ashleyhasty on LTK

Mid-December brings that soft, sparkling kind of magic—the world outside may be cold, but inside, this week’s book mail feels like pure warmth. My TBR pile has grown joyfully unruly, thanks to a book haul filled with new book releases that seem made for fireside reading and twinkle-lit nights. Each package carried thoughtful book recommendations, little reminders from friends and fellow readers that stories still have the power to make us feel seen. With so many titles destined to be counted among the best books of 2025, I can’t help but think that this—curling up with a stack of fresh pages and a mug of something warm—is what the season was made for. LTKTravel LTKstorytime LTKGiftGuide

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Tidying Up: 100 Ways to Infuse Order and Joy into Every Area of Your Home | Amazon (US)

Motor City Love Song: A Novel (Dial Delights) | Amazon (US)

Cry Havoc: A Novel - Kindle edition by Wait, Rebecca. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon... | Amazon (US)

The Time Hop Coffee Shop: A Novel | Amazon (US)

Love, Finally: Untangling the Knot Between Mothers, Daughters, and Food | Amazon (US)

Fallen Stars: Book Two of the Heavenly Bodies series | Amazon (US)

Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl: A Spicy Romantic Comedy about a Sexy Professor and His New Nan... | Amazon (US)

Where the Library Hides: A Novel (Secrets of the Nile, 2) | Amazon (US)

What the River Knows: A Novel (Secrets of the Nile, 1) | Amazon (US)

Life After Ambition: A "Good Enough" Memoir | Amazon (US)

A Weekend on Allyson Island: A Novel | Amazon (US)

Anneke Jans in the New World: A Novel | Amazon (US)

Best of "The Strand Magazine": 25 Years of Twists, Turns, and Tales from the Modern Masters of My... | Amazon (US)

And the Crowd Went Wild: A Chicago Stars Novel | Amazon (US)

The Montana Gold Mine (Jubilee Walker) | Amazon (US)

White Wolf: An Evan Ryder Novel | Amazon (US)

Mid-December feels like a love letter to cozy moments, and this week’s book mail arrived like a dream come true. My TBR pile has grown delightfully ambitious, thanks to a book haul overflowing with new book releases that seem tailor-made for quiet nights by the tree. Each envelope carried thoughtful book recommendations, little reminders that the best stories find you when you’re ready for them. With so many titles destined to be among the best books of 2025, it feels like the season itself is whispering: slow down, pour something warm, and let the next great story begin.

#LTKTravel #LTKGiftGuide #LTKstorytime

(Right Stack) In early December, when the air feels crisp and anticipation hums in the background, slipping into a green and navy striped rugby shirt paired with jeans feels like effortless main character fashion. It’s the kind of main character outfit that balances preppy charm with relaxed comfort—classic, cozy, and perfectly seasonal. Your everyday gold hoop earrings and signature herringbone necklace, layered with a graduated rope chain, elevate the look with a touch of polish, transforming simple pieces into aesthetic clothing that radiates main character energy. As you peruse a fresh stack of book mail filled with character-driven novels, books about strong characters, and stories for self-discovery, you’re reminded that both style and story are acts of self-expression. This is main character aesthetic books and clothing in harmony—fashion inspired by books and books to style your life by, all coming together in one cozy, confident moment that defines living your main character life in the heart of winter.

#LTKstorytime #LTKKids #LTKGiftGuide

(Left Stack) There’s something especially comforting about book mail arriving in late November—when the air smells like fireplaces, and evenings beg for a blanket and a story. My TBR pile has grown delightfully unsteady, thanks to a book haul filled with new book releases that promise warmth, intrigue, and maybe a few tears. Each package carried thoughtful book recommendations, gentle reminders from fellow readers that there’s always room for one more novel on the nightstand. With so many titles destined to be among the best books of 2025, it feels like the perfect time of year to slow down, brew something warm, and let new stories find their place beside the old favorites.

