Month: March 2025

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #139

Hello everyone and Happy Friday!

I hope you have been having a great week and are ready for a spring weekend! I know I am. This week, I finished a big work project, got some time outdoors and started to run outside again, major wins!!

I can’t believe we are at the end of March. The spring season is going by too fast, before we know it, we will be celebrating Easter!

Before we get to a weekend of outdoor fun, maybe some spring cleaning or yardwork, I wanted to share some things that I have been loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites!

Meghan Markle’s New Show-I know it’s been out for a few weeks, but I just got around to watching, With Love, Meghan. It’s Meghan Markle’s new show on Netflix. When heard the Ducheess of Sussex was coming out with a show I was intrigued what it would be about. Her series, which was already renewed for season two features her and different friends each episodes as they make different recipes and tackle different projects. She makes fruit platters, cakes, chicken, pasta, candles and balloon arches, truly a little bit of everything. The show is very aesthetically pleasing to watch and very soothing, but at certain times unrealistic (who has time to pick fresh berries and make preserves every day?). I do love seeing how she interacts with her friends and the different recipes she makes, some easier than others. Overall, I enjoyed the first season and will definitely be watching season two!

Protein Bars– When I was on the road last month for work I made sure to pack plenty of snacks, including healthy ones for long days when we may miss a meal. I tried two different protein bars, one by Nature Valley and the other by Fit Crunch. I chose peanut butter and chocolate flavored ones since I have a sweet tooth and enjoyed them both. I did find the Fit Crunch to be more flavorful and filling. These wouldn’t keep you satisfied for a meal, but a good snack and they are both packed with protein! A win for me!

New Journal– I got a new journal at the beginning of the year and loved it. It had different self care prompts for each day. However, I didn’t realize it wouldn’t last me for a year, so I had to get another one for daily journaling. This new journal was one II already had as a gift from a friend and it does the job perfectly for what I was looking for in a journal.  There are no prompts, but plenty of space to fill in with thoughts, quotes and mementos. Sometimes I like structure with a journal, other times, I just like being able to put my thoughts on paper. Right now, in my season of life, having a spot to put all my thoughts down is what I need.

Using the Playbooks– I started using The Lazy Genius Playbooks at the beginning of the year in addition to my Simplified Planner. It’s been four months and I wanted to share a playbook update. I mentioned them a few weeks ago in my post about how I reset for the week, but wanted to do a more in-depth review. The playbooks have been a huge help to my weekly and daily organization. There’s one for each season and there are different prompts for have to and hope to as well as brain dump spot. There’s a spot to write down notes or to do each week, which I love! Every week, I will fill out my Simplified planner and play book based off my phone calendar and things to do. I use my Simplified planner for daily tasks and to do and use the playbook for weekly goals and notes. I use them both every day and they have been instrumental in keeping me organized without going organized. You don’t have to use both, but I have found using them as companions have been very helpful for me.

Outdoor Walks– Goodbye treadmill walks, hello outdoor walks! We are finally experiencing spring and I have been loving being able to get outdoors! I have already taken several spring walks, even in windy or chilly conditions. I truly believe the sun makes everything better! I have even gotten in some outdoor runs too! I truly missed getting outside for fresh air and sunshine. Whether I am on the phone, walking with friends or family, walking with my dogs, or listening to an audiobook, the fresh air has been such a bright spot in my days!

That’s a look into life lately and what I’m loving!

How has your March been treating you? I would love to know! Are you ready for the fresh start of a new month? Happy Friday and I’ll see you back here next week.

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Currently

Currently #63

Hello hello! Happy Wednesday! We are at the end of the month, the spring season is flying by. Over the past 31 days, we said goodbye to winter and hello to spring! It has been a busy month and whether this is your first time here or you are a long-term reader, I am happy to have you with me as I recap my month with you all today!

Here’s what I have been up to in this month’s Currently.

What I’m Up To:

I began this month by trying a new coffee shop and spending time with friends. I got a blueberry and earl gray pastry which was delicious, but the company with friends is even better.

