Best Books I've Read So Far in 2022

I can't believe this year is already halfway finished. There have been so many ups and downs, but as always books have helped keep me on an even keel. So far this year, I have read 56 books, not counting any I've re-read or the books I've been reading with Alexis. I've discovered a few new authors that I'm really enjoying and added a few series into my favorites list. These are my top 7 books and series for 2022 so far.

 

Warrior Witch Duology

Author: Greta Kelly

This was actually the first thing I read this year, and I truly couldn't have picked a better duology to kick things off. It had a bit of a Tolkien vibe to it, and the main female character (MFC) was brilliant. Askia is the heir to the throne of Seravesh, but an invasion from her northern neighbor has led to Askia  fleeing her country to ask for the aid of her birth country. To save her people, Askia must secure an alliance with Vishir and learn to use her magic.

Clandestine Magic Trilogy

Author: Colleen Cowley

Technically, I read the first book of this trilogy in December, but I couldn't not include all three books for this. This trilogy is a magical retelling of the women's suffrage movement. In this reality, only men can wield magic, and wizards are the top tier of society. The women's suffrage movement is on a mission to put magic and non-magic users on an equal playing field when it comes to politics. Then, Peter Blackwell comes back to town and conscripts Beatrix Harper, sister of the anti-magic league's president, into becoming his apprentice. Subsequently, Beatrix discovers that she can, in fact, do magic. There's just one problem, she and Peter have become magically connected. For me, this trilogy felt a lot like The Paper Magician series, which is an all-time favorite.

Midnight at the Blackbird Café

Author: Heather Webber

This is one of those books that you can recommend to anyone. It's all about family and the power of forgiveness. It's beautifully written and has so much depth. Plus, the similarities between Wicklow and my own hometown are so accurate it's almost painful. Anna Kate Callow temporarily moves to Wicklow to run her recently-deceased grandmother's café and fulfill the stipulations of the will. While there, she learns that the magical tales her grandmother told her about the blackbirds for which the café is named are more real than she ever believed. And although she isn't planning on staying forever, Anna Kate wants to use her time in Wicklow to investigate the accident that caused her father's death and her mother's departure from town.

Pride and Premeditation

Author: Tirzah Price

If you've been following my blog for awhile, you'll already know that I love a good retelling of my favorite classics, and this book definitely fits the bill. It's like Pride and Prejudice meets Agatha Christie. In this retelling, Elizabeth Bennet's father is a barrister, and she badly wants to follow in his footsteps. All she needs is a case to prove her competency. She crosses paths with Mr. Darcy, a solicitor for the  much-larger Pemberley firm, on a murder investigation involving Darcy's friend. There are a lot of twists and turns in this mystery, and I truly wasn't sure how it was going to end.

The Deadly Seven series

Author: Lana Pecherczyk

Okay, so genetically-modified superhero books aren't typically my jam, but this series was so dang good, y'all. The Deadly Seven are a group of siblings who were born in a lab. They were each genetically engineered to sense one of the deadly seven sins and then eradicate the sinner. Fearing the ulterior motive of the siblings' creator, their biological mother and lead scientist of the project built in a failsafe. If the heroes find their soulmate, their sin will be balanced and they'll gain extra powers. If they do not find their other halves, they risk being completely taken over by their sin. The siblings were rescued from their creator as children, but the Syndicate hasn't stopped in its pursuit to rid the world of all sin and will stop at nothing to get their hands on the Deadly Seven.

Court of the Underworld series

Author: Alessa Thorn

I have always been fascinated with Greek/Roman mythology and give pretty much read any fantasy book that has to do with the topic. I'm frequently disappointed by these books. However, this series blew me out of the water. I think it's because it takes the characters who are typically viewed as the villains and portrays them in a new way. Here's the gist of what this series is about: Hades and his court preside over the city of Styx, rebuilt over the ruins of Corinth. Pithos is a monster-hunting cult on a mission to rid the world of all supernatural beings, starting with Asterion, the minotaur of legend. In each book, the members of the court find their better halves and get closer to unraveling the truth behind Pithos.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

This book is an intimate look at the film industry spanning the decades between the late 1950s and early 90s. It's also a poignant story of the sacrifices one woman makes for stardom and her true love. Evelyn Hugo is a film icon who's as well known for seven marriages as she is for the roles she's played. Now, at the end of her life, Evelyn wants to do a tell-all interview and has hand-picked Monique, an up-and-coming young journalist, to work with. But as with everything in her life, that choice was anything but random.

Monday Motivation

Happy Monday, friends.

I've been sitting here racking my brain for how to start this week's post. Truly, when I look at the last week, there's not a whole lot for me to tell you about.

Alexis had her first art camp of the summer. She spent every afternoon at our local art museum learning and creating mini-masterpieces. She had a blast and is already asking when she can go back.

We are about 10 steps closer to being fully moved into the house. We started hanging stuff on the walls, my husband finished unpacking all of his clothing, and we're down to one unpacked box of Alexis's stuff. The backyard fence is nearly completed, and the permit process for my husband's building has been started. We have a plan for storing all of my shoes, and I got in some kitchen organizational tools that are already making a big difference. So a lot of progress there.

