March Book of the Month

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I have been in a little bit of a reading slump lately. Stress at work and in life has me wanting to just completely zone out when I get home for the day, which has me watching TV instead of diving into a good book. March brought out 7 titles with very different descriptions – it’s incredible to see the variety and give readers exposure to a lot of options! I ended up choosing one from this month and then one of last month’s main picks that has been getting some good buzz.

My Box

  • Weyward by Emilia Hart
  • Maame by Jessica George

Main Picks

  • The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty – Fantasy – 400+ Pages, Action-Packed, First in Series, Quest: This swashbuckling pirate captain’s last hurrah will have you clutching for your spyglass, ready to hit the high seas. Goodreads Rating: 4.48
    • I was on the fence about this one because it sounds exciting and probably would have been sold if I thought there would be a romantic element to it…what can I say I’m just a sucker for a love story!
  • Weyward by Emilia Hart – Magical Realism – Multiple Viewpoints, Magical, Feminist, Nature: An ode to the natural world and female power, this lush, generation-spanning novel is equal parts daring and inspiring. Goodreads Rating: 4.30
    • I don’t know what it is about this one but I just couldn’t not get it. A story about women living centuries apart, plus some magic in an old overgrown cottage sounds just right to me.
  • London Seance Society by Sarah Penner – Gothic Fiction – LGBTQ+ Themes, International, Whodunit, Glamorous: From the author of The Lost Apothecary, a gothic fable teeming with mystery and occult forces, where none can be trusted. Goodreads Rating: 3.85
    • The truth is I read The Lost Apothecary and liked it, but didn’t love it. I was not super impressed by the character development of the narrator even though I was very interested in the story she was uncovering.
  • The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth – Thriller – Psychological, Rural, Sad, Marriage Issues: When an old acquaintance dies, it dredges up demons of the past that threaten to unravel a seemingly perfect marriage. Goodreads Rating: 4.08
    • Sounds intense – death by cliff fall is extreme.
  • Lone Women by Victor LaValle – Horror – Social Issues, LGTBQ+ Themes, Graphic Violence, Western: In this disquieting story, a woman fleeing past sins attempts to forge a new life homesteading Montana’s harsh plains. Goodreads Rating: 4.22
    • Graphic Violence and the Horror genre as a whole are not my vibe, but I am definitely intrigued by the description of this story.
  • The Last Russian Doll by Kristen Loesch – Historical Fiction, Debut – Emotional, Nonlinear Timeline, Family Drama, Forbidden Love: This epic story weaves one family’s tragic splintering into the larger tapestry of Russia’s turbulent 20th century. Goodreads Rating: 4.29
    • I wouldn’t be surprised if I ended up getting this one in the future. I don’t normally lean towards Russian settings, but we all know I can’t resist an epic love story.
  • Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah – Contemporary Fiction, Debut – Heavy Read, Slow Build, Mama Drama, Marriage Issues: An unexpected pregnancy pushes a married couple into a raw and emotional exploration of what it is they truly want. Goodreads Rating: 4.15
    • I imagine this book would be really amazing and I would probably love it but with the family drama going on in my own life it’s just hitting a little too close to home right now.

Add-Ons

  • Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson – Literary Fiction, Debut – Family Drama, Millennial, NYC, Buzzy: Brooklyn’s 1% is put under the microscope in this sharp, vibrant exploration of what happens to a trust fund deferred. Goodreads Rating: 3.94
    • I actually really wanted to get this one, but I’m waiting to see more reviews on it. Since I’ve kind of been spinning my tires in the reading department lately I just need something that will move more quickly than a literary fiction.
  • Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano – Literary Fiction – Emotional, Underdog, Inspirational, Siblings: We all may contain multitudes but sometimes it takes the help of friends and found family to see beauty in our layers. Goodreads Rating: 4.32
    • I bet this book is amazingly intense and will pull at your heart strings and make you feel all the feels.
  • I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai – Literary Fiction – Social Issues, Teens, Academic, Whodunit: Twisty as your fave true crime podcast and full of hard questions about power – this is no ordinary boarding school tale. Goodreads Rating: 3.93
    • There are definitely some mixed reviews online of this one. I’m new to the true crime podcast game (hello My Favorite Murder!), but I think this plot has potential.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Would you have picked something different? Have you read any of these?

