Read: Six Books for Female Empowerment

See, the world is falling apart.

When I flip through my newsfeed in the morning I'm hit with: terrorism, #BlackLivesMatter, and Donald Trump as the potential leader of the free world. It starts my day with a heavy heart, and a desire to stay under the covers. And yet, despite the serious world issues going on, yesterday, my feed was polluted with a Kardashian and Taylor Swift war? Lord save us all.

If you need a break from the gossip, below are six books written by strong, powerful, bold women to inspire you to tell your story, stand up for what you believe in, and never stay silent on the real issues that matter.

Even if that's taking down the queen of pop in a Snapchat feud. (just kidding - no bullying allowed).

Enjoy! x

Book Club: The Nest

Do you have siblings? Does your family have drama? Do you have a trust fund? Do you wish you did?

This month's book club pick goes to Cynthia D'aprix Sweeney's, The Nest. 

I picked up a copy after everyone and their dog-walker seemed to be sharing the book on social media, and I was curious about the hype. Also, every bookstore I walked into, seemed to have the blue and gold cover smack in the middle of every display.

Book Clubbin' - October Picks

There are two ways I read books. I either devour them with every spare moment I have, (before bed, on the subway, during breakfast) or I keep them by my bedside and slog through them.

While I read year-round, there is something about fall that ups my appetite for books, the way some people increase their Netflix binging. My three book recommendations couldn't be further linked or related, but they provide heartfelt, terrifying, and brilliant reads for whatever your mood is.

My Top Five Books About Love

Reading about love or heartbreak can be cathartic.

It's validating to know that a fictional character, or a real person has experienced the same pain, or uplifting joy that we feel when we open ourselves up to another person. Just ask my new favourite Instagram account, Hot Dudes Reading.

Whether it's heartache, commitment, marriage, or self-exploration, it's hard to find a novel that doesn't focus on these themes in one way or another. I constantly read about love in all of its capacities, whether I'm in a relationship, newly single, heartbroken, or playing the field. It's a constant learning game, and I find it fascinating.

I don't have many views on Valentine's Day; I can take it or leave it depending on my romantic situation. However, February seems to be the month of love, hence this post.

Below are my top five books for whatever you're feeling!

1. This Is The Story Of A Happy Marriage - Author Ann Patchett's collection of essays focuses on her writing career, love for her dog, divorce, and new marriage. My favourite essay, the title of the book, has the simplest advice when it comes to relationships: "Does he make you a better person?"

2. Us: A Novel - For those who loved Nicholls' One Day, his second novel Us, introduces readers to Douglas and Connie, a middle-aged couple who's marriage is on the verge of ending. Connie wants it to end, Douglas does not. They go on a European adventure with their teenage son, Albie hoping to save it.

3. On Love - Alain de Botton's novel is written in short blurbs and describes a relationship from first glance, and idealization to skepticism and intimacy. It's a roller coaster ride, but aren't all relationships?

4. Americanah - This novel, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is my absolute favourite. While it has more important themes like racial politics, the love story between the main characters, Nigerian students Ifemelu and Obinze will break your heart in the best way possible. My favourite line, "She rested her head against his and felt, for the first time, what she would often feel with him: a self-affection. He made her like herself."

5. Love Poems - Pablo Neruda's mini book of poems, will have you seduced. Apparently he wrote them on the island of Capri for his lover Matilde. I carry this with me when I fly.

Online Reading Files

photo credit: The Vault Files

Looking for something new to read? Below are some of my favourite places online to click. Enjoy! x

Annie Dean - Somewhere along the way, we all forgot how to fold a napkin or how not to text at dinner. Lawyer Annie Dean's blog is a lesson in good manners as she focuses on etiquette and entertaining. She also lives a glam little life in NYC with her husband, and their adorable babe. 

The Skimm - Want to sound smart at your next dinner party? The Skimm is an email newsletter that offers the most important daily news in snippets. From politics and sports, to pertinent celebrity news (Gwyneth and Chris?!) they summarize what you need to know and deliver it to your inbox before you start your day. I usually read it in the morning before I get up so I have a better idea of what's going on in the world. (I also work in PR, so this is a pro for my job)

The Vault Files - I met Gaby in a boot camp class I used to take in the summer called Strive Life. I realized she had a blog when I discovered her in an online feature. She's humble, sweet, and super fit! Her blog features stunning photography, the best weekly fashion collages on the web, and home decor that would make anyone envious. She also has an Etsy shop where she sells prints of her beautiful florals.