#LTKTravel #LTKstorytime #LTKGiftGuide

There’s something especially comforting about book mail arriving in late November—when the air smells like fireplaces, and evenings beg for a blanket and a story. My TBR pile has grown delightfully unsteady, thanks to a book haul filled with new book releases that promise warmth, intrigue, and maybe a few tears. Each package carried thoughtful book recommendations, gentle reminders from fellow readers that there’s always room for one more novel on the nightstand. With so many titles destined to be among the best books of 2025, it feels like the perfect time of year to slow down, brew something warm, and let new stories find their place beside the old favorites.

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKHome #LTKGiftGuide

Early November has that soft, golden light that makes everything feel a little more magical, and this week’s book mail was no exception. My TBR pile has blossomed into a cozy little tower of possibility, thanks to a book haul filled with new book releases I can’t wait to dive into. Each package carried thoughtful book recommendations, tiny invitations from friends and fellow readers to escape into stories that feel made just for me. With so many titles that could easily be counted among the best books of 2025, it feels as though autumn itself paused to make room for reading, warm drinks, and that particular joy only a stack of fresh books can bring.

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKHome #LTKTravel

The first week of November carries a quiet, cozy kind of magic, and this week’s *book mail* made it feel downright irresistible. My *TBR pile* has grown into a charming little tower of anticipation, thanks to a *book haul* overflowing with *new book releases* that promise laughter, heartbreak, and quiet moments of wonder. Each envelope brought thoughtful *book recommendations*, gentle nudges from friends and fellow readers toward stories I can’t wait to lose myself in. With so many titles that could easily be counted among the *best books of 2025*, it feels as though autumn lingered just to make room for reading, warm drinks, and the simple, perfect joy of discovering new favorites.

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKFamily #LTKHome

There’s nothing like a court-side outfit that says you’re ready to play—and ready to glow up your whole life. Inspired by Lulu Gardner, the vibrant, determined heroine of Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long, this look blends athletic energy with romantic comedy flair. Whether you’re serving up pickleballs in Costa Rica or just rallying through your own busy day, this ensemble is your reminder that confidence, color, and second chances never go out of style.

#LTKStyleTip #LTKItBag #LTKActive

(Right Stack) In late October, when the days grow shorter and the light softens to gold, a simple black tee paired with jeans becomes the quintessential main character outfit—effortless, timeless, and quietly powerful. Styled with your everyday gold hoop earrings and your signature herringbone necklace layered with a graduated rope chain, the look radiates main character energy with ease. It’s fashion for self-expression at its purest, proof that confidence often comes from simplicity done well. As you flip through a new stack of book mail—filled with character-driven novels, books about strong characters, and stories for self-discovery—you’re reminded that both fashion and reading are ways to curate your own narrative. This is main character aesthetic books and clothing in perfect sync: books and outfits for main character vibes that encourage reflection, creativity, and living your main character life with intention and style.

#LTKHome #LTKStyleTip #LTKTravel

(Left Stack) The last week of October has that crisp, golden magic that makes the world feel like it’s holding its breath, and this week’s book mail made it utterly enchanting. My TBR pile has grown into a cozy, towering promise of afternoons spent lost in stories, thanks to a book haul brimming with new book releases I can’t wait to dive into. Each package carried thoughtful book recommendations, little nudges from friends and fellow readers toward tales that feel destined to linger in my heart. With so many titles that could easily be the best books of 2025, it feels as though autumn itself conspired to deliver the perfect stack of books, waiting just for me.

#LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKTravel

There’s something irresistibly striking about an outfit inspired by The Deadly Book Club by Lyn Liao Butler—a look that blends effortless sophistication with a hint of danger. Imagine lounging seaside, your outfit a perfect balance of bold stripes, subtle tension, and mystery. Each piece tells its own story, just like the book itself: sharp, stylish, and full of unexpected twists.

#LTKSeasonal #LTKSwim #LTKStyleTip

(Right Stack) In mid October, when the leaves start to turn and cozy routines take center stage, a green and white striped top paired with jeans becomes the perfect main character outfit—simple yet full of main character vibes. Styled with your everyday gold hoop earrings and your signature herringbone necklace layered with a graduated rope chain, the look embodies main character fashion that feels both polished and approachable. As you peruse a fresh stack of book mail, filled with character-driven novels and books for self-discovery, you’re reminded of how wardrobe choices and reading lists alike are acts of fashion for self-expression. This is main character aesthetic books and clothing in harmony: aesthetic clothing that inspires confidence, paired with books that make you feel good and fuel your main character mindset. In that quiet, inspired moment, you’re living your main character life—curating both outfit and story with intention, style, and joy.

