Five Books I Read This Spring

Once upon a time, I decided to do an ABC Book Challenge for 2015. I completed the challenge in 2013 and really enjoyed it, so I thought it would be fun to do it again. Then, I joined NetGalley and requested a bunch of books that looked interesting, thinking I wouldn’t be picked for many since I was new.

Long story short, I have read 16 NetGalley books over the last few months and have 16 more books left to read. Let’s just say that ABC Book Challenge might not be finished this year. Since I don’t want to bore y’all with all 18 books I read this spring, I picked out five of my favorites that I think would make good summer reads:

The Lake Season by Hannah McKinnon
c/o NetGalley 
Iris is having a hard time, so when she receives a message from her sister asking her to come back home, she is eager to go back to Hampstead Lake. This book is about relationships: mother/daughter, sisters, and romantic. I thought it was beautifully written, though there were a few spots that dragged for me. Even so, I really liked the ending and thought it was overall a good read.

Letters to the Lost by Iona Grey
c/o GoodReads First Reads 
I can’t get enough of World War II historical fiction written in a past-present format, so I knew I would love Letters to the Lost. I loved the writing, and the mystery, focused on an old man looking for his lost love, was interesting. The only downfall was that even though I tried, I couldn't get myself invested in Jess and Will's present portion of the story. That being said, I loved Dan and Stella, especially Dan's beautiful letters.

Blueprints by Barbara Delinksy 
c/o NetGalley 
I was instantly interested in this book because of the premise-a mother and daughter who work together on a show called "Gut It," which sounds like something you would find on HGTV. The producers think the mother is too old to host and want to replace her with her daughter. As mother and daughter are both faced with this possibility, the "blueprints" of their lives also change dramatically with the death of Jamie's father. Jamie becomes the guardian of her half brother and begins to question everything else in her life. I thought the characters were very developed and likable. This book makes for a great summer read!

Diamond Head by Cecily Wong 
c/o GoodReads First Reads 
I was honestly surprised by how much I liked this book. It was a fascinating story of three generations of women and how their mistakes affected their family. I liked the Hawaiian backdrop, and it was interesting to learn more about Chinese culture. It is one of the best books I have read so far this year.

The Sound of Glass by Karen White 
c/o NetGalley 
I love Karen White, and this book was another great read. I was instantly intrigued by the story of the plane crash and how it intertwined two families. I loved how Merritt's character evolved throughout the novel. The Sound of Glass is truly a beautiful novel filled with secrets and how to let go of the past.

Have you read anything good recently? I love book suggestions!

Our First Weekend in Chicago

I had one goal for our first weekend in Chicago—to explore. Chris starts job orientation in a week, so we are trying to pack in as much as we can before his schedule gets crazy.

We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day to wander around on Saturday. I was on a mission to get to the lake while Chris just wanted to find a good place to eat lunch. On our way, we came across a Lit Fest with lots of stands selling books. Chris and I found some old Coca Cola ads and a Chicago poster that we want to frame for our dining room.

At that point, Chris couldn’t stop complaining thinking about food, so we stopped at the first place we could find—Cosi, a place similar to Corner Bakery. I had a salad and stole a piece of the delicious flatbread pizza Chris was eating.

One of my favorite parts of Chicago (so far) is all of the beautiful parks. After walking around Millennium Park, I told Chris I would love to have a picnic there someday. We also stopped by Grant Park to see the Buckingham Fountain.

I have tried to be open about this being a hard move for me, but one of the reasons I was most excited about moving to Chicago was being close to the water. I love that I can walk to Lake Michigan. The Lakefront Trail and I will have to become best friends while I’m here.

On Sunday, we explored the shops near us. Let’s just say the area near us is going to make it really hard for me to save money. I came home with these adorable shorts (in gray) from LOFT.

 Linking up with Biana for Weekending.

Wedding Season Essentials

With Memorial Day behind us, summer is officially in full swing, and that means wedding season is here! I love watching my friends join the married people club. Even with our move to Chicago, we have quite a few weddings on the calendar this year. Here are my must-have items for this year’s wedding season in Texas:

A light, breathable dress: 
Texas summers are no joke, and even if the wedding is indoors, getting to the venue from the parking lot can be a challenge. I always pick light fabrics, so I don’t turn into a puddle.

My dress (on sale!) is available here.

Black or nude heels: 
I like buying a nice neutral heel that goes with most of my dress options at the beginning of wedding season, so I don’t have to worry about finding a heel for every dress (Let’s just say I own a lot of dresses). I bought this adorable pair of black Gianni Bini peep-toe heels for this summer.

My Gianni Bini shoes with Kushyfoot peep toe covers (pulled out to show the covers).

Kushyfoot flats and toe covers:
I love to dance, but my feet are killing me from my heels by the end of the night. Kushyfoot has an adorable line of foot covers that are both cute and functional. I love how they include a cushioned sole to make it easier to stand (and dance!) for hours. Kushyfoot even has beautiful lace top toe covers with an invisible slingback strap and extremely comfortable peep-toe covers for my new shoes.

When I can’t handle wearing heels any longer, I change into my Kushyfoot flats to go. They are small enough to fit in my purse, have a padded sole for extra comfort, and are seriously adorable. I like them so much, I started to wear them on long days at work.

Complimentary Kushyfoot products were provided to me in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own.
 
What are your wedding season essentials?

