Summer Reading List

On June 20, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Lifestyle, Travel Books4 Comments

I think I’ve made it pretty clear that I’m a big reader through the many book blogs I’ve posted over the years. I mostly read as I’m on public transportation, and I have been working my way through the books on my shelf, one commute at a time. I have been trying to read all of the books I already own before I start buying more in an effort to get rid of what I don’t like and refill with new books. Over this summer, I’m looking forward to sitting down with a good book at the beach and en route to a couple of trips. One of my goals for the year is to read more non-fiction, but I need to mix them in with some fiction to keep things interesting. I’m looking forward to each of the books on my summer reading list and can’t wait to dig into them! Here they are:

“All Over the Place” by Geraldine DeRuiter: I am so dang excited to read this book. I am a big fan of Geraldine’s blog, The Everywhereist, and I know that this blog will have me laughing in a publicly embarrassing way. I love the way she writes. She has a way of making even the most mundane events seem hilarious.
“World War Z” by Max Brooks: This book has been sitting on my shelf unread for at least five years. I’ve seen the movie and now that there’s a sequel in the works, I figure it’s about time I finally read this popular horror novel. I’m a big fan of the genre, so I’m excited to try out a new author!
“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero: I’ve heard so many great things about this book that I finally just ordered it from Amazon. I know I’m a little behind the curve on this one, but I can’t wait to read it and take in all of the life lessons it has to offer. A little encouragement and advice is always a good thing.
“In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote: Recently, I read “The Lost Continent” and in it he visits Holcomb, Kansas where the murders of In Cold Blood take place. This tidbit in Bill Bryson’s book plus seeing the movie Capote with Philip Seymour Hoffman made me want to pick up this classic thriller immediately.
“South and West” by Joan Didion: I have read the majority of Ms. Didion’s work, so when her new book came out earlier this year I bought it right away. I am a huge fan of her writing, and will happily read and reread any of her books. This one in particular shows off her writing process, which, as a writer, I am very excited to read.
“Into the Water” by Paula Hawkins: Last year, I read “The Girl on the Train” almost in one sitting on the plane to Iceland. It kept me on the edge of my seat and the ending completely took me by surprise. I won’t spoil anything, but Ms. Hawkins previous book was great and I can’t wait to check out her next novel.

What’s on your summer reading list? What books do you recommend?

27 in 27: Halfway Point

On June 5, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Lifestyle2 Comments

It’s official. The move is over, the wedding is over, we are unpacked and comfy in our new home, and I can finally get back to business. We love the new apartment and our new neighborhood! We moved from West Town up to Logan Square and I think it suits us. The 606 (Chicago’s answer to the High Line in New York) is a couple blocks South of us and we are so close to so many fantastic restaurants and bars. Plus, our apartment is full of sunshine and has so much more space than what we had before! Here’s a sneak peak:

Though I could write about the new place all day, that’s not what I’m here to talk about! I wrote one of these posts last year, detailing my goals for the year and where I’m at so far. Yesterday marked my half birthday, and I’m not nearly close to being halfway through this list. But, I’m confident this second half of the year is going to be much more productive. I’ve got big plans for the next six months, not limited to the following list. So, without further ado, here are my 27 in 27 goals:

Visit Canada (for the first time) – we have plans to head north in the Fall to visit Toronto and Niagara Falls. I’ll keep you posted on this one.
Take a trip on an Amtrak train – no plan on this one yet.
Run a race – Almost done! I’m signed up to run a half marathon with my sister in September.
Have an article published in a magazine – I haven’t even begun to think about this one but it has always been a dream of mine to be published in a travel magazine
Read more non-fiction – DONE! and still working on it! So far I’ve read “My Life on the Road” by Gloria Steinem, “No Baggage” by Clara Bensen, “All About Love” by Bell Hooks, “The White Album” by Joan Didion, and “The Lost Continent” by Bill Bryson.
Be better about networking – DONE! Thanks to a little app called Shapr
Collaborate on a new project – DONE! My friend Jen and I created a new blog called A Strong Female Lead which focuses on female empowerment
Figure out my personal style – This is a work in progress. Because most of my wardrobe consists of work clothes, I’m trying to find some sort of happy medium.
Invest in a solid wardrobe staple – To piggy back on the last one, this is still on my to do list.
Go to Mexico – I’m trying to work this out for my next birthday, but we will see!
Write more fiction – my writing habits have fallen by the wayside so far this year, but as I said, I’m picking it back up now.
Make & sell candles – Halfway there. I made the candles, I have the Etsy shop, I just need to put the two together.
Try a new yoga class – DONE! There was a studio by our old apartment that I went to quite a few times. Now I have to find a new one by us.
Try meditating – DONE! I’m amazed I can sit still for that long.
Get a new tattoo – still trying to decide what I want, I’m thinking nature themed.
Explore a new neighborhood – DONE! I’m looking at you Lincoln Square!
Get a new job – DONE! Happily employed as a Catering Sales Manager now.
Visit a National Park – Not done. Any suggestions?
Master Conversational French – Non. But I do have Duolingo and I will be better about using it.
Get a massage – DONE! Read all about that here.
Get new art for home – DONE! A beautiful flamingo print that is currently hanging above our record player.
Make homemade pasta – Not done yet, but I’m really looking forward to this. Thanks for the inspiration Master of None!
Take a new class – I don’t know what kind of class I’d like to take yet. Maybe a cooking class, or maybe I should pair this with #19 and head to the Alliance Francaise.
Go on a trip & not write about it – It’s planned! Fourth of July in Northern Wisconsin.
Organize a clothing swap – This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I have yet to plan it. But I will.
Make something for the new apartment – Maybe some art or maybe some shelves, who knows. I’ll keep you posted.
See a play I’ve never seen – Nope. Suggestions?

Wow… that’s a lot of goals to accomplish in six months. 9/27 Done and 18 left to tackle. Wish me luck!

Share your goals for the year in the comments!

Monthly Memo: May

On May 21, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Lifestyle, Monthly MemoLeave a comment

Hello, Hello Strangers! Long time no talk. I believe I owe some sort of an explanation for that. Things have been a little hectic lately, especially this beautiful, rainy month of May, because of a few separate factors. It seems as though things have been snowballing a bit, but we’ll be out of the woods soon I think. We’re moving in a couple weeks; not too far away but it’s still a hassle as I’m sure most of you know. We’re moving to the Logan Square Neighborhood, which is just a bit Northwest from where we are now.

On top of that, I’m making all of the desserts for my cousins wedding next weekend, which comes with its own stress. Thankfully, I’ve tested each of the recipes and they are all delicious. What am I making, you ask? Well I’d love to tell you! Here’s the menu:

Mini Cheesecakes topped with berries
Chocolate Banana Cream Pie Tartlets
Red Velvet Cupcakes
Brownie Bites with Caramel (I actually found this recipe on Pinterest and it’s awesome, try it!!)
Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Pretzels

I’m very excited to see the finished products and finally celebrate this lovely couple. They actually hosted me when I visited them in Seoul, South Korea and met Mike and I for dinner when we were in San Francisco, so it’s safe to say that I owe them one.

Travel has taken a back seat to everyday life this year so far, and that’s OK. I do miss it a lot, the thrill of discovering a new place, but other exciting things are happening instead. Exciting things like finally living in an apartment with a separate kitchen, and buying a couch that’s all ours and not a hand-me-down, and really enjoying my new job. That doesn’t mean I’ll stop writing here of course, but it may be a little slower (like 1 post a week instead of 2) for a bit, until I can save up a little to travel more again. We are planning on heading to Canada in the Fall, so I am very much looking forward to that.

In the meantime though, keep checking back here for new blogs, and you can also find me at A Strong Female Lead (a kick ass feminist blog) regularly too.

But what about you… What are your plans for the rest of May? Where are you traveling next? Tell me all about it.