Lunch Meal Prep

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Over the past year, I’ve found that meal prepping my lunch is essential to me having less stress during the week. I don’t even understand how it’s possible that I didn’t do this in the past! Part of meal prep is not just making the food, but actually portioning it out into containers so that I can just pull one out in the morning. Here are some of my recent favorites…

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Ranch Chicken Meatballs with Couscous: I took this recipe straight from How Sweet Eats! Definitely check out her recipe – but make sure you sear the meatballs on the outside before baking and then cook the broccoli & couscous in the same pot so it can really meld together.

Sichuan Chicken and Green Beans Stir Fry: This recipe is from The Defined Dish and actually requires two containers: one with the chicken and veggies because it gets heated up and one for the mixed spring greens because it stays cold. Heating the chicken and veggies up is actually essential because it creates a little extra juice to liven up the greens a bit. I used chicken tenderloins, string beans, red bell pepper, and mushrooms. You’re basically just sautéing all of it and then adding in a sauce. Highly recommend checking out this recipe!

Lemony Salmon with Broccoli & Rice: Broccoli is so easy because I just cut it up, put in a dish with water, and microwave until tender (7ish minutes), which makes me want to use it all the time. I also used the 90 second microwave rice for this one, it takes about 2 packets for 5 days of lunches. Then I roasted the salmon with lemon, garlic, and butter. I added a little extra cold butter to the containers (so that it would melt as I heated it up) and that’s it!

Mexican Quinoa: This casserole is one of my all-time favorites. Mix cooked quinoa (one cup dry), sautéed bell peppers and jalapenos, black beans, corn, chopped fresh tomatoes, red enchilada sauce, chopped green chilis, cumin, chili powder, paprika, mexican cheese blend, and mozzarella cheese. Cover and bake for about a half hour on 350 and then add more cheese to the top and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. I bring avocado and plain yogurt to top mine!

Fall Farro Salad: This one is bomb no matter what time of year it is! It’s only labeled fall because I used apples, but most people can get apples year-round. It’s just a mix of romaine, spring mix, chicken (I used rotisserie, but grilled would be good here too), dried cranberries, cooked farro, sunflower seeds, apple chunks, thinly sliced red onion, slivered almonds, & feta cheese. The dressing was olive oil (1/2 cup), apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp), maple syrup (1 tbsp), dijon mustard (1 tbsp), lemon juice (1/2 lemon), salt & pepper. Then adjust to fit your tastes! Pro tip: don’t put the dressing in the fridge with the rest of your salad because the oil solidifies!

As you can see, lunches don’t all have to be sandwiches or salads or wraps. I hope this gives you a little inspiration to just go for it and make dinner for lunch!

January 2023 Book of the Month

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New Year, New Month, New Books! This month there were 7 main picks and no new add-ons. Literary Fiction, two Romances, and a Fantasy book that was a sequel to a book I read awhile back. Basically, it was hard for me to choose. I also really wanted to limit myself to two books because my TBR shelf is overflowing and I haven’t had much time to read lately.

My Box:

  • Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen
  • Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Main Picks:

  • Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor – Literary Fiction – Debut, 400+ Pages, International, Nonlinear Timeline, Glamorous: In this grand Indian tale – part crime story, part family saga – everyone is at risk from the corrupting gravity of greed. Goodreads Rating: 4.14
    • I regret not grabbing this one so it might find it’s way into a future box. I feel like it’s everywhere getting read and recommended! Corruption, greed, and a mysterious incident that causes 5 people to die…..it’s an enthralling set up!
  • Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo – Fantasy – 400+ Pages, Second in Series, Academic, Unsettling: In this epic follow-up to Ninth House, Alex Stern thinks one can just casually go to hell and bring friends back… Goodreads Rating: 4.51
    • I read Ninth House 3 years ago and felt like it ended on such a cliffhanger, but at this point I think I’m choosing to set aside this story because it’s been so long I’d have to reread and I remember thinking it was confusing the first time around.
  • Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni – Historical Fiction – Emotional, War, Forbidden Love, Siblings: This riveting Partition story captures the tumultuous moment when a nation and family are torn irreparably apart. Goodreads Rating: 4.27
    • I cannot wait to read this. Peach Blossom Spring was one of my favorite books last year, and this description gives me similar vibes. I’m interested to learn more about Partition and dig into this emotional story.
  • Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen – Romance – Debut, LOL, Foodie, Tech World, Enemies to Lovers: While helping clients achieve #RelationshipGoals, two matchmakers learn the most amazing love story may be their own. Goodreads Rating: 3.99
    • An enemies to lovers foodie romance about matchmakers finding love with one another instead of for other people? Oh heck yeah. I’m ready to let this one knock the socks off of me and inspire me to order Chinese food nonstop!
  • Queen of Thieves by Beezy Marsh – Historical Fiction – Multiple Viewpoints, Feminist, Action-Packed, Real-Life Characters: Post-WWII-London might look like a boys club but in reality, a shadowy gang of female thieves runs these mean streets. Goodreads Rating: 4.09
    • I just love that this is based on a real gang of women thieves! Plus it’s cool that it’s told from multiple viewpoints even though the title suggests it’s only about the ‘queen’.
  • The Reunion by Kayla Olson – Romance – Light Read, Millennial, Movieish, Second Chance Romance: They might not have got a Hollywood ending first time around, but a revived show might just give love a fighting chance. Goodreads Rating: 3.85
    • Tv show reboots are all the rage right now and I LOVE this idea. I mean if Jennifer Aniston & David Schwimmer got together right after the Friends reunion I think I would have died on the spot. Such a cute idea!
  • What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall – Thriller – Female Friendships, Rural, Creepy, Whodunit: Haunted by a killer lie from their youth, a group of friends begins to unravel when one member starts asking questions. Goodreads Rating: 4.20
    • Okay the synopsis starts like this: “They were eleven when they sent a killer to prison. They were heroes…but they were liars.” I mean…whaaatttt that sounds like an incredible story. I want to know what happened, why they lied, and what is the truth!

