The holidays are here, which means lots of good times with family and friends. But it also means there may be a ton of overwhelming stress and frustration. It's important to take care of yourself and your mental wellness, so use those holiday days off or some vacation time and hit snooze. Spend some time to yourself and don't leave the house all day - because I'm telling you, those are some of these best days.

I'm so excited for a couple weeks off around the end of December, and believe me, I will be taking a lot of days in and not leaving the house.


Here's what you need for the perfect day in.








01. A super comfy mattress, sheet set, and comforter.

Check out these from Tomorrow Sleep - so insanely comfortable. Plus you can get $100 any $500 purchase now with code PAPER100.*

*This post has been sponsored by Tomorrow Sleep.


02. A good book (or two), or if you're not a reader - a binge-able show.

Right now, I'm loving Riverdale (you can certainly watch the entire first series in a day on Netflix, and catch the second season on the CW app, if you have Roku or Apple TV).


03. Yummy treats. 

I'm a fan of a whole bottle of wine or some sour beer, because hey, I'm not going anywhere. I also love white cheddar popcorn and maybe some chocolate chips.


04. The coziest pajamas and fuzzy socks. 

I love this set from Cuddl Duds, because it's got pockets and comes with fuzzy socks!


05. Everything you need for some relaxation. 

Bath bombs or bubble bath, a face mask (I love a good peel-off one. This one's less than $10 and always leaves me glowing.), a bath pillow, a hair mask, candles - whatever else you need to truly relax.


What are your day-in must haves?

Brief Synopsis: When a local billionaire goes missing with a one hundred thousand dollar finder's fee, Aza and her best friend Daisy go on the hunt. Luckily, Aza knows the billionaire's son, Davis, from camp - so they've got a way in. So, while this seems like a mystery novel, it only is a little bit. What's more is Aza's thoughts are spiraling out of control - all day, every day.

I was so pumped when I saw Book of the Month was offering Turtles All the Way Down for just $9.99, so of course I added it to my monthly box. Make sure to check out what other books they're offering right now, too. (PS. The subscription makes the perfect holiday gift!)

In typical John Green fashion, this novel will make you laugh out loud and sob uncontrollably. Aza is trying to be your typical teenage girl, but there's a few things stopping her - like the fact that she can hardly control her thoughts, and everything she does spins her into a tightening gyre that makes it really difficult for her to function at times.

This novel handles mental illness in a way a lot of media and entertainment do not. I trust John Green did his research in writing this novel, and I was glad to see mental disorders handled in a way that didn't make the situation seem incredibly negative. While mental illness can differ from individual to individual, the novel provides a little bit of a glimpse into how overwhelming this type of disorder can be. He even included the National Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline information in his acknowledgments.

Whether you're laughing, crying, or just contemplating your entire existence, this novel will make you feel all the feels. You'll be pleasantly surprised on what the title means and where it comes from, and I really enjoyed that little surprise.

Turtles All the Way Down is short, at less than 300 pages, and it's an incredibly quick read. There were parts I wish I had more information about, which granted it a little less than five stars, but it's definitely one I would recommend reading. You can never really go wrong with John Green - even when I didn't love a novel of his (*cough* Paper Towns *cough*), I can still always love, love, love his writing.

What was in my box?

People's Choice original beef jerky
Figgy Pops nutter & jelly supersnacks
Keto Watt original ketogenic bar
Munk Pack peanut butter chocolate chip protein cookie
Hawaiian OLA noni in energy and immunity
Humble Brush toothbrush
Herbal Strategy green balance alkalizing blend
FitAid recover dietary supplement
KRACNOLA savory almond cheese herb gourmet granola klusters



Interested? Join today by clicking below.






How do you snack healthier?

No holiday decor is up, but tomorrow (unfortunately) begins the holiday shopping extravaganza, and the next day becomes the Christmas season. Yippee! I'll be honest - I really hate that Thanksgiving has become Black Friday, which doesn't even make sense because it's literally not a Friday. But I am an American consumer and I, too, get entranced by all the sales. The good news is, that shopping is part of my family togetherness. The bad news is, I'm taking time away from others who could be with family. 
Anyways, I wanted to share my wish list for this year, and wish you all the happiest of holidays over the next coming weeks. I hope it's the best holiday season for you yet!







Are any of these items on your list? What are you wishing for?

     

Graphic from POPSUGAR.

Will you be participating? Let me know, plus follow along on Goodreads.












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Brief Synopsis: A bit historical fiction, a bit children's fantasy, The Cottingley Secret tells the story of Olivia Kavanaugh and a memoir she reads about two little girls. When Olivia's grandfather passes away, she inherits his bookstore "Something New". As she cleans up her inheritance, she comes across a seeming memoir about Elsie and Frances - two little girls who convince the world fairies are real during wartime.

