What I Read in May and June 2025

Okay, I've really dropped the ball on these posts, but here we are! Let's get to it.

May was a very slow reading month, BUT I finished Lonesome Dove. Which, quite frankly, equals about 2.5 books. It was actually quite lovely to not fly through books this month. Sometimes I get too caught up on the quantity of books and don't spend enough time with them. Lonesome Dove made me slow down and really enjoy the ride. 

I am very excited to get back into my TBR stack. I have gone full speed ahead with reading three books at once as of writing this. One audiobook, one book I travel around with, and one I read just at home. I started doing that with Lonesome Dove because I was definitely not going to travel with it, but I think I'll go back to carrying around the same book so as not to get too tied up. 

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I thought this was really cute. It's very SNL coded and the glimpse behind the curtain, so to speak, was really cool. I can only assume that is how it's done at least. What I found the most interesting was Covid as a plot point. I have only read one other book set during that time period that mentions it. I thought I would have read more by this point if I'm honest. 

Age of Anger: A History of the Present by Pankaj Mishra ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It felt like a good time to give this a listen with everything going on. There were quite a few things I didn't really know about certain aspects of the history presented and I found that highly interesting. While this didn't go very deep, it did give a better understanding of how we got here and where we could be going. This is the book that a lot of people should read, but the ones who really need to read it would never.

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Oh, Lonesome Dove. This is the first Western I have ever read. And it might be my last. We'll see. It's not a genre I look for at any rate. This was a very dense book. Not only long (my copy was over 800 pages), but dense. The description in this book is astounding. If you enjoy world building, you will enjoy this. I became quite attached to the characters which I love doing. Everything you except to happen in a Western happens. I think the writing was pretty clever - nothing happened in the first half and then everything happened with a little mix of nothing happening in the last half. My guess is that is exactly how it felt like living during that time. If you're up for the challenge, I would recommend this book.

The Art of Frugal Hedonism: A Guide to Spending Less While Enjoying Everything More by Annie Raser-Rowland and Adam Grubb ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was interesting and full of ideas to live a more frugal life. I do think the hardest part of living frugally for me is because I am a hedonist to some extent. I like to enjoy things, literally. But this was quite a nice refresher or how you can still enjoy things and not give in to consumerism. I do feel like the book would be better for someone living in a city and with a yard of their own. A lot hinges on being able to grow your own food and not own a car. Great in theory, not so great in practice in most of America. Great tidbits. A fun read. Definitely worth while - it is also very short! 

I had a better reading month in June. Only one audiobook too! There were quite a few pool days and that was helpful to turn out a book in a day. No matter how hard I try though, my TBR pile doesn't seem to be getting any shorter... whoops. 

Sing, Unburied, Sing was probably the standout book of this group, but otherwise it all just okay. Nothing bad, but nothing super fantastic. 

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I do enjoy messed up family dynamics (really makes me realize my family isn't so difficult). The tiniest, most chance meeting completely changes two families and brings them together, then apart, then together again. This was about growing up, secrets, and how people change. A good little read that felt deep, but wasn't too heavy. 

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

This was a short, but very heavy book. Beautifully written with so many layers. Ward shows the complexities of the South and legacies of racism through the viewpoints of a thirteen year old boy and his mother. There is so much packed into this book and it will probably make you cry. A story about love, loss, grief, and so much more. I highly recommend this book. Keep in mind it is also a little mystical, in the best way, but looking at some comments, I think it threw some people off. 

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25

This was a super adorable book, but I feel like it could have gone a little deeper. A woman's mother just died and left her with just enough money to go Paris, to only go to Paris. During her visit, she finds unexpected friends and new found family while exploring the best parts of the city, those known by the locals and uncovering the life of a woman in a famous painting. It feels just fantastical and real enough to keep you interested. 

Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can't Quite American Girl by Allison Horrocks and Mary Mahoney ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was my audiobook for June. And I thoroughly enjoyed it. American Girl has had a resurgence these past couple of years and even though we're now "too old" for dolls, we still can't quite stop thinking about them and the lessons they taught us. I love how the authors went through the very beginning of American Girl and the inspiration for the historical dolls and how they stand up today. 

Modern Lovers by Emma Straub ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was cute, but nothing extraordinary. A group of friends have grown up and paired off and had children of their own. And now their children are starting to do adult things (yes, exactly). The actual adults are going through their mid-life crises. Again, it was a decent pool read, but didn't leave me wanting more. 

Homebody by Rupi Kaur ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Funny story... I bought this book during a work travel excursion at a Half Price Books. It was a green hard back cover and apparently a special edition. I thought I had never read it. Turns out I bought and read the original three years ago. No matter! I re-read it and it was still lovely as ever. I know people sometimes have a hard time with this "tumblr" poetry, but I really enjoy it. Poetry doesn't need to be long and wordy to have an impact. 