Pastries and coffee with friends is always a good mood booster in the middle of the week.

I began the month by heading down south to Alabama for work. I spent over a week driving down, working in Montgomery and Selma and then driving back. It was a long trip, but very fulfilling. Here’s a look at some of my snapshots. From the food, to a little bit of sightseeing, and covering historic events.

Working in Selma
Catfish and salad
Pulled chicken and salad
The Selma sign
Shrimp and Grits
A trip to Bucc-ee’s
A spot for dinner
Downtown Montgomery
The Edmund Pettus Bridge
Shrimp and soup
Hank Williams
Fish Tacos

I got to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with our annual parade.

The sun finally came out and I was able to get back outside for some beautiful walks!

I ended the month with my first trip to the zoo this season.

And a local fish fry!

What I’m Reading:

I had some ups and downs when it came to reading this month, but here’s what I read:

Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old- Brooke Shields’ third book, Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old is all about growing up in Hollywood, wellness, aging, life lessons and being comfortable in your own skin. I learned a lot about Shields in her book, but some parts were harder to relate to, just because of where I am in life compared to her. I did like the stories she shared and her message about women advocating for themselves. 

An Unwanted Guest– This was a book I started in February and finished in March. An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena is all about a series of guests who come to stay at a bed and breakfast on a winter weekend and one by one they end up dead. Is there one killer or multiple killers, or is it an unwanted guest? It took a little bit for me to get into it, but once I got to the climax, I couldn’t put it down. It was a great winter read.

People Pleaser- People Pleaser by Jinger Duggar Vuolo is the second book I have read by her and it really resonated with me. She discusses being a “yes girl”, people pleaser, and perfectionist and letting go of some of those tendencies. She incorporates biblical verses with questions and stories to help readers see if they are people pleasers. I think she had a great message and it gave me lots of things to reflect on.

Playing with Matches– Playing with Matches by Hannah Orenstein is all about a matchmaker in NYC. The book was good, but very light hearted and surface level. There was some storylines that didn’t flesh out, but overall, it was a good palette cleanser.

Drowning- Drowning by T.J. Newman was such a intense book about a flight that crashes and a group of people try to survive underwater before they run out of oxygen. This was a story that had me on the edge of my seat. Would not reccommend reading right before you travel, but I stayed up late to finish it.

The Good Sister– I have read a few of Sally Hepworth’s other books, and I couldn’t wait to read this book, The Good Sister. I listened to it as an audiobook as opposed to reading it and got immersed in the book. It’s all about two sisters, one is very manipulative of the other one. The story involves lies, secrets, and challenging of one another. It started slow, but picked up and I couldn’t stop when I started. Such a good read.

The Night We Lost Him– Lauren Dave’s book, The Night We Lost Him is all about a man who dies unexpectedly and it’s up to his two estranged children must work together to see if they can uncover what really happened the night their father died. This book went back and forth between the past and present. I flew through this book and will be keeping my eye out for other books by this author.

You Are Here– You Are Here by Karin Lin Greenberg tells the story of several people and business owners who work at a local mall. Through the book, you see how they are all connected to one another and how their lives evolve when they learn their mall could be closing. The themes of connection, community, and interpersonal communication are found through the book. This was beautifully written and I loved the power of relationships.

Bookish People- Bookish People by Susan Coll was a good book, but not my favorite. It’s all about a bookstore and the shopkeeper as they prepare to host a controversial poet. The book is all about how they prepare for the event and all the different personalities of the store. I thought the concept was cute, but thought a lot of the storylines were hard to follow.

The Messy Lives of Book People- This was the second Phaedra Patrick book I have read. I loved The Messy Lives of Book People. It’s all about a woman who gets hired by her favorite author to clean. When the author dies, she leaves the job of finishing her book to her cleaner. The question is why. There was so many fun connections and secrets all through the book, I couldn’t stop listening. My favorite part? The author’s name was Elspeth. Too funny! I loved this book, definitely a favorite!

