My Morning Routine

I am without a doubt a morning person. I do my best work in the morning, so I try to structure my routine around this. It’s important that if you’re wanting to create a routine for yourself, that you know your strengths and weaknesses, so that you can set yourself up for success.

Today I’m sharing my morning routine and why I love the way it’s structured. I couldn’t successfully run all of the moving parts of my business without this morning routine. It’s important for me to note that the times are not always the same because I work for myself. My schedule can mean early mornings and late nights, so while the times may differ every day, the overall routine is pretty similar.

Wake up:

I usually wake up between 6:30 and 7:00 most mornings. My body is pretty terrible at sleeping in unless I’ve slept poorly the night before, or was up later than normal. As soon as I get up, I head to make coffee and then set the vibe in my living room to read. I often will tidy up the living room during this time, because it’s usually a little messy from the night day before. Next, I will either light a candle or some incense, and also either turn on the fireplace app on my TV, or turn on some quiet meditation music.

Read:

Usually at this time, my coffee is ready, so I get a nice warm mug and settle into the couch with plenty of blankets. I love starting my day with reading because I get so excited to get up and do something I love. I only spend about 15-30 minutes reading during this time and the amount of time is dependent on how busy the day ahead is.

Planning:

Once I’m done reading, I head to wherever my workspace is for that day (I rotate between the dining room, desk in my office, and couch) to plan my day. I personally like switching this up depending on what kind of work I’m doing that day because it helps keep things feeling inspiring and creative. I like to spend at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour, getting my day mapped out. Monday mornings I spend extra time making a plan for the week (focusing on time sensitive tasks), and making a weekly to do list. I find that when I do this every Monday morning, it helps me feel confident in my abilities to take on the week, and also makes the other mornings so much more efficient. If it’s not Monday, I will then look at that weekly to do list and plan, and decide what needs to get done today.

One big thing I’ve switched to for 2021 that has made the world of a difference is separating the areas of my life into separate planners. I used to try to keep everything in one place and it just got to be too confusing and overwhelming. I don’t like seeing my AFB to do list if I’m done working for the day and focusing on other things in my personal life.

Currently I have four planners! Hear me out! haha I have a personal/ home life planner, AFB business planner, financial planner, and wedding planner. I know that not everyone will need a wedding planner or even a business planner! I’m sharing this more so, so that you can see how crucial it is for me to divide these four sections of my life. I am experiencing a lot of overwhelm in my life because I have so much on my plate, but being able to stay super organized and compartmentalized is truly what is keeping me afloat.

Emails:

Once I have my day planned, I always clear my inbox. Dealing with this task feels very overwhelming right now, due to the amount of emails I receive daily. I try to get a good 30 minutes in right at the start of my day, so that I can cross it off my list and feel accomplished before I do any other work. I personally try to make sure that I can reply to emails within 24-36 hours of receiving them.

Eat breakfast:

After I have my planning and emails done, I’ll usually grab some breakfast (oatmeal or yogurt bowl) and get to work on whatever my day consists of.

My days can look like a combination of any of these things; seeing clients, writing for the blog, editing or filming for IGTV or YouTube, meal prepping for a family I cook meals for, working on my cookbook, recipe testing, thrifting, etc. There really are so many facets of my business, which is why I love it so much!

I personally love that my business gives me a flexible life where I can create differently each day. However, I cannot ignore the fact that when you live a flexible work life, you have to be able to stay organized so that you don’t miss anything. As a self-employed entrepreneur you don’t have a boss to catch errors or remind you to complete certain tasks you missed, so it’s vital that you implement some type of routine into your work days, so you can be successful.

I hope this look into my morning routine has given you some insight into what has helped me start my days off enjoyably!

What are the key aspects of your morning routine? Leave me a comment below and tell me.

Have a great day,

Andrea

Reading Update

The last time I wrote a book review post was in April when quarantine was only a month in. I never could predicted that at my next book review post things would look so different. Quarantine is still in full swing 4 months later and the content in which I’m reading has completely changed, for the better.

