August Reads

 It's my last month of 2020 summer reading! I know that once school begins, my reading takes a major hit. Boohoo! I read some great ones this month....all over the board in terms of genre! 

My TBR stack is getting big. Is there anything better than closing the page on a great book and having another one ready to roll?! 

1. The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine: As you know, Liv Constantine's book, The Last Mrs. Parrish was one of my very favorite books of 2018. A sister duo writes under this pseudonym and they are masters at writing twisty thrillers. This book was great! It's about a woman who gets blind-sided when her husband leaves her for a younger woman who appears to want to become her and take over her life. NOTHING is as it seems and the end had me gasping! This is Lifetime movie-ish and I am here for that! 

2. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones: This is a must read book!! This book follows a young African American couple just beginning to launch into successful careers when tragedy strikes: the young man is accused of a brutal rape that he did not commit. What follows are a series of letters between the couple as they navigate this horrific reality and their new marriage is tested. Later, the husband is released but the world he left behind before prison is no longer what it once was. This is a beautiful, tragic, deep book that explores marriage, race, class, love, friendship, poverty, and policing. I devoured this book in just a few days. It is excellent. 

3. Open Book by Jessica Simpson: I have been on the library wait list for this since February! As someone who grew up in the Britney/Christina/Jessica/Mandy/98 degrees/BSB/N SYNC generation, I found this book fascinating. Jessica is SO open, vulnerable, and honest in this book. I had no idea about her struggles with addiction, her tense relationship with her dad, and how her life has been since leaving the teen pop spotlight. I even wrote down one of her quotes that I liked: "Pain is where all the tools are." She writes about how through challenging experiences, Jessica learned how to come out stronger and with better coping and life skills (Can I get an amen?!). Also: I kind of always thought John Mayer might be a tool. Status: Confirmed. (Even if I love his music) This is a great autobiography if you were a 00's teeny bopper lik me.  

4. That's My Son by Rick Johnson: The tagline for this book is, "How Moms Can Influence Boys to Become Men of Character." This book was just ok for me. I loved some of the practical lessons like positive disciplining, using biblical principles to teach lessons etc. This book seems more geared toward single moms as it emphasizes the need to find a positive male role model for your son and the unique perspectives a woman can provide for her developing son. However some of the (I believe to be unintended) sexism was not appreciated. The book seems to imply that moms can live vicariously through their sons. I can't wait to watch my son achieve his dreams....but that doesn't mean I can't achieve mine. There was also a slight "boys will be boys" section that I found problematic. There is no doubt men and women are different and have differing strengths and weaknesses, but newsflash: Men. Can. Control. Themselves. To think otherwise is offensive to both genders. Ahem, steps off soapbox. I was not anticipating this reaction to a sweet Christian book about parenting! 

5. Hungry Heart by Jennifer Weiner: Jennifer Weiner, popular chick lit author, shares her autobiography by diving into writing, feminism, motherhood, weight loss, dysfunctional family relationships, love, and modern life. There were a few sections I really enjoyed, particularly about Weiner's struggles to earn respect for her work in the "women's fiction" category. However, this book dragged on for me. Is it fair to say there wasn't enough "meat" here for a long autobiography? Yes, Weiner has led a very interesting life (her mother came out as a lesbian when Jennifer was an adult, she found love a second time later in life, she writes frankly about miscarriage and motherhood etc.) but this book was just sort of blah to me. I think the fact that there are a handful of essays and articles that Weiner has previously published peppered throughout proves there's not quite enough here for a whole book. 

6. The Night Swim by Megan Goldin: This book was the perfect book to round out my summer! I chose this as my August Book of the Month. This is about a host of a popular true crime podcast (already interested!) who relocates to a small coastal town to research a recent crime. Once there, she is stalked and pressured to solve an older crime. This one has shifting view points and definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. There's graphic descriptions of rape and violence, so be prepared for that. If you like Dateline, you will love this book. I love a small town with dark secrets!

That's a wrap on my August reads!