What I’m Watching:

The Pitt– This was such a good series that I have been watching this month. It’s a drama about working in the Emergency Department. The Pitt takes place in Pittsburgh and the series follows a medical team from interns, to nurses, and attendings about what a standard shift looks like. This hour-long drama brings lots of interesting cases and patients and from what I have heard, it’s one of the most realistic medical dramas on tv.

The Recruit– The new season of The Recruit  picks up right after where the last one ended. I like how this series on Netflix mixes drama and humor every episode. Plus, the casting is well done and the storylines have you wanting more.

What I’m Cooking and Baking:

Overnight Oats– I have been incorporating Chia seeds in my meals more and one way I have been using them is in overnight oats. I like to add some fruit, granola, and some chocolate chips for extra flavor too!

Chia Pudding– Another new recipe for me, chia pudding. My first batch turned out well, but I think I’m going to try to use more flavoring the next time to make it sweeter. But I have really been enjoying the flavor of chia seeds and the health benefits of them too!

Molten Lava Cake– I got this recipe from Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia cookbook and it was an instant hit!

Easy Skillet Enchiladas- I got this recipe from Shay Shull and it was such a fun twist on mexican night!

Chicken, sausage, potatoes, onions, and peppers– Yes, it’s as easy as it sounds, combine everything with salt, pepper, and Italian season and cook for an hour and you have yourself a delicious meal.

What I’m Wearing: It’s the month of the luck of the Irish, so I have been doing my part to wear as much green as possible, even if it means adding some layers.

I also broke out some bold pants for brighter days.

The whole suit
Just the top

What Inspires Me:

My desk calendar at work always brightens my day with some motivation.

This was such a good reminder when life gets crazy!

A spring mantra

What I Accomplished:

I made it through a long work trip!

A long, but worthwhile trip.

Goals from Last Month:

I wrapped up my winter bucket list and will soon start my spring bucket list! Stay tuned for that in the coming weeks!

I also got to dive into my new cook book from Emily Ley! I can’t wait to try new recipes!

Goals for Next Month:

Signs of spring at the store

I have so much to look forward to in April including starting my spring bucket list, Easter, family time and maybe even a trip or two! Plus, catching up with friends and more time outdoors. I have missed the sunshine, clear roads, and blue skies! I can’t wait to soak up more rays and spring weather in the coming weeks and months!

A taste of Spring!

Tell me: what were some highlights of your month? Goodbye March and Hello April!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #138

Hi everyone! A very happy Friday Favorites to you. Spring is here and it certainly has sprung. I don’t know about you, but I have not so patiently been waiting for this new season. I’m ready for fresh starts and new beginnings, sunshine, blue skies, and no more snow.

A taste of Spring!

Can you tell I’m excited for spring?!

Before we get to the weekend, I wanted to share some of my favorite things from the past week. I have lots of entertainment options, a spring scent and a foodie favorite!

Let’s waste no time and dive right in as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

The Pitt– My latest tv binge-worthy obsession has been The Pitt. It stars ER vet, Noah Wyle and it’s a drama about working in the Emergency Department. It takes place in Pittsburgh and they actually shot some scenes in the 412! The series follows a medical team from interns, to nurses, and attendings about what a standard shift looks like. This hour-long drama brings in lots of interesting cases and patients and from what I have heard, it’s one of the most realistic medical dramas on tv. The episodes drop once a week on Max every Thursday! Definitely check it out! 

The Recruit– It came out a few weeks ago, but I finally got around to watching the new season of the Recruit. Season two picks up right after where the last one ended. I wanted to finish The Pitt before I began a new show, so I’m glad I waited. I like how this series on Netflix mixes drama and humor every episode. I’ve been enjoying working my way through this new season.

New Essential Oils– One of my close friends recommended this new essential oil at Target and let me tell you, it is an instant mood booster. Your space will feel like spring and you will want to open all the windows and have birds chirping in the background. At least, that’s how I felt. I love the combination this scent offers of fresh and clean. It’s also great to use after you finish cleaning your space.