Monthly Memo: March

On March 20, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Lifestyle, Monthly MemoLeave a comment

Hi All! Happy March! Life has been a little hectic lately. I recently started a new job, which I love, but resulted in working longer hours. It’s been mostly fine, but I’m definitely still adjusting to the new schedule. As you may have noticed, my writing has fallen behind a bit. But, I’m positive that things will be getting back on track soon! Contributing to the chaos, I’ve started a new, additional, blog focused on female empowerment with my friend Jen. I am really excited about this project, which you can check out here.

Mike and I are starting to look for a new apartment, which is fun right now but I’m sure will get a little stressful as we get closer to our move-in date in a couple of months. Having a pup makes it a little trickier to look for an apartment in Chicago, but we’ve found a few that we like the look of in our neighborhood (West Town). Brody is getting more and more comfortable with us. He used to favor Mike a little bit more, but he’s been coming to snuggle with me more lately. He likes to sit on my lap while I write, and rest his little head in the crook of my arm. It’s the absolute best.

As far as our travel plans are concerned, we have a trip to Grand Rapids coming up to see Ms. Aretha Franklin live. I’m also trying to plan a trip in May somewhere in the United States, but I’m not sure where quite yet. My travel plans were cut a bit this year with having the new job (no vacation days) and the fact that I just had to buy a new laptop to replace my old, broken one. The big plan for this year is to go on a Canadian Road Trip in the Fall to hit the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, Toronto and Montreal. I’ve started the preliminary plans, and it’s enough to hold me over for now.

I’ve been chipping away at my goals for the year, like reading more non-fiction (most recently: “My Life on the Road” by Gloria Steinem) and planning the above Canada trip. I’ve also discovered an amazing yoga studio just blocks from our apartment, called Yoga For All Beings, and have been loving it! I also come out of the classes in such a good mood. Plus, now that it’s warmer here in Chicago, I can start running again. There’s still quite a few things I’d like to accomplish, as always, but I can definitely say I’m making progress.

What about you? What are you reading? What have you accomplished during the month of March?

Monthly Memo: January

On January 8, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Lifestyle, Monthly MemoLeave a comment

Happy Sunday!

Things have finally started to slow down from the holidays, which I am so grateful for. Life has been really hectic lately, so I’m happy to have a chance to relax and catch up on some things. Today in particular is shaping up to be a treat yo self day (I know I am way behind on this, but I have been binge-ing Parks and Recreation lately and I am obsessed). I plan on:

Reorganizing my closet
Doing some travel planning
Enjoying a face mask (Origins Clear Improvements Charcoal Mask)
Painting my nails (Miss Fancy Pants by Essie)
And trying out a new hair color (full disclosure: gotta cover up those grays!)

Then, I’m going to snuggle up with Brody and have a glass of wine while we watch the Golden Globes. Our little pup has been with us for two months now, and he’s getting more and more comfortable in his new home. He’s actually sitting in my lap as I type this, and that’s some progress. This morning I took him for a nice long walk around our neighborhood, which I think we both enjoyed despite the cold. Chicago has been freezing lately, which has me dreaming of warm weather and beaches.

As far as trip planning is concerned, I’m a little limited right now, but I’m trying to work around it. I’ve been looking into some cheap weekend trips, so hopefully I can pull something together in the next couple weeks. Or if all else fails, maybe a little staycation could be arranged. I received a scratch off map for Christmas this year, which is something I’ve been wanting for a while. Though, now that I have it, it’s only making me want to travel more!

This month I’m looking forward to keeping the tradition of January spa days with my friend, Amber, starting some different projects that I’m very excited about, and finding new and creative ways to beat the cold. I am also planning on getting back into a manageable workout routine. The holidays really derailed my morning runs, but I’m hoping to get back into it now. One of my other goals for the year was to read more classic novels, so right now I’m reading “Beloved” by Toni Morrison and am really liking it. What about you? What are your goals for this year? What are you currently reading? Tell me all about it in the comments!

Have a wonderful January, everyone!