Over the weekend, I took my teacher ethics course and got that out of the way. It took the better part of a day to watch all the videos, read all the policies, and take a bunch of quizzes, but it was a pretty big step in the process of becoming certified. I also have decided on at least one of the books I'd like to teach and have started to tentatively map out a curriculum for the school year.

I don't have a lot to say about the magazine right now. Things are about the same, and I feel like I've hit a wall that I can't figure out how to get over or around. At this point, it is what it is, and we're working with what we've got, making changes as we go to keep providing this service, but I'm not sure how any of it is going to work out in the long run. We're not giving up or quitting, but with the current economy we're having to make some really tough decisions that I'm not sure everyone will understand.

In other news, it's still hot. We've cooled down marginally, but it's really not a big enough difference to make a difference. Last week we hit 100 or higher every single day with low or no rain chances. This week we're looking at 90s for highs every day with low to moderate rain chances. So it won't be as oppressive but still pretty miserable.

I'm not sure what we're doing for the 4th of July yet. All of the fireworks and festivals in our area are set for before the holiday so that's kind of throwing us off kilter a little bit. We'll definitely hit up at least one celebration, just don't know which one yet.

That pretty much sums up things for me. I've got some errands to take care of today and some follow-ups to do for the magazine, so I'm going to get busy with all of that. I hope everyone has a great week and a fun and safe Independence Day.

4th of July Outfit Inspiration

The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. Growing up, it was always a day that my mom's family gathered at the lake for BBQ, swimming, and boat riding. Some years, we even camped the entire week of the holiday. And, of course, there have always been fireworks.

I have a lot of fond memories surrounding this holiday and most years spend the day in a swimsuit and coverup of some sort. The past few years, I've worn the same red-and-white star-patterned dress. It's finally time to retire it, so I thought while I was searching for my next go-to Independence Day look, I would share some of my favorite finds with y'all.

And don't worry! You don't have to dress like a giant flag to get in the spirit of this holiday.

Red Sundress - You can't go wrong with a red dress for the 4th. I really like this one by Grace Karin.

Blue Raglan Embroidered Dress - I can't decide if I like the blue or red version of this dress the best. Either way, I love the style and the embroidery.

American Flag Tank - We all remember the iconic Old Navy American flag shirts. I mean, were you even a kid in the late 90s or early 2000s if you didn't wear one? This isn't one of those obviously, although you can still get them today. This one has a little more personality, I think. Beware, it's very long.

Red Gingham Tie-Shoulder Top - This top screams 4th of July picnic. It also comes in black.

Red & White Striped T-shirt - Sometimes, simple is better, and I love this striped t-shirt. It also comes in navy.

Blue Gingham Maxi Skirt - In my mind, nothing says USA quite like blue gingham, and this skirt is super cute. You can dress it up or down depending on how you're spending the day, and then keep wearing it all year long because it's just that good!

Surf's Up Blue Maxi Skirt - If gingham isn't your thing, you can always opt for this tie-dye blue maxi skirt instead. It's such a pretty shade of blue and also comes in a light red.

Star Print Linen Pants - I actually kind of love these, although they're really not weather-appropriate for any type of celebration in my neck of the woods.

Flag Kimono - I've never been a fan of a flag bikini, but I can get behind this flag kimono as a cover-up.

Chevron Knotted Slides - Cute and comfy with an Americana vibe. Get them in red or blue.

Flag Earrings - Don't feel like going all out with the red, white, and blue? Keep it simple with these cute earrings!

Mad Love Americana Clutch - I think my favorite thing about this is that they call it a clutch when it is absolutely a fanny pack.

Stars & Stripes Socks - I'm always on board with themed socks.

What's On My Kindle: 10 Books for Summer

A few weeks ago, I shared some of my summer reading list with you. Now, we all know those eight books on that list aren't the only books I'll be reading over the summer. My TBR list is several hundred strong, after all!

So I thought it would be fun to look through all the titles I've added to my Kindle library and select a few that would be perfect for summer reading. These are mostly romances, seeing as that's what my mind always goes to when I think summer reading, but there are at least three that have a mystery to solve. At any rate, none of these are epic reads or something that will inspire nightmares, so perfect for the beach or to read poolside. Some of these titles have been on my TBR for awhile, while others are new additions. They are all available on Kindle Unlimited.

Flirt by Adriana Locke - Brooke doesn't want to be in a relationship. She just wants someone who can act as her date when needed. That's where Moss comes in, but the couple's history with each other could prove tricky for this situation-ship.

The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo - Ji Lin is an apprentice dressmaker who moonlights as a dancehall girl to pay off her mother's Mahjong debts. When one of her dance partners accidentally leaves behind a gruesome souvenir, she may get the adventure she's hoped for. Meanwhile, 11-year-old Ren is on a mission to find his master's lost finger so it can be buried with his body. Ji Lin and Ren's paths crisscross, as the district is plagued by unexplained deaths and rumors of men who turn into tigers.

