My 5-Star Reads from 2019
No time like the present, eh? I read 94* books last year — thanks to a long commute + it’s now part of my job — and have a goal to finish 100 in 2020.
If you’ve started (or abandoned!) a reading goal or are stuck on what to read next, here are the books I gave 5 stars to after reading them in 2019. It’s a pretty even split between new and old, fiction and nonfiction, plus various genres.
And while I’ll happily discuss books with anyone, anytime, I do not need to hear your thoughts on why a book “sucks.” We all have our preferences; if some (or all) of these aren’t your style, simply share your faves so I can try those out, too 🤓

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Pexels.com
Fiction
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
- And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
- The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
- The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
- All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
- A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
- Me Before You by Jojo Meyes
- Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Nonfiction
- Beautiful on the Outside by Adam Rippon
- Educated by Tara Westover
- We Should All Be Mirandas: Life Lessons from Sex and the City’s Most Underrated Character by Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garroni
- American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century by Maureen Callahan
- We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb
- Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou
- Karl the Fog: San Francisco’s Most Mysterious Resident by Karl the Fog…
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- The Library Book by Susan Orlean
- Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
- Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe
*I read 94 books from cover to cover. For the first time in a while, I allowed myself to abandon books I wasn’t enjoying. I listened to some in audiobook format, but did not make it through any from start to finish. </end disclaimer>
Bag Envy
I’ve never been big on designer labels, and certainly not logos associated with top-name brands. The Louis Vuitton and Dooney & Bourke craze that hit my hometown around high school was met with my eye rolls and scowls.
But moving to the city means high fashion is inescapable, particularly with handbags (because who wants to hoof it 30 blocks in killer heels?).
While I still don’t dream of products smattered with branding, I can appreciate the beauty of a well-made bag. And if it’s equal parts fashionable and functional, well that’s a win-win-win.
These are my latest loves for any budget. Any I missed? Let me know in the comments!
*But I got this one in Gunmetal at her booth on W. 38th for less than $50!
Emerald Isle Style
My Irish eyes are smiling as St. Patrick’s Day quickly approaches. Inspired by Pantone’s Color of the Year, these stylish solutions are making me green with envy. Enjoy!
EMERALD ISLE STYLE – DRESSED
1 / 2* / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
EMERALD ISLE STYLE – BEJEWELED
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
EMERALD ISLE STYLE – DECORATED
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
*I can’t find the original image anywhere — leave a comment if you know its source!
Pumped for Pumpkin
I don’t allow myself to get excited for any holiday until a week (maybe two) prior. It’s the nature of my job — planning content for the winter while suffering through July’s sweltering heat makes me grinchy. I’d rather stab Santa than read one more article about how to have a holly, jolly holiday.
But this year, something changed. I’m genuinely excited for the coming weeks, and it all begins with what used to be my least-favorite celebration: Thanksgiving. Try one of these Turkey Day recipes — some I’ve tested, others I’ve tasted. Enjoy!
- Pumpkin Whoopie Pie by Dreamy Desserts
- Bourbon Pumpkin Tart with Streusel Topping by Smells Like Home
- Thankful Rolls by The Girl Who Ate Everything
- Turkey Cupcakes by Spoonful
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread by Fever Avenue
- Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate by Closet Cooking
- TV Dinner Cupcakes by Black & Eiffel
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread by Sunday Baker
Clearly, I have a sweet tooth. It’s only a problem if you make it one.
Make It a Movember
No-Shave November is kind of unfair if you’re a lady (like moi). Try as I might, I just can’t seem to grow a sweet ‘stache in support of men’s health issues. I’m stuck simply donating monies and rocking assorted moustached items — life is tough. My favorite furry facial finds:
- Ring: Girlz Lyfe, $10
- Tee: Wet Seal, $14.50
- Tote Bag: Polyvore, $20
- Sunglasses: eBay, Various
- Bandages: Urban Outfitters, $7
- Necklace: Windsor Fashions, $10.90
- Corkscrew: Fred Flare, $12
- Scarf cowl: etsy, $40
- Set of (6) Mugs: etsy, $66 (plus 15% off with code HOLIDAY15 at checkout!)
And don’t forget to show your support by donating to the cause. Brilliant!
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
If you’re anything like me, then you know how to put the PRO in “procrastination.” What better time to get some St. Patty’s inspiration than the day before? I’m killing it.
I’m proud of my Irish heritage and had the pleasure of studying abroad in Ireland a few years ago. My time in the Emerald Isle was magical, so anything I can do to recreate it is pure luck of the Irish.
[EAT]
Start the day with traditional Irish boxty — a fave of mine from my time abroad.
No St. Patrick’s Day dinner is complete without corned beef and cabbage.
Beer, chocolate and pretzels? These cupcakes must be heaven-sent.
[DRINK]
Guinness is my drink of choice, but I’ll have to switch to something lighter after my 8th pint.
If beer isn’t your thing, try one of these tasty St. Patty’s cocktails.
End the night with an always-delicious classic Irish coffee. Yum!
[DECORATE]
Stock up on awesomely tacky glasses, moustaches, necklaces and more.
Whether you’re hosting — or just toasting — your mates, these favors are adorbs.
Stainless coasters class up even the dingiest pubs.
[CELEBRATE]
Kissing a leprechaun in Dublin — typical Saturday.