We Moved: A Quick Hello From Chicago

Hello, friends! After a bit of a slow start (it was still raining hard and flooding when we left Texas), we have arrived safely in Chicago and are working on getting our place together as quickly as possible. Right about now, I wish we didn’t bring so much with us! It’s obviously still early, but I think I’m going to like this place.

A few first impressions:

* I can already tell we will be walking so much more here. My goal is to double the steps I was taking on my FitBit in Texas while we’re in Chicago. I love that we won’t have to drive everywhere anymore.

*I am seriously loving the weather right now. I know, I know, winter will be bad, but right now I am enjoying that it was 48 in the mornings the last few days, especially because it is 91 and humid in Texas right now.

*I don’t think I will have to worry about finding good food in Chicago. I might be completely fine with eating deep-dish pizza every day for a year. With all the extra steps I will be taking, I won’t gain a million pounds…right?

*Skyler has already decided she’s the queen of the dog park. I was worried how she would do with artificial turf since she’s always had grass, but so far, she’s been a trooper. I’m so proud of my cross-country corgi!

*There are so many things to love about our new place, but the view from the balcony is my favorite. Here’s to many more beautiful sunsets this year!

Guest Post: Stylish Crossings: The World’s Most Beautiful Bridges

Hey, friends. We have made it to Chicago, and I am currently wondering how we fit so much stuff in the truck. While we are moving, I thought it would be fun to have another great guest post from Holiday Lettings about the most beautiful bridges in the world. Thanks for the post, Holiday Lettings, and I am excited to share more about our move tomorrow!

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Bridges make up some of the world’s most unforgettable man-made structures. But which are the most aesthetically appealing? Holiday Lettings assembles a list of the loveliest examples to visit, from London’s Tower Bridge to Leonardo da Vinci’s design in Norway.

Tower Bridge, London, UK

Photo credit: Tony Smith (license) via flickr.com

It wouldn’t be a proper trip to London without gazing down the Thames from Tower Bridge and snapping some photos. After all, its imposing Gothic towers and ornate drawbridge (raised to let boats through) make up one of the city’s most iconic sights. While you’re there, you can find out more about the structure at the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Venture across the bridge into the Tower of London, shudder at its gory history and gasp at the opulent Crown Jewels. Why not take a boat down the river from the nearby Tower Millennium Pier and see the city from a different perspective? You’ll drift past the imposing HMS Belfast - the former warship’s now a floating museum, and you can explore its nine decks and Operations Room.

Ponte Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy

Photo credit: Abir Anwar (license) via flickr.com

This is the most famous bridge in this gorgeous city. Emperor Hadrian commissioned it as an approach to his mausoleum in 136, but it’s the angel sculptures along the parapets to whom today’s travellers pay their respects. Designed by Bernini in the 17^th century, they tell you the story of Jesus’ crucifixion as you drift across the River Tiber.

The bridge leads you to the monumental Castel Sant’Angelo, which has served as everything from a prison to a papal residence. You can admire the vast collection of Renaissance paintings and pottery, and take in the lavish apartments (plus torture chamber). The views from the ramparts towards the Vatican City are stunning. If they inspire you, you might want to take the quick walk to the mighty St Peter’s Basilica and the legendary Sistine Chapel frescoes.

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia

Photo credit: Mark Dodd (license) via flickr.com

You’ve seen plenty of images, but nothing can prepare you for the reality of Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s so astonishingly familiar and so amazingly grand that you’ll struggle to take your eyes off it. If you have a head for heights, why not climb all the way to the summit? Alternatively, get out on the water to see the bridge across the harbour, or take to the skies on a helicopter tour and feel your jaw drop at the breathtaking bird’s eye views.

Back on dry land, watch the sun set over the harbour from one of the Opera House’s bars as you savour a chilled glass of white wine from the Hunter Valley. The nearby Botanic Gardens make a tranquil oasis where you can take the sun and relax. When you’re re-energised, how about hiking along the coast from Bondi to Coogee? There are idyllic beaches with perfect surf and glittering rock pools to explore on the way.

Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, New England, USA

Photo credit: Beth Stiner (license) via Wikimedia Commons

Covered bridges are among New England’s most iconic and cherished structures. Ten thousand reputedly dotted the countryside in the nineteenth century, but it’s estimated that less than 2,000 remain today. The Cornish-Windsor Bridge in New England is the country’s longest example and most impressive survivor: step back in time as you move over the wooden floorboards and absorb its simple beauty.

You can investigate these charming constructions fully at the Vermont Covered Bridge Museum in the southwest of the state, which features displays on the builders and designers behind the bridges. There’s more for fans of New England style at nearby Bennington’s Old First Church, with its classic white weatherboard exterior. Renowned poet Robert Frost is buried in the cemetery here. You can also soak up the atmosphere of the historic Park-McCullough mansion near the town centre.

Leonardo's Bridge, Ås, Norway

Photo credit: Åsmund Ødegård (license) via Wikimedia Commons

Leonardo da Vinci designed a bridge to link Europe and Asia, submitting his proposals to the Turkish sultan in 1502. They were rejected at the time and remained a simple sketch in one of Leonardo’s notebooks. His vision finally came to life 500 years later and 1,500 miles further north than originally planned in Ås, Norway. You can stroll across the elegant wooden structure and admire Leonardo’s lovely blend of function and form.

While you’re there, discover what today’s scientists are studying at the nearby Vitenparken green science centre, where you can catch an exhibition on climate change or another environmental project. For more green research, the neighbouring Norskogarboretet (arboretum) offers you 70 species of forest trees to admire.