Wrong (Cafe Series book 1) by Jana Aston - Sophie has a history of choosing the wrong guy. Now, she's crushing on one of the customers at her part-time job. Then, she actually meets him. At the student clinic while she's trying to get birth control. He's he doctor.

Good Girl (The Siren Island Series book 1) by Tricia O'Malley - Samantha's life has just blown up, so she books a last-minute trip to the Laughing Mermaid Bed & Breakfast on Siren Island. Meanwhile, next door, Lucas is seeking solace from his own troubled past. But he's drawn to Samantha and convinced the island could be the answer to all her problems.

The Three Mrs. Wrights by Linda Keir - Trip. Jonathan. Jack. Three different names for one man who's pulling the wool over the eyes of three different women. Lark, an up-and-coming board game designer. Jessica, the newest member of an inspiring medical start-up. And Holly, his wife of 20-years and co-founder of their charity. But Mr. Wright's lies are about to catch up to him.

FriendTrip by ME Carter & Sara Ney - Becky and Janine are best friends. Becky wants to spice things up in her 10-year marriage and turns to Janine for help. Janine, meanwhile, is dealing with life as a divorced woman and living vicariously through Becky's love life. Nothing is ever easy for these two and their plans lead to nothing but trouble.

The Last Bathing Beauty by Amy Sue Nathan - Former beauty queen, Betty "Boop" Stern, must face the secrets of her past, for herself and the sake of her family's future.

This Is Not How It Ends by Rochelle B. Weinstein - Charlotte and Philip felt a deep and instant connection and move to the Florida Keys with plans to get married, but instead of growing closer, Charlotte feels Philip slipping away. Then she meets Ben, a single dad who's there for her in ways she didn't know she wanted. Soon, Charlotte finds herself torn.

When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neil - For 15 years, Kit has believer her sister, Josie, was killed in a terrorist attack. But a woman who can only be Josie appears in on television in live coverage of club fire in New Zealand, so that's where Kit goes. Reuniting is only possible if they unearth long-buried secrets and face a devastating truth that's kept them apart.

That Month in Tuscany by Inglath Cooper - Ren and Lizzy live completely different lives. Ren is a rock star with a secret he can't keep living with. Lizzy's just a normal person who's husband stood her up for an anniversary trip. The two end up on the same flight to Italy where turbulence lands Lizzy in Ren's lap, literally. Despite their differences, there's an undeniable pull between them, and exploring the streets of Florence and hills of Tuscany changes them both forever.

My Summer Wavy Hair Routine

Day 1: Wash Day

Let's start by clarifying what I mean by 'wash day.' Wash day is the day I do a full shampoo and condition. I try to limit this to once a week, but with it being summer and ungodly hot and humid where I live, that often turns into twice a week.

Okay, so I have a few options for shampoo:

-Scalp Purifying Scrub

-Purifying Vinegar Shampoo

-Renew Shampoo

I use the scalp scrub about once every three weeks or so, followed by the vinegar shampoo. This is like a clarifying treatment and leaves my hair squeaky clean. All other times, I use the Renew shampoo for both my first and second wash. I really like how this shampoo lathers and leaves my hair not feeling stripped of all moisture.

My conditioner of choice at the moment is the Intense Repair because I experienced some pretty significant thinning and hair loss post-Covid, and this conditioner promotes hair growth. Since going back to using it, I've seen a huge improvement on the thickness of my hair. This one is supposed to sit for five minutes. Honestly, I don't ever really time it. I just do it at the beginning of my shower and rinse at the end.

Before I even get out of the shower, I apply the Restore Leave-In Conditioner. I squeeze most of the excess water out of my hair, flip and then scrunch in from the ends. I wrap my hair up in either my perfect hair care towel or a microfiber towel, depending on where I'm at in my laundry cycle.

I leave my hair wrapped up for at least 10 minutes, sometimes longer. Usually while I get dressed and put on my makeup. Then I style for day one. Sometimes I finger comb the tangles out, sometimes I use my Denman brush. They both have about the same result. I mix together a good dollop of the Curl Cream, a small amount of the Flexible Hold Gel, and two drops of the Rejuvinque light oil. I rub that all together in my palms, flip, and scrunch in starting at the ends. I do not take it all the way to my scalp. Depending on how much time I've got, I either air dry completely or let the products absorb for maybe 10 minutes before diffusing it dry.

Day 2: Refresh

It doesn't matter what I do with my waves/curls overnight, they always need refreshing the next day. Monat's Wave Spray is amazing as a refresher. First, I use my pick to get out the worst tangles. Then I separate my hair into top and bottom layers and spritz with the Wave Spray until my hair is damp, scrunch from the bottom and air dry. Pro tip: don't spray it on your roots.

Day 3: Reactivate

This is the easiest day. The best part about the Wave Spray, in my opinion, is how easy it is to reactivate the next day. All you need is a spray bottle of water. I get my hair good and damp, not dripping, then gently detangle any trouble spots, and scrunch. I always air dry with this, otherwise I end up with a ton of frizz.

