This summer, I took on a task that I'm not so fond of doing—reading. I have always struggled to find books that I can fully commit to and enjoy. Maybe that's because I've been forced to read books in school or I've just not found the type of book I like to read yet. I'm not an avid reader, I'm not the best reader, but I thought this challenge would be something very beneficial for me while I had the free time to do it over the summer. To my surprise, I was able to read five books in two months—all because of Reese's Book Club. 

Reese Witherspoon launched Hello Sunshine which is a media brand that's full mission is to foster storytelling, creating, and discovering content that celebrates and idolizes women by putting them at the center of the story. Whether or not you've noticed these yellow sunshine-like emblems on books, I took it upon myself to read five fiction novels and pick my top three to share my initial thoughts with all of you. 

This was a heartwarming story about a little boy, who believes he's a girl—and is a girl. Inspired by the author's transgender child, this isn't just a book about being transgender. It is an honest story about a family that goes through this process and all are affected by it.

It will bring tears and smiles; including realizations and transformations that make every small detail in parenting crucial. It is full of bright, nostalgia and whimsy fairytales, but deeper truths of identity beyond a "happy ending" that we would all wish for our kids and families. 

If you're really looking for a page-turner, I would recommend this book. As I was reading this, it was sending chills up and down my spine. The best thriller books are the ones that leave you feeling like someone is watching you in your own house. Spooky, I know. 

You are in for a treat with some "dizzying" plot twists and thrills set in Littleport, Maine. The perfect setting for a cozy fall evening of reading. It's a story about an affluent tourist town and the suspicious death of their own, Sadie Loman. Good friend, Avery Greer, is trying to clear her own name and uncover the mystery as a resident on their property—is she to blame? Find out in this addictive read, you won't regret it. 

Reading for pleasure is one of those things I need to get better at. Especially when I have the time and motivation to do it. There are so many great books out there, and following Reese's Book Club made it easier for me to find books and get suggestions of what to read next. If you also struggle to read, I would highly recommend finding a book club like hers to give you some options from a varied range of books. 

Fall is the best time to snuggle up and delve into stories, which is why I hope I've given some inspiration as to what to read next this season. Reading these books over the summer has given me a new appreciation for reading. There's an addictive and immersive feeling of escapism that a movie on Netflix could easily accomplish, but by reading a book, I create the story, the characters, and the setting. 

For a while, I had a distaste for reading. I was impatient and couldn't wait for the story to develop, but now I've come to realize that there's richness to stories incomparable to my own. Give a book a couple chapters, believe me, you'll be amazed. What's on your fall reading list? 

It's September!! And if you don't know what that means, it means its ihavetoomuchtodoandnotimetodoit  season! Also known as, Virgo season! Which, I am a Leo-Virgo cusp and this time of year means chaos for me. All chaos aside, I've actually had quite the summer and was anticipating fall to roll around sometime soon. Everyone's back into their routines, or at least trying to cope with their routines, and I have just completed my first week of my junior year of college. Yay. 

It can be overwhelming when the to-do lists, responsibilities, deadlines, assignments, projects, and every other stressful thing possible lands on your plate all at once. If there's one week I hate, it's syllabus week. When your professors hand you a packet of every single test and paper due in the next ten weeks of your life. 

This weekend I needed to ground myself: I did some yoga, ran some errands, walked my pup, babysat, and tackled what now is an entirely full planner of commitments and things I don't want to do. So I took a step back and thought about ways in which I can make this overhaul of chaos better. Much better. 

It always helps me when I can visually see all of the tasks I need completed by a certain date and time. Choose what works best for you. I like to use a planner and highlight all of my classes, along with meetings and clubs, and other commitments in different colors. I also utilize a weekly desk calendar that only shows what I need to do that week. Even using sticky notes on your computer works! 

I am a victim of doing other things when I should be doing something else. Especially when I should be relaxing and I try to take advantage of my relaxing time for more work time. I understand time crunches and totally stand by that, but when you need a break, take it. Even if that means dedicating an hour to going to the gym, watching a movie, or getting your nails done. 

Taking time for yourself is a priority. You have to remember that you will be working for basically your entire life and balance is key! Do what needs to be done, but don't push yourself if it's feeling like you can't handle so much at once. People are there to support you and want to see you succeed, sometimes that means taking your foot off the gas pedal. 

Everyone says that "there's not enough time" for anything, but that's usually because they don't make the time to do something. "There's not enough time to relax," "I can't fit yoga classes into my schedule," or "I'm just too busy to get some time for myself," are some things I often hear. One thing to consider is your sleep-wake cycle. Are you getting enough sleep? What time do you normally go to bed? Could this be effecting your energy levels? Sleep is something to consider when you're staying up until 2am trying to finish work for Monday. 

These are all things to consider that might help alleviate stress, anxiety, and a feeling of overwhelm as the new season transitions into a busy one. Balance is something I cannot stress enough. Divide up your day so that you have breaks and time to re-adjust and reset. What do you do to not overwhelm your busy ass life? 

I've always loved a good, long weekend. I mean, who doesn't? An extra day to do nothing is the best. Knowing me, an extra day means an extra day to prepare myself for the short week ahead. Mostly an extra day to relax and rejoice in other people's company, read a book, do some yoga, and eat some ribs! Truly the best. 

On Saturday, the parents and I drove down to visit my younger sister, Emily, at Valparaiso University in Indiana. She is a freshman studying Kinesiology and has adjusted quite well! It was nice being on campus and also bringing Cooper along to go see her. We had lunch at her fave, Culver's, met her sweet roommate, Sydney, and played fetch with Cooper on the quad. 

Exploring downtown Valpo on a nice, breezy Saturday was all we needed. Especially their cute square with boutiques and artesian coffee places.