“Fairytale” The Sagrada Familia was one of t “Fairytale” 

The Sagrada Familia was one of the most magical of all our experiences in Barcelona.

I planned our visit for the early evening, trying to time it to golden hour when we had the best chance of strong sun rays streaming through the stained glass windows at just the right angle for the light to dance across the cathedral in the riotous display of color it’s known to create. 

While instead we had mostly overcast skies, nothing could detract from the beauty and intricacy of the design. It was truly breathtaking and as I ran towards it I truly felt like I was stepping into a fairytale.

The Sagrada Familia cathedral is a must-visit in Barcelona and by far one of Barcelona’s top attractions. Aim to go first thing in the morning (the earliest tickets you can get) or late in the afternoon for optimal light. I’d say you’re likely to have fewer crowds too, but honestly no matter what time you go it will be crowded.
I spent so much time researching and planning our I spent so much time researching and planning our trip to Cape Town, and there were still things I learned and would change if we had a do-over!

Learn from my mistakes and make sure you follow these tips for your next trip…

1️⃣ Believe the people who tell you the Table Mountain hike is hard! Unless you are an experienced hiker and in excellent shape, take cable car up and down. Don’t waste a half day on the hike, it’s not so scenic that you’re missing much if you skip it - the magic is in the views at the top so get there in the most efficient way you can to spend the most time at the top.

2️⃣ If you’re going to visit Bo Kaap, sign up for a guided tour so you can get the most out of this historical and culturally significant neighborhood. When we went on our own we were surprised to find that the colorful houses you see all over Instagram are really just one short block, and honestly taking pictures felt really icky and performative. If you’re going to check out this neighborhood make sure it’s not just to check a box! 

3️⃣ Cape Town can practice electricity load-shedding, when this happens it means certain areas lose power at certain times to distribute demand for electricity. Definitely research if this is going on during your visit and what the schedules are. It’s less impactful if you are staying at a hotel, as they usually have generators, but if you plan to stay at an AirBnB it’s wise to know when your power might be shut off. We lost power from 2AM-4AM and were not prepared with fans when it got super hot without A/C.

4️⃣ Don’t skip Kirstenbosch gardens!! We ended up cutting it from our itinerary because the Table Mountain hike took so long and was so taxing (trust me, don’t do it) and it’s my biggest regret from Cape Town. 

5️⃣ Don’t be like me and try to visit 4 wineries in a day 😂 trust me, 3 will be plenty and this way you’ll have enough time to actually enjoy one. We felt pretty rushed and wished we had more time at 2 of the ones we visited (in particular Delaire Graff was spectacular!)
There is so much to see and do in Thailand, it’d There is so much to see and do in Thailand, it’d be impossible to cover it all in one trip but I’ve done my very best 😂 on JessOBSESSED.com you’ll find Bangkok and Chiang Mai itineraries, plus a review of the BEST hidden gem luxury hotel in the Thai islands that I promise you haven’t heard of yet! Search “Thailand” on the blog for all the deets. xxx  #thailand #bangkok #chiangmai #beautifuldestinations #travelshots #exploremore #passionpassport #travelgram #traveladdicts #seetheworld #traveltherenext #thewanderingtourist #exploringtheglobe #lonelyplanet #bestvacations #keepexploring #lifeofadventure #natgeotravel #traveladdict #travelblogger #traveldiary  #travelbucketlist #passportcollective #darlingescapes #girlsthatwander #girlsvsglobe #prettycity #shetravels #sheisnotlost #wearetravelgirls
Traveling to the desert? My "What to Pack for the Traveling to the desert? My "What to Pack for the Atacama Desert" guide is on JessObsessed.com and it's got lots of packing tips applicable to any hiking/adventure/desert-style vacation. 

xxx

 #beautifuldestinations #exploremore #passionpassport #stayandwander #seetheworld #traveltherenext  #welltravelled #exploringtheglobe #lifeofadventure #letsgosomewhere #speechlessplaces #artofdestinations #traveladdict #theglobewanderer #travelblogger #traveldiary #travelpassion #iamtraveler #travelbucketlist #thetraveltribe #passportcollective #dametraveler #darlingescapes #girlaroundtheworld #girlsabroad #girlsthatwander #girlsvsglobe #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels
What’s your favorite big city around the world? What’s your favorite big city around the world? Tokyo is definitely up there for me, probably tied with Paris. Even though they’re so different, I got the same feeling in both cities…immediately at home, comfortable, secure and at peace. Do you get that same feeling from your favorite places around the world? #bloggerstravellovers #thattravelblog #LiveTravelChannel #TravelStoke #justgoshoot #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #worlderlust #femmetravel #travelandlife #TLpicks #travellershouts #citybestpics #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #travellingthroughtheworld #beautifuldestinations #wonderful_places #dametraveler #outdoorwomen #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #darlingescapes #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels #sheisnotlost #earthgirllifestyle #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe
In need of an easy, one-bowl GF cookie recipe that In need of an easy, one-bowl GF cookie recipe that feels fancy and festive for the last min holiday invites or request to bring dessert? 

My dark chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookies are here to save the (holi)day! 

Recipe is on JessOBSESSED.com. 

#holidaycookies #holidaydesserts #thanksgivingdesserts #thanksgivingrecipes #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreethanksgiving #glutenfreecookies #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #glutenfreechef #glutenfreemeals #glutenfreecooking #f52grams #feedfeed #forkyeah #glutenfreefoods #glutenfreeeats #glutenfreefoodshare #nogluten #wheatfreediet #gffood #glutenfreelife #glutenfreeliving #glutenfreebloggers #glutenfreegirl #glutenfreefinds #glutenintolerance
Seeking Madrid recommendations! I’m working on m Seeking Madrid recommendations! I’m working on my latest blog post about the top things to do in Madrid. Let’s use the comments to inspire each other and share our favorites things to do, see and where to eat snd drink in Madrid. Leave your best rec below 👇 #madrid #travelinspo #bloggerstravellovers #thattravelblog #LiveTravelChannel #TravelStoke #justgoshoot #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #worlderlust #femmetravel #travelandlife #travellershouts #citybestpics #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #travellingthroughtheworld #beautifuldestinations #wonderful_places #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #darlingescapes #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels #sheisnotlost #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe
Celebrating Halloween in Mauritius, no costumes ot Celebrating Halloween in Mauritius, no costumes other than my bikini, but reading something fun and witchy to get into the spooky spirit. Loving this book so far! link in stories. #bookrecs #bookstagram #mauritius #lemorne #lemornebeach #booktok #bookrecommendations
My favorite swimsuits for every style and budget a My favorite swimsuits for every style and budget are on the blog! 

I rounded up the cutest bikinis, one-piece, one-shoulder, cut-out, tie dye and more styles from all over the web (Amazon + Target included!). 

If you're looking for a cute new swimmy for a vacation or pool day search "bathing suits" on JessObsessed.com! 

 #fashionbloggers #stylediary #fashionoutfits #stylepost #wiwtoday #outfitdetails #ootdinspo #outfitinspo #outfitideas #outfitgram #outfitdiary #fashioninspo #beachvibes #sunandsea #sandytoes #sunshine #swimwearlover #swimwearfashion #swimsuitfashion #swimwearstyle #swimweartrends #swimwear2021 #bikinibabes #onepieceswimsuit
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Books, Life · July 29, 2020

Home » Blog » Life » What To Read Now: Big Summer By Jennifer Weiner

What To Read Now: Big Summer By Jennifer Weiner

I have always loved to read, and ever since I was a little girl, I could devour a book in a weekend! Here I share my book recommendations, reviews and suggestions for the best fiction books to read in 2020!

“She looked like a tiny androgynous elf or as if someone had waved a want and said, “Boy Scout, but make it tiny and cute and fashion”

— BIG SUMMER, JENNIFER WEINER

A Book Review Of Big Summer By Jennifer Weiner

Book review of Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

(Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase from a link in this post, at no additional cost to you. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting this site!)


BIG SUMMER BY JENNIFER WEINER

Overview

Big Summer is the story of Daphne, a plus-size fashion influencer, who had a falling out with her best friend / frenemy from childhood in college, Drue, and then reconnects with her when Drue asks Daphne to be a bridesmaid in her flashy, Page-Six wedding on the Cape. Despite the many ways in which Drue has hurt Daphne, and made her feel insecure, Daphne just can’t seem to quit Drue, and agrees to be part of the wedding. A murder-mystery during the wedding weekend takes center stage for the second half of the book, as Daphne and her friends race to try and figure out what happened.

Trigger Warnings: Body shaming, eating disorders, food issues and insecurities

Review

Big Summer has been hailed as the ultimate beach read for Summer 2020, and has gotten rave reviews. And I honestly wanted to love it, but I ended up thinking it was only okay. The book was billed as this big behind-the-scenes-of-influencer-life (which obviously piqued my interest!) but that ended up being a very secondary plot line. The first half of the book lived in the past, while the second half sped forward at breakneck pace – almost as if the author hit rewind and then fast forward, but forgot to just let the story play at regular speed. The rapid pace of the second half of the book make it seem unrealistic and less believable, while the first half spent most of its time ruminating on Daphne’s childhood insecurities and body issues/experiences with body shaming. Now, these are important topics to explore but it felt like Jennifer Weiner was trying to cram three books into one – the plus-size fashion influencer dealing with the Internet trolls, the delicate hurt of an unequal female friendship, and solving a murder mystery. The threads connect fast and loose, which made me go “Really? Come on!” more than once during my reading session. That said, I breezed through the book in a weekend and it’s light, easy, semi-entertaining read but not what I would call “the beach read of the summer.” If you’re looking for something to read to pass the time for a few hours on a weekend, I’d still say give this book a try, but lower your expectations.