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read and loved any of these!

2022 Movies & TV Shows

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This year, I watched a lot of amazing, pretty good, and just okay shows & movies. There were several rewatches…Friends, New Girl, Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy, The Bounty Hunter, A Cinderella Story, The Ugly Truth, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Holiday in Handcuffs, Snowed Inn Christmas, & Lovehard. But I also made more of an effort to watch Oscar, Emmy, & Golden Globe nominated shows/movies..which led me to Dune, King Richard, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Abbott Elementary, & Spencer. I also spent a lot of time watching romcoms from the 2000s that I’d never seen before, like Catch & Release, Just Like Heaven, How Do You Know, The Sweetest Thing, Life As We Know It, He’s Just Not That Into You, & Rumor Has It. Plus, as always, a healthy dose of reality TV with Queer Eye, Big Brother Celebrity Big Brother, Love is Blind, The Ultimatum, Selling Sunset, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, Ex on the Beach, The Challenge, The Challenge: USA, The Challenge: All Stars, The Amazing Race, Survivor, FBoy Island, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, & Top Chef. You know – a little bit of everything!

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In no particular order, here’s my top 15!

  • Lost in Space (available on Netflix)
  • The Witcher (available on Netflix)
  • Love is Blind (available on Netflix)
  • Dune
  • King Richard
  • Bridgerton (available on Netflix)
  • Unbelievable (available on Netflix)
  • The Summer I Turned Pretty (available on Amazon Prime)
  • How I Met Your Father (available on Hulu)
  • Rosaline (available on Hulu)
  • The King’s Jester (available on Netflix)
  • Lincoln Lawyer (available on Netflix)
  • Emily the Criminal (available on Netflix)
  • Top Chef Houston
  • Abbott Elementary

Rating System: 5 stars – loved it, consistently recommend 4 stars – really liked it, would recommend 3 stars – good show, nothing too notable 2 stars – would not recommend to others 1 star – did not finish, do not recommend.

January

  • Friends Season 4-9 – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • Queer Eye Season 6 – 5 stars
  • The Witcher Season 1-2 – 5 stars
  • Brazen – 2 stars
  • Tombstone – 3 stars
  • Lost in Space Season 1-3 – 5 stars

February

  • The Crown Season 4 – 4 stars
  • Kenan Season 2 – 3 stars
  • The Village – 2 stars
  • Homecoming King – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • Through My Window – 2 stars
  • Vanderpump Rules Season 9 – 3 stars
  • The Magnificent 7 – 4 stars
  • Can You Keep a Secret – 3 stars
  • Home Team – 5 stars
  • Teen Wolf Seasons 1-2 – 2 stars (rewatch)
  • Celebrity Big Brother 3 – 3 stars
  • Ali Wong: Don Wong – 4 stars