 

Day 4: Rinse

In the summer, I cannot go more than three days without at least rinsing my hair. I usually do a co-wash with a hair mask around this point in my wash cycle, but lately that's just not cutting it. Enter Monat's Purifying Vinegar Rinse. I absolutely love this stuff. It helps remove all the grossness from my scalp without being a full shampoo. I follow it up with a hair mask (I'm alternating between the Advanced Hydrating and the Damage Repair ones) or conditioner. Then I restyle using my Day 1 products, followed by day 2 refresh and day 3 reactivate, before starting all over again with a full wash.

Easy peasy!

Curious about the products I use? You can learn more about Monat here. Just click!

Monday Motivation + A Big Announcement

Happy Monday, y'all. I can't believe we're already halfway through this month. Summer will be over before we know it! We are in the midst of a major heat wave, with actual temperatures of above 100 degrees for several days in a row. It's been pretty miserable and looks like it's not going to let up anytime soon.

Father's Day was a non-event for us this year. Chris had to work the weekend, and Alexis spent a few days with grandparents, so I ended up having the house to myself for several days. Chris and I started watching the new season of Stranger Things. No spoilers other than to say it's pretty messed up and gruesome. I'm interested to see the direction it goes, though.

Surprise, surprise, we're still not fully unpacked. I'd say we're 90 percent there, though. The biggest accomplishment from the last week is getting the guest bedroom organized. That's where pretty much everything got put when we first moved in, so it's a relief to have some order in there. Chris is putting in a fence for the backyard so the dog will have more room to roam, and he'll soon have a building like he's been wanting back there. Once the building is up, a lot of our overflowing storage will finally have a home, and we'll be able to get the last few remaining things from where they've been being kept the last few weeks. Next on my list, is getting some décor put up. I've yet to hang a single picture or decorate a single shelf!

Now for the big announcement. Although I've dropped some hints here and there, I've been guarding a secret for the past several weeks. At the end of last month, I was approached about teaching middle school English with a heavy focus on writing. It's a career path I've considered several times over the last ten or so years, but I've never had a solid reason to enter the field. Turns out, the school has a daily morning show that is in need of a sponsor. Considering my near-decade background in television news, I'm kind of a perfect fit, and there's the possibility of expanding into more aspects of the media business in the future. Not to mention, I'll be able to finally get my masters and open the door to teaching journalism at the higher level, which has been a long-term goal for awhile.

This is a decision that I didn't make lightly. In fact, my husband and I talked about it for weeks before I even agreed to a meeting with the principals. In the end, it was an opportunity I couldn't stop thinking about, and even before I met with them, I was excited about the possibility. It all became official last week, and I'll go through orientation in mid-July with the first day of school being August 2nd.

Now before anyone jumps to conclusions, I am not leaving the magazine. I will remain the publisher and still be in charge of all the local aspects of it. Obviously, some things will have to change. With the current economy, there were already some changes in the works to begin with. The most immediate difference for me will be the hours during which I work on stuff for the magazine. The rest is still being figured out, but this magazine is my baby and something our area desperately needs. So don't worry - it's not going anywhere so long as I have any say in it.

Speaking of the magazine, this is a big week for our next issue. We're trying to recover from the last two months, which have been incredibly tough. I know that's not a unique experience as all small businesses are struggling with the rapid increase in prices everywhere. So I'll be pushing pretty hard to make up the difference we've been seeing, as well as looking for new ways to maximize page space.

In other news, Alexis has art camp every afternoon this week, so that'll be good for some uninterrupted work hours. Plus, it'll keep her busy without me having to worry if she's overheating in the backyard.

Well, that pretty much covers it for me this week. I hope everyone has a wonderful week and stays cool in this crazy weather!

8 Easy Summer Outfit Ideas

It's time for our twice-weekly Real Outfit Roundup, now officially on a new rotation thanks to some scheduling difficulties that happened last month. In case you missed the news somehow, we've recently moved into a new home, and unpacking has been slow going because, well, life, ya know? But all of my clothes are finally put away so I've got access to my full range of outfits. I can't say the same for my shoes, which are still being stored in three giant storage tubs in my office until my husband can get me some permanent storage built.

In other news, it is unbearably hot. We're in the midst of a heat wave. Our actual temperatures have been in the upper 90s with feels-like temps hovering around 110 most days. Over the next ten days, I'm sad to say, our highs are over 100. So suffice it to say that my strategy for getting dressed most days is staying cool. For me, that means a lot of dresses, skirts, and shorts, as you'll see in this collection of outfits I've worn over the last couple of weeks.

For those of you who are new to the blog, each Real Outfit Roundup post features outfits I've actually worn in my day-to-day life with links to shop the same or similar items.

Sizing Info: I'm 5'2" and weigh about 145 lbs. I typically wear size small or 6 in clothes and size 7 in shoes.

Dress (same, similar)

You've seen this dress before, but it really is one of my favorites. I love blue gingham, and this one has the cutest bow detail on the back. Sadly, because I got this back in February, this pattern is no longer available, but there are limited sizes in the same style.

