What I’ve Been Reading

This year I set myself a challenge to read 52 books.

Why would you do that? I hear you ask.

Because I can.
Because I should.
But mostly because staring at a screen binge-watching TV isn't good for my tired eyes, or my occasionally exhausted mind (and because 90% of the time that I'm watching TV, I'm also scrolling through social media or looking up online stores researching trends).

Plus, I have great difficulty winding down, and calming my overly busy mind. Seriously, it's like there's 104 tabs open at all times, so this is my meditation.

I also genuinely love to lose myself in the characters and their story and there's always that bittersweet moment when you finish a book you've really loved because it's like your friends stopped telling you a story part-way through.

So, here I am, three months into the year and I can proudly say, I've already finished 11 books and I'm halfway through my 12th.

Because I'm frequently asked what I'm reading, I thought I'd keep a running tally incase anyone is after inspiration (with a little synopsis of what the book is about)-plus I figure it's a good way to stay accountable. TT

What I've read this year:

As you can see, I tend to bounce between gritty crime thrillers (the more gruesome the better) and easy chic lit beach-style reads.

Occasionally I'll throw in a non-fiction, but in most cases it also needs to be crime-related.

One of my favourite non-fiction books is Marching Powder by Rusty Young which tells the tale of Thomas McFadden, a convicted English drug trafficker who ran tours inside Bolivia's notorious San Pedro prison.

Finally, here are a few books I read towards the end of last year that I also enjoyed:

These were all great easy reads, although I particularly loved While I Was Sleeping by Dani Atkins, I couldn't put it down and read the whole book in a day.

If you've got any books you can recommend, I'd love to hear about them in the comments below. Follow Blonde Ambition on WordPress.com

For all partnership and collaboration inquiries please contact me directly at brookefalvey@hotmail.com.

BLONDE AMBITION ARCHIVES

Sneakers have never had a spot in my shoe closet because there are so many pretty heels to buy, but I stayed up late a few weeks back so that I could buy these new @adidasoriginals Sleek Shoes in a pink/red combo. Aren't they glorious? I suspect my feet will also love them as much as my pink/red coloured heart! If you're a sneaker wearer, what do you usually pair your sneakers with? @teamstylefile #autumnstylefile #onwednesdayswewearpink _______________________________________ #spotmyshoestyle #everydaystyle #ootd #wiwt #fblogger #30plusstyle #brisbanestyle #australianstyle #shoes #brisbaneblogger #shoeporn #shoesaddict #pink #sneakers #adidasoriginals #pinkandred #styleblogger #style #instastyle #instafashion #outfitpost #whatiwore #styleinspiration #styleoftheday #girlboss

When you take "look fierce" a little too literally, but it makes @katelukephotography laugh during a long, hot photoshoot so ... worth it! Do you want to see more of my behind-the-scenes shenanigans? _______________________________________ #behindthescenes #bts #pinkandred #everydaystyle #brisbaneblogger #brisbane #spotmystyle #ootd #girlboss #styleblogger #sharedmystyle #wiw #whatimwearing #womenwithstyle #streetstyle #30plusstyle #theeverygirl #fashionblogger #styleblogger #officestyle #9to5 #ihavethisthingwithcolor #affordablefashion

Look, I love summer as much as the next person but 35 degrees seemed a little excessive today. Thankfully, my plans were postponed so after lunch I pulled on my striped @targetaus swimmers for today's @teamstylefile #autumnstylefile #teamstripes challenge and hit the pool to cool off. And yes, I slip, slop, slapped after this photo! ______________________________________ #stripes #targetstyle #targetaus #targetaustralia #foundattarget #swimwear #whatiwore #style #fashion #everydaystyle #love #weekendvibes #beach #spotmystyle #funfashion #outfitinspo #joy #bopo #thatsdarling #theeverygirl #weekendmood #30plusstyle #loveANYbody

