Being Bradfords: books

What would a Five on Friday be without a book recommendation?? I loved the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. My friend Kayla recommended it and I flew through the book. It's an easy read but keeps you wanting more until the very end.

New Sneaks

DSW

I picked up these sneakers while I was in San Diego and I really like them. I'm super weird about wearing tennis shoes with jeans but I will make an exception when they look cute (and not like work out shoes) and I'm not actually wearing them to work out lol. This lilac color is perfect because it's more of a blush and very neutral. I see myself wearing these a ton to school this year, especially this fall.

Amazon Steal

Buying bathing suits is one of my least favorite things to do. :( NOT FUN! But when I see a good deal, I jump at it! This was not apart of Prime Day but one of my fave bloggers posted about it and I decided to give it a try. I purchased a large in this off the shoulder tropical version and it fits perfectly. It sucks you in without feeling tight and uncomfortable and the off the shoulder and ruffle detail draws the eye up, which I'm a huge fan of :)

The white with the palm fronds is my fave but I was skeptical about how this inexpensive white suit would hold up when you get it wet. So that's why I opted for the darker color. I paid $13 for this suit and now it's currently $14.99, still crazy reasonable and worth the try!

Mini Travel Regimens

You guys know how much I love my R+F products so I have to share this amazing deal going on right now. One of my most frequently asked questions (when it comes to R+F) is do they have a travel sized version? Sadly, we don't sell them but every now and then they will release the mini travel sizes in some kind of promotion. I have had several of the Redefine travel regimens and they last me forever which is crazy because they are small (and TSA approved!). Well right now you can get any of the four regimens in travel size when you purchase a full sized regimen. Such a steal! If you have thought about trying out some new skincare, let's chat about what could work for you.

Here is the link to the solution tool. It takes less than a minute to complete and can help narrow down some skincare options that are specific to your needs. I'm giving away a few free Microdermabrasion paste packets (one of my fave products!) for anyone who completes the solution tool today. Just comment below with your results, or comment on FB or Instagram and I'll enter you to win!

My Educational "To-Read" List

I have been on quite the reading kick this summer and it's been wonderful! Reading is one of my favorite things to do and summer time means I actually have time to make some progress on my list. I have tons of books I want to read and quite a few professional books too. I asked on Instagram and most of you want to hear about those too so here we go.

1. The Wild Card

The book I am the most excited about is the Wild Card by Hope & Wade King. I follow them both on Instagram and LOVE everything they do. The book is all about student engagement which is something I know I could be better at and these two are the experts. Can't wait to start this one!

2. The Google Infused Classroom

I started this book a few months ago but just couldn't devote the time to reading it. Professional books just aren't as exciting as my fictional choices to they take more concentration. :) I actually attended a session by Holly Clark (the author) while I was at FETC. She is a great speaker and really is an OG when it comes to using technology in the classroom. I am hoping to pull out some great ideas for next year.

3. Shake Up Learning

This is another book I tried to start a a few months ago but didn't have time to finish it. I listen to Kasey Bell's podcast and love her ideas about infusing technology into the classroom and how to change our teaching into something truly dynamic and engaging for the students. When you purchase her book you also gain access to her digital resources. This is what I am most excited to look at because they contain templates and tons of other ideas to implement in the classroom.

4. Reading Strategies Book

I have had my eye on this one for awhile. I've heard so many good things and I know this can help beef up my reading instruction. There is a writing strategies book that has also been sitting in my Amazon cart forever. I just need to click "buy" but it's hard to justify when I have so many books right now lol! Has anyone else read it?? What do you think of it?

5. A Boy Called Bat

So this isn't really a professional book but it's for my class so I am adding it here haha! I have been looking into the Global Read Aloud and I'm excited to join in this year. The book for my grade level is called A Boy Called Bat. I want to read it this summer so I have a good idea of how to use the book in my classroom and it's always good to make sure there are no surprises that I need to know about!

Five on Friday

Happy Friday!! I hope you all had a great week and have something awesome planned for this weekend. I have book club tonight, which I love, so I am excited! Lets jump in!

Spring is in the Air

Finally, it's starting to feel more like spring around here. Last weekend, we cleaned up our front planters and added some spring blooms. Can't wait to see what it looks like when the perennials come back!

Fringe Life

Koa Sandals

I have a major thing for fringe. I just think it's adorable :) I recently bought these Sole Society sandals and I can't wait to bust them out. The color is a perfect neural and they are pretty comfy (as far as I can tell). I also love the Vista Blue color but I figured I would get more wear out of the caramel.

