Everything I Read, Watched, and Listened to Over Spring Break

We had the best spring break! It was short and sweet and involved absolutely no watching of the news or crazy checking of email. It was amazing!

As a result, I actually finished a couple of books, watched a few new shows, and binged some podcasts. Here are my thoughts on all of these in case you’re looking for something fun to do this holiday weekend.

Books I Read

  • Untamed by Glennon Doyle: This was a book my daughter devoured when she was home last summer and she told me that I “had to read it.” You all know I love a good female empowerment book or an inspirational tale, but I didn’t find this to be either. Maybe I was just in a too easy, breezy state of mind but I didn’t love this one.
  • The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins: I tore through this thriller on the plane ride to Florida and couldn’t put it down until I was finished. The author cleverly tells the story through several of the main characters, primarily focused on the protagonist Jane. She falls in love with Eddie, a guy too good to be true, and the story unfolds to tell you why. This book was a great escape!
  • The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little: I never met a book about Coco Chanel that I didn’t love and this piece of historical fiction didn’t break my streak. This novel tells the story of the Chanel sisters who were left to grow up in an orphanage. While we learn a lot about Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in this book, the story is actually told through the eyes of her younger sister Antoinette. It’s a beautiful story of family and perseverance, and of course fashion works its way in there, too. So darn good!

What I Watched

  • Operation Varsity Blues: On Netflix, this is a documentary summarizing the college admissions scandal that broke last year. While it’s dramatized with actors, all of the dialogue is real–taken from actual FBI tapes. While I didn’t learn a lot of new details about the case, this documentary was incredibly compelling to see how this scam actually worked and how all of these parents falsely believed they were acting in the best interest of their children.
  • Yellowstone: OMG. I know I’m late to the game on this one because I didn’t think I’d be interested in a series based out west, but I am changing my tune. Yellowstone is like the Sopranos moved to Montana, but instead of James Gandolifini you have Kevin Costner calling all of the shots. More than once I’ve scratched my head wondering if this is really how it’s like in modern day Montana. We’re only half way through season 1 (and there are 3 seasons!) and we’re going to keep going. Great couple television!
  • The Mauritanian: This new film that stars Jody Foster is very good. It examines the case of a man from Mauritania (western region of Africa) who was taken into U.S. custody and held in Guantanamo Bay under suspicions he was involved in recruiting the pilots responsible for hijacking the planes on September 11, 2001. This individual was held for eight years before he was even given a trial. This movie is heavy, but very well done and thought provoking.

Podcasts I Listened To

  • Even the Rich: I just can’t get enough of this one. If you haven’t listened, you should! The new season dives deep into JFK and Jackie’s marriage and it’s so good. Perfect treadmill material.
  • Two Gomers Runners’ Block: Speaking of treadmills, the Two Gomers’ current season “Runners’ Block” has me running again. This season, they’re focusing on different blocks that keep people from lacing up their running shoes. The best part, they give you tips for overcoming them. It has gotten me going again!
  • Reality Life with Kate Casey: Kate Casey is the best pop culture analyst I listen to. She breaks down the news each week and makes terrific recommendations on what we should be reading and watching. Kate has yet to lead me astray.
  • Goop With Gwyneth Paltrow: On vacation, I listened to Gwyneth interview her friend Dr. William Cole about his new book, Intuitive Fasting. I’m glad I listened before I bought the book because this new theory on how to recharge your metabolism sounds very complicated. Interesting, though, nonetheless.

That’s all folks! It was an amazing week. I highly recommend unplugging!

xo,

Photo by Jenn Marie Edwards Photography

My name is Ann Marie Scheidler and I'm thrilled you've decided to check out my blog. I'm a pearl-loving yogi with a thing for travel, a weakness for beautiful bags, and a passion for storytelling. In this space, I'll be sharing stories about my family, go-to recipes, my wellness journey, fashion and beauty favorites, and my love for Chicago’s North Shore. I find new inspiration wherever I go. Thanks so much for coming along for the ride!

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0 Comments

  1. Amy R wrote:

    Girl, you are singing my song! I hated ‘Untamed’. Seemed full of cheesy anecdotes and canned advice. Not for me!

    Posted 4.2.21 Reply
    • Ann Marie Scheidler wrote:

      I’m so glad I’m not alone. I thought I was the only one who just didn’t get it! xo

      Posted 4.2.21 Reply