I didn't realize until after I read the book that this story is based on a somewhat "true" story. Just search "Cottingley fairies" and you'll find information on one of the great hoaxes of the last century, and has inspired many novels and a movie. Knowing that the basis of the story is something that happened really peaks my interest, so I wish I had known before reading the novel - so maybe it will inspire you to take more interest as you read.

The novel takes place in two time periods - present day and between 1917-1920s. The present-day story focuses on Olivia, a women who is engaged to a man she's not sure she loves, whose grandfather just passed away, and whose grandmother is battling Alzheimer's in a local nursing home. When she comes across a collection of notes written about a girl who believed she saw fairies.

The story from a hundred years earlier is told from the viewpoint of Frances Griffiths about her experience with the fairies and how that led her and her cousin to a bit of international fame.

While the story was wonderfully told, I found myself getting a little mixed up from time to time about which part of the story I was reading - present day or 1917. There were some parallels between Frances and Olivia, which is what was mostly causing my confusion - wondering who exactly was telling their story.

I did enjoy Olivia's story a little more, which reminded me a bit of Hunting Unicorns, though I'm not really sure why.

My favorite thing was the recurring theme that believing in magic makes hard times a little bit easier, because then we can truly believe in anything. I would definitely recommend checking out The Cottingley Secret.

It seems to me that usually whatever version of a song I hear first is the one I like the best, but that's not always the case. Below, I've listed a few of my favorite covers of songs that we're the first versions I heard. This isn't to say I didn't enjoy the original versions, or that the originals aren't still beautiful artistry - this is just to say I enjoyed these covers more.

Check them out.




XO (Beyonce) - John Mayer

This is the song I walked down the aisle to. I swear, it's one of the most beautiful songs ever. The original doesn't even compare. Sorry, Beyonce.







Make Me Feel Your Love (Bob Dylan) - Adele

I grew up listening to the Garth Brooks version of this song - still not the original, but also still a great version. The Adele version, though, what can I say? So beautiful.







Valerie (The Zutons) - Amy Winehouse

In no way, shape, or form do I idolize Amy Winehouse. I don't get all the major hoopla about her. But I do know I love this song. Her voice is pretty powerful, and her cover of this song is my favorite version.







Hurt (Nine Inch Nails) - Johnny Cash

I'm a big fan of my man, Johnny Cash. I grew up listening to his music, and while I do enjoy Nine Inch Nails, as well, there's something about the super slowed down version and Cash's deeper than deep voice.







Killing Me Softly (Roberta Flack) - The Fugees

Is there anything at all I need to even say here? Lauren Hill's voice - literal chills just thinking about it.







Shake It Off (Taylor Swift) - Ryan Adams

I don't hate Taylor Swift - her songs are catchy and I enjoy them. After listening to Shake It Off for three years, I am over it... until I heard the Ryan Adams' cover - it's so different, and not annoying at all, and I freaking love it.







Under Pressure (Queen & David Bowie) - My Chemical Romance/The Used


The Used and MCR are two of my favorite bands of all time. Don't get me wrong - I love, love, love, Bowie and Queen. But I also love this alternative version of one of my favorite songs ever.







Caught Up In You (.38 Special) - We The Kings

I love this super poppy version of the classic 80s hit. It's so much fun to sing along with when I'm driving.






This is list is absolutely and in no way all inclusive - I can't even think of all the songs (and covers) I absolute love. These are just the few that popped into my mind. 


What are your favorite cover songs? Share below so I can check them out!

With the holidays quickly approaching, we all seem to be buying a lot more stuff - for our friends, families, and even ourselves. And in an age when pretty much everything imaginable can be purchased online, customers must pay extra attention to avoid buying counterfeit products trying to pass themselves off as the real thing. This is especially true when buying perfume for women online.



Check out these tips on how to avoid being ripped off when purchasing fragrances:



1. Shop at only reputable online retailers.
Websites like www.mygiftstop.com are a great way to ensure that you are only buying genuine merchandise - not imitation knock-offs!


2. If the perfume is being a purchased at a less well-known website, pay close attention to the price.
While many websites offer great deals on a wide range of products, if the price seems to be unusually low for the brand being purchased then it's probably too good to be true.


3. Check the packaging and how it's wrapped.
If the perfume is being shipped, there are a few things to check for when it arrives. Before even opening it, check the cellophane wrapping. A legitimate perfume will have cellophane wrapping that is tightly-sealed. If the wrapping is loose and the product is moving around in it, it is a sure sign that the product is fake.