At the end of May when George Floyd was killed a significant shift was made. If you follow me on IG (which I highly recommend you should because it is where I am most detailed and up to date click here) you have seen that this event has shaken me to my core and opened my eyes to the work that I need to do as an individual who happened to be born into a body that offers me great privilege. #BLACKLIVESMATTER

While I’ve donated to countless organizations and will continue to do so, I have vowed to do the work. I will be purchasing from more BIPOC small business owners, supporting causes that further the dismantling of the white privilege surrounding us, using my vote to support those who will create change, and much more. I wanted to take a hard look at my daily actions that I could change to support this very important cause, the first being my library.

Originally, I vowed to purchase one hard copy book from a BIPOC author every month for as long as I’m physically able, to add to my library. I’m very blessed to be in love with a man who values the importance of a library in our home and also wants to be surrounded by good books. What I realized however, is that in my love for secondhand living and reducing waste, I’ve relied mostly on borrowing books from my local library or purchasing secondhand through various methods of thrifting. While both of these options are still great, I realized that this was limiting what was permanently housed in our library and would affect the books that our future children were also surrounded by. I want so many voices to live in that library. I want my future children to hear from perspectives that I can’t possibly give them. I want them to be well rounded and educated so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their world.

That being said, when a friend reached out to encourage me to join her reading challenge, I said yes immediately, because it seemed challenging. She shared that a small group of friends would be taking a vow to only read books written by BIPOC authors from June 19th 2020 (Juneteenth) to the end of June 2021. I knew this was the perfect way to listen, learn, and educate myself on perspectives completely different from my own. It would give me a way to fill my library with voices that need to be read and heard.

Currently I am almost two months into this challenge, have read 7 books, and learned so much. I know this is only one tiny piece of the puzzle, but I am sharing this to encourage you to look at what you are reading, especially if you are an avid reader who values surrounding yourself with good books.

An update on what I have been recently reading will be coming soon, so stay tuned.

Thank you for being here,

Andrea

Recent Amazon Favorites

I don’t know about you but I love to see the random things people purchase on Amazon and what their favorites are. Here is my list of items I have been very happy with recently.

1. Bamboo ‘Cotton Rounds"‘:

   As I mentioned on IG, as a way to track one of my 2020 goals of making more sustainable swaps in my everyday life, I am switching up something every month. In January I bought these reusable and machine washable natural bamboo cotton rounds and I love them! They are bigger than disposable cotton rounds which makes them great for removing makeup and applying toner!

2. Glo Minerals Pencil Sharpener:

   If you love jumbo pencil-type lipsticks, i.e. Nars, Glo Minerals, etc, you need to have one of these pencil sharpeners. It’s the perfect size and works so well!

3. Glo Minerals Suede Matte Lip Crayons:

   These are my favorite lip products for brides because they look so special, but are never too intense. The formula is perfect for a wedding day because they are comfortable but stay on really well. I love the shades “Monogram” and “Trademark” for my brides.

4. Conair Fabric Defuzzer:

   This is another ‘gadget’ that every woman needs to own, especially if you are a thrifter! It’s a great way to clean up and bring some loved and pre-worn pieces back to life. Let’s also not forget how satisfying it is to shave your clothes and watch them appear neater. My people who love power washing and vacuuming will get this! haha

5. Popsocket:

   I have been a faithful popsocket lover for a couple of years now and I have noticed how much more comfortable using my phone is when I have one. It SAVES your pinky. Now that I have the iPhone 11 Pro Max too it’s especially helpful because this phone is huge and heavy.

6. Book Dart Bookmarks:

   I technically bought these for Mikey for his birthday to go with a book I got him but since the set came with 18, I asked if I could steal one and I am obsessed. If I ever lose mine I will buy my own set, because they are amazing. They are so thin and sleek in your book, but hold your exact line where you leave off…if you are one of those crazy people who can stop reading in the middle of a chapter!!! I am not…haha

7. Washi Tape:

   There is something about washi tape that makes me super happy. I use it in MANY things. In my planner, to wrap presents, to decorate cards, etc. I just love having a diverse supply of colors so I can always have something that works on hand.

8. Gold Necklace:

   I bought this necklace to test out the quality and see if I like this trend of many layered gold necklaces and I’m pleasantly surprised with how much I love the quality of it. I was expecting my neck to turn green but thankfully it hasn’t! I never take it off along with my other gold necklace and it still looks beautiful.

