🌤️ To Starting Over
I’ve been in a weird place lately—new city, no real routine, no job yet. It’s easy to feel like I’m falling behind. But instead of spiraling, I’m trying something new: being kinder to myself. Starting from scratch isn’t failure—it’s a clean canvas.
With all this unexpected free time, I’ve been consuming a lot of media: books, shows, movies. And honestly? I’ve found some gems. So if you’re also in a season of stillness or need a distraction (or obsession), here are a few of my favorite finds from this year so far.
📚 Books I Can’t Shut Up About
I’ve read 34 books so far this year (!!) and these three series stood out above the rest:
The Windy City Series – Liz Tomforde
If you know me, you know I always recommend this series. It's addictive. I started it last summer and finished it in under a month. On May 20, book five dropped—and it might just be my favorite one yet.
What makes this series so good?
✨ Healthy relationship dynamics
✨ A lovable, tight-knit friend group
✨ Chicago-based athletes falling in love
You meet 10 characters: 5 couples, 3 teams, 2 sets of siblings, and one unforgettable friend group. I’ve reread the series twice and will probably read it 100 more times. Thank you, Liz Tomforde.
The Magnolia Parks Universe – Jessa Hastings
If you loved Gossip Girl and the chaos that is Chuck and Blair’s relationship—this one’s for you. I’ve read the series twice, and it’s so beautifully frustrating you can’t look away.
Magnolia and BJ’s relationship is toxic, addictive, heartbreaking… and somehow you still root for them. Hastings writes in a way that feels like the characters are talking directly to you. It's long, it’s messy, but it’s perfection.
Bonus: The Daisy Haites books add a layer of London mafia chaos you didn’t know you needed. And her latest, The Conditions of a Heart, is next up on my list.
Lost and Lassoed (Rebel Blue Ranch Series) – Lyla Sage
I’ve read the whole Rebel Blue Ranch series, but Lost and Lassoed is my top pick. This enemies-to-lovers book has so much slow-burn tension, and by book three, it explodes in the best way.
If cowboy romance is your thing—or even if you don’t know it is yet—this one’s worth it. Smutty, dramatic, and five stars from me.
đź“ş TV Shows That Took Over My Life
This year has been the year of Apple TV for me. It started with one show and spiraled into full-blown obsession.
Severance ( Apple TV)
This show kind of broke my brain. It’s eerie, intense, slow at first—but once you’re in, you’re in. I watched it with my boyfriend, and by episode 4, we were glued to the screen.
Not something you throw on in the background—this show demands your attention. But it’s so worth it.
Loot (Apple TV)
The first show I binged after moving to Philly. Maya Rudolph is hilarious and the writing is smart—commentary on wealth, tech, and society without being cringey.Â
The Studio (Apple TV)
This one is chaotic—in the best way. Seth Rogen kills it. It’s uncomfortable, cringe-worthy, hilarious, and packed with cameos. Definitely one of those “so awkward you want to cover your eyes” shows, but you can’t look away.
Ted Lasso (Apple TV)
Yes, I’m late to the party, but I finally watched it—and wow. I started it when I was still working at the salon, squeezing in episodes between clients. It’s so wholesome, smart, and surprisingly emotional. Who knew watching a soccer team could bring me so much joy?
🎬 Movies I’ll Watch Forever
I haven’t been on a movie kick lately, but here are my two all-time go-to’s:
Whiplash
An intense, powerful film. Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons give electric performances. It's about obsession, perfection, and how far someone will push themselves to be the best—even if it costs them their soul. I’ve watched it over a dozen times, and it never misses.
Cruel Intentions
A 90s classic. My mom introduced me to this in high school, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. The aesthetic, the drama, the soundtrack—iconic. It’s toxic, moody, and everything I love in a movie.
🤍 Let’s Talk
If you have any recs for shows, books, movies, or anything that helped you through a weird time, I want to hear them. Seriously. DM me. Text me. Drop it in the comments.
And if there’s anything else you’d love to hear from me—life updates, my favorite products, new hobbies —let me know. I’m trying to connect , talk more, share more.
Here’s to starting again, this time with more grace and less pressure.
– Alexis 💖