Surprise! Popping up for St. Patrick’s Day greetings.
Overlooking the Cliffs of Moher (700 ft. drop, NBD).
Between a ladies’ dance party tonight, suite tickets to tomorrow’s Lightning game and my bestie from college visiting this weekend, I think it’s best that St. Patrick’s Day only comes once a year.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy weekend — cheers!
All Grown Up
Today marks the 100th birthday of the Girl Scouts of the USA, founded in Savannah by Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low. While we all love the cookies, the benefits of scouting — including leadership and youth development — are endless. The Girl Scouts marked many milestones in my childhood and teen years, so it’s only fitting that I revisit some of my favorite past trends and update them for this millennium.
The Side Pony Grew Up to Become –> The Side Braid
Want to play outside with the big kids, but need to scrape the hair off your face? Enter side ponytail. The side braid is the best I-rolled-out-of-bed-but-have-a-big-girl-job style and takes just a few seconds and bobby pins to create.
Hypercolor Grew Up to Become –> Neon
Whatever happened to that crazy trend where your body heat created “fun” patterns in different colors? It matured a bit, got introduced to a classier crowd and was born again as the new neon. And from lips to fingertips, it’s so hot right now.
The Skort Grew Up to Become –> The Romper
I haven’t personally tried out the updated version (I fear the saggy-butt effect), but I rocked a mean jean skort in the ’90s. My fave?: The orange-and-purple gem with Minnie’s face along the bottom edge. Straight-up gangster at La Petite Academy.
Stirrup Pants Grew Up to Become –> Jeggings
This is the trend I miss the most — anchoring my stretchy pants into my shoes was right up there with those plastic T-shirt clips I coveted. Lucky for me, jeggings have hit the runway and are here to stay. Get a pair with extra stretch, so they feel surprisingly similar to the OG version. Oh yeah.
Jellies Grew Up to Become –> “Adult” Jellies
The first form of torture my feet ever knew are now available in women’s sizes too. If you’ve been craving an awkward waffle-pattern imprint and sunburn for your toes, these are just the thing. Plastic – on your feet – now.
Which trends from your childhood have you reinvented? I’m eager to find an appropriate update to my famed collection of slap bracelets. Rock on.
Sweet, sweet playlist — you’re welcome.
On Being Boot Cute*
Some guys at work have a hard time understanding the phenomenon that takes place with the womenfolk this time of year: excitement about wearing boots.
I am a devoted participant in this craze, which usually begins in November and lasts throughout February. Especially in Florida, we try to stretch every second of boot-wearing as much as we can.
While I can’t fully explain our rationale — nor speak for the whole female population — I can say that boots are exciting, simply because they are not flip-flops.
We wear open-toe shoes (read: sandals) most of the year, and it’s wonderful to dress up jeans with sleek riding boots or make a classic sheath trendy with tights and heeled booties.
Pick your poison.
Ladies, all of the styles below can be found for $150 or less — you heard me. And most styles come in multiple colors, so be sure to check the links for more options.
Boys, even though you may not understand it, you should be able to appreciate the beauty that is a nice boot(y):
Wildly Western — Find your inner Carrie Underwood with these styles.
This gilded Bubbly pair from Dan Post kicks things off right.
Though called Uptown, these are more fit for the farmer’s daughter.
Ride off into the sunset with Kagome at your feet.
Call It Spring brings a distressed distinction with Hammerle.
Relaxed Riders — Running to the grocery store never looked so good.
Nine West consistently delivers, and Vermillion is no exception.
For just $40, you can make Magaska yours.
Love of my life Enzo Angiolini drops some style with Zayra.
Not to be outdone, here’s the MIA version of “Xara.”
Well-Heeled Ways — Add some height and interest with a reliable heel.
Sassy and edgy, Nailah will take you to the dark side.
Alicia is just here to look pretty — and damn, she’s good at it.
Volatile’s Cassidy design is equal parts classic and trendy.
Sheila can assure you why you must have blue boots — now.
Brazen Booties — Fiercely dramatic, these will make any outfit even hotter.
Boyfrand Enzo Angiolini had me at “Haver.”
Did you just die a little inside? Yeah, Cybelle will do that to you.
McKenna: So beautiful, a song could be done in her honor.
I don’t think I’d ever leave the mirror while wearing Katana.
If you’d like an invitation to join Shoedazzle or Just Fabulous, leave your email in the comments section. Both clubs have on-trend styles, as well as classic looks for your feet — all for about $40/pair.
I’m personally drooling over the Cybelle booties — good thing payday is Friday!
*By definition, UGGS are not cute. If you’re looking for praise of this brand, you’ve come to the wrong blog.
Meet Me at the Barre
One goal while I was home for Christmas was to help Magz clean out my former bedroom. As we went through countless old memories, I dusted off a favorite book of mine from childhood: “The Silver Slippers.”
My parents enrolled me in dance classes at a very young age, and it soon became my passion. I practiced all of the time, and I read this magical ballerina book from my grandma over and over again.
The necklace that came with it was also rediscovered, so here are some Pinspirations for every little girl who dreamed of being the Prima Ballerina.
1st Position: Ballerina Buns (of Steel?)
2nd Position: Fouetté in Fashion
3rd Position: Accesory Arabesque
4th Position: Party Pirouettes
Grand Plié: The Book that Started It All