#LTKFamily #LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKHome

(Left Stack) Mid-October has that golden, just-right kind of glow, and this week’s book mail made it feel like a little miracle. My TBR pile has grown into a cozy tower of anticipation, thanks to a book haul overflowing with new book releases that promise laughter, heartbreak, and quiet moments of wonder. Each envelope carried thoughtful book recommendations, tiny invitations from friends and fellow readers to get lost in stories that feel made just for me. With so many titles that could easily be counted among the best books of 2025, it’s impossible not to feel that autumn has arrived just to make room for reading, warm drinks, and the simple, perfect joy of a stack of fresh books.

#LTKHome #LTKFamily #LTKFindsUnder50

There’s something perfectly chaotic yet charming about dressing like Eli Rallo’s Does Anyone Else Feel This Way?—equal parts sparkle, self-reflection, and the kind of confidence that only comes from admitting you don’t have it all figured out. This outfit isn’t just fashion—it’s emotional armor for the twenty-something in all of us who’s learning to laugh, cry, and dance through the uncertainty of adulthood. Each piece is a reminder that growth can be messy and fabulous at the same time.

#LTKStyleTip #LTKShoeCrush #LTKItBag

Early October has that crisp, golden light that makes the world feel full of possibility, and this week’s book mail was pure delight. My TBR pile has grown into a charming little tower of anticipation, thanks to a book haul brimming with new book releases that I can’t wait to dive into. Each package carried thoughtful book recommendations, little notes from friends and fellow readers pointing me toward stories that might just steal my heart. Honestly, with so many titles that could easily earn a spot among the best books of 2025, it feels like autumn itself arrived just to make room for reading, cozy nooks, and that ineffable joy of discovering the perfect story at just the right time.

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKHome #LTKFamily

There’s something delightfully Southern-fried and heartwarmingly nostalgic about dressing like Trudy from Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits by Arlon Jay Staggs—a woman learning to reclaim her story, her spark, and maybe even her recipe for happiness. Just like Trudy herself, this outfit is full of quiet resilience, playful charm, and a hint of small-town rebellion—all served with a side of buttery confidence.

#LTKWorkwear #LTKFamily #LTKShoeCrush

The first week of October feels like a fresh page in a well-loved novel, and this week’s book mail made it feel downright magical. My TBR pile has blossomed into a cozy tower of possibilities, thanks to a book haul overflowing with new book releases that promise laughter, heartbreak, and everything in between. Each envelope carried thoughtful book recommendations, little whispers from fellow readers nudging me toward stories I can’t wait to devour. With so many titles that could easily be called the best books of 2025, it’s impossible not to feel that autumn has arrived just to make room for reading, tea, and that particular kind of joy only a stack of fresh books can bring.

#LTKHome #LTKFamily #LTKTravel

What better way to channel main-character energy than through an outfit that lets you step right into Polly Potter’s world—and her alter ego, Sabrina Anderson’s? ✨

On the one hand, you’ve got Polly’s yellow power suit: bold, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore. Paired with sleek black pumps and a matching belt, it’s the kind of look that says you’re not just showing up—you’re taking charge. Much like Polly finally deciding she’s done with being overlooked and underappreciated, this outfit is all about drawing the line and stepping into something better. It’s a suit that practically whispers, “I deserve more.”

Then, there’s Sabrina’s casual ease: a puff-sleeve t-shirt tucked into skinny jeans, cinched with a scarf belt, and elevated with kitten heels. It’s effortless but intentional, playful but confident—just like the version of herself Polly writes into existence. This look is for those moments when you’re rewriting your own script, embracing imperfection, and discovering that comfort and joy can live side by side with strength and ambition.

And here’s the magic: whether you lean toward the commanding polish of the yellow suit or the approachable charm of the t-shirt-and-jeans combo, both outfits remind you of what Polly learns—sometimes, life gives you the chance to start again. Sometimes you get to rewrite the ending.