Movie Soundtracks– I have been spending a lot of time in the car and one of the things that’s helped me has been listening to movie and musical soundtracks. I have been listening to music from my favorite Broadway shows, rom coms, and everything in between. I like to listen to them through Apple music, but you can find your favorites on Spotify or YouTube. Listening to a movie soundtrack helps the time past and it draws you back into the movie. Highly recommend listening to your favorite scores when doing chores, running errands or taking long car rides.

Some of my recent favorites

Chai Seeds– I started to incorporate Chai seeds into more of my meals and I have been loving them. I made chai pudding and overnight oats and enjoyed them both, but I have to say I enjoyed the overnight oats a bit more. After I made both recipes and let them sit, I added some of my favorite protein granola, some fruit and chocolate chips for extra flavoring and crunch. The perfect snack or dessert, plus it’s healthy too!

Chai Pudding
Overnight Oats

There you have it! That’s a look at what I have been loving this week, some spring snacks, new entertainment options and a new scent for your space. What things have you been doing to get into the spirit of Spring? I would love to hear from you! Have a fantastic Friday!

Categories
Fitness

Giving Yoga A Try

Hello everyone and happy Wednesday!

This week has been my first normal week after a week of traveling for work. I, for one, am happy to have some structure back in my life. Although it is nice to change things up every once in a while, I am someone who thrives on routine. 

Now that we are back to regularly scheduled programming, I wanted to share something that I have been trying lately. One of my new year’s resolutions was to try to incorporate yoga more in my life. I have tried it a few times in the past, but really wanted to make more of an effort to learn and adopt the practice. I think it would be a great new form of exercise and would be helpful when it comes to mindfulness and calming my mind. 

My goal was to do yoga at least once a week, whether it was through an in-person class, virtual class or through YouTube. It’s been a few months into the new year and I am proud to say I have practiced yoga at least once a week since the beginning of 2025.

I have done a mix of virtual classes and in-person classes through a local yoga studio. The yoga studio had a special going on where you could purchase five classes to try over the course of six months. I have been trying to go at least once a month and try different classes. I tried a basic class after work one night which was the perfect way to calm my mind after a hectic day at work. The basic class was very slow moving and focused on breathing and clearing your mind with some stretching. It was an hour-long class and I can’t tell you the last time I was so calm and relaxed. My mind, which is typically going in one hundred different directions, was so still. It felt so good to take an hour with no distractions and just focus on me.  The second class I tried was called flow and it was a bit more intense and faster and lasted an hour. This one focused on more stretching and different yoga positions and moves. I felt like I got more of a workout during this class as opposed to clearing my mind and focusing on me.

Besides the in-person classes, I have also been doing some virtual yoga classes. I have been taking them through Zen with Jen. She teaches both in person and online yoga classes.  I have done some of her virtual yoga classes which are typically a half hour. I can do them at my house, with my mat after a long day and it brings me peace and relaxation.

She also has a podcast where she offers mindful tips, yoga practices and advice. I have really enjoyed her evening classes. They aren’t too long, they offer a mix of breathing, meditation, and yoga stretching. She creates such a soothing atmosphere even being hundreds of miles away. Her weekly podcast offers a relaxing few minutes that I love to carve out at the start of my days and weeks.

As someone who is always on the go, I have found so many health benefits to trying yoga and slowing down. It has led me to focus on being present and not doing ten different things, it allows me to clear my mind, and has been a great technique to help me relax.

Practicing mindfulness and meditation has also been helpful when it comes to lowering my stress levels and taking a few deep breaths to put things in perspective.

I have really been pleased with my yoga journey so far and I can’t wait to continue it. If you are someone who has tried yoga, what are your thoughts on it? What advice do you have. I would love to be on this journey with you. I hope you have a soothing day and I will see you back here for another Friday Favorites this coming Friday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #137

Hello hello! Popping by to say hi this Friday!

I hope it has been a splendid week for you and you are getting ready for spring or at least trying too! It has been a very long winter so the fact we are closer to the start of spring than the start of winter makes me very happy! Life is back to normal for me, which I am happy about. Plus, spring is almost here.