The Coziest Sweatshirt

Check it out here- the pic isn't doing it justice! So cute!

I purchased this swing sweatshirt from Old Navy a few weeks ago and I've worn it so many times already. I LOVE how comfy it is and it's so easy to throw on for a casual day. I actually found it in the athletic section but I think it's cute with jeans too. I actually have the more purpley-gray color but I couldn't find it online.

New Obsession

Mark has been raving about the Red Rising series for months now but I really thought it wasn't something I would be into. Science Fiction isn't my jam but I finally gave in and WHOA I'm so obsessed with these books. We listened to the first book while on our road trip and then I read the 2nd book. It was actually really nice listening to the first book because I could hear how everything is pronounced lol. There are so many weird words in that book that I would have NO idea how to pronounce otherwise.

I would say the book is a cross between Hunger Games, Delirium, and the Divergent series. It's pretty violent but doesn't make me cringe like some of the thrillers I usually read :)

Spring Bundle

As most of you know, I have a side gig with Rodan+ Fields. I LOVE sharing about the products and business but don't always share in this space. This is too good of a deal not to tell you about it though. Right now they have released a spring bundle that includes the Intensive Renewing serum, the Lip Renewing Serum, and Multi-function Eye Cream. All three can be added on to any regimen or used on their own. They are in my weekly (some even daily) rotation. Plus they are 25% off when bundled together :) Let me know if you have any questions or want more details!

Have a great weekend everyone!

5 Books on My Reading List

Hey everyone! First of all I want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has reached out to me about my post this week. Sharing real and heavy things can be daunting but thankfully I have so many AMAZING people in my life who only encouraged me yesterday. You guys are the best and made me feel so surrounded with love. I know this season of life is temporary and that the Lord has a bigger plan for me. Just trying to see past the yucky stuff right now. Anyways, I always love to share about what I am reading and I have quite a few books on my "to read list." Here are my top 5 that I am super excited about.

Still Me by Jojo Moyes

This is the third book involving Jojo Moyes' character, Louisa Clark. I LOVED her in Me Before You and After You. She is quirky, funny, and utterly charming with all of her little faults. She seems like a real person whom you would want to be friends with. Who doesn't love that?? I'm sure by now most of you have read Me Before You or at least seen the movie. The next book is definitely worth a read but I am excited to see Louisa off on her own in New York. I will let you know how it goes!

Amazon Synopsis:

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She steps into the world of the superrich, working for Leonard Gopnik and his much younger second wife, Agnes. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her new job and New York life.

As she begins to mix in New York high society, Lou meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. Before long, Lou finds herself torn between Fifth Avenue where she works and the treasure-filled vintage clothing store where she actually feels at home. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself: Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you find the courage to follow your heart—wherever that may lead?

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

I know I am a little late to the game here because this came out in 2014 but Mark is OBSESSED with it and I have heard so many good things from friends. My girlfriend Ashley gave me the first two books so I am saving them for spring break. She says I will devour them so I am stoked! Here is the synopsis from Amazon:

Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations. Yet he spends his life willingly, knowing that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children.

But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and lush wilds spread across the planet. Darrow—and Reds like him—are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class.

Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity’s overlords struggle for power. He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society’s ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies . . . even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

I have heard that this book is sooo good! I can't wait to read this and it seems right up with my alley with all the twists and turns. I love a good thriller!

Amazon Synopsis:

Amber Patterson is fed up. She’s tired of being a nobody: a plain, invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves more—a life of money and power like the one blond-haired, blue-eyed goddess Daphne Parrish takes for granted.

To everyone in the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne—a socialite and philanthropist—and her real-estate mogul husband, Jackson, are a couple straight out of a fairy tale.

Amber’s envy could eat her alive . . . if she didn't have a plan. Amber uses Daphne’s compassion and caring to insinuate herself into the family’s life—the first step in a meticulous scheme to undermine her. Before long, Amber is Daphne’s closest confidante, traveling to Europe with the Parrishes and their lovely young daughters, and growing closer to Jackson. But a skeleton from her past may undermine everything that Amber has worked towards, and if it is discovered, her well-laid plan may fall to pieces.

With shocking turns and dark secrets that will keep you guessing until the very end, The Last Mrs. Parrish is a fresh, juicy, and utterly addictive thriller from a diabolically imaginative talent.

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

This has been on my "to read" list for awhile now and I am super excited to actually start reading it. I love historical fiction especially anything that has to do with WW I or II. I am really intrigued about the idea of a female spy in the early 1900s and her role in the WW. This should be a good one!