So why not dress the part? Whether you’re striding into the office or wandering a seaside town with the scent of saltwater in the air, your wardrobe can carry a little piece of Sabrina’s fearlessness and Polly’s determination. After all, you’re not just wearing clothes—you’re wearing your own rewrite.

#LTKShoeCrush #LTKWorkwear #LTKTravel

The final days of September have a quiet, golden kind of magic, and this week’s book mail has made it utterly irresistible. My TBR pile has grown into a towering promise of cozy afternoons and late-night reading, thanks to a book haul brimming with new book releases that feel like little treasures. Each package carried thoughtful book recommendations, nudging me toward stories I know will linger long after the last page. Honestly, with so many titles that could easily be called the best books of 2025, it feels like the perfect season to curl up, sip something warm, and get lost in worlds that are entirely my own.

#LTKFamily #LTKHome #LTKTravel

Wearing a green wool coat over straight-leg jeans with blue Boston Birkenstocks, a practical black fanny bag, and—because no main character ever walks alone—a striking red coat for your dog is the very definition of Merry Bingham energy from Merry by Susan Breen. It’s cozy, a little whimsical, and quietly defiant: a look that says you’re carrying the weight of family, tradition, and holiday magic on your shoulders, but you’re doing it with style.

Merry Bingham used to love Christmas. These days, she’s weighed down by family tension, looming medical test results, and the feeling that joy is slipping further from her reach. But instead of giving in, she digs in. She sells her treasured heirloom—an autographed edition of A Christmas Carol—and drags her reluctant family to London for a Christmas they’ll never forget. It’s messy, chaotic, even haunted (hello, Charles Dickens’s very opinionated ghost), but Merry refuses to stop trying.

This outfit channels that same determination. The green coat captures the classic spirit of Christmas, while the blue Birkenstocks bring in an unexpected touch of practicality and individuality. The fanny bag signals you’re prepared for anything—family meltdowns, ghostly apparitions, or just navigating crowded London streets. And the red coat for your dog? That’s pure Merry: equal parts festive and stubborn, finding delight in the details even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.

Slip into this look and you’re not just dressing for winter—you’re dressing for resilience, humor, and hope. Because like Merry, sometimes the real magic isn’t in the perfect holiday, but in showing up, flaws and all, and insisting on joy anyway.

#LTKTravel #LTKSeasonal #LTKStyleTip

Late September has a way of wrapping the city in golden light and quiet excitement, and this week’s book mail only added to the magic. My TBR pile has grown into a delightful little tower of possibility, thanks to a book haul bursting with new book releases I can’t wait to dive into. Each parcel carried book recommendations like secret love notes, whispering promises of laughter, heartache, and wonder. With so many titles that could easily claim a spot among the best books of 2025, it feels as though the week itself was written just for readers like me—cozy, thrilling, and entirely irresistible.

#LTKHome #LTKTravel #LTKFindsUnder50

Wearing a pink dress layered under a pink jacket, pink bow heels, a pink choker, and a black witch hat tied with a pink bow isn’t just an outfit—it’s pure Andromeda “Annie” Wildwood energy from Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood.

Annie has spent her life perfecting the art of looking—and being—just right. Every bow tied neatly, every potion brewed flawlessly, every smile crafted to keep everyone around her happy. The all-pink ensemble mirrors that polished exterior: sweet, soft, and pleasing. The bow details and matching accessories echo her carefully curated life, while the witch’s hat tips its brim toward the magic she’s so desperate to master.

But here’s the twist—much like Annie, this outfit isn’t about perfection, it’s about permission. Permission to embrace the messy, the magical, and the parts of yourself that don’t always sparkle on cue. The bold layers of pink whisper: you’re allowed to be soft and strong. The black hat grounds it all, reminding you that real power comes not from pleasing others but from choosing yourself.

Slip into Annie’s palette and let it remind you that you are the main character of your story—bow heels, imperfections, and all. Sometimes magic isn’t in getting everything right; it’s in daring to live for yourself.