9. Stasher Bags:

   Stasher bags have changed my life and I have several now. I love how I can throw them into the dishwasher to clean them which not all reusable bags can do. They are great quality and I also love that they come in many different colors and shapes. Adding more to my collection is also on my list of sustainable swaps this year!

10. LED Book Light:

    I have only had this book light for about a week but I’m already obsessed. It grips onto your book easily, is rechargeable with an included USB charger, and it has 3 light settings which are awesome! If you need a book light, I highly recommend this one!

Have you purchased anything from Amazon recently that you love? Tell me in a comment below! I am always curious!

Happy Valentine’s Day,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty. 

11 Things With Andrea #5

I’m trying to get better with keeping up with these posts because I know how much you guys love them. So here we are! New year, new 11 Things with Andrea.

1. Should we start off with a bang? In case you missed it, I paid off my last student loan on Christmas Eve this year and now I am officially DEBT FREE! I can’t believe this moment is finally here after years of hard work and dedication. Let me know if you want me to write more about my debt free journey.

2. I have officially joined the #PASHFAM and become obsessed with my Passion Planner. I have no idea how I’ve survived this long without one. Special thanks to my best friend Margaret (@edgewoodplace) who convinced me to take the plunge. This is the best planner I have ever purchased and it works so well for my brain.

3. Coming off of working so hard to be debt free, I wanted to make sure I didn’t treat myself too much in January, so this month I’m doing a No Buy. This means, no extras but the necessities for the whole month of January. I figured this would help me transition into life where I’m not putting more than a third of my income towards debt!

4. About a week ago I purchased the new iPhone 11 Pro Max and I’m so happy with it so far! The picture quality is amazing and I’m excited to experiment with it as I continue to create new content for you this year!

5. I received Alison Roman’s cookbook, Nothing Fancy, for Christmas and I’m already obsessed! The few recipes I’ve tried so far have been amazing and I’m excited to keep diving into more. If you like to feed your friends and family with cozy and easy meals that feel special, check it out!

6. Speaking of cookbooks…I’m still trekking along on my own cookbook journey. Still working on recipe testing which takes a lot longer than you would imagine.

7. For the first time in maybe ever, I feel like my two weeks off for the holidays was actually two weeks. I got rest, did puzzles, read books, took many naps, cooked and ate delicious food, and really relaxed. I think it also helps when you have created a life that you like getting back to. While it was nice to have a break, I’m so happy to be back to planning 2020 and amping things up for what this year has in store for AFB.

8. I have a secret project coming for Galentine’s Day that I CANNOT wait to share with you! Stay tuned, but your hint is that it will be located in the SHOP tab…haha

9. January was really hard for me last year. I think I even wrote a post about it? January is not usually my best month but this year feels so much better than years past! I think it has a lot do with being medicated for my anxiety and feeling like I have a stable but flexible plan for the month.

10. I’m already more than half booked for 2020 and I cannot believe it! If you or someone you know is getting married and needs a makeup artist, send them my way or email me ASAP (andreafontanabeauty@gmail.com). I don’t want you to miss out!

11. Mikey’s birthday is at the end of this month and I cannot wait to make his annual birthday cake. Every year I pick a theme based on something he loves. Previous years included the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Death Star, and Harry Potter. This year I’m thinking the West Wing? Stay tuned to my IG for that as well because you KNOW I’ll be sharing that labor of love when it’s done.

What’s going on in your life right now? Let me know in a comment below. I hope you feel rested and ready to start off the new DECADE on a strong note. I believe in you and I’m grateful every day for your support.

Have a great week,

Andrea

Books I've Recently Read #6

Here is the latest edition of what I’ve been reading the last few months! Let me know in a comment below what you’ve been reading. As usual, the titles are links to the books if you’d like to purchase on Amazon. Happy Reading!

BECOMING by Michelle Obama:

I mean, how can you not love Michelle Obama? This book really sparked my interest in the stories of First Women. While I think the beginning could have been condensed a little, I loved the message of the whole book. I finished the book feeling very inspired and highly recommend that all women read it.

THE GREAT ALONE by Kristin Hannah:

This and the next book were both recommended to me by a friend who’s book recommendations I trust and I could not agree more with her. The great alone was unique story that takes place in Alaska. It tackles the issues of PTSD, alcoholism, and so much more, while showing the strength of women!

