reading – Rooted Gracefully

Family is Everything

This past weekend was perfectly relaxing and happy. It had been awhile since I had a weekend with nothing planned, but sometimes that’s just what you need.

Friday night I stayed in and watched a movie with my family before heading to bed by 10 PM. Can you say grandma? No shame.

Saturday morning I woke up bright and early to enjoy a cup of coffee and indulge in a good book on the deck before going to my hair appointment.

There’s not much I love more than starting my day off in this very way. I hope there’s a lot more of this in my future! I was reading Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. It was a great story that kept me captivated from the first page to the last. I will admit that I did shed a tear or two throughout, but now I can’t wait to see the movie. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for an end of summer read!

After my haircut, I went out for a round of golf with my brother and my aunt. We were all having a terrible game, but had a great time together anyways. Unforunately, when we got to the fourth hole the thunder and lightening cut our game short. We packed up and decided to have a family game night instead!

On Sunday morning, the whole family piled in the car and headed to Boda Borg to compete in some escape room challenges.

There are physical challenges and mental challenges that each team must complete in order to move on in the quest, and let me tell you – they are not easy! We had a blast though! I don’t think any of us have laughed that hard in awhile. 🙂

We ended the weekend in the best possible way – with an ice cream from Kimball Farm.

I usually only get here once per summer, but it is always a highlight. I always get the cherry vanilla chocolate chip ice cream and love every bite.

Feeling so thankful to have spent a great weekend with my family.

xo,

Jaclyn

What’s Up?

One of the blogs that I regularly read did a post yesterday called “What’s Up Wednesday.” Unfortunately my schedule has been packed and I didn’t have a chance to jump on board and write a post yesterday, but I figure it’s better late than never!

So here is my “What’s Up Thursday!”… even though that doesn’t work quite as well..

What I’m Eating This Week:

Well, this topic isn’t very exciting in the life of a college student.. I’m still finishing up the homemade American Chop Suey that my mom dropped off for me on Monday, along with my usual staples – eggs, toast, yogurt, spinach, and veggie wraps. I also bought a few things at the grocery store though to make fiesta chicken one night during this upcoming week or weekend, so that’s exciting.

What I’m Reading:

I am reading “For The Right Reasons” by Sean Lowe. I mentioned it in my post here a few weeks ago. I just got started, but so far so good. 🙂

What I’m Reminiscing About:

The warm weather and the perfect cruise vacation that I took last year. I would give anything to be back in the Caribbean right now!

What I’m Looking Forward To:

The next few months of traveling that are in store for me. I can’t wait to explore the other side of the world.

What I’m Loving:

My Gratitude Journal! I truly believe that this has changed my outlook completely by making me focus on all of the good things that happen on a daily basis rather than the bad. I highly suggest keeping one if you don’t!

What I’ve Been Up To:

School work, school work, and more school work. It’s getting down to crunch time now that I leave in only 3 weeks. It’s not very exciting or pretty, but I know all of my hard work will pay off in the future.

What I’m Dreading:

Walking out the door tomorrow morning into the freezing New England air…

What I’m Working On:

My relationships with friends that mean the most to me. I want to take advantage of these last few weeks that we have together before I head off to Australia and we go our own ways for the summer. I can’t believe that we will be starting our senior year together soon!

What I’m Excited About:

Valentine’s Day! I absolutely love this holiday and all the cheesiness that comes with it.

Conor and I have fancy plans that I will share later. 🙂

What I’m Watching:

The Bachelor and Scandal! Love love love these two shows – even if The Bachelor is more of a guilty pleasure.

What I’m Hoping For:

This week has been extremely hectic for me, so I am hoping that next week calms down a bit. If not, at least I have the weekend to recuperate and prepare.

Look out tomorrow for Friday’s Fabulous Five.

xo,

Jaclyn

Books, Books, & More Books

One of my absolute favorite things in the world is sitting down with a good book. For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to read.

My favorite types of books include crime thrillers, mysteries, love stories, and self-help books.. so a very broad variety! I read incredibly fast and often finish a book in a day or less, therefore I have read hundreds over the years. Today I thought it might be a good idea to share some of my current favorites with you!

Today’s Reads

1. The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman

I absolutely love this book! I have read it more than once and think about it on a daily basis. This isn’t only for romantic relationships, it applies to all of the people in your life.Chapman describes the five love languages to be: words of affirmation, physical touch, receiving gifts, quality time, and acts of service. He uses these love languages to explain why occasionally it is difficult to see eye-to-eye with those that you love, and why they may not respond to your actions in a way that you would expect. I would recommend this book to anybody – whether you are in a relationship or not!

2. Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn

Some of you may have seen the movie – but I definitely recommend the book! This was a suspenseful mystery/thriller that was difficult to put down. I would suggest reading the book and then watching the movie if you haven’t yet. I also recently read “Sharp Objects” by Flynn but didn’t love it quite as much. This one was much darker and disturbing, yet still captivating.

Next Up

Here are a few books that have been on my radar over the past few weeks. I just ordered two of them off of amazon and can’t wait to get started!

1. For The Right Reasons – Sean Lowe

The Bachelor is definitely my guilty pleasure and Sean was my all time favorite Bachelor! He was so handsome, sweet, and funny. I also loved his wife, Catherine, on the show. There’s no way I could resist reading this book.

2. American Sniper: The Autobiography of The Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History – Chris Kyle

I saw this movie last night and LOVED it. I have a major soft spot for this type of movie and often leave the theater with my mind racing, especially since this was based on a true story. We are so lucky to live in a country where brave men and women make courageous sacrifices everyday. Definitely go see the movie or pick up the book if this is something that interests you!

3. Let’s All Be Brave: Living Life With Everything You Have – Annie Downs

This book is all about encouraging women to put their fears to rest, be brave, and step out of your comfort zone with the knowledge that God is there to guide you. It has phenomenal reviews and I think it would definitely be a worthwhile read.

Have you read any great books lately? Let me know!

xo,

Jaclyn