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My October book club read was "Make America Healthy Again" by Nicole Saphier. While this was completely different than our September read, I could not put this one down either. I think we can all agree that the cost of healthcare in this country is spiraling out of control and that everyone deserves to have healthcare. This book focused on the root of the problem of needing to make our society healthier. It is well substantiated with data and while I did not agree with everything it said, I learned a lot. The author is a radiologist and her husband is a neurosurgeon so she was well qualified and well versed on the topic and used multiple examples of patients rather than hypotheticals to emphasize how real these issues are. I have already recommended it to several friends.

As quarantine comes to an end and life as normal (whatever that looks like) resumes, it is inevitable that our schedules will again become overwhelming. This fabulous and quick read from Lysa Terkeurst is a great way to help keep your focus. There have been a lot of things about quarantine that I really enjoyed. I loved the slowness; lingering with my husband over coffee each morning, cooking breakfast, experimenting with all sorts of dinner options, quiet afternoons for catching up on work and house projects, and I could go on and on. As we resume the chaos of hectic schedules, this book will help you gain intentionality as to what you say yes to.

The classic blue and white striped button down. It has been around for decades and never goes out of style. Why? Because it so versatile! So many different ways to wear it; dressed up or down and year round too! Here are a few of my favorite ways to style my blue and white striped shirt. This one is from J. Crew and it is the slim fit. I like the slim fit because it layers well and tucks in easily. Be sure to check out the linked products at the bottom for your perfect outfit! #1: Paired with a midi skirt. For winter I have tucked it in to a corduroy skirt, added a V neck cashmere sweater on top (both are J. Crew) and paired with some of my favorite Donald Pliner boots. But this look can go year round by simply tucking it into a pleated midi skirt (also J. Crew) in a great color and pairing with loafers. I love these classic loafers by Thelma. Fun jewelry and accessories are always a great addition. #2: Leave it untucked and pair with leggings (Spanx are my favorite). Classy comfort! Any color! Layer it with a sweater for cooler days and a fun necklace. The beauty of the shirt is that it is long enough to cover your butt and not be self-conscious in your leggings! #3: The office look. Tuck it in with dress trousers, add a nice belt (this Hermes one has reversible leathers), great heels, and you are ready. This outfit goes year round, just add a cardigan in winter. #4: Taking it into warmer weather. Tuck it in to shorts like these Lilly Pulitzer scalloped ones. Pair with wedges or sandals for a great and easy casual look. #5: Weekend Options: Wear it knotted over a favorite fitted tank paired with jeans for an easy lounging around the house look. For warmer days, the partial tuck with casual shorts and flops (love these Tory Burch ones) is casual comfort at it’s best. Shop the looks here:

Spring is right around the corner and I am so ready for warmer temperatures, sunshine, and flowers blooming! I have done some shopping already and I am so excited about my purchases! Some were even on sale!! Here are a few of my favorites, complete with links to shop the looks! This dress by Boden is one of my favorites! I paired it with these Prada wedges that I scored on major sale and fun, multi-colored earrings from Wendy Perry Designs. Sunglasses are by Gucci. This flirty piece by Crosby by Mollie Burch is a great date night dress! I have paired it with neutral heeled sandals so the focus is all about the flirty fun! This fun and easy wear dress by Julie Brown is on SALE!! I have paired it with wedge sandals and coordinating earrings. This cute and classic piece was another SALE find at Vineyard Vines! They always have great seersucker and preppy pieces. This dress is perfect for a patriotic holiday! This maxi skirt was another SALE find at Vineyard Vines! I did a tee shirt refresh from J. Crew and stocked up with lots of colors! I have paired it with the same pink wedges and multi-colored earrings from Wendy Perry Designs. This adorable dress by Poupette St. Barth was a purchase on my Girl's Weekend Trip to Palm Beach. It can also play double duty as a cover-up. I am wearing it casually with thong sandals by Gucci. This beautiful, flowy knit dress is another piece by Boden. It is extremely comfortable with a little sexy too. And, I love a shirt dress! This easy wear number from J. Crew can go from casual work days to errands to cocktails on the porch. It's so versatile! Shop these looks and similar ones here:

I didn't get quite as much reading time as I had hoped for in 2021 but I did read some great books. I was very focused on personal growth in 2021 so I read quite a few books in that genre but also some fun reads too. Here's a list of my top 10 favorites (in no particular order). High Performance Habits by Brendan Burchard This book really helped me answer the question "are my daily habits in line with my goals?" From there I was able to evaluate, assess, and make needed changes. I also enjoy his podcast. It is high energy and very motivating. Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey. A great read for your vacation! This book will make you cry, laugh, and then cry happy tears as you keep on turning each page. Be sure to check out The Peachtree Bluff series too! The Success Principles by Jack Canfield This is an oldie but it is still so great and relevant. It centers around taking full responsibility for your life. It keeps the focus on positivity and has helped me gain so much confidence in who I am and what my purpose is. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren I actually read this before I read The Success Principles and it was great having a sense of purpose when I began Canfield's book. The Purpose Driven Life really had me reflect inward on who I am and who I want to be and helped me let go of a lifetime of fulfilling the expectations of others. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. What a life he has lived! I always enjoy hearing about people's own journey and this one did not disappoint. And if you are an Audible kind of person, he narrates it himself. The Millionaire Messenger by Brendon Burchard This book really helped me channel my own story and experiences and be able to articulate them and use them towards my purpose and achieving my goals. The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John Maxwell This book also made me do a lot of internal reflection and helped me turn my energy into intentionality, discipline, and expanding myself and what I am capable of. Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller As someone that has spent my career focused on the financial side of business in a fairly high capacity accounting role, this book helped me simplify branding for myself personally as well as for my small business clients. The resounding premise over and over was clarity! The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris I have always been engrossed by books about the holocaust. And a beautiful love story amid the atrocities of the holocaust made for a read that I could not put down but left me doing a lot of reflection when I did. And last, but certainly not least is the Bible. It was a 2021 goal of mine to read the entire Bible. While I do still have a little bit to go, I have stayed on track all year following this Reading Plan. I simply added it to my morning journal and devotional time and it has been the perfect addition. I was worried this would be an overwhelming task but it has been the opposite. I can't wait to dive into some new reads over the holidays and in 2022! Keep growing! Keep telling stories! Keep learning new things! This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

This creamy cheesecake has just the right mix of peppermint and chocolate to fill your holiday sweet craving!

Mimosas are probably my favorite cocktail so I have spent a lot of time trying new versions and this one is my favorite. I prefer to make the juice and pour the champagne and juice per glass rather than mixing the juice and champagne in a pitcher. It keeps the champagne more bubbly! Cheers!

The 12 Days of Christmas Cooking has been so much fun! Here's a recap of everything with links to the recipes and videos! Enjoy! Day 1: Sausage Balls Day 2: Pound Cake Day 3: Chocolate Chess Pie Day 4: Brown Sugar Ham Biscuits Day 5: Candy Cane Sugar Cookies Day 6: Breakfast Casserole Day 7: Mimosa Day 8: Mashed Potatoes Day 9: Rosemary Beef Tenderloin Day 10: Mac-n-Cheese Day 11: Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Day 12: Red Velvet Cupcakes

Who doesn't like Mac n Cheese? It is a side dish that makes the whole family happy!

These festive and yummy cookies are super easy. They pack lots of holiday flavor and are quick and easy to make.

These are the epitome of holiday nostalgia for me! I have always loved sausage balls!

This is a family favorite that I have been making since I found my love of baking back in college. This recipe was from my grandmother and it is the simplest to make and is always a hit! Top it with Homemade Whipped Cream (any of the flavor variations are awesome).

A Christmas morning staple at our house. I believe the recipe originally came from Southern Living but I can not find it on their website.