THE NIGHTINGALE by Kristin Hannah:

This was my favorite book that I read in 2019 (aside from finishing the Harry Potter series….because duh!) If you love fiction stories during the WWII time period, I highly recommend this one. I liked it more than All the Light We Cannot See which I read earlier this year. Put it on your to do list.

MIDDLESEX by Jeffrey Eugenides:

This is such a unique story that I grew up seeing the title of and finally at 29 decided to cross it off my to-read list. This book is such a great mix of coming of age, family history, and genetics! This is another one that I think everyone should read.

PRIDE & PREJUDICE by Jane Austen:

I had never read or watched Pride and Prejudice before reading this and I’m so glad I decided to finally. Mikey gifted me my copy for our anniversary last year, and I finally got around to reading it! At first I wasn’t too into the story, but towards the end I found my self pacing around my house and staying up until it was done! It’s another classic that you have to read.

COLD TANGERINES by Shauna Niequist:

I had really high expectations for this one, since I’ve read ‘Bread & Wine’ also by Niequist and loved that. However, I had a hard time getting through this easy read. It seemed pretty repetitive and didn’t captivate me like her other book did.

MAYBE YOU SHOULD TALK TO SOMEONE by Lori Gottlieb:

I reserved this one at the library due to everyone hyping it up! I was so worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype, but boy did it! I loved the different perspectives shown regarding therapy, and that it was written by a therapist who shared her experience in therapy as well. I love that more books are being written on mental health and recommend that you read this one as well.

IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT by Judy Blume:

I haven’t read a Judy Blume book in YEARS and happened to stumble across this one while browsing the new releases at the library one day. The back cover summary intrigued me and the book didn’t disappoint. It usually like books that are written from many characters’ perspectives, so I liked how this one was reading. It was a pretty easy read.

LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott:

I haven’t read little women since I was little and while I know the story really well, I had to re-read it once I heard the movie was being remade. Any other 90’s babies here that were obsessed with the Winona Ryder and Christian Bale version? I have probably watched it about 100 times. This book never disappoints and I am so excited for the new movie to come out next week on Christmas!

SUPPER CLUB by Lara Williams:

This was another random library find. You know how much I love cooking so I figured with a title like ‘Supper Club’ it has to be good! haha While the story was completely different than I expected, it’s nice to read a book that is different and unpredictable. However, I wouldn’t necessarily urge you to run out and get it if you have others on your list already.

STAY AND FIGHT by Madeline Ffitch:

This story reminded me a lot of ‘The Great Alone’ mainly because it has a similar ‘women living off grid and having to survive’ vibe going on. If I hadn’t read ‘The Great Alone’ so recently I think I would have enjoyed this one more, because that one was just SO good. Another book that left me feeling pretty meh and lukewarm.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, VOL 1 (1884-1933) by Blanche Wiesen Cook:

This was one of three books Mikey bought me for our anniversary this year and I sprinted through it. I was captivated by the story of Eleanor Roosevelt and think that Cook did a remarkable job telling her story. I can’t wait to dive into Vol 2 soon (thankfully Mikey bought me both). I think every woman should read her story, but especially if you are an entrepreneur. Her story is so inspiring and it’s amazing how ahead of the times she was. Highly highly highly recommend. Definitely in my Top 5 of 2019.

THE SECRETS WE KEPT by Lara Prescott:

This is one I kept seeing pop up around social media so I threw it on my requests list at the library and next thing I knew it was my turn to read it. I enjoyed it, but I’ve read better this year. I think the time period it takes place during (Cold War) is interesting, but it just wasn’t one I couldn’t put down. Not bad but not in my top 5 of the year.

Tell me what you’re reading and what the best book you read this year was! If you’d like to see some of the other books I’ve read since the beginning of 2018, click on the links below to see my other reviews!

Book’s I’ve Read Recenty #1

Books I’ve Read Recently #2

Books I’ve Read Recently #3

Books I’ve Read Recently #4

Books I’ve Read Recently #5

Happy reading friends!

-Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty. 

11 Things With Andrea #2

Let’s just jump right into it!