4. Check the package for spelling errors.
One of the easiest ways to spot a fake is if the logo or other wording on the package is not spelled correctly. Alternatively, also check for blurry lettering. Manufacturers will have clear and crisp lettering on the package, not blurry or splotchy fonts.


5. Check out the quality of the bottle.
If the brand being purchased is a high-end brand, the bottle should be very well-made, not cheaply made out of plastic. Most expensive perfume manufacturers consider the feel and look of the bottle as part of the "perfume experience" so they will have attractive and handsome bottles as part of the package.


6. Pay attention to the how long the scent lasts.
Authentic perfumes will last for much longer than counterfeit perfumes. If the scent seems to fade away quickly, it is a good indication that the perfume is not genuine and should be returned to the seller for a refund.



What tips do you use when purchasing items online?

Career & Development
99. Complete my Master's degree in Student Affairs/Counseling with a 3.5 or higher GPA. Still working on it . My GPA is currently 3.8, and I'm almost done with my fourth semester. I still have five courses left, with a graduation date of May 2019.








What goals are you currently working towards? Are you completing a 101 in 1001? A 30 before 30? A monthly goal list? Let me know about your goals in the comments below. I'd love to cheer you on!

This cooler weather has me wanting to do nothing more than cuddle up with a good book, and never get out of the bed. Our new mattress, sheets, and comforter from Tomorrow Sleep seriously do not change that craving whatsoever. As long as Andre and I have lived together (almost eight years), we have never had a mattress this comfortable. Not to mention the sheets and down alternative comforter keep you cool all night (while also keeping your warm!).

I'll be honest, we just got a new mattress last year for Christmas (shout out, mom and dad!), which was fine, especially with an eggshell memory foam on top. Since the set we already had was fairly new, and our bed is on a basic metal bed frame, we opted to toss our new "mattress in a box" on top of our current set. It seems silly, but it creates a ton of height, which honestly makes the whole room seem so much more luxurious.

Seriously, though, this mattress is so soft, we just sink down into it. It's dang near impossible to get out of the bed in the morning, and I sleep so well all night. I am so pleased with this mattress, and I still can't believe it arrived on my doorstep in a freaking box! (Note: it's still an actual mattress, though, so it's fairly heavy. Assistance is very helpful when setting it up - I learned the hard way.)






We also finally got around to hanging some items in the bedroom. We've lived in our home for over a year, but nothing has been hung up into our bedroom until just recently. We ordered one of our favorite wedding pictures in poster form from Mpix to hang in a $5 thrifted poster frame. The owl print we bought directly from the artist in Asheville's art district, and the W is a spray-painted wooden craft store initial.








You can use code PAPER100 at Tomorrow Sleep for $100 off any $500 purchase. 


What little things do you do to update a room in your home?

October was not my month when it came to reading. I literally only got through two books. I spent the rest of the month insanely busy with work, school, and life - for reading, I started reading Stephen King's It, and it took me a while to get through it, so that's crawled into November. The two books I read in October were nothing special, and I may not even remember them a year from now. Unfortunate - but hopefully I'll be able to catch up and finish out my Popsugar Reading Challenge prompts in November and December. *fingers crossed*

Mikey and Me: Life with my Exceptional Sister by Teresa Sullivan*: This is a pretty heartbreaking memoir about how having a family member with a disability can effect the lives of every involved. Teresa's sister, Mikey, lived with several different disabilities in a time when those types of issues weren't fully understood. This memoir talks about the difficulties of balancing personal well-being and the well-being of those you love. (full review here) 3/5


Played! by Michael A. Kahn: Chosen as my book to fulfill the prompt "a book you bought on a trip," I was entertained by, if not fully entranced in, this crime thriller. Played! is the story of two brothers leading very different lives, until a crazy turn of events forces them to work together. Even though this was a bit juvenile for what expected, I have a good time reading this silly book. (full review here) 4/5



What did you read in October?

A few weeks ago, I hopped on a plane (for one of the only times in my life) to attend a conference for work (which was totally a blast, and I learned so much). It was also pretty cool because I got to travel to St. Louis - somewhere I'd never been before.

While St. Louis is mostly known for the Arch (the gateway to the west), I have to say that not one meal I ate there was mediocre. Keep scrolling to see all the delicious food I ate in St. Louis (and some of the other stuff there, too).