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie 

Here are my 2020 Books so far with stars by my faves---
1. The Confession Club by Elizabeth Berg
2. The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
3. *Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak
4. Over the Top by Jonathan VanNess
5. *Teach Like Finland by Timothy D. Walker
6. The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield
7. *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
8. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
9. *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
10. Finding Chika by Mitch Albom
11. The Sundown Motel by Simone St. James
12. *Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
13. The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walters
14. *Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
15. *True Crime Addict by James Renner
16. The Ingredients of Us by Jennifer Gold
17. You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
18. Rushing Woman's Syndrome by Libby Weaver 

19. Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
20. The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver
21. *On the Bright Side by Melanie Shankle
22. *One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
23. The First Time by Colton Underwood
24. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 

25. *Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling

26. *The Paris Hours by Alex George

27. The St. Francis Society for Wayward Pets by Annie England Noblin

28. *The Chestnut Man by Soren Sveistrup

29. Girl Logic by Iliza Schlsinger

30. *Harry Potter and the Half Bloos Prince by JK Rowling

31. *Look Alive Out There by Sloane Crossley

32. *Happy and You Know It by Laura Hankin

33. The Honey Don't List by Christina Lauren

34. Ghoster by Jason Arnopp

35. All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda

36. *One to Watch by Kate Stoyman-London

37. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by JK Rowling

38. One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus

39. *Stand All The Way Up by Sophie Hudson

40. *The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin

41. Here for It by R. Eric Thomas

42. *A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler

43. The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton

44. Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman 

45. *The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine

46. *An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

47. Open Book by Jessica Simpson

48. That's My Son by Rick Johnson

49. Hungry Heart by Jennidfer Weiner

50. *The Night Swim by Megan Goldin 

Mediterranean Bowls

 I am so excited to share this recipe/concept with you today! I am always on the hunt for super easy prep ahead meals and these Mediterranean Bowls did not disappoint! The best part about these is that they are so versatile. I made a vegetarian version this week but how good would these be with This slow cooker Greek beef?!

I got the inspiration for this recipe from a few different places----

Pinch of Yum Quinoa Bowls

Beauty Bites Mediterranean Bowls

Delish Greek Power Bowls

Are you ready for the recipe???

1. Make quinoa (or rice!), put in bowl

2. Top as desired

3. Enjoy! 

Really, though, just add whatever you like!

Here are some topping ideas. I put stars by the ones we used. 

*feta
*black olives
kalamata olives
*hummus
Tzatiki sauce

shrimp 
*chickpeas
*sun dried tomatoes
zucchini
cherry tomatoes
*diced cucumber
*baby spinach
chicken
red onion 
pita chips
avocado 
*roasted red peppers
olive oil drizzle 
Greek yogurt (with some lemon juice mixed in, yummmm) 

For our version, I made a version of the roasted red pepper sauce from Pinch of Yum. It could not be easier--I just put a 16 oz. jar of roasted red peppers, the juice from a lemon, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup olive oil (I used a few dashes of TJ's roasted garlic olive oil too), and some garlic and put it in a blender till smooth. SO good!

There you have it! Mediterranean Bowls! I did all the chopping and  made the red sauce and the quinoa on Sunday. These only took 5 minutes to get on the table on Monday evening.

Enjoy!

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie

This & That

 Guys. It's been a minute (like a lot of weeks) since I've blogged! Why? It's Back to School, baby! I've stewed all summer about school starting. I have thoughts, lots of 'em, but I'll keep them to myself on this blog. I will say, it's nice being back with colleagues and back in my classroom happy place. This year will be different. There is zero doubt about that. I've really missed teaching, though. And I've said this over and over: I will never take a "normal" back to school experience for granted ever again. 

Oh, and pro tip: I follow a social media account, Love, Teach and she recommended putting a drop or two of essential oil in your mask and it's delightful. A friend sent me a "pumpkin patch" oil and my mask now smells like a crisp fall morning, a dash of cinnamon, and a PSL and it makes wearing a mask for 8 hours a day semi-tolerable. Anyway, Hank is back to childcare 3 days a week and he has Grandma and Grandpa days 2 days a week. It's been an adjustment for all of us having been all together chilling for 3 months. Pandemic life is weird. Especially for those of us who have young children and work with young children.  

Love a teacher out there! I've gotten a few care packages (including these awesome disinfecting wipes and mask set) and notes of well wishes from friends and family as we jump into "Pandemic School"  and it means SO much to me and warms my heart. 

First Day of school excitement!! 

Hank loves long walks! 

Some exciting things in the midst of returning back to real life: We got a new car and our yard is complete! So the lease on our current car was up this fall and we decided we wanted to turn it in and switch to a purchase. AJ and I spent the morning at the dealership last week and while we intended to purchase the car we currently have, it ended up being the same cost to purchase a year newer one. Done and done!  

Our yard has been a step by step process. To the left it what it looked like before we moved in and below is what it looks like now (from the same vantage point!).  We expanded our patio in March (a week before the world closed!) and then our neighbor behind us finished their retaining wall in June, then our fence was put in during July. The last step was sprinklers, sod, and landscaping. Finally on Thursday we came home from work to find it finished! Woohoo! I am thrilled to have all major house projects done for 2020! I am so thankful we found our home and moved this year. It's been so great for us. 