1. I recently tried Fabletics for the first time and overall I loved my first purchase. I got two pairs of cropped leggings, one full length pair, and a sports bra that zipped up the front. I was really hoping to find a sport’s bra that was thick and good quality (the zipper ones usually are for higher impact sports), but unfortunately the fabric is just too thin to be super supportive. I LOVED the leggings though. The trinity high-waisted leggings are amazing. I highly recommend them. I asked you guys on IG your thoughts on Fabletics and most of you said that it’s not really great for sports bra, but the leggings and tops are awesome! While it is a monthly subscription I don’t think I’ll be purchasing every month (you can skip months), because I’m pretty set with leggings for now!

2. I have been reading a lot recently (I’m on my 6th book for the month if that tells you anything). I did a book post recently (click here to check it out) and I’m excited to have some extra time next week to relax and read because the families I nanny for are on spring break! I picked up ‘The Shape of Water’, ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘The Devil in the White City’ from the library and you all voted for me to start with ‘Big Little Lies’! I’m excited to read all three of these so make sure to check back in a little while to see my review on them.

3. I currently have a GIVEAWAY going for a $100 Gift Certificate to JORD watches! If you haven’t entered it yet, CLICK HERE to check out the watch I was gifted for Mikey (my sweet watch obsessed other half). You don’t want to miss out on this awesome chance to win! You also get a 10% off code for entering so what do you have to lose?

4. Wedding season begins this Saturday. While I had one wedding in January, this weekend starts the doing something almost every weekend for weddings and I AM SO EXCITED! I love my brides! I only have 2 Saturdays left and many Fridays and Sundays available so if you’re a 2019 bride who still needs a makeup artist, please contact me ASAP! (Click the CONTACT tab in the menu on the left).

5. I’m really excited to be on track to be under $10,000 in debt by my 29th birthday this May (my goal is to be debt free by 30, which I am also on track for)! I know I don’t talk about it a lot on here, but for all of you working your butts off to become debt free, I AM WITH YOU! It’s probably my biggest goal that I’m working towards every day and if you’re also going through it, I know the struggles and tough work it takes. WE CAN DO IT!

6. Please send all Netflix/Hulu/Prime recommendations my way. Like I mentioned before I have spring break coming up and am going to attempt to watch something since I suck at it. Working on learning how to be comfortable being relaxed and lazy, but it’s a process.

7. I’m happy to report my anxiety is much lower than it was in January and February. I know I talked about it a lot on my IG and a little here, but if you don’t see me talking about it as much as I was, just know it is always something I am dealing with and working with. You are not alone. Always message me if you want to talk to someone.

8. I’ve been trying a lot of new to me products from Drunk Elephant, Herbivore Botanicals, Tarte, Mad Hippie, etc and I’m excited to put together a post devoted to what I liked/ didn’t like.

9. Cookbook writing is still coming along well! Every week I feel like I see the vision of my final cookbook becoming a little stronger which is really exciting. To all of you who consistently ask me how it’s going and are as excited as I am…you will NEVER know how much I truly appreciate your support and love. I am writing this cookbook for you and I think you’re going to love it! If you haven’t already signed up for cookbook updates, please click here to be added to my email list!

10. If you’re in the Midwest, you’ve been experiencing some lovely SUN the last few weeks and it’s been AMAZING! Am I the only one who’s always constantly amazed at how much it affects our mood. We are different people when the sun is out and I love it! Spring is my favorite season so I’m excited to return to running outdoors and stopping to check up on all the blooms.

11. If you caught Samin Nosrat’s phenomenal Netflix series, ‘Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat’ you might have checked out her cookbook of the same name. If you checked out her cookbook you probably oo’ed and aaah’ed at the beautiful artwork in it. I preordered these TO DIE FOR prints from the cookbook and if you need some extra kitchen art (I’m planning a beautiful kitchen gallery wall) you NEED to order these prints. They are so inexpensive for what beauty they really are!

12. BONUS: This last one isn’t about me. It’s about you. You’re great. And I hope you’ll keep coming around to read what I write. I still get such amazing messages from you all about how my content is inspiring you and lifting you up and all I can say is, YOU are the one inspiring and lifting me up when you say these things. You are great! Thank you

Have the best weekend you tootie cutie patootie people,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.

Books I've Read Recently #3

I realized the other day while I was wrapped up in a cozy blanket and yet another book, that I haven’t shared what I’ve been reading recently. If you’re anything like me, you love to see what people are reading so I am back today with quite the long list of books I’ve recently read. As usual, I’ll share a few cookbooks at the end as well. I am pretty proud of how many I read this year.