March

  • Love is Blind Season 2 – 5 stars
  • Against the Ice – 5 stars
  • Teen Wolf Season 3 – 2 stars (rewatch)
  • Falling Inn Love – 4 stars
  • Just Like Heaven – 4 stars
  • The Amazing Race Season 33 – 4 stars
  • The Last Letter from Your Lover – 3 stars
  • Resort to Love – 5 stars
  • Home Again – 5 stars
  • The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window – 5 stars
  • Selling Sunset Season 4 – 3 stars
  • How I Met Your Father – 4 stars
  • The Bachelor Season 26 – 4 stars
  • Friends Seasons 10, 1-3 – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • Ottoman Lieutenant – 3 stars
  • The Ugly Truth – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • Midnight in Paris – 3 stars
  • Dune – 5 stars
  • King Richard – 5 stars
  • The Eyes of Tammy Faye – 5 stars
  • Wild Mountain Thyme – 3 stars

April

  • Pam & Tommy – 4 stars
  • Friends Season 4-5 – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • Bridgerton Season 2 – 5 stars
  • The Sweetest Thing – 2 stars
  • The Weekend Away – 3 stars
  • The Ultimatum – 5 stars

May

  • Criminal Minds Season 1-7 – 4 stars (rewatch)
  • Selling Sunset Season 5 – 3 stars
  • How Do You Know – 4 stars
  • Along for the Ride – 4 stars
  • Senior Year – 4 stars
  • A Cinderella Story – 5 stars
  • Desperados – 4 stars
  • A Perfect Pairing – 3 stars
  • Catch & Release – 3 stars
  • The Blue Lagoon – 2 stars
  • The Circle Season 4 – 4 stars
  • Survivor Season 42 – 5 stars
  • Spencer – 2 stars

June

  • Criminal Minds Season 8-14 – 4 stars (rewatch)
  • Surviving Summer – 4 stars
  • Pieces of Her – 3 stars
  • Unbelievable – 5 stars
  • Love & Gelato – 4 stars
  • Meat Eater Season 10 – 5 stars

July

  • The Lost Husband – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • Life as We Know It – 3 stars
  • Lincoln Lawyer – 5 stars
  • Keep Sweet Pray & Obey – 5 stars
  • Ex on the Beach Season 5 – 4 stars
  • The Summer I Turned Pretty – 5 stars
  • Boo Bitch – 2 stars
  • You’ve Got Mail – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • Marry Me – 5 stars
  • Kong: Skull Island – 5 stars

August

  • New Girl Seasons 1-3 – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • FBoy Island Season 2 – 4 stars
  • Challenge All Stars Season 3 – 4 stars

September

  • The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 2 – 4 stars
  • The Bounty Hunter – 5 stars
  • The Challenge USA – 4 stars
  • Love in the Villa – 4 stars
  • Umbrella Academy Season 1 – 5 stars
  • The Bachelorette Season 19 – 3 stars
  • Wedding Season – 5 stars
  • Persuasion – 4 stars
  • Mr. Right – 4 stars
  • Age of Adaline – 5 stars
  • The Lucky One – 3 stars (rewatch)
  • Big Brother Season 25 – 3 stars
  • Clueless – 2 stars
  • He’s Just Not That Into You – 5 stars
  • Rumor Has It – 2 stars
  • Roped – 2 stars

October

  • Red Riding Hood – 3 stars
  • New Girl Seasons 4-7 – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • The Gray Man – 4 stars
  • Luckiest Girl Alive – 4 stars
  • Friends Season 1-2 – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • Rosaline – 5 stars
  • 28 Days Haunted – 5 stars
  • The Hating Game – 4 stars
  • Love Guaranteed – 4 stars

November

  • Virgin River Season 4 – 2 stars
  • Tell Me Lies – 2 stars
  • Look Both Ways – 2 stars
  • The King’s Jester – 5 stars
  • Sins of the Mother – 5 stars
  • Merry Swissmas – 2 stars
  • Friends Season 3 – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • Top Chef Season 19 – 5 stars
  • Greys Anatomy Seasons 1-3 – 4 stars (rewatch)
  • Falling for Christmas – 3 stars
  • Bachelor in Paradise Season 8 – 5 stars

December

  • Greys Anatomy Seasons 4-6 – 4 stars
  • The Amazing Race Season 34 – 5 stars
  • Survivor Season 43 – 4 stars
  • The Noel Diary – 3 stars
  • Christmas With You – 4 stars
  • I Believe in Santa – 2 stars
  • The Holiday Fix Up – 3 stars
  • Snowed Inn Christmas – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • The Santa Clause 2 – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • The Bounty Hunter – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • Lovehard – 4 stars (rewatch)
  • Love is Blind Season 3 – 5 stars
  • Emily the Criminal – 5 stars
  • Uncoupled – 5 stars
  • The Santa Clause – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • Friends Season 4 – 5 stars (rewatch)
  • Abbott Elementary Season 1 – 5 stars
  • Holiday in Handcuffs – 5 stars (rewatch)

Books of 2022

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I read 40 books this year..not including the ones I read for grad school! That’s 5 more than last year, so I feel really good about it. Maybe next year I’ll get to 50!

