Happy Friday everyone! The weather has been amazing in Portland this week, and there’s nothing I like to do more than sit in the sunshine and read a good book. So we are talking a little literature in today’s weekend reads!
Weekend Reads | 3-22
-One of my goals for this year was to read more books. I gave myself the goal of reading six books in a year. So far, in three months, I’ve already achieved that!
So I don’t have to read anymore now right? LOL. Here’s what I’ve read so far:
-“Becoming Michelle Obama” was my favorite of the bunch. Regardless of what your politics are, it’s incredible to read their story. What really struck me is how quickly they lives changed. I can’t imagine what it must’ve been like to be in that whirlwind. And while obviously what they achieved is historic and inspirational, I loved hearing about the normal everyday struggles they both experienced.
I also really appreciated her discussion of what it’s like to sacrifice for a spouse. That’s something that I’ve struggled with a lot after choosing to move to Portland for my husband’s job vs. taking some job prospects that would’ve really taken my career as a sports journalist to the next level.
If you’ve ever been in that position, you know how challenging that can be.
When your spouse has an incredibly public and demanding job, the stakes are that much higher in what it means for you and your family.
“I feared that the path he’d chosen for himself-and still seemed so clearly committed to pursuing- would end up stream rolling our needs,” she writes. I have had that fear A LOT, especially what it means if you have a family.
And also this abstract idea of being a “Mrs.”
While having a successful career of her own, she describes a luncheon early on for senator’s wives in which they were ushered off for polite chit-chat and to look at historical china patterns.
“I’d been Mrs. Obama for the last twelve years, but it was starting to mean something different. At least in some spheres, I was now Mrs. Obama in a way that could feel diminishing, a missus defined by her mister.”
I’ve never wanted to be a “Mrs” anyone. I’ve always had a really strong self of self and general independence. But this “Mrs” identity is something I battled quite a bit last year. I got married and lost my dream job in the span of six months, all while my spouse’s career was reaching new heights. When I would tell people about wanting to start my own business, I often was told that I’d be ok because my husband was such a star. However, I always want to shine brightly on my own.
-Also, a fun fact for you. She recounts spending the Fourth of July on the campaign trail in Butte, Montana. I was actually a young reporter at a station in Butte, covering their visit. I even interviewed the then-senator Obama about his basketball skills, who was incredibly gracious and witty in his response.
-After Michelle Obama’s book, I liked “The Wife Between Us” best. It’s a thriller about an angry ex-wife who, at the surface, appears obsessed with his husband’s next wife. I can’t get into more than that without giving it away, but it was a solid beach read.
What should I read next?! Drop your thoughts in the comments below…
-On the topic of books…A spring break reading list from Camille Styles’ blog…most intrigued by “All These Beautiful Strangers,” “The Idea of You” and “An Anonymous Girl”
-21 days of sales at Ulta!
-Have you watched Shrill on Hulu yet?! I binged (only 6 eps!) last weekend and really enjoyed it. They filmed it in Portland, so I loved seeing places pop up that are around our neighborhood.
-I’ve been searching for the perfect white eyelet/ lace spring shirt. “Eyeing” these options:
-Did you know Amazon has a skin care line now?
-Do you know about Ice Rollers?! I didn’t even know they existed until this piece on The Stripe…Very intrigued.
-These are the Paleo-ish (because I used PB instead of almond butter) Reese’s Eggs (GF and Vegan) that I posted on IG this week.
-Tips on giving yourself a flawless at-home manicure… my nails constantly look like a child has painted them if I don’t get them done.
-I have my eye on these $70 Steve Madden slides in Cognac as my spring/ summer dressy sandal of 2019.
-This is my FAVORITE dress of the moment…but I have absolutely no place to wear it. If only I had a friend getting married in the English countryside…
-Second favorite dress that I am actually planning on ordering for my trip to Hawaii next month…just discovered this brand before Tulum and am a big fan for vacation styles.
-I’ve been feeling like our apartment needs a bit of a decor pick-me-up …Nine affordable home decor pieces that’ll make your space more finished looking.
-And it’s March Madness! If you’ve just started following along, you may not know that I’ve been a sports reporter for the last twelve years …Did you fill out your bracket? Here’s mine:
Weekend Sales
Adorn: Take an extra 40% off sale styles at this local Portland store.
Ann Taylor: 40% off full priced pants and denim with code PERFECTFIT.
Anthropologie: Anthro Day! Take 20% off full-priced styles and free shipping.
Banana Republic: Take 50% off tees and pants, 40% off dresses and button down shirts and 30% off denim and sweaters.
Gap: Take an extra 30% off your purchase with code YOURS.
J. Crew: Take 30% off full-priced styles plus an additional 10% off with code NEWNEW.
Loft: Take 40% off sweaters, dresses and tops.
Lord & Taylor: Take 30% 3+ items, 20% off 2 items, 10% off 1 item.
Macy’s: Take 30% off select items with code VIP. All of these below are an extra 30% off!
Madewell: Take 25% off new season essentials with code HEYBUDS.