The Gateway Arch

No, I didn't take the trip up into it, but I did watch a lot of videos of other people doing it. I swear, it's something out of Willy Wonka. The cool thing, though, is it was right outside of the hotel (I stayed at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch). There is some construction going on around it, because their building a pretty cool entry way into the area, so I had to walk around instead of being able to just walk right over to it, but it was only about a five minute walk. Another thing? It is way bigger than you would think it is (that's me up there, standing at one side of the base of it). 

It's the prettiest at night when it's all lit up.






 All the noms.

Seriously though. That food there? Omg.
 





Porano Pasta

What the what? This place is so dang good. It's like Chipotle for pasta. You pick your pastas, your meats, your sauces,  and your toppings. You can mix and match on basically anything. I chose homemade pasta, with chicken and seasoned vegetables, a pork meat sauce and alfredo, topped with different cheese. Not to mention to their focaccio was to die for. This place was A+ and the staff really went above and beyond to help me figure out what I would enjoy the most.






Pharaoh's Donuts

One of my coworkers and I ate here twice - it was that good. She and I both ended up with fresh-out-of-the-fryer glazed donuts. When I say those things will melt in your mouth, I mean it! I can just about guarantee there will be a line, but it will be worth it.







Sugarfire Smoke House

This place, which has been featured on Food Network's Burgers, Brews, & Que is off the chain. I went with the Muddy - which as you can see, is massive. It's sliced beef brisket, jalapeno cheddar smoked sausage, lettuce, tomato, horseradish sauce, pickles, and house BBQ sauce. Even the bun was soft and perfectly complemented the other flavors. Seriously, once you pick it up and take a bite, you cannot put it back down or you will lose it all. By the time I finished my sandwich, my hand was literally just full of food.
The house-made fries were crisped to perfection, and while I didn't get one, they do offer a White Russian milkshake that I'm pretty sure would've been out of this world.






Sweetie Pie's

I had never heard of Sweetie Pie's before I got there. But maybe you have. It's a soul food restaurant with its own dang show on OWN. Being from the South, y'all know I know soul food. And let me just tell you, this food was amazing. Literally nothing needed extra seasoning, not salt, pepper, butter, tartar sauce - nothing. It was perfect the way it was. I went with the fried catfish with macaroni (so cheesy with a crusty baked top), mashed potatoes with gravy (so flavorful), with a side of cornbread (which was honey sweetened on top), and banana pudding for dessert. Geez, Louise. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.





𝝅 Pizzeria 

I'd never had Chicago deep-dish pizza before, and technically, I wasn't in Chicago, but only a state over - so it still counts. And it counts even more because it's Obama's favorite pizza that he actually has shipped in from St. Louis. The sauce was on top - it was weird and unlike any pizza I've ever had before, but it was honestly pretty good too. Granted, I had to pick out the mushrooms, but whatever. It was still good.




Howl at the Moon

I had to stop at this place called Howl at the Moon, because the university mascot for the school where I work is the wolves, so it was a must. Located at Ballpark Village, it was a neat little bar/restaurant with dueling pianos. I'd never been to a dueling pianos bar before, so it was really neat. The food that night was catered - hamburgers and chicken, cookout-type food, so it wasn't anything exceptional. But the atmosphere was so much fun. There were slips of paper on each table so you could request songs for them to play. They were playing piano, so naturally I requested "Great Balls of Fire" - I just had to. But they played a ton of other fun songs, too (per request), like "No Scrubs," "Party in the USA," and a popular Dr. Dre song I won't name here. 




Things to do.

Since I was in St. Louis for a conference, there wasn't a ton of free-time to do extra things, but I did get a little bit of free-time in the evenings, and the last day because there were five hours to kill between the last conference session and my flight.












City Museum

This is honestly one of the weirdest, coolest places I've ever been. Unfortunately, I went just two hours before closing, so I didn't get to see everything - just a few floors. The things here are found items from around the city, and basically it's a giant playground for adults. That school bus up there literally hangs over the side of the roof on a ten-story building. I wish I could explain it, but it's truly a place you have to see to believe. But for only $10, it's definitely a must. I will say there are a lot of very scary, high things - and I'm terrified of heights. So if you're also not a fun of being up in the sky, you will miss out on some of the things going on here, but you can still totally have fun.









City Garden

This was a really interesting concept, which seems to be popping up more and more in different cities. It's a city park, complete with fountains, lots of grassy green areas, and artwork. The sculptures were all super interesting, and what's best is it's a free, open park!






Left Bank Books

Last, but absolutely not least, was a trip to Left Bank Books. This bookstore was huge, boasts the likes of Stephen King and John Green, and the staff were so incredibly helpful. I could only wish we had a similar bookstore around these parts!




Have you ever been to St. Louis? What were you favorite things? Where did you last travel to?