My Favorite 5 Books of 2022

  • A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross – my favorite book this year! I loved the world-building, the character development, and the fantastical elements. Plus the author has a playlist on Spotify to listen to while you read and it definitely enhanced the experience! The sequel, A Fire Endless, is featured in my honorable mentions and was the perfect complement to the first!
  • Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young – I couldn’t believe how much I loved this book. The magic and the twists and turns in the plot because of the secrets running rampant on the island. Truly incredible, page-turning storyline.
  • Book Lovers by Emily Henry – Emily Henry is one of my favorite authors and her latest book surprised me in the best way! It was the opposite of a typical romance, but her characters are impossible not to love.
  • The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – I know I’m a little late to the party on this one, but man TJR is incredible at character building. She brings people to life. I loved that the setup was an interview, but it wasn’t written in an interview format the way Daisy Jones and the Six was. TJR has true range. I really need to read the rest of her work!
  • I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy – I listened to Jennette tell her story on Audible and it was remarkable. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. A truly riveting listen.

Honorable Mentions

  • Small Angels by Lauren Owen – I loved that the setting was a character in the book, but most of all I loved the writing. The words were incredible and the story was compelling. I had no idea what was going to happen and couldn’t stop myself from reading more!
  • Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu – A multigenerational story featuring a mother and son navigating the extreme loss and destruction caused by the second Sino-Japanese war while searching for stability. Inspirational story-telling and heartbreaking sacrifice. Incredibly well-written.
  • Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez – Such a great romance about being true to yourself and following your heart.
  • The Bodyguard by Katherine Center – This one was so much fun to read! I loved the story and the fake dating and how the characters fell for each other.
  • A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross – The follow up to A River Enchanted did not disappoint. It was the perfect way to wrap up the storylines from the first novel.
  • Notes from a Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi – I’m so glad I read his story and learned about the absolute grind he put himself through to get
  • Over the Top by Jonathan Van Ness – Everyone needs a little JVN magic. Their story was heartbreaking and hopeful and honest. I couldn’t help but to be inspired and revel in the extraordinary life they’ve created.
  • The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh – I had no idea what was going to happen as I was reading. I thought I knew, but I was surprised over and over again. Amazing story!

Here’s the genre breakdown for the books I read and what I rated them.

Fiction

  • The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – 2 stars
  • 12 Angry Men by Reginald Rose – 4 stars
  • Sold by Patricia McCormick – 3 stars
  • Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? By Lizzie Damilola Blackburn – 4 stars
  • Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo – 5 stars
  • What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris – 5 stars
  • Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu – 5 stars
  • The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – 5 stars
  • Upgrade by Blake Crouch – 4 stars
  • The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford – 4 stars
  • Swing by Kwame Alexander – 2 stars

Romance

  • Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly – 5 stars
  • Love in Color: Mythical Tales from Around the World by Bolu Babalola – 5 stars
  • Dating Dr. Dill by Nisha Sharma – 5 stars
  • Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez – 5 stars
  • The Bodyguard by Katherine Center – 5 stars
  • Book Lovers by Emily Henry – 5 stars
  • It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover – 3 stars
  • The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood – 4 stars
  • Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson – 4 stars
  • Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood – 5 stars

Fantasy

  • A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross – 5 stars
  • Darling Girl by Liz Michalski – 4 stars
  • The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller – 4 stars
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – 3 stars
  • The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah – 4 stars
  • A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas – 3 stars
  • Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young – 5 stars
  • A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross – 5 stars

Non-Fiction/Memoir

  • Notes From a Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi – 5 stars
  • Over The Top by Jonathan Van Ness – 5 stars
  • In Love & War by Melody Miyamoto Walters – 4 stars
  • Miss Me With That by Rachel Lindsay – 5 stars
  • I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy – 5 stars

Thriller

  • A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw – 5 stars
  • Razorblade Tears by S.A. Crosby – 4 stars
  • The Love of my Life by Rosie Walsh – 5 stars
  • Verity by Colleen Hoover – 4 stars
  • Small Angels by Lauren Owens – 5 stars

23 for 2023

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I loved doing a bucket list in 2022, so I’m making another one for 2023! There are definitely going to be some repeat items, but also some new ideas. It’s mostly a list of things for when I’ve thought to myself – “Hey! I might like to do that.” So if you’re thinking about making your own list, just think about the things you could do, but haven’t. I know a lot of typical bucket lists might feature things like skydiving or traveling somewhere epic…but this list isn’t a lifelong bucket list. It’s a way to make sure that I make time for fun and interesting things and not allowing myself to get bogged down by my day to day responsibilities or a to-do list. It’s also a list of things I can do on my own if no one else wants to join me!