I was going to save this find for a "What I'm Loving Lately" post but decided to share it now instead! My parents bought Hank this cute giant cloth coloring mat from The Modern Cloth Co. You need to use washable Crayolas on it but when you're done, just pop it in the washing machine and it's all clean again. Hank loves this cute ocean scene. 

I really miss my 2 guys during the week after spending so much time with them for the past 5 months!. Luckily, waking up early, packing lunches (3 a day! Lord help me), actually doing my makeup (!), and returning to my classroom again sort of feels normal in a world that feels anything but! Keeping this quote in mind as we dive into the unknown....

Have a great week ahead! 

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie 

What I'm Loving Lately

It's been a bit since a What I'm Loving Lately post and I always feel my mood lifted after I write these posts. Even the smallest things (guys, there's a $1 Walmart find on this list) can bring joy! What are YOU loving lately?

1. Exploring Utah: This is such a cool state! It's been fun this summer exploring outdoor activities around. Some we've done lately: Tracy Aviary, Memory Grove, Porter Rockwell Trail, Ashton Gardens, lots of parks, Wheeler Farm, Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point, Jungle Trail in Corner Canyon, Farmers Markets. On our list: ski resorts, Antelope Island, Red Butte Garden, Ogden Nature Center, Hogle Zoo. What else is a fun outdoor Utah activity??

2. Netflix finds: Here are some things I've been watching lately--

*Virgin River-This is a cute show like Hart of Dixie (even the grumpy old school doc is played by the same actor) about a young doc moving into a small mountain town. There is a baby loss story line that was sort of triggering so be warned. 

*Trump: An American Dream-This is a 4 part documentary chronicling Trump's early years and his rise to the presidency. If you aren't a fan, this will confirm your beliefs. If you are a Trumper, please watch this with an open mind and learn a bit about the character of the man who leads our nation (spoiler alert: Yikes). 

*Say I Do: Surprise Weddings-This is the most darling show! It's just like Queer Eye but with weddings! 3 guys help a groom surprise his bride with a dream wedding. It's just a sweet show if you like makeover shows, weddings, and happy endings.

3. Raccoon Rumpus: One of our friends had this game and I bought it for Hank. It is such a cute game! I want to be a family that plays lots of games and this is a great first one. You roll 2 dice and they show a color and a clothing item (shirt, pants) and you "dress" your raccoon accordingly. If you roll the "underwear," though, all your outfits need to be put back. The first person to have 5 outfits wins.

4. Epicure: My friend Katie recently became a consultant for Epicure and I had never heard of it before but now I am a fan! Epicure is a kitchen tool and food company that sells seasonings, spices, and meal kits with clean and flavorful ingredients. Some of my faves: SPG (salt pepper garlic), spinach and ranch dip mix (yes I'm still doing my weekly veggie trays!), banana bread mix, the steamer, and I love the little meal pouches. Add fresh ingredients and dinner is done! With all this extra time at home, it's been fun to experiment more in the kitchen.

This could not have been easier: I marinated chicken chunks and onion slices with the ranch mix and olive oil overnight. Then added bacon between the chicken and onion, and hubs popped these on the Traeger. A winner dinner! 

a little slice of banana goodness and an iced coffee. Perfect afternoon pick me up! (Ignore my utensil choice lol). 

5. Divider Tray: I found this divider tray for $1 at Walmart and I love it (and so does Hank!). It's dishwasher safe and it's so nice to have the little spots to split up the food for his meals. We call it his "airplane tray" and he loves it!

6. Archer Farms Trail Mix: I love love love the fun flavors and selection of Target trail mix. Trail mix is one of my very favorite snacks. I spotted a few different kinds last time I was there and this neopolitan one is so so so good. Highly recommend!

7. Toddlerhood: This age is so fun. Hank says things every single day that make us crack up. He is funny, caring, and his little personality is just shining through! He loves to dance, Daniel Tiger, and balls of all varieties. He also LOVES to play outside. We are all potty trained (except for sleeping) and I'm so proud of my little man.

8. Folklore: I cannot even tell you my excitement that Taylor Swift was releasing her new album less than a year after "Lover." This is, without a doubt, my favorite of all of her albums. Every track is amazing. It's more mature, thoughtful and folksy than her other stuff but features poignant lyrics and that classic Taylor style I love. It is so so so good and I've been listening on repeat.

Lots to love lately! We'll just be over here savoring every last drop of summer!

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie 

July Reads

It's here....the most epic book post EVER! I read 9 books this month (hello summer during a Pandemic) and have so so so many thoughts to share with you! This was a reading month for the books, ha! Settle in, grab an iced tea, your library app, and let's review, shall we?? 