A sneak peak from my work trip. More to come in a few weeks.

This weekend, we have our St. Patrick’s Day parade which is always a fun time!

Today I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites with a bunch of fun and new things as we round out this week! I have a mix bag of movies, books, some things I’ve been up to, and a recent favorite snack! Let’s get to it!

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy- Bridget Jones is one of my favorite rom coms! I love the quirkiness of the character with Bridget, I love the relationship between Mark, Bridget, and Daniel and I adore all the British references. It’s one of those movies that I can watch time and time again and it doesn’t get old. I have seen all the movies and when the most recent one came out, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy on Peacock. I was anxious to see it, especially once I learned what the plot was about. Although apprehensive at first, I went into the movie with a clear mind and I really enjoyed the film. It’s all about how Bridget moves on after a major life event. A lot of the original cast returns for this movie which made it extra special and although older, Bridget hasn’t changed a bit. If you have seen the other movies, this is definitely worth the watch!

New Scent from Bath and Body Works– Every few months it’s time for a scent refresh and this refresh timed out perfectly with a new month and soon to be season. I still have some of my Emily in Paris collection from Christmas to use from Bath and Body Works. I really have been enjoying this lavender scent. It has some springy feels to it which is desperately needed after our long winter. I am still burning a lavender candle in my room so I am channeling all the lavender and soothing vibes, if only it could bring spring faster.

Simplified Pouches- I mentioned in a post a few weeks ago that I was loving my Simplified tote, well I have also been loving my Simplified pouches to keep things organized when I am on the road or in the air. These have come in handy so many times over the last month. I have a large and small pouch and you can see I used the small one to hold writing utensils and chargers and cords. I love how it keeps all my stuff tidy and in one spot. I also love the quilted material!

Reconnecting with Friends– Over the past month, in addition to seeing my current friends, I have spent a lot of time reconnecting with old friends. It has truly brought me so much joy to catch up with people about their careers, families, and love lives. Whether in-person or on facetime or through a phone call, I have enjoyed seeing and hearing what people are up to and where they are at in life.

Protein Mix– I mentioned a few posts back that I have been loving fruit bowls as a snack or with my meal. I discovered a new topping to add to my rotation. I will combine greek yogurt, fruit and now some protein mix to my bowls. I love the sweet and salty flavor this granola provides and the extra vitamins and proteins to gives too. I am always looking for different way to get more protein in my diet and this does the trick.

That’s a look into what I have been loving this week, some food, some entertainment and some self care. As we make our way through March, what are you loving this week? Are you ready for spring and hoping for more snow! I’m Team Spring! I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

See you back here on Wednesday!

Categories
Let's Look

Let’s Look: How You Reset for the Week on Sunday

Hi everyone! 

I hope you are having a great week and happy Hump Day! I am back from my work trip, which was quite an experience, now it’s back to reality and getting my life in order.

It’s the second Wednesday of the month which means it’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up with with Shay and Erika for Let’s Look.

Each month, we share different areas of our lives. These are some of my favorite kinds of posts to read, because I love learning about how other women live their lives, plus you can pick up a few tips and tricks along the way.

In January, we talked about Low Level Goals

In February, we chatted about How We Maintain Relationships

This month, the topic is Sunday Reset. This post is perfect for this week since I’m currently getting my life back in order after being away. As much as I love to travel, there’s no place like home.

Whether you do your weekly prep on Sunday or another day of the week, I love a good reset before the work week begins. 

Here’s a few things I always like to have done or do before my work week begins that I know will set me up for a successful week.