 

My Ideal Weekend

As summer rushes in on a hot breeze, I have noticed an uptick in my weekend plans. Every weekend in June was filled with places to go and people to see. I don't think I stopped to take a single breath. It was exhausting and exhilarating all at once. And this is normal, right? The weather turns lovely, and suddenly there are a million and one things to do. As I have gotten older, I have gotten better at protecting my time, but it doesn't always feel that way when it comes to weekends.

My weekends are incredibly precious to me. I work a full-time job Monday through Friday and I try my best to get the most out of those two days. This looks different from weekend to weekend, but regardless of busy-ness or laziness, I always try to come out of it with something beautiful. Like a photo of four smiling women with cocktails or a book read. Mostly, I enjoy a weekend that has a perfect mix of cozy at home (or in nature!) and seeing friends and/or family. 

Here is what my ideal weekend would look like:

Friday. I love a Friday night in. It doesn't always happen, but nothing beats a pizza delivery and wine in a stemless glass on a Friday night. 

• Finish work by 5 PM (as per usual).
• Make dinner or order takeout. I love cooking with my partner and for my friends these days, so I would probably choose that over takeout, but see above. 
• Catch up on TV shows or watch a movie. 
• Relatively early bedtime (like 10 or 11 PM). 

Saturday. Saturdays are my "doing" days. If I am going to schedule an activity or plan anything, I would prefer it be on a Saturday. 

• Wake up with no alarm set. Most likely this will be 6:30/7 AM because my dog is a menace. 
• Throw on a cute active wear set and walk the dogs (three miles). 
• Whip together a delicious egg based breakfast with my partner. Sit and chat while we eat. 
• Shower and get ready for the day.
• Noon: either plan a day activity like visit a museum or shopping excursion with my partner or girlfriends or both! 
• Otherwise, sitting outside (maybe poolside) reading.
• Food would either be a charcuterie board with a lot of fruit to snack on or a sandwich and chips - homemade or ordered out.
• An early dinner around 5:30/6 PM. Somewhere super cute with fabulous shareables and cocktails. 
• Home around 10/11 PM and asleep by midnight.

Sunday. I love Sunday as a wind down day. I don't like to make real plans on Sundays (with the exception of an occasional early brunch).

• Wake up with no alarm set. But once again, will likely be 6:30/7 AM because my dog is a menace. 
• Take the dogs on a shorter walk (maybe one mile).
• Slide back into bed for another hour or two. Either fall back asleep or read in bed. 
• Officially get up around 10 AM and throw on a comfy, but cute dress and make breakfast or head out to brunch.
• If I want to get out of my apartment, after breakfast/brunch is the perfect time to head to an antique mall.
• Otherwise, I will plop myself on the couch for reading or journaling or puzzling.
• Make a late lunch/early dinner around 4 PM.
• Evening/sunset walk by myself or with my partner/girlfriends.
• In bed by 9 PM with my book.

And that is it! My ideal weekend. Even with plans, I want to be able to take things slow.

What's your ideal weekend look like?

What I Wore 5.24.25

 A holiday weekend/week of outfits! I do love a weekend day where I get to wear more than one outfit. And we definitely hit that on Saturday. It was supposed to be a weekend of mostly loungewear, but ended up being kind of packed with activities and friends. I do enjoy getting to bring out my nicer items or items I don't get to wear as much! 

The weather has been finicky this week, once again. Not quite cold, but not quite warm. A lot of cardigans were carried around. I've been a little off this week, I think from having Monday off. I have been just unable to get up at my normal time to workout and only did three lifting days this week (no running). But I have been doing a good job with my step count - I'm thinking of upping my goals soon. 

Next week will be very exciting...

Saturday day look. We went to Newfields to peruse the art and because the weather turned quite lovely, we wandered into the gardens for a drink and snack. I love this dress so much - it's so cute and comfortable! Shop the look here.

Saturday night date look. This dress is just so pretty and sexy. I really love a thin strap with a sleek dress. I also wore my super tall ASOS heels. Unfortunately, you can't tell that I'm taller here. Shop the look here.

My sportsball sweatshirt came out to play this weekend. It was chilly and the Indy 500 and a Pacers game were all on the same day. I tried to be in Pacers' colors. I was actually really comfy and felt really cute. I was having a really good hair day. Shop the look here.

I did not get a good photo of my outfit on Monday. But in sticking with the comfy theme of the weekend, I went with a cozy cottagecore dress and sneakers. I love these for lounging around and for little excursions.

Back to work and real life! I only had about 10 minutes to put an outfit together and this dress keeps coming in clutch. The print and drop waist make it so interesting that it's really easy to slap on some shoes and light accessories and be on your way. Shop the look here.

I was really feeling a denim piece, but didn't want to wear jeans, so a skirt! I also was very into white and blues this day. Sometimes I just love a French look. Shop the look here.