Sprouted Kitchen - Sara and Hugh Forte created Sprouted Kitchen to document their love for healthy, whole foods. Hugh photographs while Sara writes and recipe plans. It's kind of the most perfect husband and wife project. The photos are less commercial or editorially styled than you would find on other food blogs, but it is the simplicity that makes them moody and beautiful.

What You Learn In Your Forties - This isn't a blog, but rather an Op-Ed from the New York Times, on one writer's musings on turning 40 in Paris and what she's learned along the way. No, I'm not 40, but I love reading sage advice from people who've lived it.

Fighting old lady hands + other polar vortex activities

It's flipping cold.

The type of cold that makes your nostril hair stick to the inside of your nose; the kind that makes people grunt as they walk by in the morning; the type that makes you want to stay indoors, forever.

How does one survive?

1. Get soft bits: My good friend (and partner-in-office crime) Laura saw that my hands had aged 68.5 years during this so called "polar vortex," despite the fact that I wear gloves everyday. Scaly, red and itchy, my hands would soak up cream like a thirsty football fan at the Super Bowl. She recommended Weleda's Skin Food. With organic pansy and calendula flower, this cream is magic! MAGIC. It's also non-greasy (major plus). My hands now look like they belong to a 16 year old reality star who spends her days practicing for her learner's permit. (Note: I got mine at Noah's Natural Foods).

2. Books in Bed: I read all year round, even when it's nice out, but I do find that when it's cold out, I look forward to cozying up in bed and getting all literary. Winter reads? The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P. by Adelle Waldman. Do you want a look into the male psyche through a female author? The main character Nate (A budding writer who lives in Brooklyn) is callous, selfish and shallow, but you never doubt Waldman's view. Her writing has strength. Runner Up: Magazines! I just picked up Vogue's February issue with Lena Dunham to see what the fuss is about. I think she looks great, retouched or not. A huge jump for aspiring cover girls everywhere!

3. Green Drinks: Sometimes I tell myself, I should really keep a box of donuts by my bed so when I wake up in the morning, I don't have to get move. However, now is the time to stick to a healthy routine. Juicing feels too fresh for this weather, so I turn to smoothies. Make sure to add greens (this one has kale, swiss chard and spinach) and other health boosters like chia seeds, hemp hearts and flax seed. 

Whatever your winter ritual, here's looking waiting for you Spring!

Link Love - Not A Model's Favourite Online Spaces

I have a love list of many blogs, sites, personal diaries - what ever you'd like to call them.

To me, they are an endless collection of inspiring work and personal success and I can't help but obsessively click the refresh button.

Wait? You only posted once in 24 hours? (I know this is hypocritical because I seem to lag on my personal blog for days on end).

Without further delay, below is an assortment of just a few of my favourite online spaces.

Enjoy!

1. Into The Gloss - For the beauty enthusiast who wants a global, insider view on the best routines, products and trends out there (without the pushy sales pitch)

2. That Kind of Woman - A tumblr that combines men in beards, personal lyrics and pretty girls in forests.

3. Brain Pickings - For the intellectual who has a vast curiousity on life, facts, history and art. Brain pickings is a collection of all aforementioned and sparks new found creativity.

4. Sous Style - For the foodie, who also enjoys reading about good looking people working hard in kitchens. Check out Male Monday - you will add "can cook" to your mate specifics.

5. Matchbook - For the preppy, put-together woman, Matchbook is an online magazine that deems itself, a "field guide to the charmed life."

6. New York Times - Modern Love - My absolute favourite column out there. Readers/writers submit deeply personal essays on their relationships leaving the reader inspired or dejected, depending on the topic.

7. Garance Dore - A Parisian illustrator turned New York fashion insider, who gives her view on life in the big apple, through her sharp photography and drawings.

8. Smitten Kitchen - I'm really into food blogs lately, and I received the Smitten Kitchen cookbook for Christmas. Just scroll, drool and try a few for yourself. The author lives in a tiny, tiny kitchen and still makes challah bread, no excuses.

9. Love Taza - I absolutely can't stomach the words "mom blogger" yet this hip, young mom's family is so cute, you wont be able to stop scrolling. (Note: I also spotted her in New York this summer and had a mini blog struck moment.)

10. Mimi Thorisson - Okay, another food blog (I told you I'm into food blogs) but this is more than a recipe hub. Mimi lives in Medoc, France on a farm, with 16 dogs, beautiful kids and a photographer husband. It's life envy on a whole other level.

Hope you enjoyed the list! What are your favourite online spaces?