I am also including the list of all of my 2020 books at the bottom of this post with stars by my faves! 

1. One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London--This was my June Book of the Month club pick and it did not disappoint! This is about Bea, a plus sized model who agrees to be the star of a series that is pretty much exactly like The Bachelorette. She's the heroine we are rooting for and while silly at times, (it can definitely be classified as "chick lit") this one also had a really sweet message. I raced through it because I couldn't wait to find out who would receive her "final rose." The ending was perfect. This is a fun, cute read and you'll especially like it if you consider yourself part of "Bachelor Nation." 

2.  Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows by JK Rowling: Guys. I did it. I finished reading the Harry Potter series and watching all the movies. And yes, they were all new to me! I missed the Harry Potter train in my younger days and decided this was the year to hop aboard. Ok, the series was masterful from start to finish. And oh my word, for a "kid" series, the messages are truly profound and deep. Dumbledore is like my spirit guide. I will say (don't hate me, HP people), this was not my favorite book in the series. Here's why: I love the formula in the other books--Harry getting ready to go to Hogwarts, reuniting with Ron and Hermione, a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, hijinks, showdown with Voldemort etc. and repeat. Deathly Hollows does not follow the formula at all. It's dark, twisty, and much more mature than the other books. The sense of the war about to be waged hangs over the whole book, and Ron, Hermione, and Harry have their friendship and spirits tested. There are also some really dramatic and sad parts (Dobby). The epilogue had me smiling ear to ear, though (and maybe shedding a tear or two as well). I feel like while this book is very different than the 6 books before it, it does deliver a suspenseful ride and served as a brilliant way to wrap up the entire series. 

3. One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus--This was my least favorite read of the month. I ordered this book right after I finished One of Us is Lying (which I liked). This is the sequel to that book and is really similar about someone trolling the high school with cryptic texts and secret sharing. I love a good teen read or show (hello Pretty Little Liars, I'm looking at you), but this book just felt really juvenile to me. I can see how this would be a hit in the 15 year old crowds. Also, sidenote, this book made me terrified about the ways technology can be used to bully and manipulate. Thank goodness we have like 20 more years till Hank will want a phone, right??? (Oh Lord, be near in the teenage years). 

4. Stand All The Way Up by Sophie Hudson--I ADORE Sophie Hudson and I was so delighted by (or "tickled" as Sophie would say) this book that I DM'd Sophie and told her so. And she wrote back! I have read all of Sophie Hudson's books and this one might just be my favorite one so far. Sophie's writing reads like a hilarious memoir (think David Sedaris) meets gospel truths (think Beth Moore), as well as a splash of soulful Southern Grandma (like if Paula Deen wasn't racist). Stand All The Way Up deals with topics like Sophie's mom dying, her struggle with her health and weight loss, and one of my favorite chapters was the hilariousness of Sophie volunteering as a cook for a summer camp. Sophie will make you think, laugh, connect, and learn how to Stand All The Way Up and face tough stuff with a smile and grace. 

5. The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin----See this book pictured with a glass of rose and cup of pistachios? This was my view for 3 straight evenings where I read from about 10-midnight to finish this book. I LOVED this book. Emily Giffin has been one of my favorite authors for a long time. I've been on the library waitlist for this book (it is brand new) for about 4 months since I first heard it was coming out. This books takes place just before and just after 9/11 in New York City. That backdrop was fascinating because it felt like I was reading historical fiction (well, yeah, I guess it was), but I remember that day in my memory as well. The love story in this book was so well written and I found myself rooting for the main characters so wholeheartedly even though the leads were so deeply flawed. So what's the premise (I promise this isn't a spoiler): A heartsick woman , Cecily, falls hard and fast for a handsome stranger. Things move fast. Then 9/11 happens, he goes missing, and in her search to locate him in the chaotic aftermath, well, there's someone else desperately searching for him too. Nothing is as it seems. AHHHH.....it was so good. While a bit unbelieveable at times, suspend your logical side, and get lost in this suspenseful, sweet, romantic tale. I'd highly recommend it. Note: This book does not have good reviews on Goodreads. People felt that Giffin trivialized 9/11. I didn't think so at all. I will say none of the characters are completely likeable/worthy to root for BUT I still really enjoyed this book. So....keep that in mind, you wouldn't want to be friends with any of these people, but they sure are fun to read about. 