Dress / Sandals

When it comes to simple dresses, Sonoma Goods for Life is hard to beat. I am in love with this sleeveless tiered dress. The buttons are functional, and it has pockets. The material is a good weight, it was comfortable and loose. It's hard to tell from my picture but it hits me right around the knees. It comes in three other colors (I'm seriously considering getting all three of them). I paired it with my triple banded knotted slides from Target. I got these to replace my favorite two-toned braided slides that finally wore out, and I have not regretted my decision.

Tank / Vest (similar) / Skirt / Sandals

You might recognize this outfit from a post earlier this week showing three ways to wear a tank top in the summer. Well, I wore all three outfits featured in that post for an entire day, so they make this post, as well.

I had a couple of appointments on this particular day, so I wanted to be dressed nicely but still pretty casual. I love this smocked waist skirt. It's technically a midi skirt, but those almost always end up being maxi length on me so take that for what it's worth. The skirt is mostly blue but there is some yellow and green mixed into the floral pattern. I decided to keep everything kind of monotone though with shades of blue. The vest added a bit of structure to the tank, which I thought it needed, and I finished it out with those neutral knotted slides.

Tank / Shorts / Sandals / Earrings

Looking at my schedule, I don't really know what I did this day, but I was really excited to pair this yellow-gold tank with my green Time & Tru utility shorts and these awesome tassel earrings. They came in a pack of nine, and I've been wearing them non-stop. The green ones, surprisingly, go with a lot! And if you're looking for a good pair of non-denim shorts, I highly recommend these ones. I've got them in three colors and wear them all the time.

Tank / Pants (similar) / Sandals (similar)

When I bought this pink tank, I immediately envisioned this outfit in my mind. I have a hard time styling linen pants, especially this khaki-colored pair. I struggle to strike the right balance between casual and put together, but I like the way this turned out. I ended up wearing this to get some magazine distribution done and then to Alexis's VBS presentation. I rarely wear pants in the summer because it's so hot, but these were okay for the day.

On Me: T-shirt / Skirt / Sandals (similar) / Earrings

On Alexis: T-shirt / Skirt / Sandals

This was a pretty busy day for us. I had to get a majority of my distribution done, so Alexis was forced to go along for the ride. This skirt is so, so pretty in person. It's fully lined so it's not see through. However, the overlay material is very delicate. Full disclosure, I ended up having to sew up a couple of places where the tiers in the skirt separated, probably from getting in and out of the car so many times. I paired it with this simple white t-shirt to keep things on the casual side. For most of the day I wore these sandals, but then I changed into the ones pictured here to take the dog for a walk and didn't change back.

As a bonus, I wanted to share Alexis's cute-as-pie outfit. Kohl's has some really cute things for little girls right now. We bought this skirt in two other patterns and picked up several more graphic tees. Her sandals are a few months old from Target, but they're still available and have been a really good pair.

Dress

Would you believe I've never owned a red sundress before now? It's true! I've always stayed away from red because somewhere along the way I convinced myself that redheads can't wear red. How silly, right? This dress is absolutely amazing. So flattering and comfortable. I felt so pretty in it! I paired it with my clear strap wedges, but I clearly had ditched them by this point. This dress comes in several different patterns. The green is particularly pretty.

Dress / Sandals / Earrings / Bag

This photo is from the end of the day, after making a mad dash from the car to the house in a thunderstorm. Oh man, what a busy day this was. I had an early-morning appointment that ended up taking two hours. By the time we got back home, there was only an hour and a half before we had to leave for gymnastics. This pretty shirt dress was perfect for all the running around we did. It was polished and professional, but the material was pretty thin so I didn't get too overheated. I wore my Time & Tru neutral platform sandals to keep things more casual. It's hard to tell in this picture but I wore a pair of blue tassel drop earrings, linked above, and a pretty gold and sapphire bracelet (no link available, sorry). And this large shoulder bag, while larger than I typically prefer, was perfect for all the things I ended up carrying.

Solitaire.org Review

Back when I was in middle and high school, game websites were pretty popular, especially if you had time to waste at school. That was back before school firewalls blocked any and everything, obviously. But I can remember going to what was essentially an arcade of online games during my third period class or if I spent lunch in the library.

Online gaming has changed a lot since then, and if I'm being honest, I have not kept up with those changes. I prefer my video games on a console and my computer games more traditional.

That's why I was excited to find Solitaire.org. It's got all my favorite computer card games, and it's so easy to use.

The site opens on a traditional solitaire game. It automatically deals your hand and is set to a draw 3, which adds a bit of difficulty to the game I wasn't expecting right off the bat. You can change it to draw 1 if you'd like. The game is timed, but doesn't start until you make your first move. The site keeps up with your score and stats, which can be viewed at any time. The site states you can play even when off-line, but I haven't tested that.

There are seven different Solitaire games to choose from: Classic, Klondike, Spider, Freecell, Pyramid, Tripeaks, and Golf.

There are a variety of other games to choose, we well, from including Match 3, Word games, and Logic Puzzles like Chess, Minesweeper, and Tetris Blocks. There's even a section for traditional card games like Black Jack, Crazy Eights, and Hearts.

Mahjong is probably my favorite card game ever. I have different versions downloaded on my phone and tablet, but I rarely play on my desktop. There are seven game options to choose from. I chose the China version. There are about two dozen board layouts to choose from in that variation.

The colors are very vibrant, which took a little getting used to for me (I'm used to more of a traditional wood look). The game has music, but I always turn that off no matter what I'm playing. You can also mute the game play sounds and change the background picture. All of that is found in the control menu on the right-hand side of the screen. Like the solitaire game on the homepage, this game was also timed but didn't start until I made the first move.

I liked that if I clicked off the site, it would pause the timer on the game, even if I don't really keep up with my stats. There was also an unlimited amount of undo moves and hints.

My daughter's favorite category is the Hidden Object games. There are eight versions to choose from.

Alexis played Garden Secrets. There are ten levels to play. They're timed, three minutes each. If you fail to find all the objects, you can try again. I liked that if you do retry it, you don't necessarily get all the same objects to find, even though the objects themselves did not change location.

I thought the graphics on this one were really nice. The music wasn't annoying, and it was easy for her to navigate the game play on her own. It was challenging without being too hard. For reference, she's 7. As with the other games, this keeps up with your progress, so if you exit the site, you can pick back up where you left off on your next visit.

Our verdict? Solitaire.org is a win!

3 Ways to Wear a Tank Top This Summer

One of the fundamental pieces of any wardrobe are those that can be worn multiple ways. Depending on where you're getting your fashion advice from, you may see these pieces referred to as basics or foundation pieces, or maybe something else entirely. I don't really call these pieces anything specific, but they are definitely key parts of my closet, no matter the season.

I recently found a tank top at Target that is so good, I bought it in three colors. This Universal Thread tank top is perfect to wear on its own or layered under a vest or jacket. It has a vertical ribbed design and a double strap on the left shoulder. It's on the casual side but can be dressed up slightly with the right pieces. It comes in blue, yellow, and pink, and as I already mentioned, I bought all three.

In this post, I'm going to show you the three very different ways I've styled this tank top.

Tank / Vest (similar) / Skirt / Shoes

Layered Under a Vest + Midi/Maxi Skirt

This skirt is actually what inspired me to grab this pale blue tank top, which then inspired me to get the other two colors. A solid colored top with a printed skirt is always a winner. The vest layered over the tank gives it a little more structure.

Tank / Shorts / Shoes / Earrings

Statement Earrings + Shorts + Sandals

A good pair of statement earrings, like these tassel ones, are an easy way to level up what would otherwise be a basic outfit. So does opting for shorts that aren't denim, like these utility shorts. They've got more structure that denim shorts do. Opting for a pair of slides instead of flip flops is an easy way to elevate your outfit, too. I'm loving these knotted neutral slides.

Tank / Pants (similar) / Shoes (similar)

Linen Pants + Sandals

Linen pants are actually something that I struggle with, but this tank top works very nicely with these. The ribbing keeps it from being plain Jane, and the thinness of the pants helps with the heat. I did a front/half tuck because I liked the silhouette better than a full tuck, and kept my shoes simple.

If you're struggling with what to add to your closet this summer, Putting Me Together has always kind of been my guiding light when it comes to building a functioning wardrobe, and she recently put together a really good post about Summer Wardrobe Building Blocks. I don't think I could do that any better - really, she's that good with how she explains things. 

Monday Motivation

Happy Monday, friends. This has been the most ridiculously stressful start to a month ever. And yes, I realize we're a week and a half into it, but my statement stands.

Remember how I told you last week that there would be no printed issues for June? Well, the owner changed his mind. The normal shipment of June magazines arrived first thing Thursday morning, so I've had to add distribution back into my schedule...except I've already got several things on my schedule that can't be rescheduled. And of course it rained because it always rains when I'm trying to distribute. Oh, and I'm having to take Alexis along with me, which means I don't get as much done in one day. So it's a bit of a nightmare right now.

Speaking of Alexis, she did VBS last week and had a lot of fun. She was front and center for the parent night presentation, which I wasn't expecting, but she did great. The camp she was supposed to attend this week ended up not happening, but to be honest, I think she needs a break. 

We got a decent amount done with the house this weekend. We're still not fully moved in but getting closer! We're honestly not in a giant hurry, since it really feels like none of us have had much time to just sit and be lately.

This week will be spent trying to get distribution finished. I hope to be done by Wednesday, but I've got a few things set up for Tuesday that cannot be changed. I also have quite a few things that need to be done for the magazine this week, preferably also by Wednesday, so that'll be fun to figure out.

Anyway, I'm almost ready to announce my big news, but not quite. There's still one more thing that needs to happen. It's really just a formality, but if it doesn't happen then everything changes...or rather nothing changes I guess. So I should have some news for you either way in next week's Monday Motivation post.

I hope everyone has a good week!

9 Unique Dad Gifts for Fathers Day 2022

I don't know about you, but buying a gift for my dad, and sometimes for my husband, is really difficult! Neither one wears ties for work, they tend to buy the things they want for their hobbies and interests, and whenever you ask both usually respond with "don't get me anything." So what's a daughter and mom to do?

I rounded up nine gift ideas that go beyond a tie, "Best Dad Ever" mug, or something equally as cheesy. I hope they inspire you to think outside the box this Father's Day!

This post contains affiliate links.

1. Personalized College History Football Book - This is actually a really cool gift. You choose the college and they create a book of its football history using newspaper clippings. It's something that can be displayed on a coffee table, in an office, or man-cave.

2. Digital Tape Measure - This tape measure works like a traditional tape measure but it gives you a digital reading of the measurement.

3. BBQ Multitool - At one time, we owned three separate grilling sets. All three had multiple tools and were a pain to store (they all ended up on top of the fridge - not ideal). This multi-tool combines all your favorite grilling tools into one, solving that problem without sacrificing anything.

4. Fire Starter Squares - These are perfect for camping or a backyard fire pit, or even an indoor fireplace.

5. Camping Towel - This is another one of those multi-use gifts. It would be a great addition to a workshop, fishing boat, camper, or even the glove box.

6. Stanley Classic Lunch Box - I saw this and it made me think of my dad who's always on the road with road construction. I love the retro look.

7. Gerber Gear Multitool Knife - I've lost count of how many guys I've given this to. Seriously, you can't go wrong with this tool.

8. Record Coasters - These are a really fun gift for a music lover.

9. Car Coasters - Anytime we get in the car, a drink is involved, and that usually means condensation that inevitably leads to cup holders becoming a sticky mess. These boho coasters for car cup holder not only prevent that from happening but they come in several cool patterns!

8 Books on My Summer Reading List

Do you guys ever plan out your reading? I rarely do because for me reading is all about my mental state. And it would probably surprise you to know that I have never been assigned summer reading by a teacher in my academic career. For the most part, I've always been allowed to read what I wanted when I wanted.

Fun fact: when I was in middle school, the librarian would often ask me to read a newly released book that was considered on grade level for the school but might be considered controversial or too sensitive of a topic. My parents knew this, obviously, and were okay with it. That was really the first time I ever did a book review that mattered. My opinion on those books was used to help decide if they made it on the shelf or not. Most did, but there were a few that were on difficult topics that I recommended they not have out for general library use.

Anyway, that got a little more off topic than I planned. Back to summer reading. I don't ever really have a plan when I go into the summer. I always have a list of books on my Kindle and here lately a growing stack of physical books I've picked up from local bookstores. Because my TBR list is so insane, I've really been trying to pick a few books from it each month to start whittling it down to a more manageable size.

So for this TBR post, I wanted to focus on the physical books in the TBR section of my bookcase. It should be pointed out that these eight books do not make up the entirety of my TBR list for this summer. They are, however, the most recent physical books I've bought and not read yet. I'm proud to say that these books are all fairly new additions to my bookcase, with all having been bought within the past six months.

Let's do this!

Celtic Empire - Up first we have one of the final Dirk Pitt installments by my fave, Clive Cussler and his son, Dirk. In this book, Pitt finds himself in the center of an international mystery. A group of UN scientists have been murdered in El Salvador; there was a deadly waterway collision off Detroit; and tomb raiders attacked an archaeological site along the Nile River. Three seemingly unrelated events that may be tied together by the tale of an Egyptian princess forced to flee her father's armies 3,000 years ago.

Woman on Fire - Jules Roth has just been hired by Chicago's leading investigative reporter when she's given a secret assignment - locate a painting stolen by the Nazis more than 75 years earlier. A famous shoe designer wants the painting for personal reasons, but he's dying, putting Jules on a tight deadline. Meanwhile, a European gallerist is also searching for the painting, and she always gets what she wants.

It Ends With Us - I'm a big Colleen Hoover fan, and I've been seeing so many good things about this one. Lily has worked hard for everything she has in life. She's graduated college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. When she meets neurosurgeon, Ryle, everything seems too good to be true...except for Ryle's aversion to relationships. Then, Lily's first love suddenly reappears in her life.

The Orphan Witch -Persephone has been alone her entire life, moving from place to place to keep ahead of questions about the unexplainable things that seem to happen wherever she goes. After an accidental public display of power, Persephone is invited by her one and only friend to Wile Isle, and she quickly discovers it's no ordinary island. It may just hold the very thing she's been searching for her entire life...and some things she didn't want like century-old curses and a family feud.

The Library of the Dead - I'm not going to lie; I've already started reading this one and have mixed feelings so far. Ropa is a 14-year-old ghost talker living in Edinburgh. When she learns that someone is bewitching children and leaving them husks of themselves, she feels obligated to investigate. What she finds is that the underground has a lot of dark secrets, but she also discovers an occult library, a magical mentor, and some unexpected allies.

Beautiful Ruins - I've been looking at this book for what seems like forever, but I've only recently seen it in one of my local stores. I honestly don't know how to summarize the blurb for this book, so you'll just have to click the link and read it for yourself.