#LTKParties #LTKStyleTip #LTKShoeCrush

Mid-September has a way of feeling like a fresh start, and this week’s book mail has made it downright enchanting. My TBR pile has blossomed into a little paper-and-ink wonderland, thanks to a book haul filled with new book releases that are impossible to resist. Each envelope carried book recommendations whispered from friends, bloggers, and reviewers alike, promising adventures, laughs, and a few tears along the way. Honestly, with so many titles that could easily make the list of the best books of 2025, it feels like my cozy reading nook has become the coziest little corner of the world.

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKHome #LTKFamily

Wearing a black square-neck maxi dress with black mesh ballet flats, a dainty book-charm pendant necklace, and a black-and-purple book bag (with, of course, a perfectly coordinated black-and-purple cat bed for the resident library cat) is the kind of outfit that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into The Literati by Susan Coll. It’s smart, a little dramatic, and brimming with bookish flair—exactly the kind of vibe Clemi, the main character, carries as she stumbles through chaos with wit and determination.

Clemi is 26, bookish, broke, and working her dream job at a prestigious literary nonprofit when she suddenly finds herself juggling an allergic reaction to the nonprofit’s inherited cat, the disappearance of her boss, the FBI knocking on the door, and the small task of pulling off the annual fundraising gala. Her story is a madcap comedy of errors wrapped in highbrow literary polish, and this outfit channels that duality perfectly: elegance on the outside, survival-mode underneath.

The sleek black dress and ballet flats? Classic, understated armor—professional enough for schmoozing donors, comfortable enough for dashing between crises. The book-charm pendant is a quiet nod to her literary soul, while the black-and-purple book bag says she’s serious about hauling around manuscripts, agendas, and maybe a few existential questions. And the coordinating cat bed? That’s the wink of whimsy that acknowledges sometimes your life is one big mess of fur, fiction, and financial calamity.

Slip into this look, and you’re not just dressed for the day—you’re dressing like the heroine of your own story. The woman who can hold it together when everything is unraveling, laugh in the middle of the madness, and still carry a touch of elegance as she figures out what comes next. In other words: very Clemi, very main-character energy, very you.

#LTKHome #LTKStyleTip #LTKWorkwear

Tuesday in Chicago, our cool city mom steps into navy-and-white striped linen pants and a trusty denim vest, her favorite sneakers ready for anything, gold hoops swinging gently, her herringbone necklace catching the light, and her single remaining permanent bracelet clinking softly as she navigates the day. The morning started with pure joy, trains chugging and guitar riffs echoing as her son jammed away before daycare drop-off, but the energy shifted quickly as she rushed home to take her dog to the vet after a sudden decline in health. Wiping away tears, she tried to dive into work, only to be repeatedly derailed by phone updates from the vet, while the flood of photos and videos of her son laughing in music class highlighted the stark contrast between their moods. She does her best to stay positive, to find her footing amidst the worry, but sometimes life just insists on testing the heart, and even a cool city mom can feel the weight of it all.

#LTKWorkwear #LTKFamily #LTKStyleTip

Monday in Chicago, our cool city mom slips into navy pleated shorts and a green-and-navy striped top, her favorite sneakers ready to carry her through a slow-but-steady return to routine, gold hoops glinting in the morning light, her herringbone necklace and stack of permanent bracelets—minus the one that broke off last night, now added to her ever-growing to-do list—clicking softly as she walks. After a whirlwind week in Disney where posting daily outfit photos (or, let’s be honest, anything at all) went out the window, followed by a sinus infection that laid her flat until antibiotics arrived, she’s finally back among the living—only to be hit with news from her podiatrist about her oddly shaped ankle bone that explains the slow healing of past injuries. Who knew? At least there are answers now, so she takes a deep breath, adjusts her bracelets, and keeps moving forward, one carefully measured step at a time.