Putting my best foot forward in this gorgeous Mckenzie Wrap Dress* from @sundaystyler. Back by popular demand, it's ruby red with little pink flowers and it was perfect paired with my statement sunnies* by @maude_studio and @rubi_anz mules for today's city shopping trip before a photoshoot with @katelukephotography. (*kindly gifted) ____________________________________ #pinkandred #wrapdress #love #blonde #girlboss #everydaystyle #autumnstyle #red #over30style #30plusstyle #fashiondiaries #lookbook #style #whatiwore #theeverygirl #affordablefashion #thatsdarling #styleoftheday #wiwtoday #outfitdetails #streetstyle #sydney #melbourne #brisbaneblogger #styleblogger #ootdfashion

Wear neutral, they said. I've had quite a few headshots over the years but this one wins hands down. It's just so me (alfalfa sprig of hair and veiny hand included). My editor Nat didn't even seem surprised that my chosen outfit was a sequinned blazer dress or at my explanation that metallics are a neutral. Big thanks to Jo from @twidalehairandmakeup for making me look the goods! ________________________________________#uonsunday #headshot #columnist #sequins #sparkle #style #zara #zarastyle #womenwithstyle #lmbdw #blazerdress #theeverygirl #spotmystyle #outfitdetails #aboutalook #30plusstyle #girlboss #fashioneditor #fashionover30 #everydaystyle #spotmystyle #realstreetstyle #thatsdarling #ootd #loveyourself #brisbanestyle #vamff #choosejoy #luxe

No longer just a throwback to the 80s, the blazer dress has been given a high-end makeover which elevated it from fashion faux pas to the perfect eveningwear solution. Look for styles that narrowly skim the body, or are nipped in or belted at the waist to give a fit-and-flare shape. _______________________________________ #uonsunday #blazerdress #autumnstyle #summerstyle #everydaystyle #girlboss #zara #zarawoman #thatsdarling #theeverygirl #womenwithstyle #spotmystyle #over30style #30plusstyle #brisbanestyle #melbournefashion #lmbdw #ihavethisthingwithcolour #love #ootdfashion #cocktaildress #colourpop #sydneystyle #partydress #australianfashion

Would you believe this entire outfit cost less than $40? When I spotted these pieces in @kmartaus on the weekend, I knew I was on to a winner. The Short Extended Sleeve Panel Top is $12; Skinny High Rise Jeans $15; Necklace $4; and Shoes $6 (on sale) . . . #kmart #kmartaus #kmartaustralia #australianfashion #kmartstyling #everydaystyle #affordablefashion #whatimwearing #blonde #autumnstyle #womenwithstyle #over30style #30plusstyle #monochrome #loveyourself #thatsdarling #happy #ootd #whatiwore #spotmystyle #brisbanefashion #love #girlboss #instastyle #denim

Clear is killer this year and you've probably noticed I've already embraced the trend with these barely-there perspex heels from @cinorishoes popping up in a few of my recent outfit posts. Much like a nude heel - they elongate my little legs, much to my delight! ______________________________________ @mollinishoes Pete Clear Vinylite from @cinorishoes (Kindly gifted) ______________________________________ #Cinori #cinorishoes #perspexheels #shoesday #spotmyshoestyle #everydaystyle #ootd #wiwt #fblogger #30plusstyle #brisbanestyle #australianstyle #shoes #brisbaneblogger #heels #shoeporn #shoesaddict #styleblogger #style #instastyle #instafashion #outfitpost #whatiwore #styleinspiration #styleoftheday #girlboss

This Friday is International Women's Day so I've rounded up 24 slogan tees perfect to wear on Friday and beyond-and most come from great little Aussie businesses started by women. {Link in profile} ______________________________________ #iwd2019 #women #slogantee #feminist #dangerousfemales #ladystartup #girlboss #celebrate #hustle #strongwomen #everydaystyle #theeverygirl #womensupportingwomen #style #fashion #fashionover30 #spotmystyle #brisbaneblogger #melbourne #sydney #feminist #fashionblogger #streetstyle #stylish #instastyle #australia #styleatanyage