  • Woodshop Class
  • Philly Food Tour
  • Get the Tasting Menu at a Restaurant
  • Cape May Zoo
  • Visit Somewhere New
  • See a Play/Show
  • Walk 500 Miles
  • Massage
  • Longwood Gardens
  • New Brewery
  • Yoga Class
  • Go to Therapy
  • Host a Dinner Party
  • Visit a National Park
  • Visit a Local Bookstore
  • Pro Sports Game
  • Take a Golf Lesson
  • Burlington County Farmer’s Market
  • Cherry Street Pier
  • Cherry Blossom Festival
  • New Distillery
  • Eat Soup Dumplings in Philly
  • Horse Race

Let me know what you think of my list and what you might put on your own yearly bucket list in the comments! Check out the results of my 22 for 2022 bucket list in my post “2022 in Review…“

2022 in Review…

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So at the start of 2022 I decided I wanted to try out a bucket list instead of a list of goals…and it was fun!

Here is what I got to do:

  • Comedy Show – I saw my absolute favorite comedian, Hasan Minhaj, in Philadelphia in February with my cousin. It was a tour for his new Netflix special, The King’s Jester. It was hilarious and I loved every second of it – and then loved it again when it came out on Netflix!
  • Visit North of Me – In February I journeyed up to North Jersey for my college friend’s engagement party! I decided to make a mini getaway out of it and left early in the day to check out some places in the area. I started off in Teaneck and went to Kudo Society Cafe (where I had some amazing mochi donuts) and Brier Rose Books…a delightful little spot packed floor to ceiling with tons of books! After that I had some beers at Hackensack Brewing before driving over to West Caldwell to get some pizza at The Brook Tap House. It was a fun little morning/afternoon that ended in a night of dancing with my college friends!
  • Visit South of Me – For Spring Break, I made the drive down to Virginia Beach. I scored a great deal on an oceanfront hotel and decided to spend a few days by the shore – despite how chilly it still is in April! I visited a lighthouse, breweries, and tried a ton of she-crab soup and oysters! I posted about it earlier in the year if you want to read about my experience!
  • Pro Sports Game – On Mother’s Day I went to the Phillies double-header with my parents and brother. It was a super fun day because we got to see the Phillies win – a team that later went to the World Series!!! Plus I spotted Zac Clark from the Bachelor and he was super nice and took a picture with me. I still can’t believe that happened!
  • Concert – I went to Tim McGraw & Russell Dickerson with my cousins to start off the summer and had an amazing time. We all wore white tees and put barbecue stains on them! It was super cute.
  • New Local Restaurant – I tried out a bunch of new spots this year! Central Taco & Tequila, Coriander, Talula’s, Sam’s Bar, Dominic’s Tavern, Apricot Stone, & Treno. They were all unique and I have great memories from visiting!
  • Try Nigerian Food – Okay this has actually been on my list for SO LONG because I’ve read a lot of books set in Nigeria so I wanted to try the food they talk about in the books – and I finally did it! I picked up my brother one Friday after work and drove him to a mostly deserted mall food court where an African restaurant with incredible reviews resides. We tried Egusi soup, stewed goat, jollof rice, pounded yam, puff puff and meat pies. I loved it! I’m so glad I gave it a try and didn’t allow the deserted mall to drive me away.
  • New Brewery – I visited a bunch of new breweries this year! Hackensack Brewing (NJ), Burley Oak (Maryland), Pleasure House (VA), Commonwealth Brewing (VA), Smartmouth Brewing (VA), Vibrant Shore Brewing (VA), Mechanical Brewing (NJ), Kona Brewing (HI)
  • New Winery – Volcano Winery (HI) & Heritage Vineyards (NJ) are not the only wineries I went to this year…but the only ones I’d never been to before!
  • Color Factory – I went with my cousin and we had a great time! It was actually really cool and a unique way to spend a few hours.
  • Friends Experience – The same day we went to the color factory my cousin and I also did the Friends experience in NYC. It was incredible! We’re both huge fans of the show and it was truly an awesome experience to see the apartments and all the memorabilia.
  • Famous Chef Restaurant – I took my besties to Spice Finch in Philadelphia for a Girls Night! Jennifer Carroll, from Top Chef, is the Executive Chef. The food was all incredible and we had so much fun trying everything and chatting all night! The roasted cauliflower truly lives rent-free in my mind all the time. So delicious.
  • Go on a Hike – While on Oahu my cousin and I did the Lanikai Pillbox hike and were rewarded with the most incredible views. I honestly was not sure that I could do it, but I felt very proud once I did it!!
  • Get a Massage – Somehow I actually managed to get multiple massages (and a facial) and hope I can keep that going in 2023!
  • Go Apple Picking – My friend and I had a lovely little afternoon picking apples and then I made some yummy applesauce! It was great to get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Here’s what I didn’t get around to:

  • Podcast Show
  • Go to a Play
  • Longwood Gardens
  • Run in a Race
  • Movie Theater
  • Cooking Class
  • Local Bookstore

And even though I didn’t get through my full list – the ones I did are memories that I treasure from this year. It was so much more fun to do this than to just complete a checklist of habits. It actually helped me to prioritize having fun and doing new things instead of staying home and worrying about “getting things done” all the time.

I’m so excited to make my 2023 bucket list!! If you have any suggestions for what I can add to my list…let me know in the comments!

Stitch Fix December

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Okay so the truth is I wanted all of the items in this fix! They were all comfortable and exactly my style. There were just too many higher-priced pieces, especially when all I’m doing right now is spending money on my holiday shopping! I ended up just grabbing the first three shown below…the dress, jeans, and tie front sweater. I feel like all of these pieces are versatile and can take me from fall to spring so I’ll get a lot of use out of them!!!

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Fortune & Ivy Candis Back Detail Knit Dress $48

This dress is soft, cute, and the ribbon tie back makes me feel so pretty! I love how flowy it is and that the colors are neutral enough for me to wear from fall to spring!

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STS Blue Darren Mid-Rise Roll Cuffed Girlfriend Jean $68

I was so surprised when these fit me and were comfortable I audibly squealed. After trying and sending back several Old Navy jeans in this style I was thrilled to be able to wear these!

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Nine Britton Billie Tie Front Brushed Knit Top $40

Cute and casual – love the neutral color and the tie front! Perfect for going out, staying in, or running errands! It’ll work with leggings or jeans…basically the most functional shirt in my closet!

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Market & Spruce Leilani Mixed Stitch Mock Neck Sweater $68

I’ll admit it was hard for me to let go of this sweater but I just have so many sweaters that I couldn’t reconcile spending almost $70 on one.

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Lety & Me Zola Sherpa Trim Hooded Cardigan $62

This was so cute and soft and I loved it…and probably would have bought it if it had pockets or buttons, but didn’t love the way it hung off of me.

Let me know what you think of my choices in the comments!

Christmas Recipe Ideas!

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I know there are still two weeks until Christmas – but that time is going to fly by so I thought I’d pop on here and give you some Christmas recipe ideas! It’s kind of a random collection of ideas, but my hope is that it’s different from what you normally see to inspire a little change. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my Christmas Day classics of sliced ham, baked macaroni and cheese, and sausage sandwiches…but switching things up can be a good thing!

Breakfast – Sheet Pan Pancakes

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I know breakfast isn’t typically the meal that everyone is prepping for…but maybe it should be? This easy recipe allows everyone to choose what they want to eat and doesn’t create a huge mess of dishes or require a lot of effort! Just follow the directions on a pancake mix box, spray a sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray, pour the batter onto the pan, add toppings (the picture includes, bananas, chocolate chips, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. Cook at 425 for about 15 minutes (until golden brown/a toothpick comes out clean).

Appetizers – Sundried Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Dip

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I love this one because it’s good hot or cold and only takes like 15 minutes. Plus it’s only one pan and can even be served in the skillet itself if you don’t want to clean another dish! Heat sundried tomato oil (just spoon it out of the jar) in a large skillet and add 1 diced shallot. Once the shallot has softened, add chopped sundried tomatoes (I bought a small jar and used about 1/3) and saute. Deglaze the skillet with about 1.5 tbsp dry white wine, let moisture evaporate, and then add 1 jar of roasted red peppers (drained and diced), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/2 brick softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup sour cream, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir and cook until smooth.