I don't know why, but Thursdays seem to be my "casual" days. Normally I will wear a pant or denim or something that makes my outfits more casual. It was this bagel t-shirt this day. I just wanted something comfortable and flowy. And cute! I always want to incorporate t-shirts into my everyday wear, but always have a difficult time with it. Maybe I'll start trying a little more this summer. Shop the look here.

My last day at my current job. I have to go out with a bang! I love this top (obviously, I wear it all the time). And this is a new to me ThredUP thrift. Such a fun skirt! Shop the look here.

What I Wore 5.17.25

Better late than never, eh?

This past (past?) weekend was really great, but also a bit rough for me. And I just happened to not take any outfit photos! Oops! But, I will share my Friday date night look. 

A weirdo May week. The weather was chilly and rainy. It honestly felt more like fall weather than anything. I would have absolutely loved it if it had happened in October, but it was honestly just irritating! I'm expecting warm weather and when that does not happen, I lose my mind a little bit. I pivoted with pants and long skirts! 

Friday night out! I just got this dress from Abercrombie and I love it! I have a mini version from last year that I love, but I wanted to try the longer silhouette. I did get the petite size, but it is still quite long. I considered hemming it to look more midi length, but I took it for a test run. I think I'm going to keep it at this length! I'm trying to get used to this particular hemline anyway. Shop the look here.

I basically lived in these Old Navy tanks last year. It looks like they have a cute version this year as well in a ton of colors! Since it was more chilly this day, I went with the satin midi skirt - once the weather Shop the look here.

I really loved this outfit. I want to wear these pants all the time and am trying to create fresh outfits for Spring and Summer. I haven't worn this corset top very much and have honestly forgotten about it, but I love how it looks over the button up. And I've left it untucked! It's just really fun and still sticking to my style. Shop the look here.

I think this outfit is cute, but it wasn't really what I wanted for the day. I didn't love it. The skirt was also too thin for the temperature. But, I love wearing a cardigan as a sweater and the bow buttons on this one are adorable! It still feels very spring. 

It was a chillier day and I wanted to wear pants, but had worn the gingham pair already. This feels very Parisienne casual and I'm kind of loving it. This top (I thrifted from ThredUP) will be perfect this season. Shop the look here.

I got this Reformation skirt from The RealReal. I also had it altered. It was quite long. I've been looking for polka dot skirt options and this was just perfect. Still doing my best to thrift more items! Shop the look here.

What I Wore 5.10.25

Y'all, I think we've found our groove. While this week was decidedly less colorful than last week, I really loved all my outfits. And, I really just love the color green. I know this isn't new, but maybe I should just wear only green. Kidding. But only just. 

I wore some new and new-to-me pieces and I'm feeling like my wardrobe is coming back together. I still have not done my big clean out, but it's going to happen pretty soon. I am out of hangars. My rule is to never buy new hangars. If I run out, then I have to get rid of things. Or get creative - ha! And I am in need of some hangars... This is how I keep my wardrobe relatively small. People assume I have a lot of clothes (and I do), but I'm pretty good at making sure it doesn't overflow. 

I'm really welcoming the warm weather, but it has been a bit hot. Not complaining, but I think it's too early for me to be sweaty all the time!

I still love the Emerson dresses from Abercrombie. I haven't gotten a new one this year (yet), but they are just so comfortable and easy to wear as the weather warms up. There are so many different lengths and sleeve styles to fit everyone's style. And they do wonderful things for your bust. 

Another easy dress for a hotter day. I found this beauty on ThredUP and I am so happy to have it. It's Petal and Pup and the quality is *chef's kiss*. The back is open and you know how much I love an open back. If I could wear dresses like this all day every day, I would be very  happy. 

I really love this vest. With the pleated skirt it just feels so elevated. I love the juxtaposition of feminine and corporate. Shop the look here.

New top! I actually wanted to try the polka dot version, but the color is "light pink". While I think it would have worked... I would have preferred it to be white or cream. So, I got the leopard option! I still love it. It's a very fun top. I was a little apprehensive when thinking about purchasing it because it's not the most work appropriate. But I had seen people style them with t-shirts underneath and it works out great (I'm wearing a tank top)! Shop the look here.

This is a pretty basic outfit, but I love it. A new skort. The plaid is perfect. I've actually been looking for something like this for so long. A great look for bopping around. Shop the look here.

Still not over these linen dresses from last year. There is an oatmeal and black version still available, but no prints as of yet. The cut and shape are just *chef's kiss*. Shop the look here.

Finishing the work week with the same skirt as I started, just a different color. These have a hold on me. But! I love this top! I thrifted it from ThredUP. I found two sizes on eBay, but they might have more on ThredUP! I'm trying to thrift my pieces more and it's been a lot of fun trying to find matches! Shop the look here.