Grade: B

Looking for more reading inspiration? Check out my list of the Best Books To Binge-Read This Winter

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In: Books, Life · Tagged: Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner, Book Recommendations, Book Reviews, Chick Lit, Novels, Reading Lists

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“Fairytale” The Sagrada Familia was one of t “Fairytale” 

The Sagrada Familia was one of the most magical of all our experiences in Barcelona.

I planned our visit for the early evening, trying to time it to golden hour when we had the best chance of strong sun rays streaming through the stained glass windows at just the right angle for the light to dance across the cathedral in the riotous display of color it’s known to create. 

While instead we had mostly overcast skies, nothing could detract from the beauty and intricacy of the design. It was truly breathtaking and as I ran towards it I truly felt like I was stepping into a fairytale.

The Sagrada Familia cathedral is a must-visit in Barcelona and by far one of Barcelona’s top attractions. Aim to go first thing in the morning (the earliest tickets you can get) or late in the afternoon for optimal light. I’d say you’re likely to have fewer crowds too, but honestly no matter what time you go it will be crowded.
I spent so much time researching and planning our I spent so much time researching and planning our trip to Cape Town, and there were still things I learned and would change if we had a do-over!

Learn from my mistakes and make sure you follow these tips for your next trip…

1️⃣ Believe the people who tell you the Table Mountain hike is hard! Unless you are an experienced hiker and in excellent shape, take cable car up and down. Don’t waste a half day on the hike, it’s not so scenic that you’re missing much if you skip it - the magic is in the views at the top so get there in the most efficient way you can to spend the most time at the top.

2️⃣ If you’re going to visit Bo Kaap, sign up for a guided tour so you can get the most out of this historical and culturally significant neighborhood. When we went on our own we were surprised to find that the colorful houses you see all over Instagram are really just one short block, and honestly taking pictures felt really icky and performative. If you’re going to check out this neighborhood make sure it’s not just to check a box! 

3️⃣ Cape Town can practice electricity load-shedding, when this happens it means certain areas lose power at certain times to distribute demand for electricity. Definitely research if this is going on during your visit and what the schedules are. It’s less impactful if you are staying at a hotel, as they usually have generators, but if you plan to stay at an AirBnB it’s wise to know when your power might be shut off. We lost power from 2AM-4AM and were not prepared with fans when it got super hot without A/C.

4️⃣ Don’t skip Kirstenbosch gardens!! We ended up cutting it from our itinerary because the Table Mountain hike took so long and was so taxing (trust me, don’t do it) and it’s my biggest regret from Cape Town. 

5️⃣ Don’t be like me and try to visit 4 wineries in a day 😂 trust me, 3 will be plenty and this way you’ll have enough time to actually enjoy one. We felt pretty rushed and wished we had more time at 2 of the ones we visited (in particular Delaire Graff was spectacular!)
There is so much to see and do in Thailand, it’d There is so much to see and do in Thailand, it’d be impossible to cover it all in one trip but I’ve done my very best 😂 on JessOBSESSED.com you’ll find Bangkok and Chiang Mai itineraries, plus a review of the BEST hidden gem luxury hotel in the Thai islands that I promise you haven’t heard of yet! Search “Thailand” on the blog for all the deets. xxx  #thailand #bangkok #chiangmai #beautifuldestinations #travelshots #exploremore #passionpassport #travelgram #traveladdicts #seetheworld #traveltherenext #thewanderingtourist #exploringtheglobe #lonelyplanet #bestvacations #keepexploring #lifeofadventure #natgeotravel #traveladdict #travelblogger #traveldiary  #travelbucketlist #passportcollective #darlingescapes #girlsthatwander #girlsvsglobe #prettycity #shetravels #sheisnotlost #wearetravelgirls
Traveling to the desert? My "What to Pack for the Traveling to the desert? My "What to Pack for the Atacama Desert" guide is on JessObsessed.com and it's got lots of packing tips applicable to any hiking/adventure/desert-style vacation. 

xxx

 #beautifuldestinations #exploremore #passionpassport #stayandwander #seetheworld #traveltherenext  #welltravelled #exploringtheglobe #lifeofadventure #letsgosomewhere #speechlessplaces #artofdestinations #traveladdict #theglobewanderer #travelblogger #traveldiary #travelpassion #iamtraveler #travelbucketlist #thetraveltribe #passportcollective #dametraveler #darlingescapes #girlaroundtheworld #girlsabroad #girlsthatwander #girlsvsglobe #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels
What’s your favorite big city around the world? What’s your favorite big city around the world? Tokyo is definitely up there for me, probably tied with Paris. Even though they’re so different, I got the same feeling in both cities…immediately at home, comfortable, secure and at peace. Do you get that same feeling from your favorite places around the world? #bloggerstravellovers #thattravelblog #LiveTravelChannel #TravelStoke #justgoshoot #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #worlderlust #femmetravel #travelandlife #TLpicks #travellershouts #citybestpics #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #travellingthroughtheworld #beautifuldestinations #wonderful_places #dametraveler #outdoorwomen #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #darlingescapes #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels #sheisnotlost #earthgirllifestyle #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe
In need of an easy, one-bowl GF cookie recipe that In need of an easy, one-bowl GF cookie recipe that feels fancy and festive for the last min holiday invites or request to bring dessert? 

My dark chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookies are here to save the (holi)day! 

Recipe is on JessOBSESSED.com. 

#holidaycookies #holidaydesserts #thanksgivingdesserts #thanksgivingrecipes #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreethanksgiving #glutenfreecookies #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #glutenfreechef #glutenfreemeals #glutenfreecooking #f52grams #feedfeed #forkyeah #glutenfreefoods #glutenfreeeats #glutenfreefoodshare #nogluten #wheatfreediet #gffood #glutenfreelife #glutenfreeliving #glutenfreebloggers #glutenfreegirl #glutenfreefinds #glutenintolerance
Seeking Madrid recommendations! I’m working on m Seeking Madrid recommendations! I’m working on my latest blog post about the top things to do in Madrid. Let’s use the comments to inspire each other and share our favorites things to do, see and where to eat snd drink in Madrid. Leave your best rec below 👇 #madrid #travelinspo #bloggerstravellovers #thattravelblog #LiveTravelChannel #TravelStoke #justgoshoot #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #worlderlust #femmetravel #travelandlife #travellershouts #citybestpics #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #travellingthroughtheworld #beautifuldestinations #wonderful_places #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #darlingescapes #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels #sheisnotlost #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe
Celebrating Halloween in Mauritius, no costumes ot Celebrating Halloween in Mauritius, no costumes other than my bikini, but reading something fun and witchy to get into the spooky spirit. Loving this book so far! link in stories. #bookrecs #bookstagram #mauritius #lemorne #lemornebeach #booktok #bookrecommendations
My favorite swimsuits for every style and budget a My favorite swimsuits for every style and budget are on the blog! 

I rounded up the cutest bikinis, one-piece, one-shoulder, cut-out, tie dye and more styles from all over the web (Amazon + Target included!). 

If you're looking for a cute new swimmy for a vacation or pool day search "bathing suits" on JessObsessed.com! 

 #fashionbloggers #stylediary #fashionoutfits #stylepost #wiwtoday #outfitdetails #ootdinspo #outfitinspo #outfitideas #outfitgram #outfitdiary #fashioninspo #beachvibes #sunandsea #sandytoes #sunshine #swimwearlover #swimwearfashion #swimsuitfashion #swimwearstyle #swimweartrends #swimwear2021 #bikinibabes #onepieceswimsuit
Where is the best STREET FOOD you've ever had? T Where is the best STREET FOOD you've ever had? 

The street food in Thailand was by far the best I have ever had. JB agrees now but he was so nervous to eat in Thailand because everyone freaked him out with travel tales of getting sick off street food! He couldn't believe how adventurous I was ready to be trying all different street foods (being careful about avoiding gluten of course!) because I'm usually the picky restaurant eater between the two of us 😂

But food + travel is my greatest passion and joy in life and I think enjoying local, authentic foods in new cities is one of the best ways to explore and get a feel for the local culture. Planning my meals when traveling takes up about 90% of the research I do! 

If you know what to look for and are careful you should be 100% fine tasting all the delicious street food all over the world! 

This is some of the best pad thai I've ever had, on Yaowarat street in Bangkok's Chinatown. I organized a street food tour through Bangkok Food Tours and it was EPIC! They were able to accommodate my gluten allergy and were so nice, flexible and knowledgeable. We loved talking to our guide about the food just as much as we enjoyed eating it. Read all about it by searching "Bangkok" on  JessObsessed.com! 

What's the best street food you've ever tried? Tell me in the comments 👇

xxx

 #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #glutenfreeeats #glutenfreebloggers #glutenfreegirl #glutenfreefinds #passionpassport #stayandwander #travelgram #traveladdicts #seetheworld #artofdestinations #traveladdict #travelblogger #traveldiary #travelpassion #travelbucketlist #girlsthatwander #girlsvsglobe #foodielife #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #foodlover #foodventure #foodoftheday #bangkokfood #bangkokfoodies #bangkoktravel #bangkokeats #bangkokstreetfood

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