Living

I’m starting to think instead of putting a number on the amount of books I want to read in a year, I should just read.

Read, and document what I read cause that number is always looming over my head, and at this point, it’s pretty likely I won’t hit my reading goal for the year. I’m currently 14 books behind, I guess I could technically catch up, but right now I’m enjoying spending my evenings outdoors in the garden, and by the time I get in and settle down to read after cooking, cleaning, you know the usual, the book is reading me…cause I’m sleep.

Nonetheless, there are a few books I would love to get through in May. I’m normally drawn to heavy books, next month as summer really starts to set in I’m committed to trying more lighthearted reads that won’t weigh on my heart and are quick easy reads… just in case I want to still try to hit that reading goal for the year!

Before we get into the book list, on Unlikely Market, I just added the popular “Reader” design in a T-shirt just in time for summer. Head over to get one for yourself or your favorite reader! Click here to purchase.

On to the book list!

Next month I would like to get through five books to include:

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid: This one was written by the author of Daisy Jones and the Six, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. LOVED both of those, hope this one doesn’t disappoint.

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight: I love a good memoir, this one highlights the story of Nike’s founder.

The Hand I Fan With by Tina McElroy Ansa: I’ve heard so many good things about this one. Going to give it a go.

32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter: This one’s been on my list for a while, and after reading the reviews it earned a spot on this month’s reading list.

The last spot on May’s list is reserved for my book club read.

What’s on your reading list for May?! Send me all the light-hearted, fun reads for summer!

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This post is sponsored by Unilever and all opinions are my own.

One of the best things I’ve done for myself in the past few months has been becoming very intentional about making time for fitness. As a result, I’ve noticed my husband and son have also jumped on the bandwagon and are being more consistent with their own workouts and weightlifting.

After a good workout, there are few things better than taking a hot shower with body care products that not only make you feel good but also smell good. It’s like a whole experience that leaves you feeling great physically and mentally, and ready to do it all over again the next day.

I’ve indulged myself with some nice body products for my post-workout routine and felt that my favorite guys deserved the same pampering. I’ve been purchasing them the Dove Men+Care Body and Face Wash, Extra Fresh 3-pack which contains menthol and delivers cooling refreshment, and rinses cleanly away leaving their skin feeling refreshed. I stocked my son up for back to school, and it was recently time to restock. 

During this shopping trip I also added the Degree® Men Dry Protection Antiperspirant, Cool Rush 5-pack, that my husband loves, to the shopping list.  This deodorant works for both of them as it offers up to 48 hours of protection against sweat and body odor, keeping them smelling good from one workout and shower to the next. 

As I mentioned earlier, making my fitness a non-negotiable has meant that I have to make better use of my time, so I’ve started to utilize some of the new shopping options at Sams Club to include the option of swinging by the club, and picking up a lot of the staples for our home like our body care, paper, and cleaning products.

This option has helped me save time and money! Don’t forget, you have the option to utilize online and pick-up options when purchasing, giving you shopping options to keep your home stocked with the things you and your family need!

Last year I set a lofty goal to read 100 books, and then the C-word hit and I lost all of my reading mojo to never reclaim it. I finished out the year having read 37 books.

I could look at 37 as a far cry, a whole 63 books shy of my goal, instead I look at it like I read more books in a year that some people have read in forever, not to mention the time it took to dive into these stories was time spent doing something for myself, doing one of the things I love to do.

Around Christmas time, I dropped this sweatshirt on Unlikely Market as a great gift for readers. Well, it did exceptionally well, and I’ve decided to keep it around. You can grab yours HERE!

I read some pretty powerful books last year, narrowing down my top five was hard… but I can do hard things!

Below are my top five reads for 2020 (affiliate links included):

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Daisy Jones and the Six

The Silent Patient

Coffee Will Make You Black

WOOOOO to the SAHHHHHH. No matter how difficult, no matter how much loss, remembering all that went wrong, and cherishing what went right, if you are reading this we are still standing. The stance might be ragged, it might be with tears in our eyes but we made it to 2021.

I’m not telling anyone what they should feel about 2020, cause I’m not sure I’ve fully wrapped my head around it and likely won’t for years to come but I am simply grateful and am looking forward to what’s next… hoping it’s better than what is behind me.

Through 2020 I found a few things in myself that I think only the grittiness, and ugliness of life can polish into something pretty, and I’m really excited to see how that manifests itself in 2021.

I’ve pondered over my intentions for 2021 to include my word as well as my place as a content creator and what I plan to do with this space on the internet. As inconsistent as I’ve been I’ve still managed to grow and maintain an audience and I figure I’ll never close this place until I’ve seen it be what I have always envisioned it to be. I think this year might be the year… knock on wood.

Ten years in the game, I’ve seen content creation change in a major way, and I feel there is a huge void in the space that doesn’t include content geared toward individuals in their late 30s and up who are transitioning to parenting tweens and teens, who may not have children but are figuring out how to maneuver in a new era of life, those that aren’t necessarily interested in “luxury” but want to look good, those that want to find ways to get good food on the table daily, and figure out how to fit in exercise.

Let’s not forget those that want to figure out how to run a business, work full time, tackle a home DIY, and not feel bad about not giving in to hustle culture and recognizing the power of rest. I see you.

There is a gap. I feel like I want to do my part to fill it.

There is so much of the same, so many experts, so much of look at what I have. Honestly, I’m not interested in being in that space. Life is messy, I don’t want it to look like I have it all together, I want to continue to build this community as a collective of folks who are trying their best daily and have nothing to prove to anyone but themselves and those that matter.

I want you to join me. This year I plan to share things that I hope are attainable by everyone, things that create a comfy, beautiful life full of all the things that matter.

“WERK” is my word for the year. I’m focusing on my goals while taking time for myself unapologetically. I’d love to see you do that for yourself as well, however that may look like for you

At least two times a week I’m planning to create some type of content. I would love it if you shared the content that resonates with you with others you think would gain value from it. I’m asking you to continue to engage with me, so we can build this community into one that has a little of something for everyone.

I don’t know what your 2020 looked like, but please know I am wishing you the very best in 2021.

Happy New Year, and thank you for being here!