In case you missed the big announcement over on Instagram and Facebook, I am writing and publishing a cookbook of my very own! I’m still in the writing process, but if you’d like to be the first to know any updates with the book, please CLICK HERE to be added to the list. I’m excited to share more of this adventure with you all in the coming months.

THE FEMALE PERSUASION by Meg Wolitzer: I really liked how this book highlighted the role of a mentor and how we can sometimes build things into such fantasies in our heads. This was one that kept me intrigued the whole time and I couldn’t put it down. I honestly picked it up because I was drawn to the cover, but was pleasantly surprised to see how much I enjoyed the story. It felt very relatable  for those fresh out of college figuring out what they want to do with their lives.

EDUCATED by Tara Westover: I was in awe of the author’s story in this book. It’s a memoir and tells the story of the childhood, growth and success of Tara Westover. It truly leaves you feeling like if she can accomplish whatever she put her mind to, so can you. I found her story so interesting and I think you will too.

ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE by Gail Honeyman: This one has gotten a lot of buzz this year and I can definitely see why. Talk about a book with a plot twist! I was sucked into this one and read it in a few days. I really shows how in order to survive you have to open your heart. I heard it’s being made into a movie so if you are a ‘read before you watch’ kind of girl like me, get on this one!

SHARP OBJECTS by Gillian Flynn: After the HBO show came out, I knew I wanted to read this book before I watched the series. It was a quick and easy read for me and I really liked it. The ending was different than I had predicted and I always love being surprised by a book like that. I still need to watch the show because I LOVE Amy Adams.

THE SPY by Paulo Coelho: I hated this one. I really thought I would like it but it was just really boring and hard to get into. It tells the story of Mata Hari, and how she became this incredibly talented spy. While it’s fun to read about a woman who was able to snake her way in and out of relationships and places she didn’t belong, I would say skip this one.

THIS HOUSE IS HAUNTED by John Boyne: If you read my previous book posts, you might notice that I read John Boyne’s newest book earlier this year. I loved that one and while I did like this one, it was a completely different style of book. It’s a haunted thriller (duh Andrea…look at the title), but it wasn’t as scary as I had been hoping.

HARRY POTTER AND THE (SORCERER’S STONE, CHAMBER OF SECRETS, PRISONER OF AZKABAN, GOBLET OF FIRE) by J.K. Rowling: I am 28 years old and had never read anything Harry Potter before this year. My boyfriend finally convinced me that with as much reading as I do, there was no excuse not to pick up the books. So I did it. I technically am on the 6th book but read #5 this year in 2019, so it’s not included here. You guessed it; I have become a complete Harry Potter nerd and I am obsessed with everything, especially all of the fine details. I can say it, I LOVE HARRY POTTER.

THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho: I finally read this one after hearing basically everyone I know talk about what a classic book it is. I really did like it, but I don’t know if it was because it was so hyped up for me that it wasn’t really what I expected. I’d say if you haven’t it’s a great story that you can get through really quickly.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee: My good friends and I started our own book club in December which I am very grateful for. First up was this classic and I’m happy we read it. I’m sure 99% of you reading this had to read it at some point in school. I remembered nothing about it except the name Boo Radley, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up loving this book. I highly recommend picking it up and visiting others that you may have read when you were at a different point of your life. I find it fascinating to see how different books can affect us just based on what stage of life we are going through.

SALT, FAT, ACID, HEAT by Samin Nosrat: I practically worship the ground Samin walks on at this point haha. If you haven’t watched her Netflix series of the same title, do it now. Then go buy this cookbook. I think EVERY cook needs to have this in the kitchen. It’s full of knowledge and I really think it would help those who want to feel more comfortable in the kitchen.

THE SOPRANOS FAMILY COOKBOOK by Artie Bucco & Allen Rucker: I have found myself referring to this book a lot in the recent months for classic Italian recipes. Fun fact: Mikey bought me this book awhile ago because he always gets hungry when he watches the Sopranos. haha It’s a good one and if you like good Italian food, highly recommend. I’ve been thinking recently about cooking my way through an entire cookbook, and this one might be the one I do it with.

Share in the comments below what you’ve been reading and loving! Book recommendations are something I will NEVER stop wanting.

Happy reading,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.