The Happiness Report #34

* a surprise 30th birthday party for a sweet friend (though I forgot to take pics...boo!) 

* finally going to Governor's Island 

* drinks with my girl because she quit her job! 

* getting a new role at work, and a super awesome view! 

* picnic in the park

* drinking wine with my mom illegally :) 

* getting some new clothes from my momma 

* long distance phone calls

*30 Signs You're Almost 30... so true! Minus the music festivals one- still not too old for music festivals!

*this funny video someone forwarded to me:

 

Books, Nails and Music- It's FRIDAY!

After being on vacation for a week and a half, working for 3 days, and then having 4 days off, this week seemed to seriously DRAG. Even though I don't have a ton planned for this weekend, I'm so happy it's  finally FRIDAY! Woot woot!
So here's a few of my fave Friday link ups!

This week I'm sharing...

From GoodReads:
"After four harrowing years on the Western Front, Tom Sherbourne returns to Australia and takes a job as the lighthouse keeper on Janus Rock, nearly half a day’s journey from the coast. To this isolated island, where the supply boat comes once a season and shore leaves are granted every other year at best, Tom brings a young, bold, and loving wife, Isabel. Years later, after two miscarriages and one stillbirth, the grieving Isabel hears a baby’s cries on the wind. A boat has washed up onshore carrying a dead man and a living baby..."

My Thoughts:
It was really really sad, but so well written. I felt for all the characters in this twisted tale. I'm hard on books, but gave this one 5 stars without a second thought! Definitely would recommend!! 

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I picked up this PIXEL purply nail polish at Ulta months ago, but hadn't tried it yet. I usually don't do darker colors in summer, but I really liked this one. Unfortunately, it only lasted a day or two... guess that's why it was only $1!

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Do you have a song that *instantly* makes you think of summer and/or vacation? 

Every.Single.Time I hear these songs, it makes me think of summer-- which I love! What song(s) make you think of summer?

I'm Back! And Book Swap Reveal!

Hey guys- I'm back!
Sorry for disappearing. Things got a bit crazy right before I left for vacation, and a little crazy after, but I'm happy to say that I am back in (semi) full force!
I have a lot to catch up on, and lots of awesome vacation pics to post, but I haven't uploaded them yet (womp womp). However I did get some awesome mail, so that's what I'm sharing today!

When Micah over at Unabashedly Me said she was hosting a blogger book swap, I signed up immediately! I love books, and mail, so what better way to combine the two? I had the host herself. You can see what I sent her here. Angie had me (I don't have her blog addy, otherwise I would tag her!). Here's my loot:

Three Cups of Tea was on my Goodreads "To Read" list, and she said she just finished and really enjoyed The Best Man. It looks like a perfect summer read, and I'm really anxious to dig into both of these! Thanks Amy!

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Also, In honor of the upcoming holiday, I'm linking up with Michelle over at The Vintage Apple for some "Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday." This time I'm focusing on some patriotic looks (and trying to figure out what to wear tomorrow)! I have no idea what my plans are, but I'm heading to a BBQ on Friday and Saturday. Yes, Friday. Because I'm off from work- woot woot!!

What are your holiday plans?

Source: mlovesm.blogspot.com via Kari on Pinterest

She is just too adorable.... I can't even.

Source: mlovesmblog.com via Kari on Pinterest

Done up with different skirt...

Source: studentswife.com via Gina on Pinterest

Technically this is coral, but I kinda loves it!

Source: lipstickandruffles.com via Brooke on Pinterest

Cute and comfortable- definitely my style!

Source: longhairstyleshowto.com via Gina on Pinterest

The Happiness Report #33

25 Steps to Get over GoT Depression... esp #22 lol

B1G1 Free at Qdoba!

This parrot has more rhythm than some people I know:

Birthday parties and cake!

My first time at a Noodle House (absolutely delicious):

chips with my name on them (literally!):

fuzzy slippers:

Pizzelles! (I found these at Shoprite, and though I didn't pick them up I love pizzelles in general):

Vacation in 4 days!!

And in honor of Father's Day...

Most of these are fathers... so here ya go: Nailing The Parenting Thing

Father and son, Big Willy Style:

What's making you smile this week?

Book Club / Nail Files / BTA Friday!

This Week I'm Sharing...

Via Good Reads:

"For thirty years, Tully and Kate buoy each other through life, weathering the storms of friendship---jealousy, anger, hurt, resentment. They think they’ve survived it all until a single act of betrayal tears them apart . . . and puts their courage and friendship to the ultimate test.

Firefly Lane is for anyone who ever drank Boone’s Farm apple wine while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac. More than a coming-of-age novel, it’s the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It’s about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, about the one person who really, truly knows you---and knows what has the power to hurt you . . . and heal you. Firefly Lane is a story you’ll never forget . . . one you’ll want to pass on to your best friend."

My Thoughts:

I had been wanting to read this book for awhile, and it did not disappoint. I really really enjoyed this book. I loved how they started out, and how Tully  ... Tully truly pissed me off at times, sometimes taking Kate for granted, but her perseverance to get to where she wanted to be was inspiring. Kate's indecisiveness and lack of focus was also annoying, but very realistic. I'm not sure I ever believed Johnny until the end either. And I was completely blown away by the ending.

It was a little long, but definitely worth it. I can't wait to read the sequel, Fly Away. 4 Stars!

Have you read this, or anything by Kristin Hannah? What did you think?

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Essie- Shop Till I Drop

I have to say, I was excited to try this color because I'm not much of a soft-pink-girly-girl. And to be honest, I don't like it. This is 3 coats of the polish, and I still feel like it's translucent. Not a fan. Hmph. I wonder how many coats it took to look like this:

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Last but certainly not least, I am *finally* linking up with Miss Whitney for "Back That Ass Up Friday!" I have been following this linky party for quite a while now, as it becomes my playlist for Friday afternoons at work (shhh!) This week I'm sharing the latest from Robin Thicke... enjoy!

What I Wore: Spring Work Clothes

I finally took some pics of what I've been wearing. Warm weather means lots of skirts- and my legs finally seeing sunlight! 

What are you wearing with this in-between weather?

skirt: TJ Maxx

cardi: thrifted

nude peep-toe pumps: from my friend

dress: Le Chateau

cardi and belt: thrifted

pumps: Nine West

purse: F21

skirt: Banana Republic

navy tank: Express

gray blazer: H&M

navy purse: F21

I'm linking up with...

The Pleated Poppy- What I Wore Wednesdays

Kiwi Womens Style- What I Wore Wednesday

Transatlantic Blonde- What I Wore Wedesdays

Abbeyleigh- Dress For The Day

Real Girl Glam- Real Girl Style

The Happiness Report #32

Sometimes I find fun (and funny) links on the Internets, so that's what I'm sharing...and what's making me happy today. Enjoy!

**I completely agree with all these interior design taboos: The 5 Stupidest Things In The Hipster Home

**New Girl, Remixed:

**My friend had a beautiful baby girl! First time I held a baby that was only a day old!

**short work week!

**One of the funniest commercials I've seen in awhile:

**This list of things that remind me of my childhood- can't believe I forgot about some of them!

**Apparently this woman is too pretty to work. Seriously?! And her parents are giving her a monthly allowance... wow. Just wow. 

**I love the lil brother in this video!:

** Meeting my other friend's baby boy!

**A Girls Day with some of my favorites! Good friends, good food, good drinks+ pool and sunshine= my happiest place!!

What's making you happy this week?