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
Fall essentials: 🧣Cozy blankets 🤠Felt hats Fall essentials: 
🧣Cozy blankets
🤠Felt hats 
🛋️Snuggles on the sofa 
🍎Apple picking

What's on your Fall essentials list? 🍂

xxx

 #fallvibes #fall2021 #fallcolors #fallcolours #fallfeels #fallishere #fallseason #fallmood #fallweather #falldays #fallessentials #fallfavorites #fallstyle #falloutfits #falldecor #fallcandles
Of all the amazing neighborhoods to eat, and resta Of all the amazing neighborhoods to eat, and restaurants to try in Rome, Vatican City doesn't exactly scream "foodie destination" but let's face it, after you've braved the overwhelming crowds and marveled at the majestic art and history, you want food, pronto. 

You don't have to settle for overpriced tourist traps peddling frozen pizza as "authentic" I promise! 

We discovered an adorable Italian bistro just a ten-minute walk from the Vatican called La Zanzara. Local, delicious, authentic and the perfect spot to rest your feet and refuel. AND they had gluten free crackers for the cheese plate! 

xxx
#foodielife #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #foodlover #forkyeah #eater #eatwell #f52gram #foodblog #foodblogger #foodforfoodies #foodventure #foodoftheday #foodbloggerlife #mydomaineats #foodphotos #foodstyling #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #exploringitaly #igitaly #italytravel #iloveitaly #vaticancity #romefood #rometravel #rometrip #romelovers #traveladvice
What is the BEST meal you've EVER had? If you had What is the BEST meal you've EVER had? If you had to pick just one, what is the best restaurant experience of your life? 

Mine is hands down the emoji tasting menu at the original Gaggan in Bangkok (update as of 2022: the original Gaggan is closed and I hear Anand is planning a new restaurant in Japan too, so time to get back to Asia!) 

Gaggan's emoji tasting menu was hand-down the most creative, inventive dining experience I have ever had. A 25-course tasting menu where every dish was more unique than the last. It was food theater at its best but not for the sake of theatrics, it was to make eating a complete sensory experience - taste, of course, but also the way the presentation of the food engaged your sense of sight, smell and touch.

The course that stands out the most is the "lick it up" plate! The waiter placed a portable radio on the table and blasted "Lick It Up" by Kiss. The waiter placed a plate with a trio of sauces in front of us, with no utensils, and the words "lick it up" written in the sauce. We looked up confused. The waiter smiled, shrugged and gestured for us to follow the instructions. So we picked up the plates and licked up the sauces until the plates were clean! 

I cannot WAIT to get back to Asia to try Gaggan's new restaurant in Bangkok and if he opens his long-promised restaurant in Japan I'll be on a flight ASAP. 

So tell me, what is the most unique and memorable restaurant experience you've ever had? 

xxx 

#buzzfeast #foodielife #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #foodlover #forkyeah #eater #eatwell #foodblog #foodblogger #foodforfoodies #foodventure #foodoftheday #foodbloggerlife #mydomaineats #bangkokfoodies #bangkokfood #bangkokrestaurant #bangkokeats #bangkoknight #thailandtravel #traveladvice #gaggan #gagganbangkok #gaggananand #bangkoktravel #travelblogger #traveladvice # #tasteintravel #traveltips
About to head out on another big trip halfway arou About to head out on another big trip halfway around the world and so of course I’m reminiscing about our last big trip to Portugal & Spain, just before COVID hit. Here I am dancing and twirling and laughing my way through a vineyard tour in the Douro Valley.  It was so beautiful I just felt like prancing around like a woodland fairy 🧚‍♀️🧚🧚‍♂️(could have also been the very generous pours during the wine tastings of course 😂) #femmetravel #travelawesome #thattravelblog #TravelStoke #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #TLpicks #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #beautifuldestinations #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #portugal #dourovalley #winetourism #sixsensesdourovalley #ladiesgoneglobal #sheisnotlost #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe #sommlife #winetravel #winetour #vineyard #winefarm #winerylovers #winespectator #drinkdrinkdrink
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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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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
Fall essentials: 🧣Cozy blankets 🤠Felt hats Fall essentials: 
🧣Cozy blankets
🤠Felt hats 
🛋️Snuggles on the sofa 
🍎Apple picking

What's on your Fall essentials list? 🍂

xxx

 #fallvibes #fall2021 #fallcolors #fallcolours #fallfeels #fallishere #fallseason #fallmood #fallweather #falldays #fallessentials #fallfavorites #fallstyle #falloutfits #falldecor #fallcandles
Of all the amazing neighborhoods to eat, and resta Of all the amazing neighborhoods to eat, and restaurants to try in Rome, Vatican City doesn't exactly scream "foodie destination" but let's face it, after you've braved the overwhelming crowds and marveled at the majestic art and history, you want food, pronto. 

You don't have to settle for overpriced tourist traps peddling frozen pizza as "authentic" I promise! 

We discovered an adorable Italian bistro just a ten-minute walk from the Vatican called La Zanzara. Local, delicious, authentic and the perfect spot to rest your feet and refuel. AND they had gluten free crackers for the cheese plate! 

xxx
#foodielife #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #foodlover #forkyeah #eater #eatwell #f52gram #foodblog #foodblogger #foodforfoodies #foodventure #foodoftheday #foodbloggerlife #mydomaineats #foodphotos #foodstyling #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #exploringitaly #igitaly #italytravel #iloveitaly #vaticancity #romefood #rometravel #rometrip #romelovers #traveladvice
What is the BEST meal you've EVER had? If you had What is the BEST meal you've EVER had? If you had to pick just one, what is the best restaurant experience of your life? 

Mine is hands down the emoji tasting menu at the original Gaggan in Bangkok (update as of 2022: the original Gaggan is closed and I hear Anand is planning a new restaurant in Japan too, so time to get back to Asia!) 

Gaggan's emoji tasting menu was hand-down the most creative, inventive dining experience I have ever had. A 25-course tasting menu where every dish was more unique than the last. It was food theater at its best but not for the sake of theatrics, it was to make eating a complete sensory experience - taste, of course, but also the way the presentation of the food engaged your sense of sight, smell and touch.

The course that stands out the most is the "lick it up" plate! The waiter placed a portable radio on the table and blasted "Lick It Up" by Kiss. The waiter placed a plate with a trio of sauces in front of us, with no utensils, and the words "lick it up" written in the sauce. We looked up confused. The waiter smiled, shrugged and gestured for us to follow the instructions. So we picked up the plates and licked up the sauces until the plates were clean! 

I cannot WAIT to get back to Asia to try Gaggan's new restaurant in Bangkok and if he opens his long-promised restaurant in Japan I'll be on a flight ASAP. 

So tell me, what is the most unique and memorable restaurant experience you've ever had? 

xxx 

#buzzfeast #foodielife #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #foodlover #forkyeah #eater #eatwell #foodblog #foodblogger #foodforfoodies #foodventure #foodoftheday #foodbloggerlife #mydomaineats #bangkokfoodies #bangkokfood #bangkokrestaurant #bangkokeats #bangkoknight #thailandtravel #traveladvice #gaggan #gagganbangkok #gaggananand #bangkoktravel #travelblogger #traveladvice # #tasteintravel #traveltips
About to head out on another big trip halfway arou About to head out on another big trip halfway around the world and so of course I’m reminiscing about our last big trip to Portugal & Spain, just before COVID hit. Here I am dancing and twirling and laughing my way through a vineyard tour in the Douro Valley.  It was so beautiful I just felt like prancing around like a woodland fairy 🧚‍♀️🧚🧚‍♂️(could have also been the very generous pours during the wine tastings of course 😂) #femmetravel #travelawesome #thattravelblog #TravelStoke #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #TLpicks #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #beautifuldestinations #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #portugal #dourovalley #winetourism #sixsensesdourovalley #ladiesgoneglobal #sheisnotlost #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe #sommlife #winetravel #winetour #vineyard #winefarm #winerylovers #winespectator #drinkdrinkdrink
First grid post in forever!! Finally feeling inspi First grid post in forever!! Finally feeling inspired to get back into Lightroom. This photo was taken on our road trip through Colorado in 2020. I 💯loved 💯 visiting Colorado in the fall instead of winter. The colors were unreal. Edited with my new @louandmarks presets! #colorado #roadtrip #durango #denver #crestedbutte #roadtripusa

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