  • Plan and Layout My Outfits– I check the weather and plan out my outfits for the work week ahead. This way I can just grab my outfit in the morning and not have to do much thinking. Obviously, life happens and the weather could change, so I can easily pivot the morning of, but having outfits, jewelry and shoes ready to go each morning saves me time and thinking every morning. I also have my gym clothes laid out the night before so I can just grab them and go in the morning.
My outfit for the day
My outfits for the week
  • Meal Prep– I love a good meal prep and I do this on my days off. My lunches typically consist of some sliced veggies, fruit, cheese, something sweet or salty (like a trail mix), and then a salad or leftovers or something protein based. It only takes a little bit of time to organize and baggie all my food for the week ahead for lunches. Every night when I get home from work, I will empty out my stuff from the day and then refill my lunch box for the next day, so in the morning, I can just grab it and head out the door.
  • Plan out my week- Do you see a trend here? I have a system for how I use my planner and I like to plan out my weeks before they begin. Here’s my current system that works best for me. Whenever I have something that needs to go on the calendar or be a reminder, I put it in my phone calendar. This is anything from doctor’s appointments to library books being due, to dates with friends. At the start of every week, I pull out my phone calendar, my Simplified planner and new this year, my Lazy Genius playbooks (I will do a more extensive post on them coming up). But I use my playbooks to write down all the extra things I need or want to do during the week (buying gifts, setting up things, running errands etc). Then I will go on my phone and fill out my planner for the week based on appointments or things to do. I will then fill in my tasks from my playbook in my planner. Each day, I will have a loose to-do list based on what I need and want to accomplish. My days off have a longer to do list compared to my working days. Life happens and things change, so there’s a lot of pivoting, but I love to look at my week in one spot and see everything laid out. 
My weekly layout
My month at a glance
  • Have the House in Order– I love to start the week off with a clean house and laundry put away. Again, this doesn’t always happen, but having a clean space gives me a clear mind and fresh perspective for the work week ahead.
  • Fill My Cup– After all the work is done, I love to sit back and relax. This could be anything from reading a bit longer, watching a movie, doing some baking, spending time with family, or going for a walk. But after the work is done and I’m ready to go for the week. I like to be able to recharge before the week begins again.

There you have it!

Five ways I like to reset for the week ahead. If I accomplish all these each week, I feel ready to take on work with a fresh perspective and clear mind. I want to hear from you! What does your Sunday reset entail! I would love to know! I’m off to finish getting my life back in order. Haha! Have a fantastic rest of your week and I’ll see you back here for Friday Favorites!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #136

Hello all!

Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week and are ready for the weekend! I am still out of town for work, so my weekend isn’t here quite yet, but it’s on its way.

I can’t believe we are at the beginning of March! We are inching closer and closer to spring which I’m very excited about! Brighter and warmer days are (hopefully) ahead! We have had a VERY long winter and I’m ready for the new season.

New mantra for the new month

As we get ready for the weekend, here are some things I have been loving this week. Some beauty picks, some travel items (this timed out perfectly), and a sweet treat or two! Let’s get to it as I link up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites!

Burt’s Bees Lotion– I started to use this Burt’s Bees lotion. It’s a thick cream that smells like almond and vanilla. I would recommend using it on dry skin, hands, or feet due to its thickness. I really love the smell and the durability. The scent isn’t too overpowering which is something I appreciate. This has been a favorite of mine in winter months.

Luggage Tags– I have been doing some travel lately (both for work and fun) and these luggage tags that I got for Christmas were a win for me! They match my navy and brown tote and backpack and are easy to spot if I have to check either item. I couldn’t pass up a monogram moment either!

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Kit- I got this travel/lip kit pair from Charlotte Tilbury as a gift from a friend and I have been so pleased with it. This is my first Charlotte Tilbury item. It’s a lip pencil and gloss. I love the neutral color, how smooth it goes on, and the great coverage it provides. I put it on in the morning and it lasted most of the day even with eating and drinking. I have been wearing this every day while I’ve been away and I’ve been loving it! I will definitely check out more products by Charlotte Tilbury. 

Hot Chocolate– I love a good warm drink in the winter months and a warm cup of chocolate is always a sweet treat. I recently tried this new brand of hot chocolate which is packed with vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It tastes just like a warm cup of hot cocoa but it’s healthy for you too! A win for me!

