressed Jean Jacket (Everyone NEEDS a jean jacket!!!!!)

Shop here

6. This corduroy jacket is super cute!

Shop here

Tell me which jacket you love!!!

Thanks for stopping by!