6. Here For It by R. Eric Thomas---This is a short book of essays by R. Eric Thomas, a humor and pop culture writer for Elle. Thomas is hilarious and his takes on life as a gay black man are poignant and relevent. However, even though I liked this book, I didn't love it. Between Sloane Crossley and David Sedaris, I have high standards for books of essays. There were definitely points where I laughed out loud and I would jump at the chance to chat with R. Eric over lattes and bagels. One of the most interesting parts of this book is how he encounters and celebrates fitting in a myiad of worlds: the Christian community. The Black Community. The gay community. The writing community. This bok is a window into R. Eric's mind and it was a fun place to explore. But? Like I said, good, not great. 

7. A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler----This book was excellent. I remembered this was a Book of the Month selection a while ago and I regretted not choosing it. AJ read this one before I did and he really liked it. I decided to proceed after his recommendation and I am so glad I did. If you are looking for a fiction book exploring racism and privilege in America, PICK THIS UP. The title refers to a community with older smaller homes eclipsed by the new building of McMansions. There's tension, naturally, and it relates to family dynamics, race, entitlement, the environment, policing, and justice. At the center of all the drama is a young interracial teen couple. This book is shocking and tragic. It sort of felt like if Desperate Housewives was deeper and spoke to ignorance and greed in suburbia. This was one of the best books I've read this season. 

8. The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton--Remember Sophie Hudson from book #4? She recommended this book on the Amazon shop for her podcast. Here's the deal with this book-- Will it end up on my favorites list? No. Will I recommend it to friends? No. Is this one I'll remember? No. But....Was it entertaining? Yep. Cute? Yep. Did it have Hallmark movie vibes? Oh yes it did. Sara is a small business owner who lives in New Orleans, but is called back to her hometown on the Alabama coast after the sudden death of her grandmother....who happens to own a cute and quirky little Inn. Yep, you guessed it. Sara inherits the Inn, befriends the local small town characters, learns secrets about her grandmother's early life, and surprise! Falls in love. See? Hallmark is written all over this thing. This was a quick, cute read. Nothing more, but not a regretable way to spend a few hundred pages. 

9. Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman--AJ and I binged watched this Netflix series in 2 evenings. Right when the show ended, I ordered this book. I never ever say this, but: the show was better. This is the true story of Deborah Feldman who grows up in a very strict Hasidic Jewish home in Brooklyn. She enters into an arranged marriage at 19, and slowly realizes this is not the life she wants for herself. The book is about her opression in the community, her awakening, and her eventual rebuilding of her life on her own terms. I didn't know much about the Hasidic Jewish community and found it to be very interesting. Deborah Feldman is truly brave (to envision a better life for herself and then to share about it so publically). BUT....the show is so much better! In the show, the main character, Esty, runs away to Germany to escape and find her mother. She makes friends. Loves her body. Falls in love with music. And then her husband and her sketchy cousin arrive in Germany to find her and bring her back. So suspenseful, right?? The book really only covers her time in the community and wraps up with her leaving. It's all super sad and fascinating at the same time. But if given the choice? Settle in with the show (it's 4 one hour episodes).  

That's a wrap on July reading! Clearly books are both a hobby and form of self care/coping for me during this wacky and wild summer. Thank goodness for page turners, right?

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie 

Here are my 2020 Books so far with stars by my faves---
1. The Confession Club by Elizabeth Berg
2. The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
3. *Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak
4. Over the Top by Jonathan VanNess
5. *Teach Like Finland by Timothy D. Walker
6. The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield
7. *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
8. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
9. *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
10. Finding Chika by Mitch Albom
11. The Sundown Motel by Simone St. James
12. *Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
13. The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walters
14. *Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
15. *True Crime Addict by James Renner
16. The Ingredients of Us by Jennifer Gold
17. You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
18. Rushing Woman's Syndrome by Libby Weaver 

19. Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
20. The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver
21. *On the Bright Side by Melanie Shankle
22. *One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
23. The First Time by Colton Underwood
24. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 

25. *Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling

26. *The Paris Hours by Alex George

27. The St. Francis Society for Wayward Pets by Annie England Noblin

28. *The Chestnut Man by Soren Sveistrup

29. Girl Logic by Iliza Schlsinger

30. *Harry Potter and the Half Bloos Prince by JK Rowling

31. *Look Alive Out There by Sloane Crossley

32. *Happy and You Know It by Laura Hankin

33. The Honey Don't List by Christina Lauren

34. Ghoster by Jason Arnopp

35. All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda

36. *One to Watch by Kate Stoyman-London

37. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by JK Rowling

38. One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus

39. *Stand All The Way Up by Sophie Hudson

40. *The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin

41. Here for It by R. Eric Thomas

42. *A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler

43. The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton

44. Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman