Hello all! Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful week and it feels like fall wherever you may be. September started out with summer still holding now, but now as we get closer to a new month, fall is really starting to settle in.
A crisp, fall morning by the water.
I hope you have something fun or relaxing planned for this weekend. Before you jump into the weekend vibes, I wanted to share some things I have been loving this week as I link up withĀ ErikaĀ andĀ AndreaĀ
New Hand Lotion– As fall has settled in more, I have slowly been transitioning more of my scents to match the season and that includes my hand lotion. I tend to get dry hands, no matter the season, so I always have lotion with me. Gingham Glow has been my new scent for the fall months. I got it from Bath and Body Works and I love the subtle and warm scent it gives off. In the spring and summer, I prefer floral scents, winter I like pine or minty, but in the fall I like subtle scents and this fits the bill. I also love how the lotions come in different sizes, so if you buy a scent and donāt love it, you donāt have to commit to it long term.
New Mascara- I am always trying different makeup products and brands and decided to try Super Goop mascara. I love SuperGoop for suntan lotion and wanted to test out more of their beauty products. I have been pleased with it so far. This mascara doesnāt necessarily give full and voluminous lashes, but it does a great job of separating the lashes (if that makes sense), plus I have found the more you put on, the fuller they get. I also really love that itās clean makeup with not as many chemicals in it. I will be using the mascara, but Iām not sure if I will reorder it.Ā
Swan Song– I know I mentioned this book in Wednesdayās Currently post, but I loved it so much, I had to re-share. I ended summer by reading Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand. This was her final beach read set on Nantucket as she decided to retire and I really enjoyed it. There were a lot of references to past characters from other books, and I loved the description of Nantucket and all the restaurants and hot spots. Those are always my favorite parts of her books. The book follows a couple who moves to the island and immediately makes themselves a part of the community, but there is a bit of a mystery to them especially when they hire a girl who has no connection to Nantucket either. I like how there is more substance to Hilderbrandās books, they arenāt just light and fluffy. This was not my favorite Hilderbrand book, but it was definitely worth reading and I loved that I have really gotten into more of her books this year. Now, I just need to go and visit Nantucket after reading all about it. Add it to the bucket list!
Greyās Anatomy Trailer and New Season– Greyās Anatomyās new season returned last night on ABC. After a shorter season last year due to the writerās strike, Iām looking forward to more episodes this year. If you didnāt watch last night, you can check out the trailer here. This season looks like it will be a good one with more drama, romance and interesting patients. If you watch, what are you looking forward to most this season?
Selling Sunset– Iām not a big reality show person, but I do love Selling Sunset. I have been watching the show on Netflix for years and always look forward to when a new season drops. This season was filled with more girl drama in the office, bigger homes to sell and of course lots of drama and crazy fashion. This show is always a good thing to put on in the background for some mindless tv.Ā
Thatās a look into what Iāve been loving this week. Tell me, what are some things that have caught your attention? Let me know in the comments below! Have a great last weekend of September!
Happy end of September! By the end of August, I was so ready for September. This has been a month of adjusting, finding new routines, and self care, plus family time, travels, and time reconnecting with friends. The seasons changed from summer to fall and now we are in full fall mode and I am ready for it.
As we get ready for a new month just days away, Iām sharing a look into life lately.
What Iāve Been Up To:
I have been finding new places to run this month. Iāve run by the water and in different parks. Itās been fun to find new places and try new terrain to challenge myself.
Beautiful days as we transition from summer to fall
I also hit a new milestone in my distance by running 9.5 miles, which Iām really proud of.
Another highlight of the month was getting my new Simplified planner for 2025. I went with Blush Block and canāt wait for the new year to break out my new planner.
I also got in one last zoo trip of the season on a beautiful day.
What Iām Wearing:
I have been trying to wear all my summer clothes before it gets too cold out. I have been wearing lots of shorts and blouse sets for heading out to dinner or time with friends.
This was another outfit I wore for work recently as we transition from summer to winter. The blazers are coming back.
I wore this for a day out and about and even though I wore white after Labor Day, the layers made me feel very fall-like.
What Iām Reading:
Atomic Habits–Atomic Habits by James Clear discusses the importance of building habits, creating routines, and starting small. He goes in-depth about the science and psychology of habits. He also gives real life examples of how to start small and build up to making life changes. I love and thrive off a good routine and rhythm and found this book fascinating. I learned so much and it really helped me better understand some of my habits and how I can build off them.
Just for the Summer– Abby Jiminezās Just for the Summer was a really easy book to get swept into. Itās about a man and woman who both have the same issue, they date people, break up and then the person they are dating find their soulmate. The man and woman decide to date with hopes of finding their soulmate next. But life throws them both some curveballs. This wasnāt your typical beach read, there is a lot of depth and meat to it.
Swan Song– The final Elin Hilderbrand, Nantucket book, Swan Song follows a couple who moves to the island and immediately makes themselves a part of the community, but there is a bit of a mystery to them especially when they hire a girl who has no connection to Nantucket either. I like how there is more substance to Hilderbrandās books, they arenāt just light and fluffy. here were a lot of references to past characters from other books, and I loved the description of Nantucket and all the restaurants and hot spots.
The Lazy Genius Way– I have been a big fan of Kendra Adachi and listen to her podcast weekly. I finally got around to reading her book, The Lazy Genius Way and I loved it. She goes in depth with a lot of the topics she covers in her podcast. I love how she writes very conversationally. I also got a workbook to go alongside it and found myself taking notes along the way. If you are looking for a book on how to work and live smarter and not harder, this is it.
The Five Star Weekend– I was on an Elin Hilderbrand role this month between watching The Perfect Couple, reading Swan Song and listening to The Five Star Weekend. I really loved this book, it’s all about a woman who invites four friends from different points of her life for a weekend on Nantucket. I loved hearing how all the friendships came to be and about the weekend itself. The description of Nantucket makes me want to visit. I also loved the storyline and the unexpected twists and drama too. It gets 5 Stars from me.
The Rom Commers- I ended the month with the Rom Commers by Katherine Center. It’s about two screenwriters (one very well-known and one newbie who are paired together together to write a screenplay for a romantic comedy together. There’s tension between the two at the start, but in typical rom-com fashion, feelings begin to bubble. I really liked the character development, but there were a few plot points that seemed a bit far fetched. But the concept and ending were worth it.
What Iām Watching: This past month I have been catching up on shows as the weather gets cooler. I finished season four of Emily in Paris which was really good. I liked the second half more than the first., but overall it was a good season.
My boyfriend and I have also been making our way through Breaking Bad which has been a new genre to us, but a good show and Iām glad we are watching it.
I also watched the mini-series, The Perfect Couple which is based on Elin Hilderbrandās book and really loved the series and it followed the book pretty close.
What Iām Cooking: I have been back on the cooking train and have really been enjoying cooking with seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad– This was such a flavorful meal. I loved the mixture of fruits and vegetables with the protein. I also have been adding feta cheese or almonds or pecans for some extra flavor.
Ham, Cheese and Apple Flatbread- This was an easy lunch. I used sliced ham, provolone cheese and sliced apples on a flatbread and put it in the Airfryer for a few minutes. I loved the mix of flavors and the crispness of toasting it. This was a great fall-like meal too.
Grilled Chicken and Roasted Zucchini– Another easy, flavorful, and healthy meal. I really loved the mix of vegetables and the flavor of the chicken combined with it. It also took less than an hour to make, super easy on a busy night.
Chickpea Salad- i found this recipe on Pinterest and made it for my lunch for work. I really loved the chickpeas mixed with the vegetables and Italian dressing. It was very filling and healthy too, plus a great source of protein.
Shrimp Stir Fry– This was an easy one pot recipe that was very filling and flavorful. It took under 30 minutes to cook the shrimp, rice, and veggies and combine them all.
What Inspires Me– I have been inspired by the warm weather and by trying to get outside for as much of the month as possible.
A crisp, fall morning by the water.
What I Accomplished– Iām really proud of the time I have devoted to reconnecting with friends and family and myself. The summer, especially towards the end, was super busy and I got out of my routine and Iām really glad to have gotten back into a good rhythm this past month.
Books, Beach and Beyond is one of my favorite podcasts to listen to while I run
Goals from Last Month– I really wanted to establish new routines and spend more time with my hobbies and I definitely did that. Iām also proud of all the time I have spent catching up with friends. Plus, I did some traveling too which was fun!
Some of the places I have run.
I also accomplished a goal of creating a photo album from my family’s trip to Italy. I made on back from when I went in 2019 and created an updated one. I was so happy with how it turned out.
My mom and I had a girl’s night in and my pup crashed the party.
I ended the month with a weekend getaway that felt very fall-like with rainy and chilly temperatures.
Goals for this Month– I am looking forward to fully being in fall mode. Iām excited for fall fests, Halloween, plus some fun activities sprinkled through the month. I am also looking forward to accomplishing things on my fall bucket list.
Thatās a look into life lately. Fresh starts, getting back into routines and the start of fall. What has your September been like? Are you ready for the new month? Let me know in the comments below! Welcome October!
Hello All! Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week and are ready for the weekend. I know I am! I have some fun travel plans for the weekend that I have been counting down to for weeks! I am hoping this will be a picturesque fall weekend.
This week was brought to you by an unexpected zoo trip before the end of the season
Before I get to my plans, I wanted to share some favorites of mine from the past week. I have some fall finds, some entertainment fixes, and a bit of seasonal fun too!
Letās jump into it as I link up with Erika and Andrea
New Candle Scent– Since September is a transitional weather month, Iām not quite ready to break out all the fall scents yet. Maybe in the next few weeks, but not today. I needed a new candle scent for my room and found the perfect transitional scent in French Vanilla. Itās a mix of vanilla, musk and amber and itās from a local shop. One of my favorite things about this company is that in addition to the name and scent of the candle, they will tell you what scents make up the candle. I also love all the sizes the candles come in, this way you donāt have to commit to a scent long-term if you donāt love it. I have a mini size candle and itās been perfect for me. I also couldnāt resist the cute mason jar it came in. This was a great choice as we transition from one season to the next.
Jewelry Pouch– This has been a recent life hack that has helped me immensely. I wear jewelry every day to work, but sometimes after work, I will go to the gym, for a run, or out for an activity and I donāt want to lose my jewelry in my car or purse when I take them off. Enter jewelry pouch! I always get these cute pouches from different pieces of jewelry that I purchase, but I never know what to do with them. Now, I keep a pouch in my car so whenever I get in my car and I need to take off my jewelry if Iām not going home right away, I can do it without worrying about losing it or it getting tangled. Then when I get home, I bring the pouch inside, unload the jewelry and put the pouch back in my car. Such a small change, but one that makes a big difference.
Seasonal Fruit– As we say goodbye to the summer season, I have been doing my best to get all my favorite seasonal fruits in. Peaches have been a favorite of mine as of late. I have been eating them with my lunches, in salads, and on ice cream for dessert. They are such a sweet treat and I have been savoring them since I know we have such a short window for them.
Wallet Switch– I carry a purse with me for work and for outings, but I also keep a wristlet with my credit cards, cash and keys with me wherever I go. I try to swap out my wallets each season so they donāt get overused. I have been using the same wristlets for year (usually a mix of Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach etc.) but when I was in Italy, I picked up a new one. It can fit everything I need and I love the light brown shade. It matches my purses perfectly and itās a beautiful fall tone. Definitely a fall favorite!
Breaking Bad-This is by no means a new favorite, but my boyfriend and I started watching Breaking Bad and we are hooked. It took a little while for the show to get moving, but once it did we were sold. Itās a totally different concept than we are used to but we have been enjoying the drama and craziness that comes with the show. We just finished season one and now are onto season two. Iāll keep you posted on our progress.
Thatās a look into life lately and some recent favorites. As we make our way through September, what are some things you have been loving? Let me know in the comments below! Have fabulous Friday and fantastic weekend!
Hello everyone and happy Wednesday! The first day of fall is Sunday! As much as I hate to say goodbye to the summer season, I do love fresh starts. Every year and every season, I like to share a bucket list of activities of things I want to do to celebrate the time period and this year is no different.
Today, Iām sharing my 2024 Fall Bucket List. These activities are a mix of traditional and new things I want to accomplish this year. Most of them are fairly inexpensive or free and can be done by yourself, with a significant other, with friends or family.
These bucket lists always give me inspiration for things to do when I am bored or have some spare time and want to take advantage of the season. I have some classic fall fun with a mix of new things I want to try over the next few months. I canāt wait to start crossing things off my bucket list.
Without further ado, here it is!
FALL BUCKET LIST
Apple Picking
Sāmores and Bonfire
Fall Walks and Runs
Collect Leaves
New Apple Recipe and Make Apple Crisp
Fall Festival
Decorate for Fall
Fall Trail Mix
Pumpkin Patch and Decorate Pumpkins
Halloween movies
Candy Corn Recipe
Enjoy Hot Apple Cider
Try a Pumpkin Recipe
Try New Soups
Make Chili and homemade cornbread
Read Fall Books and Movies (Charlie Brown, Youāve Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle)
Start Gilmore Girls
Celebrate Halloween
Celebrate Thanksgiving
Warm Drink and Bookstore Date
Watch a Sporting Event- Football or Hockey
Enjoy Apple Cider Donuts
There you have it, a look at what I want to accomplish this next season. A lot of these goals can be done at home and all cozied up, which was my plan. However, I do plan to spend as much time as I can outdoors too!
As we get ready to say hello to fall in a few days, what are some things you want to accomplish over the next few months? Let me know in the comments below!
Hello All! Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week as we make our way through September and transition from one season to the next. Life is starting to calm down and my fall routine is finally taking shape. Although the fall season is only a few weeks away, the weather is still gorgeous and Iām trying to soak up as much of it as I can.
Beautiful days as we transition from summer to fall
Today, Iām linking up with Erika and Andrea for another weekly roundup of Friday Favorites. Hereās some things I have been loving this week.
Emily in Paris Season Four Part Two– The second half of Emily in Paris dropped yesterday. Depending on when you are reading this, chances are I have already started it. I really enjoyed the first half of the season and the second half takes Emily to ROME! I was giddy when I saw the trailer and Emily was at so many iconic spots I had just visited myself. I do have to say, after watching the trailer, I was a little jealous that Emily didnāt have to deal with any tourists. Haha! Iām looking forward to the season and where it takes Emily.
Outer Banks Season Four Trailer– Are you a fan of Outer Banks? I started the series during Covid and have stuck with it since. Even though it is more on the tween and teen side of things when it comes to the plot lines, I enjoy the mystery behind the storylines and the hunt for the treasure. I felt like last season really wrapped things up nicely and was surprised when it got renewed. The trailer looks good and Iām excited to see what adventures are in store for the group.
Atomic Habits– I have heard about this book, Atomic Habits for ages and I have had it on hold at the library for weeks. When it was my turn to check it out, I couldnāt wait to start reading. James Clear discusses the importance of building habits, creating routines, and starting small. He goes in-depth about the science and psychology of habits. He also gives real life examples of how to start small and build up to making life changes. I love and thrive off a good routine and rhythm and found this book fascinating. I learned so much and it really helped me better understand some of my habits and how I can build off them. Whether you are looking to create better habits or work on your current ones, I would highly recommend this book.
New Room Scent and Plug-In– My current wallflower ran out, so it was time for an upgrade. I decided to go with one of the scents from the Bridgerton collection from Bath and Body Works. The scent I chose was Queen Charlotteās Tea. The best way to describe it is a floral scent thatās very feminine, but not too strong or overpowering. This would be a great scent to use in a bedroom or bathroom, but not a living, room, family room or kitchen where a lot of people could be in and out and may not care for the scent. I also swapped out my plug-in with a bee from the Bridgerton collection too! Too cute, just a small change for the upcoming season.
The Perfect Couple– I have been on an Elin Hilderbrand kick lately. Without planning it, Iām currently reading one of her books, listening to different one in an audiobook, and watching the third as a series. Plus, I listen to her podcast, Books, Beach and Beyondā¦can you say Iām hooked?!Ā Reviews on those will be coming soon, but I have been loving the Netflix series, The Perfect Couple, based on her book. I read the book when it came out and couldnāt wait to watch the series when it was announced. I really think the series was fairly close to the book. It was interesting to see how characters were portrayed. I LOVED the setting and costumes and appreciated seeing the plot unfold on the big screen. I binged my way through the series and was sad when it ended. I love when movies or series stay true to the books.
There you have it, a fun roundup of favorites from this past week, some books, life hacks, and shows Iām loving! Tell me, whatās bringing you joy this week? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Friday! Enjoy the weekend!
Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! Itās the second Wednesday of the month which means itās time for another Letās Look as I link up with Ā ShayĀ andĀ Erika.
Each month, we share different parts of our lives with different life hacks too! Hereās a look at some of the things we have covered so far this year.
This monthās topic is Easy Weeknight Dinners, this is a great topic for working parents who may be running around a lot this time of year with sports and activities for their children. However, this is also a great topic for people who may work evenings and late nights and are looking for easy meals after a long day (thatās me! I fall into that category!) Sometimes, I donāt come home until later at night and the last thing I want to do is cook a big meal that could take a while to prepare. Enter easy weeknight meals. These are some of my favorite easy meals that you can make for yourself or your family.
Grain Bowls– Such an easy and filling meal that can typically be done in one pot. Just grab a grain (I like to go with rice), a protein (beef, chicken, shrimp, sausage), and a vegetable (can be fresh, frozen or steamed)Ā and cook them all together. You are getting a filling meal, easy cleanup and something that is fairly easy to put together.
Sandwich Bar– A fun spin to a not so exciting meal. If you are a fan of cold cut sandwiches or any sandwiches, consider upping your game with a sandwich bar. Layout all your favorite fixings, from meats, cheeses, spreads etc. and have everyone build their own sandwich. You can buy some fun breads, even toast your bread, get some chips and fruit and make it an experience, rather than just eating a sandwich.
Chef Salad– A fun and healthy dinner option is a chef salad. If you are looking to clear out your fridge or make a hearty meal, consider a chef salad. Add all your favorite salad ingredients and then add in some extras. I like to add protein, like ham or chicken, some hard boiled eggs, cheese, even black beans or avocadoes, depending on what other veggies I have in there. This is a hearty and healthy meal that everyone can tailor to their own liking.Ā
Soup– This is perfect for the fall and winter months, whether you like them homemade where you can make them earlier in the week and pull them out from the freezer or you enjoy them from the can or even pre-made. This is another hearty meal thatās easy to make. You can add a sandwich or salad for a little something extra too!
Snack dinners-Another easy meal especially if you are looking to clean out the fridge. Grab any fruits, veggies, cold cuts, cheeses, chips or crackers and have a snack dinner. You are using what you have, everyone can find something they enjoy and you have a fun meal. Make it even easier and just use paper plates for easy clean up. I love meals that I can use what I have and not waste.
These are five easy meals that I enjoy making on late or hectic weeknights. I am always looking for suggestions for new recipes to try. Let me know in the comments below some of your favorite weeknight meals.
Hello All! Happy September. It feels so weird to be writing thatā¦the summer months truly flew by. By now, you are probably back into a back to school routine or getting there. I know these past few weeks have been an adjustment for me. But, we are slowly finding a new groove and routine.
These past few weeks have included lots of walks
As we kick of a new month and new season in the next few weeks, I wanted to share some things I have been loving and have been favorites of mine as I link up with Erika and Andrea for another round of Friday Favorites!
This week itās a mix of entertainment and beauty products with some treats too.
Wonka– I know this movie came out last year, but I just got around to watching Wonka and it was such a cute movie. I have seen previous versions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Willa Wonka, but this one had some unexpected twists to it. It could definitely be viewed as a family movie or you can watch it on your own. I loved the creativity, new characters and all the different kinds of chocolate and candy. Add this to your next family movie list.
Homemade Vinaigrette– I am always looking for new recipes and things to try in the kitchen. I came across this video about how to make your own homemade vinaigrette and I tried it for myself and it turned out great. It was a great way to use things I already had in my kitchen and enjoy something homemade. I know I will be using this trick in the future too.
The Second Chance Hotel– I loved the Second Chance Hotel by Sierra Godfrey! I read it on vacation and it was the perfect travel read. Itās all about a young woman escaping her life and traveling across Europe, sheās about to end her trip in a small town in Greece, that is until the hotel she is staying at falls into her and another guestās lap. They decide to run it for the season, but when her old life is calling her back, she must decide if she wants to stay in Greece or return to America. It was such a fun, travel read and so good to enjoy in the summer!
Bliss sunscreen– I am a big advocate for sunscreen. I always wear it in the summer and Super Goop is my go-to brand. Without sounding like a broken record, I tried this bliss sunscreen on my recent trip and really loved the consistency and how smooth it went on. It was mineral based, so it really blended well on my skin. I may not invest in a full bottle, but I will be using it the next time I travel.
Dressed in White Body Spray– I promise this is the last beauty favorite for a while. But Iāve been using this travel body mist, Dressed in White from Bath and Body Works, all summer on the go. Whether, Iām traveling for a long trip, a day trip or just have a long day, I have been throwing it in my purse for a refresher. I love how light the scent is. Not too overpowering but feminine and refreshing, two things I always look for in body spray. This has been the best travel companion over the last few weeks.
There you have it, some of my favorite things from this week, some entertainment, beauty products and kitchen hacks. As we get ready to welcome in a new season, what are some things you are loving this week? Let me know in the comments below!
I hope you had a wonderful and fulfilling Labor Day weekend. Whether you said goodbye to summer, had one last cookout, or it was just a normal weekend, I hope it filled you with what you needed. I typically round out every month with my Currently post, where I recap the past month, but due to TWO posts about my trip to Italy, we are starting the month of by recapping last August.
Hereās what the eighth month of the year looked like for me.
What Iāve Been Up To:
August began with our familyās trip of a lifetime to Italy. We saw Rome, Florence, Venice, and Capri. You can read about our time away in two parts. If you missed it, part one can be read here and part two can be found here.
The beautiful RomeAn overview of the city
Once we returned it was a bit of a whirlwind with people starting new jobs, moving, or heading back to school, plus throw in getting back to work and you have a busy few weeks. However, we still managed to squeeze in some end of summer fun!
I enjoyed a final Guardians night game of the season. This was the second one I went to this year and third overall, and they won the night game!
Guards win!
I also enjoyed lots of walks to some of my favorite spots around my home.
.Some of my favorite spots to walk
Our city had their annual festival that I both worked at and got to attend. Their chalk walk is one the highlights of the event and some of the artwork was incredible.
I enjoyed some summer staples with burger, fries and ice cream by the water.
Plus, we made a stop to our County Fair where we saw the livestock, vendors, and enjoyed some fair food too!
I also found some new spots to run and hit a new record for distance.
Overall, it was a packed full month in the best way possible.
What Iām Wearing:
I wore a lot of shorts and lightweight tops while I was on vacation that I could mix and match. This helped me save space while packing and it was convenient for the hot days we experienced.
Lemon sorbet
I did have a few fun outfits, like this white set which was a skirt and top and this long, flowy dress from Old Navy. This dress felt great in the cool evening.
We had a few days of cooler weather, so I did break out the long sleeve shirt and shorts combo for days off. I know I will be wearing this combo often as we go through the transitional weather coming up.
I even got to wear my go-to white blazer before Labor Day for work.
What Iām Reading: I read so many books this past month due to my travels, so I have lots of recommendations for you. Letās get into them:
Hotel Nantucket- I read the Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand to start off the month. Itās all about a woman who is tasked with hiring a staff and running a hotel for the season in Nantucket. If you have read any of Hilderbrandās other works, you will find some Easter eggs and references to her other works. This book featured an ensemble cast with so many different personalities and a supernatural element too. This was a fast read for me and definitely worth picking up to read on your next vacation.
The Second Chance Hotel– Sierra Godfreyās The Second Chance Hotel was the perfect book to have on my phone while we were on vacation. I was able to read it while we were traveling from place to place on trains, boats or planes. I always like to have a book on my phone so I have something to read if Iām waiting for something as opposed to scrolling mindlessly through social media. Back to the book, it follows the story about a young woman escaping her life and traveling across Europe, sheās about to end her trip in a small town in Greece, that is until the hotel she is staying at falls into her and another guestās lap. They decide to run it for the season, but when her old life is calling her back, she must decide if she wants to stay in Greece or return to America. It was such a fun, travel read and so good to enjoy in the summer!
Flying Solo– I listened to Flying Solo by Linda Holmes while I went on a lot of runs or walks over the past month and it was good, but not a great read. Itās about a woman who goes to clean out her great-auntās house once she dies and comes across an item that has a bit of a mystery to it. While she is cleaning out the house, she reconnects with an old boyfriend, spends time with her childhood friend and has a few moments of self discovery along the way. The book went in a few different directions which made it hard to follow as I was listening to it, so that may have changed my feelings about the book if I read it. But there were also some parts that were hard to relate to as the woman was in her forties and still looking for love and Iām not at that point in my life. It was a good book to listen to, but it wasnāt my favorite.
First Lie Wins– First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston is a mystery and thriller that keeps you guessing. Itās all about a woman in a new relationship, but thereās a twist, she didnāt meet her new man unexpectedly. She was meant to meet him. Without giving too much away, this is a spy/undercover thriller with lots of different characters that bounces back and forth between the past and present, so you have to pay attention while reading, however, itās a great change of pace if you are looking for a palette cleanser between books.
Sandwich– I had heard about Sandwich by Catherine Newman from several different bloggers and decided to give it a try and ultimately it wasnāt the best book for me. Itās all about a woman who goes on her traditional family vacation to Cape Cod with her husband, growing children and ailing parents. The book runs the course of the week and is told from the motherās perspective about where she is at in life and her feelings about what she has accomplished. The writing was very well done and I loved hearing about the traditions and settings, but it was just hard to relate to as a young woman.
What Iām Watching– I havenāt had too much time to watch tv but I have been enjoying a few movies and tv shows including:
Emily in Paris-. Season Four began with five episodes, each about 30 minutes each. You can binge them all at once or spread them out like I did to make them last longer. The fashion, storylines and drama was upped this season and it didnāt disappoint. Emily had some incredible outfits this season.
This season was so good!
It Ends with Us– My best friend and I both read the book and we decided to make it a girls date and see the movie, It Ends with Us. There were definitely some changes between the book and movie, but Iām glad I read and saw them both. I think the casting was well done and it was cool to see the characters come to life on the big screen.
What Iām Cooking– I didnāt do too much cooking since I spent a lot of the month traveling, but I have enjoyed some tasty stir frys.
I also have been grilling out toward the end of summer. I do have a few new cookbooks that I have yet to go through and plan on making some recipes from them soon!
I also made the delicious grilled chicken salad. The salad had cucumbers, radishes, oranges and grapes. It was so filling and healthy too!
What Inspires Me– A friend sent me this reminder and I think itās so important to keep in mind as we head into a new season of life and to remember to slow down.
Also, for anyone heading back to school or to the classroom, another reminder too!
What I Accomplished– I crossed off almost everything off my summer bucket list. Hereās a look at it currently.
I also hit my goal of running 9 miles this month which I was very proud of.
Goals from Last Month– This month was so busy between our family trip and soaking up the last bit of summer and going through some transitions, I was so happy to have made it through the month.
My garden has been coming along well and although, I didnāt get as nearly as many veggies as I hoped, I still got some!
Goals for this Month– After a busy summer, I am looking to getting back to some of my old routines and establish new ones. I am also looking forward to spending more time with friends and maybe coming up with some new hobbies or things to do.
Post work runs brought me down to the water.
Whew, August was a packed full month and this is just a look into it. I hope this next month brings new routines, rhythms, and adventures, but most importantly, growth. What are your goals for the month ahead? I would love to hear them.
Have a wonderful week, see you back here on Friday!