#LTKStyleTip #LTKTravel #LTKFamily

(The right stack) In early September, with the sunlight still warm but the air hinting at change, wearing a white square neck top with green pleated shorts feels like the perfect main character outfit—fresh, confident, and effortlessly chic. Paired with your everyday gold hoop earrings and signature herringbone necklace, it’s main character fashion that blends personal style inspiration with fashion for self-expression. As you settle in with a fresh stack of book mail, discovering character-driven novels, books for self-discovery, and stories that inspire confidence, you can feel your main character mindset kicking in. This is main character aesthetic books and clothing in action—style that reflects your best self, paired with books that remind you of your own strength and possibility. In this moment, you’re not just reading—you’re living your main character life, one perfectly chosen outfit and one inspiring page at a time.

#LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKStyleTip

(Left stack) It’s only the second week of September, but my book mail has already turned this crisp autumn week into something magical. The new book releases arrived like old friends knocking on the door, each one begging to be added to my ever-growing TBR pile. I can’t help but smile as I unwrap my book haul—so many book recommendations tucked inside those envelopes, and they all promise to be the best books of 2025. It’s the little things, really, that make my heart race: a cozy afternoon ahead with a stack of fresh books, each one a doorway to new worlds I can’t wait to explore.

#LTKSeasonal #LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKHome

Wearing a crisp white button-down with cropped wide-leg jeans, classic black flats, and an apple-shaped purse while stringing fairy lights isn’t just a charming fall outfit—it’s pure Lauryn Harper energy from Lauryn Harper Falls Apart by Shauna Robinson. It’s that perfect mix of polished and playful, grounded yet ready to pivot when life throws you off your carefully plotted course.

Lauryn is a woman who’s built her life around meticulous plans, the kind that leave little room for detours. But when a work mishap sends her back to the hometown she once fled, she finds herself knee-deep in festival planning, small-town drama, and unexpected second chances. That white shirt and jeans combo? It’s the uniform of someone who thought she’d be ticking off career milestones in a high-rise office—but is instead navigating hay bales, craft booths, and strings of twinkle lights. The black flats? Practical enough for long hours on your feet, but chic enough to say you still have standards. And that apple purse? A wink to the festival theme—and a reminder that sometimes leaning into the local flavor can be surprisingly sweet.

Wearing this look is your way of stepping into a story where the plot twist is rediscovering that home can hold more joy than regret, that friendships can be mended, and that the plans you never made might just be the ones worth keeping. So grab those fairy lights, slip on your flats, and head into the crisp autumn air—because like Lauryn, you might just find that the things you once ran from are the very things that make you feel like the main character in your own life.

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal #LTKWorkwear

Tuesday in Florida finds our cool city mom navigating the wonders of the Kennedy Space Center in navy pleated shorts and a navy-and-white striped top, her favorite sneakers keeping pace with toddler-sized footsteps, gold hoops catching the Florida sun, and her herringbone necklace layered with her graduated rope necklace, bracelets clinking as she points out rockets and space shuttles. Between awe-filled toddler squeals and photo ops with towering rockets, she’s effortlessly stylish yet totally practical—because even in outer space-adjacent adventures, a mom’s got to look good while keeping up with a little explorer whose excitement is truly out of this world.

#LTKTravel #LTKStyleTip #LTKFamily

It’s a long Monday of travel from Chicago to Orlando, and the city mom is keeping it effortlessly cool in black linen cropped wide-leg pants and a black square-neck cropped top, her favorite sneakers cushioning every step, gold hoops glinting in airport lights, and her herringbone necklace layered with her graduated rope necklace, bracelets stacked high as ever. Between tag-teaming with three other adults to corral her toddler, who’s mostly charming and surprisingly cooperative, they somehow make it through Ubers, security, and flights, landing exhausted but buzzing with excitement, ready to swap skyscrapers for sunshine—even if she’s already dreaming of a quiet cocktail before bedtime.

#LTKTravel #LTKFamily #LTKStyleTip

(Bottom half of stack) In early September, when summer’s warmth lingers but autumn whispers at the edges, slipping into a black and white striped 3/4 sleeve top and khaki shorts feels effortlessly classic—a *main character outfit* that balances laid-back ease with timeless style. Paired with your everyday gold hoop earrings and a new graduated rope necklace, it’s *main character fashion* that proves *aesthetic clothing* can be simple yet powerful. As you browse through a fresh stack of *book mail*, discovering *character-driven novels*, *books for self-discovery*, and *stories that inspire confidence*, you feel your *main character mindset* taking root. This is *main character energy books and fashion* in perfect harmony: style for confidence paired with reading for inspiration. In this moment, you’re *living your main character life*—the heroine of your own story, dressed in a look that feels just as intentional as the next chapter you’re about to read.