Small Dinner – Pot Roast

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For me, pot roast isn’t a meal I’m interested in serving to a large crowd because beef is not cheap! However, for a smaller party I think it’s worth it. Plus it’s so easy to make – you’re basically just tossing it all into a crockpot and letting it do it’s thing! Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck Pot Roast, 2 carrots (peeled & chopped), 2 stalks celery (chopped), 1 onion (chopped), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 bay leaf, 1 cup beef broth, 1/4 cup dry red wine, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tbsp tomato paste, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper. Cook on low for at least 8 hours. Serve with mashed potatoes! You also have the option of thickening it with tapioca OR adding a cornstarch & water mix at the end. I like to leave it less thick and drizzle it all over the mashed potatoes, though!

These recipes were all adapted from Eating Well – I highly recommend checking them out for some more inspiration if you need it. Let me know in the comments what you’re planning on making for Christmas…hopefully we can inspire each other!

December Book of the Month

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December is such a fun month for BOTM because we get a yearly look-back (a book from earlier in the year that wasn’t included) and BFF members get to add one of the 5 Book of the Year finalists to their box for free! This year’s yearly look-back is Babel, which was published in August. This look-back is super exciting for me because I feel like it has been all over the best of 2022 lists. So for my box I got the look-back, a BOTY finalist, and the sequel to my favorite book from this year. It’s an exciting month!

My Box:

  • Babel by R. F. Kuang
  • A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross
  • Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Main Picks

  • Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun – Romance – LGBTQ+ Themes, Quirky, Fake Dating, Siblings: Cozy up with this delightful holiday tale as old as time: boy meets girl, girl meets boy’s sister (who she loves). Goodreads Rating: 4.21
    • This one looks so cute! Fake dating, magical Christmas romance returning a year later, a coffee shop setting…it sounds truly delightful!
  • Babel by R. F. Kuang – Historical Fantasy – 400+ Pages, Literary, Brainy, Academic: Knowledge is power in this potent, Oxford-set tale about the magic of translation and tumult of revolution. Goodreads Rating: 4.39
    • I’m so excited that this is the yearly look-back! Set in Oxford in 1828 and all about translation and secret societies and revolution. I’m ready to be entranced by this world that is all about words!
  • All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham – Thriller – Nonlinear Timeline, Puzzle, Unreliable Narrator, Mama Drama: Since her son went missing Isabella Drake can’t sleep. After reading this thriller you might not be able to either… Goodreads Rating: 4.34
    • This honestly sounds so good and intense. Reminds me of The Couple Next Door, which was a crazy thrilling ride.
  • The Circus Train by Amita Parikh – Historical Fiction – Debut, Inspirational, Movieish, International, Underdog: All the world’s a stage in this moving WWII story about a traveling circus and finding your path in dark times. Goodreads Rating: 4.06
    • I feel like this book could be absolutely beloved by those who read it. There is a lot of historical fiction written about World War II so Parikh has a lot to live up to, but the story seems to be very focused on character development, which makes me think that Parikh will be able to carve out a space in this debut.
  • The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton – Literary Fiction – LGBTQ+ Themes, Sad, Rural, Dystopian: Life (and hope) find a way to muddle through after the levees break and the waters surge in this meditative novel. Goodreads Rating: 4.26
    • This one sounds emotionally intense and sad. A girl born at home on the day of a devastating hurricane while her father is out searching for her brothers. A dystopian rooted in climate change. Definitely putting this on my want-to-read list.

Add-Ons

  • A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella – Contemporary Fiction – Multiple Viewpoints, Inspirational, Sad, Suburban Drama: Consider this life-affirming story about loss and community the cup of hot cocoa you need to make it through winter. Goodreads Rating: 4.40
    • A story of three people dealing with grief in a small town sounds both heart-breaking and heart-warming. A perfect read for cuddling up in a blanket with a cup of tea.
  • A Wilderness of Stars by Shea Ernshaw – Young Adult – Romance, Magical, 400+ Pages, Quest: An unexpected omen forces a young woman to leave her home and claim her destiny to put the stars back in alignment. Goodreads Rating: 3.94
    • I started 2022 reading A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw and really loved her story-telling and prose. This story sounds epic – a girl trying to cure an illness as the last astronomer carrying the knowledge of the stars.
  • A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross – Fantasy – Emotional, Quest, 400+ Pages, Second in a Series: In this epic follow-up to A River Enchanted a contest between the forces of good and evil might tear an island asunder. Goodreads Rating: 4.60
    • I have been waiting for this book ever since I finished A River Enchanted, which is probably my favorite book from this year! I can’t wait to get back to these characters and the world of Cadence!