The Dictionary of Lost Words - I'm really excited for this one. Esme is the daughter of one of the men who's collecting words for the first-ever Oxford English Dictionary. She spends her days underneath the sorting table, unseen and unheard, but she begins to collect the words the dictionary men discard. The older she gets, the more Esme realizes words and meanings relating to women's and common folks' experiences are unrecorded, so she begins to create her own dictionary for them.

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie - I am a huge Agatha Christie fan, and as such I, too, want to know what happened during the 11 days she went missing in 1926. This book imagines what could have been, and I am so excited to dive into these pages!

8 Things I'm Loving for Summer

I know it's not officially summer yet, but here in the South it's been summer for over a month. Our temperatures have been set to hot and humid since at least mid-May, and I haven't even bothered unpacking any of my sweaters since moving.

There's really no secret ingredient when it comes to surviving a Southern summer, but there are some things out there that make it better. So I thought it'd be fun to share some of my favorite products to make this often-unbearable season easier to withstand.

Jergens Natural Glow - This has been my go-to for summer color for years. I use the fair to medium skin tone. What I like about this is that even if I apply it a little too heavily in a spot or two, it's not super obvious that I did. It's also never orange, and it leaves my skin nice and soft, like lotion.

Mine Rapid Recovery After Sun Gel - I got this in my FabFitFun summer box last year, but it's so good, y'all. As a redhead, I've had my fair share of bad sun experiences, and this gel is the best I've ever used. Not only does it help with pain, but there is a marked difference after using it.

Time & Tru Utility Shorts -  I have these in the sandstone pink, sea turtle, and studio blue. I love that they can be dressed up or down depending on the shirt you pair them with. And even if you choose a t-shirt, they still feel a little more polished than a pair of jean shorts. I wear size 6 in this brand.

Sofia Jeans Lila Mid-Rise Destructed Hem Denim Shorts - These are my favorite casual shorts to wear around the house, and even out and about for casual activities. They are amazingly comfortable and surprisingly versatile. I wear them in size 6.

Sinex Saline Ultra Fine Nasal Mist - This time of year is hell on my nose. It's either running, stuffy, or so dry it hurts. But this spray is so amazing. It helps clear up congestion without burning or simply rehydrates my dried-out nasal passages. It's so gentle that even Alexis will use it without grumbling.

Monat Hydrate & Refresh Face Mist - This is one of those products I've seen talked up by a bunch of people, but I've only recently started using, and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to try it! One thing I've always struggled with having sensitive skin is finding a non-irritating makeup setting spray. Well, when I saw that this could be used for that, I knew I had to try it, and it does not disappoint. In fact, it works better than any other setting spray I've used without aggravating my skin!

Monat Wave Spray - This is a product I've been waiting to come back around since starting Monat last year. Thankfully I had the good sense to buy two bottles because it's already sold out! And for good reason. This product is pretty amazing. You can use it on damp or dry hair. I really like it as a curl/wave refresher on day two of my wash cycle. Then on day three, all I have to do is spritz with water to reactivate it. Perfect for summer. I do wish they'd make this a year-round product though.

Monat Purifying Vinegar Rinse - This rinse is great for days when my hair feels dirty but it’s too soon to wash, which happens a lot in the summer.

Monday Motivation

Have you ever come across something that makes you pause? This saying did that for me. Not so much in that I've been too busy chasing happiness to enjoy it, but more so in the fact that I think all sometimes forget to take time in our daily lives to just be.

That's especially true for me over the last month. Although saying I've forgotten to take time to pause is misleading. With it being the last month of school, which is always busy, buying/selling a house and moving, and some pretty big changes for myself (which I'll talk about soon, I promise!), it was hard to squeeze in time to just sit and relax. There was always something that needed to be done, and because of the move nothing could be put off for another day.

We are in the new house now. We've been here for a little more than a week, and before you ask - no, we've not finished unpacking yet. We've got some storage logistics still to figure out, which we were aware of coming into the move but couldn't sort out until after we were in the house. But in all honesty, we haven't been in that big of a hurry to get to that last box. Everything has been so go go go the last few weeks that we've all needed the break.

We did manage to make it to the lake for the afternoon on Memorial Day, so that was nice. I got a decent amount of work done while unpacking, and I had a meeting in the middle of the week. Saturday was spent relaxing in the morning and then visiting a few shops in the afternoon. Alexis headed off with grandparents for an extended stay so she can do VBS with their church.

This week, I'll be working on the magazine's birthday issue. I found out last week that I won't be having to do distribution this month, or ever again most likely, as the owner and editor decided to make the move to fully digital. We still put together a flip-through issue that you can read online, but for the foreseeable future there won't be a printed issue. We'll see how that goes. I'm not fully sold on it (I like my magazines in hand), but it is something we're seeing with magazines across the country.

There are some other changes that will be happening within the next month or so. Namely, my duties will be scaled back to mostly editorial, which I'm on board with since it's where my passion truly lies in this business. I'll still be the publisher and responsible for local content.

In other news, I've been offered and accepted a second job. I'm not ready to reveal all of the details that go along with that just yet. The people who need to know do, but there are a few formalities that need to take place before everything is 100 percent official. Once it is, I'll make the announcement.

Okay, that's it for me this morning. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!