#LTKTravel #LTKHome #LTKFamily

(Top half of stack) There’s something magical about a week filled with book mail, especially when it’s the first week of September and the autumn chill is just beginning to sneak in. My TBR pile is now overflowing, thanks to a delightful book haul of new book releases—each one more enticing than the last. A handful of book recommendations have already caught my eye, and I'm eagerly anticipating diving into the best books of 2025. It’s the perfect reminder of why I’ll never tire of receiving parcels wrapped in that familiar brown paper—every book feels like a promise of new adventures waiting to unfold.

#LTKFamily #LTKHome #LTKTravel

My week as a romcom: Ashley’s week in Chicago could’ve been lifted straight from a romcom montage—equal parts hustle, sparkle, and heart. Monday started grounded, catching up on blog work and a mountain of emails that had stacked up over the weekend. Tuesday brought a little extra shine: a Zoom call with the Nic + Juniors team to fine-tune Chicago Literary Salon plans, a physical therapy session to keep her ankle in check, and then a dreamy evening cruising the Chicago River and Lake Michigan on a sunset boat tour with the Friend of a Mom Book group—laughter, city lights, and a breeze that felt like freedom. By Wednesday, Eric was finally back from his work trip, and Ashley balanced the practical and the indulgent: tackling her to-do list between a massage, a call with a potential sponsor, and an ankle ultrasound (because even romcom leads need doctor’s orders). Thursday was less glamorous, spent mostly in front of her computer, broken up only by another PT session. But Friday ended on a high: a lunch meeting with an author to brainstorm ways to make the Chicago Literary Salon truly magical, followed by Miles’ fresh new haircut—proof that even the busiest weeks can tie up with a perfectly heartwarming bow.

#LTKWorkwear #LTKActive #LTKStyleTip

It’s a breezy Friday in August, and the city mom is keeping it chic and effortless in a black linen midi-dress, her favorite sneakers, and her go-to gold hoops, with her herringbone necklace layered under her graduated rope necklace and her stack of permanent bracelets adding just the right amount of everyday sparkle. She’s wrapping up the week in style—slipping in one last meeting with a local author to chat about the Chicago Literary Salon, firing off emails, and finally setting her out-of-office as she imagines sandy toes and sunshine ahead in Florida, feeling that perfect mix of accomplished and ready-for-vacation giddiness.

#LTKWorkwear #LTKStyleTip #LTKSeasonal

There’s something about fall that makes you want to wrap yourself in texture, warm layers, and a little storybook magic—and the right outfit can make you feel like the main character in your own life. A black textured romper with buttons down the front, layered over an Essential Boat-Neck Jersey Top, paired with sheer tights and Soho Knee High Boots, hits that perfect balance of chic and cozy. The buttons add playful detail, the layered top keeps it soft and approachable, and the boots give it a confident, city-ready edge—all while leaving room to curl up with a good book or tackle your to-do list.

Light a fall-scented candle that smells like crisp leaves, baked apples, and the comforting warmth of a Vermont inn, and suddenly you’re stepping into the world of If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia. Set in small-town Copper Run, Vermont, this slow-burn romance follows a newly divorced innkeeper as she navigates awkward encounters, scone disasters, and a flannel-wearing neighbor whose charm is impossible to resist. Between the candlelight, cozy layers, and golden autumn glow, it’s easy to imagine yourself in the story—or at least channeling its warmth and confidence in your own life.

Wearing this look while savoring the small, comforting rituals of fall is a reminder that being the heroine of your own story doesn’t mean having everything figured out. It’s about showing up for yourself, finding joy in the little moments, and embracing a day that feels wholly yours—boots on, buttons fastened, candle flickering. Sometimes, all it takes is the right outfit and a little literary inspiration to feel like the main character you truly are.

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal #LTKWorkwear