Emily Ley Cookbook– I have been looking forward to this day for months, Emily Ley’s latest book, and first cookbook dropped this past week, it’s called the Simplified Cook Book. It’s filled with so many easy meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and desserts. She has been teasing her cookbook for months and I’m so happy to have a copy in my hands. This is a great cookbook for anyone looking for easy meals and how to function and work in a kitchen. This would also make a great housewarming gift too. I can’t wait to start trying new recipes.

That’s a look at what I have been loving this first week of March! As we countdown to spring, what are some things you have been enjoying this week? I would love to hear from you!

Happy Friday and Happy March!

Categories
Fabulous living

Things That Make Me Feel Like Me

Hi everyone! A VERY happy March to you! The countdown to spring is on, as we are only weeks away from the start of the new season, even if it doesn’t quite feel like it quite yet. We had a stretch of temperatures in the 40’s which was an instant mood booster, but then snow returned. There is hope and promise in the air. Is it bad that I’m eager for the rain that Spring brings just because that means a break in snow? I hope not! I have been soaking up time with friends over the past few weeks which has been so fun and much needed for the soul too.

Pastries and coffee with friends is always a good mood booster in the middle of the week.

The new season means a fresh start and today’s post goes nicely with that as I’m sharing the things I do every day that make me feel like me. I am currently on the road for a work trip and even though it is exciting to be traveling, it can also come with stress. Whenever, I am gone, whether it’s for work or pleasure, there’s a few things I try to incorporate every day in my life that makes me feel like me.

If I go without one of these for a day, will the world keep turning? Absolutely! But these are little rituals I like to incorporate every day to make me feel like the best version of myself.

  • Quiet Time– I like to begin every day with some quiet time and that includes journaling, prayer time, working on a word search to keep my brain sharp, reading a few pages of a book, and Wordle to keep my streak alive. I like to take my time and ease into my day with this quiet time, sometimes, I take ten minutes for my quiet time, other days, I take forty-five minutes. It all depends on how much time I have. I love starting my day with some me-time.
No matter where I am, I always try to get my quiet time in
  • Movement- Whether it’s a lift at the gym, some yoga after work, a good run, or even just a walk. Getting some sort of movement is critical for me. Bonus points if I can get outdoors for one of these activities. I love being able to move my body and I don’t take it for granted. I feel energized after I get some sort of activity whether it be easy or hard. It’s a mood booster and stress reliever for me. 
Fresh air and some sort of movement brings me so much JOY!
  • Balanced Diet and Lots of Water– If I could only drink water for the rest of my life, I would be okay with that. I go through lots of tumblers every day with water. I drink it at the gym, I drink it hot with lemon in the morning and at night and all through the day at work. I love how refreshed and full water makes me feel. I also try really hard to eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables and proteins, plus something sweet too. I’ve never been much of a breakfast person, so lunch and dinner are my meals of the day. I love to see a colorful plate filled with fruits and veggies. I feel better physically and mentally after eating a filling meal, but don’t get me wrong, I do love to enjoy my sweet snacks throughout the day. 
We love a colorful plate!
  • Deep Breathing and Meditation– Life can get hectic which is why taking a few moments for mediation at the start and end of my day helps me stay focused and balanced. I have been using the app Insight Timer at the end of the day to help me unwind which has been a huge help too!
Insight Timer keeps me focused to mediate every day
  • Socializing– I’m your typical Introverted/Extrovert. As much as I love my quiet time in the morning and at night. I also love to spend time with my people. I call and text with my boyfriend every day and get to see my family every day, which is such a blessing. I love gathering around the table at the end of the day to talk about our days. Family is so important to me and I cherish my time with them. Plus, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my incredible friends. Although I may not see or talk to them every day, catching up with friends nourishes my soul. I have recently been reconnecting with old friends and it’s so nice to catch up on what everyone is up to in life. 
Happiest with my people!

These five things make me feel like me in the best possible way. I can obviously go without these for a day or two, but I feel like the best version of myself if I incorporate these into my daily life.

 As we look towards a new season, what are some non-negotiables for you? I would love to hear from you. Although, I’m on the road, I will be back for another Friday Favorites in just two days! See you then!

Thanks as always for stopping by and Happy March!