Amazon Synopsis:

1947. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, American college girl Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and on the verge of being thrown out of her very proper family. She's also nursing a desperate hope that her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during the war, might still be alive. So when Charlie's parents banish her to Europe to have her "little problem" taken care of, Charlie breaks free and heads to London, determined to find out what happened to the cousin she loves like a sister.

1915. A year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner burns to join the fight against the Germans and unexpectedly gets her chance when she's recruited to work as a spy. Sent into enemy-occupied France, she's trained by the mesmerizing Lili, the "Queen of Spies", who manages a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy's nose.

Thirty years later, haunted by the betrayal that ultimately tore apart the Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and secluded in her crumbling London house. Until a young American barges in uttering a name Eve hasn't heard in decades, and launches them both on a mission to find the truth...no matter where it leads.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Oh I am soooo excited to read Kristin Hannah's newest novel. I have loved pretty much everything she has written and I hope this one doesn't disappoint. This book is set in Alaska in the 70's which is so different from anything else I have read. I love how Hannah draws you into the characters and really makes you feel a connection, even if it's a situation you have never been in. I am super interested how she is going to develop a relationship between Ernt and Cora.

If you haven't read The Nightingale or Firefly Lane by Hannah, go get them now! Both are so good!!

Amazon Synopsis:

Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.

Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family. She is desperate for a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man she loves, even if means following him into the unknown.

At first, Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers. In a wild, remote corner of the state, they find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the Allbrights’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.

But as winter approaches and darkness descends on Alaska, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates and the family begins to fracture. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own. In the wild, there is no one to save them but themselves.

In this unforgettable portrait of human frailty and resilience, Kristin Hannah reveals the indomitable character of the modern American pioneer and the spirit of a vanishing Alaska―a place of incomparable beauty and danger. The Great Alone is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-all-night story about love and loss, the fight for survival, and the wildness that lives in both man and nature.

Favorite Books I Read in 2017

I love getting book suggestions from friends and other bloggers, so I thought I would share some of my favorite books that I read in 2017, to inspire you as well! Reading is truly one of my favorite things to do and I read some great books this year... and also some duds lol. Is there anything better than curling up with a cup of coffee (or wine) and reading a good book? I think not!

On my list you will notice a theme of thriller/ mysteries because I can't get away from them. I love that these books pull me in and keep me wanting more page after page. Also, most of them scare the tar outta me but oh well haha! I tried to keep my descriptions really brief without giving anything away. If you click on the title, it will take you to the Amazon link so you can read more of the synopsis. If you have any favorite books from last year, feel free to share them below!

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

This was hands down my favorite book that I read last year. I have to forewarn you that it is super disturbing and makes you sooo angry but worth it! We actually read it as a part of my book club in SD so I feel bad that I scared my friends lol. It follows the marriage of Jack and Grace, the seemingly perfect couple. There is a very dark story resting below the "perfect" surface that you couldn't even imagine was possible. You will be trying to figure out this could possibly get any better for Grace and it will keep you guessing until the very end. Buy this one asap!

The Breakdown by B.A. Paris

Here is another B.A. Paris book because I couldn't help myself! The book introduces you to Cass, a woman who is driving home in a terrible storm. She takes a shortcut down some back roads and what she sees will forever change her future. Why didn't she stop and help that woman and could she have changed her fate?? Her life starts to take a downward turn and spirals out of control. What is happening to her and how can she ever feel safe again? This book will leave you guessing and craving more at the same time.

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams

My mom and I listened to this audiobook on our drive across the country and we loved it. This is very different from the other two books listed above, which was a nice change. The book is set in the late 1930's on the coast of Rhode Island and bounces back and forth between the past and current day in the novel. I'ts a typical love triangle that ends up not being so typical at all when it comes to the three who are involved. I loved trying to figure out where Lily's true feelings would fall and I couldn't help myself rooting for young love to win. It has a tragic ending leaving you wondering why the author would decide to add that twist, but is worth sinking yourself into.

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

It all started at a neighbor's dinner party when a terrible crime was committed. The people involved will all point fingers at each other, leaving you wondering what this couple is truly hiding. The twists and turns will have you question the motives of the characters and truly saddened by the situation. I couldn't put this book down and tore through it in a few days. This is a must read if you love suspense but isn't as graphic as B.A. Paris' books. I also loved her newest book, A Stranger in the House. Add that to your list as well!

Talking As Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham

If you are a Gilmore Girls fan then you need to read Lauren Graham's book. It's a collection of stories through her childhood, trying to make it as an actress, and from several of the shows she worked on. She talks a lot about the special moments on the Gilmore Girls set and gave some funny stories about Parenthood. I actually watched the entire season of Parenthood because of this book and I LOVED it! This is an easy read and it left me even more in love with Graham than before.

Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay

This story paints a picture of what it was like for young children in Paris during the Vel' d'Hiv roundup in 1942. You meet Sarah, who is trying to protect her younger brother from the horrors of the war, but won't be able to stop the unthinkable from happening.

Then the book flashes forward to 2002 in Paris where a woman, Julia, uncovers history about her family's apartment. The two lives of Sarah and Julia will become intertwined as Julia retraces these terrible events. This book is heart wrenching and so sad but I couldn't put it down. You will have a good cry while reading this one!

Five on Friday

Happy Friday!! I'm SOOO looking forward to this weekend because I was gone all last weekend and holy moly I need some down time. I'm also excited to dig in and get some work done on the house. Mark got so much done while I was gone... thank you! I am going to attempt to paint the whole bedroom this weekend. Let's see how it goes!

Missing HP

this isn't from Olympic day but this was our last BIG HP event together. :(

I am really missing my HP friends today because it's the 2nd grade Olympic day. Such a fun time seeing all those kiddos in their Greek costumes. Steph and I even dressed up last year or was it the last two years?? Can't remember lol. I'll be thinking about my work wife today and praying that everything goes smoothly.

New Hilderbrand Book

I have pretty much read every single Elin Hilderbrand book out there. I love that they are light reads but the characters always keep me interested. For the past three years, she has come out with a Christmasy book following the Quinn family and the next installment released on October 3rd. I actually preordered it so it would be delivered right before my trip last weekend. Perfect timing! I finished on the plane on the way to Vegas... an easy read but I loved it. Check out the 1st and 2nd books.

Apple Cinnamon tea

During the fall and winter I love to end my night with a big ol' cup of tea. It helps me to stop eating and stay away from desserts. Plus it's just so calming and relaxing. Right now I am loving the Apple Cinnamon Spice tea by Celestial Seasonings. It is still VERY warm in VA beach but I am pretending like it's fall!

New earrings

I recently bought some tassel earrings from Laura Cox Designs and they are so fun! I was nervous that they are a little too big for my tiny ears lol but the people of Instagram thought they looked great. Thanks for the vote of confidence! She has super cute tassel necklaces too!

Great Devotional

Stephanie and I decided to do a daily devotional together as a way to connect since we aren't at the same school any more. Well we aren't even in the same state or side of the country :( We are both loving Paul David Tripp's daily devotional, New Morning Mercies. It's short and concise but goes pretty deep. I love how Tripp is right to the point and gives you a gut check with your faith. We all need that at times.

Have a great weekend!! I hope I can get my life together enough to write a weekend recap next week. Did anyone notice how I posted 3x this week?? I was impressed with myself lol.

Five on Friday

Happy Friday everyone! Can I get a hallelujah for the weekend??? I am so excited for some down time because I don't have anything planned. I'm going to work on some house stuff and then the world is my oyster. Woohoo!

Trench Coat Love

I am on the hunt for a really great trench coat. I wanted one last season but never got around to buying one. Then I wanted one of my fave Youtubers video on styling a trench coat and I knew I had to have one lol. Dramatic yes, but they are so cute for fall! I have my eye on a few but don't love the price tag. I'll let you know if I find something better!

Nordstrom Rack Goodies

I went to Nordstrom Rack a few weeks back and picked up this sweater. I am in LOVE with the material and how cozy it feels. The temperature is finally dropping enough to wear it at night. YAY! Plus you can't beat this $29 price tag!

This shirt has also become a fast fave of mine as well. It's super flattering on and looks adorable with dark skinnies and ankle boots.

New Read

I just finished the book I Found You by Lisa Jewell and I really liked it. It was a little slow in the beginning but the story takes some very interesting twists and turns. I found myself glued to it towards the end. The story is based on a man who mysteriously ends up in a seaside town and a woman, Alice, takes him in.

The story then switches to a woman whose husband has gone missing. The two are connected but exactly how is unknown. The author does a really good job of explaining the characters in depth and giving you a good sense of who they are. I think that's why it takes so long for the story to get going, but like I said, it's worth the slow start.

Pioneer Woman

During our recent move, a lot of our dishes were broken which was such a bummer. The good news is that it gave me an excuse to get some new cute ones! I found these at WalMart (not my favorite place lol) but I knew they carried the Pioneer Woman line and it's so dang cute! These dishes were under $25 and totally match my style. LOVE!

FINALLY Found a Rug