Category: Friday Favorites

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #41


Hello all! Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week! This one was a fun week, filled with friends, activities, and a good work week. 

Someone is happy for the weekend!

We are inching closer and closer to warmer and summer-like weather and I canā€™t wait for it.

As we get ready for the weekend, hereā€™s some things Iā€™m loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

Firefly Lane– The second part of season two of Firefly Lane came out at the end of April and I slowly made my way through it. I watched an episode or two a night and really enjoyed seeing how the series wrapped up. It was based on a book, so if you read the book series, you know how it ends. It was bittersweet to say goodbye to the characters that I grew to enjoy. Overall, I was satisfied with how it wrapped up. If you watched, what were your thoughts on the series?

New Scent– Itā€™s been a few months, so it was time for a new body lotion and spray. I am currently using Coco Paradise by Bath and Body Works. I got it for free with a purchase and couldnā€™t wait to try it. Itā€™s the perfect scent to get you ready and excited for summer. Itā€™s the perfect mix of ocean and coconut. This will be the best thing for a beach trip this summer!

Barrington and Simplified Collaboration– Simplified announced a collaboration with Barrington, a purse brand and the patterns and colors are so fun! Thereā€™s so many different styles and bags you can choose from with Simplified patterns or colors. Plus, you can get them monogrammed too! I may have to add a few of these to my Wish List.

Just a look at some of the bags!

Ed Sheeran New Album– Ed Sheeranā€™s new album, Subtract, came out last week and itā€™s what Iā€™ve been listening to it non-stop. I love the variety of music, from slow and soft to fast and upbeat. Iā€™ve loved listening to Sheeranā€™s music over the years and I couldnā€™t wait for this new album. Iā€™ll be seeing Ed Sheeran in July and I canā€™t wait. This will be the second time Iā€™ll be seeing him in concert and Iā€™m going to do my best to have most of these songs memorized.

Elizabeth Holmes on the Simplified podcast– Another Simplified favorite (sorry, I canā€™t help myself!) Last week was the Coronation of King Charles III, I caught parts of it on Saturday and actually got to do some stories on it too, more on that next week! But ahead of the Coronation, Elizabeth Holmes, my favorite Royal expert, shared thoughts about Royal fashion and the Coronation and more on Emily Leyā€™s Simplified podcast. It was so fun to hear two of my favorite people talk about Royalty. Such a special treat.

Such a fun listen!

There you have it! A look into some of my favorite things from the past week. Some collaborations, new scents and hobbies. Certainly a little bit of everything! Tell me: what are you looking forward to this weekend? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Friday friends!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #40

Hey hey! Happy Friday! We made it through the first week of MAY! I hope you guys are all having a great week. This was a busy work week for me, but so fun, so this weekend is much needed for some R and R.

I hope you have something fun planned for the weekend whether itā€™s family time, doing something with friends, watching the Coronation of King Charles II or enjoying the Kentucky Derby. Thereā€™s a lot going on this first weekend in May.

Todayā€™s roundup of Friday Favorites is a bit of a mix bag, so I hope you find something that speaks to you in this post as I link up with Erika and Andrea! 

Guacamole Chips– In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I have you covered! We picked these up on a whim for our Taco Tuesday a few weeks ago and they were a hit. They complemented salsa, queso and guac so well. There was a little bit of a kick to them which really added to the chips. If you are a chips and guac fan, consider these for your next Taco night.

Brunch with Babs– I know I am late to the game on this Instagram account, but I found Brunch with Babs a few months ago and I have been loving it. Babs has great tips and advice from cooking and cleaning to housewarming. I have been really enjoying her spring cleaning tips and have been using them a lot lately. If you donā€™t follow her, definitely consider checking her out.

The Diplomat– Have you seen The Diplomat on Netflix? I started watching it last week and have really gotten hooked. Itā€™s all about a government official who gets a new gig as an Ambassador and how she adjusts to her new role with some twists. I loved the casting, the plot, and the storylines. Itā€™s been a fun show to watch to unwind at the end of the day.

Emergency Key- I got this emergency key/tool for Easter and immediately put it on my keychain. It has so many uses and tools if you are ever in an emergency. This is definitely a handy tool to key in your wallet, purse or on your key chain. Take a look at all the uses below. Genius!

And Just Like That Season 2 Trailer– Calling all Sex and the City Fans! The trailer for season 2 is out and it looks good. From the fashion, to the friendship, the one-liners and surprise appearance at the end of the trailer, wowā€¦June canā€™t come soon enough. Iā€™m really looking forward to seeing what happens.

An extra bonus, the series finale of A Million Little Things aired this week, I watched the show from the beginning and although sad, I though the show wrapped up beautifully. If you watched, what did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

There you have it, a fun roundup of favorite things from this week. I hope you have a wonderful first weekend of MAY!Ā 

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #39

Hi all! Happy Friday and happy end of April! What a month itā€™s been, filled with the start of spring and sunshine! That being said, I canā€™t wait for May, lots of good things in store for the next month.

My pup enjoying the sweet sunshine!

As always, Iā€™m linking up with Erika and Andrea! for another edition of Friday Favorites, a collection of things that have caught my eye and maybe will catch yours too!

Hereā€™s what Iā€™m loving this week.

Small Gold Hoops– I have been on the hunt for a small gold hoop earrings for a while and got a perfect pair for Easter. I have large loops in different colors, but was looking for something a bit more dainty and these fit the build. They are classy and professional and can be worn in the office, out to dinner or even with jeans and a t-shirt, definitely a favorite worth sharing.

New candle– Out with the old and in with the new! It was time for a fresh candle for my room. This scent is divine. I love the sweet and subtle smell it brings to my room. Itā€™s perfect for sunny mornings and quiet evenings. The orange is perfect for spring. Iā€™ll be enjoying this candle all spring long!

Outdoor walks– We have been having the best weather here lately (minus a day of snow!) and I have been taking advantage of all the outdoor walks, from walks on my own with my dogs and a good podcast, to long walks, catching up with friends. I have been doing everything I can to get outdoors and in the sunshine and getting some good exercise doesnā€™t hurt either!

A great walk with one of my friends!

So Many Thoughts Coronation podcast– If you have been following on here for a while, you have heard me talk about Elizabeth Holmesā€™ and her coverage of the Royal Family, from her book, to her newsletter and podcast, she is a wealth of information. She has a new series of podcasts on Substack about the coronation of King Charles II. It’s been fascinating to learn about what to expect for the big day next month.

Murder Mystery 2- I watched the first Murder Mystery with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston a few years back and was excited to learn there was going to be a second movie. I recently watched Murder Mystery 2 on Netflix with my family and really enjoyed it. It was a bit different than the first, but had the classic ā€œwho done itā€ element. The second movie takes them to a different destination with characters old and new. I highly recommend it for a fun, family movie.

There you have it, a fun mix of favorites this week. This weekend has family time and a few activities lined up. Tell me: what do you have in store for the last weekend of April? Let me know in the comments below!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #38

Hi everyone! Happy Friday! I know itā€™s only mid-April but I am so ready for summer. Over the past few weeks, Iā€™ve gotten to enjoy sunshine, 70 degrees, and all the clear skies. I even have indulged in ice cream on a few nights too. I know itā€™s not here to last, but I am soaking up as much as I can. Iā€™m currently working on this post outside and itā€™s such a tease for summer.

Beautiful spring weather!

It was so hard to narrow down todayā€™s Friday Favorites because I had so many things on my mind. But I think this is a good mix of things to read, watch and enjoy this week. Hereā€™s this weekā€™s edition of Friday Favorites as I link up with ErikaĀ andĀ Andrea!

The Best Years of Your Life– This book started out slow, but once it picked up, I couldnā€™t put it down. Itā€™s told by the three main characters, a married couple and their college-aged daughter. Each character is going through different trials and tribulations and has their own secrets that they are dealing with. You can find themes of drama, relationships, family, honesty and integrity. Itā€™s one of those books that will stick with you after you finish it. Another bonus is that the author is from my community-such a small world!

Simplified Spring Launch!-Emily Ley and her team at Simplified revealed their products and covers last week and they went on sale on Wednesday! All I can say is wow! What a collection! Their academic planners go on sale in the spring and their yearly planners go on sale in the fall. Iā€™m a yearly girl, so I will buy my plannerĀ in the fall, but I already have my eyes on some new products too! If you like organization and desk and office supplies, you have to see what they have in stock. This is my pick for this year!

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 5– The new and final season of the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel returned last Friday! So far, a handful of episodes are available. I am really into the season and i donā€™t want it to end. There was a lot of shock after the first episode, you can read about it here if you want to learn more, but be warned, the article contains spoilers! I always look forward to Fridays when the new episodes drop and I canā€™t wait to see how everything wraps up.Ā 

James Corden and the Kardashians– If you are a fan of the Late Night Show with James Corden or the Kardashianā€™s, you have to check out this video. Corden fills in as their assistants for the day and the end result is too funny! This is guaranteed a laugh for you.

New Library Books– After reading some great books, I couldnā€™t wait to head to the library for some new reads and my recent haul didnā€™t disappoint. I picked up a mix of rom-com, drama, and some that have been on my read list for a while. I canā€™t wait to share some reviews soon!

Well there you have it, thatā€™s a look into what I have been loving this week. I hope you found something that you can love too! I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with sushine and spring fun!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #37

Happy Friday Friends! It feels like Springtime here! The sun is out longer, Iā€™m not wearing layers upon layers when I head out the door and flowers are starting to bloom. I love this time of year!

First signs of spring

As we make out way into another spring weekend, Iā€™m sharing some of my favorite things with you from the week as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

Easter Fun!

I know we are a week past Easter, but I wanted to share an easy recipe! We always make a traditional Easter Bunny cake! We use a box mix to make to circular cakes and then here’s how you get the bunny shape!

Bake your two cakes in two circular pans.
Take one cake and cut two angles to make the ears for the bunny face.
Use the other for the bow
Ice, decorate and enjoy!

Sea Salt Crackers– I picked up these crackers when I was out and was looking for a new flavor for my lunches. I love to pair these crackers with cheese, apples or salads. I love the consistency and flavor of the pita and sea salt. I am always on the hunt for new flavors and tastes and these check all the boxes. If you are looking for a new cracker, definitely check these out.

Rose Water and Ivy Wall Flower– As the seasons change, it was time for a new wall flower scent from Bath and Body Works. For spring , Iā€™m using Rose Water and Ivy and Iā€™ve really been enjoying it. I love the sweet and fresh smell it gives off. I also swapped out my plug-in for a new one with sleeker look. Iā€™m excited to use this more in the coming weeks.

Greenwich Park– My co-worker shared Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner with me and I loved it, I finished it in less than a week! Itā€™s the perfect mix of drama, thriller and mystery. The story is told from different perspectives of the characters. The book follows a story of a woman who meets a fellow first-time mom in a pre-natal class, the two women become friends until the new women has a hidden agenda and some secrets and connections to the protagonist and her friends and family. The book starts out fairly slow but picks up towards the middle and end, so if you re thinking about quitting, stay with it.

Emily Leyā€™s Podcast on Friends– I listen to Emily Leyā€™s Simplified podcast every week. She covers different topics about life, organizing, cooking, motherhood, finances along with guests every week. Last week, she released a podcast about friendships and the different kinds of friends. Her message was all about how thereā€™s different friends for different parts of your life or seasons. This podcast really resonated with me, I definitely recommend the Simplified podcast for regular listening but also for this specific episode.

Thatā€™s a look into some of my favorite things from this week. I hope you have something fun planned for you this weekend! Happy Fri-yay!!!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #36

Hey hey! Happy Friday and happy Easter weekend. I always look forward to Easter as a time to reflect and really embrace the spring season. I hope you have something fun planned this weekend with family if you celebrate. 

Todayā€™s Friday Favorites is truly a mixed bag, from things to read, listen to and watch and use! I guarantee you, thereā€™s something you will find that you like. Hereā€™s some things Iā€™m loving as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

Colette-Have you seen Colette yet? It came up as a recommendation for me on Netflix and my interest was piqued. Although, it’s a few years old, it’s definitely worth the watch. The movie follows the story of a young woman who falls in love and marries a man in the 1940ā€™s. She ends up being his ghost writer, but it doesnā€™t exactly go as planned. My favorite part of the movie was that it was based on a true story. So fascinating!

The Bestie Breakdown– One of my favorite podcasts, The Bestie Breakdown is back for season 4! Erika and Shay breakdown so many fun and relatable topics, I love listening to their fun conversations about life, pop culture and family. Theyā€™ve released a few episodes so far and I have loved listening to them. I took a road trip last week and listening to this podcast made the time go by so fast. Looking forward to see what other topics they breakdown this season.

Hello Spring!-Sticking with the spring vibes, this Hello Spring lotion from Bath and Body Works has been a favorite for me. I keep it in my car and apply it daily. I love the soft scent thatā€™s not too overpowering. This and lotion is just a subtle nod to spring thatā€™s been a bright spot in my days!

Emily Ley on Substack– Emily Ley, founder and creator of Simplified has started writing on a new platform called Substack. Iā€™ve used substack before to follow Elizabeth Holmes who writes and follows the Royal Family. Substack allows people to read/write and listen to longer form thoughts and musings. So far Emily has written about her sabbatical, books sheā€™s read and things sheā€™s learned. I canā€™t wait to read more from her this year.

Biggest Changes from Book to Screen for Daisy Jones– I promise this is one of the last times I will talk about Daisy Jones, but for those who read the book and watched the series, this article is great at comparing the two and spotting the differences. As Iā€™m working on this post, I am listening to the show’s soundtrack. SO GOOD!

Well there you have it, just a look into life lately and what Iā€™m loving! I hope you have a fantastic Easter weekend! He will soon be risen!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #35


Hey guys! Happy Friday! We made it to the weekend and to the end of March! I canā€™t believe tomorrow is April, spring is flying by. 

Hereā€™s a roundup of some of my favorite products, meals, and hobbies from the past week as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

Mary Kay Mint Lotion– I always love testing new beauty products. I got this Mint Bliss Energizing Lotion as a gift and I couldnā€™t wait to try it. Hereā€™s some things that I love about this lotion. First, the smell is divine and so fresh, it provides a cooling sensation to your legs and feet. I also love the consistency of it, not too thick, but not too runny. Itā€™s also great for dry skin which happens a lot in the winter.

Metal Straws– This year I have been doing my best to use more reusable products. From my reusable baggies to tupperware, but now Iā€™m upping my game with my cups. I try to drink a lot of water every day and use a lot of reusable cups/water bottles and mugs. Many of the cups I use donā€™t have straws, so these reusable metal straws are a huge win! They fit perfect with most cups/thermoses, are easy to clean and I feel better that Iā€™m doing my part to help the planet.

Chocolate Drizzle Popcorn– Most people in my family are huge popcorn fans and we have been trying different flavors and seasonings. We are currently loving this chocolate sea salt popcorn. Itā€™s our own recipe, simply pop popcorn, (I typically do a cup of popcorn), melt chocolate chips (about Ā½ a cup) and then drizzle chocolate over the popcorn on a large tray. Add a pinch of salt over the chocolate and popcorn mixture and let it harden, I typically dry for about an hour or two and then serve! So tasty and a perfect mix of sweet and salty.

Lemon Poppyseed Muffins– I know I cheated with this box recipe, but I saw this at the store and couldnā€™t resist by trying them. They were the perfect mix of sweet and flavorful. I love the added taste of the poppyseeds. I know they are meant to be enjoyed as a breakfast treat but I think they could work just as well as a dessert.Ā 

Love and Other Words– I am always reading and I just finished this book, Love and Other Words and loved it. It goes back and forth between the past and present with two best friends who reunite after almost a decade apart. Themes of friendship, love, and books are woven through the book. As a book lover myself, I loved all the references to books and getting lost in a story. My friend Sydney gifted me this book and Iā€™m so glad she did. Iā€™ll defintely be reading more Christina Lauren books.

Thatā€™s a look at some of my favorite things from this past week. Some products, some food and a good book. What more could you ask for? I hope you have a great first weekend of April!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #34

Hey Guys! We made it to Friday! I donā€™t know about you, but I am ready for SPRING. Iā€™m ready to say goodbye to the snow and hello to fresh blooms. As we wait for spring, hereā€™s some favorite things Iā€™ve been loving this week as I link up withĀ ErikaĀ andĀ Andrea.

Carrie Soto is Back– My Taylor Jenkins Reid kick has not slowed down. I finished Carrie Soto is Back and enjoyed it more than I thought. It follows the story of a tennis player looking to return to the court to claim her title as champion. I learned a lot about tennis, endurance, and hard work. I really appreciated the relationship between Carrie and her father. Thereā€™s a lot about female empowerment, family ties, and some romance too. Itā€™s a bit different than some of TJRā€™s other books, but I really enjoyed it.

A Path to Well-Being: Embrace Silence for Stronger Mindfulness– I came across this article and was immediately intrigued. I have been practicing mindfulness for a few years now in the morning and at night. I always try to start and end my day with some quiet time. This article shines light on the importance of mindfulness and meditation. Definitely a fascinating article.

Flatbread crackers-I am always on the hunt for different crackers or snacks. I found these everything flatbread crackers from Target and fell in love with them. They go great with dips, sauces, sliced fruits or veggies. Plus, everything bagel seasoning is the perfect extra flavor.

Hair Thickening Spray-I am currently on a mission to use products that I have on my shelf instead of buying new. I have really been loving this hair thickening spray. I apply it after the shower and it leaves my hair feeling thicker and it adds volume. I got it from Target and have been happy with the results so far. 

Rice Krispy Treats– I have been craving some homemade treats and the cold weather was the perfect excuse for some Rice Krispy Treats. This was the recipe I used and it turned out great. The sweet treats didnā€™t last long, they went fast and thatā€™s when you know you made a good batch. 

I hope you find something that brought you joy to you this past week. Depending on when you read this, I’ll either be watching Daisy Jones and the Six or have finished it already. For those watching, what are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great weekend and fingers crossed spring comes soon!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #32


Hey all! Happy Friday and Happy St. Patrickā€™s Day! If you choose to celebrate, I hope you have an enjoyable and safe holiday!

Last weekend we had another burst of snow, so Iā€™m hoping this weekend itā€™s just clear skies and sunshine and more spring weather.Ā 

One more burst of snow this season!

Hereā€™s a look at some things Iā€™ve been watching, eating and reading as I link up with withĀ ErikaĀ andĀ Andrea!

The Law According to Lidia Poet- I found this mini series on Netflix and really enjoyed it. It is in another language but there are English subtitles and dubbed in English so you can follow along. It follows the story of a young female lawyer whoā€™s looking to make in the courts but keeps facing roadblocks in the late 1700ā€™s to early 1800ā€™s. I love the costumes, the casting and the murder-mystery storylines. Did I mention, while sheā€™s trying to become a lawyer, sheā€™s also solving murders?! So clever! Definitely an intriguing show you can watch in a weekend or over the course of the week.Ā 

Lemonade Packets– My go-to drink is always water but sometimes, on long days, I like to change it up. These lemonade packets are the perfect fix for the afternoon slumps. They are low in calories, there are lots of flavors and itā€™s the perfect pick me up for long days. I always have them in my pantry or lunch box for work. They also get you in the spring and summer season. Yum!

Behind the Scenes of Daisy Jones and the Six– Each week, Iā€™ve been enjoying Daisy Jones and the Six. Itā€™s been so fun to follow along after reading the book. Iā€™ve also been doing lots of reading on the making of the series. This article gave a great inside look at the relationship between the characters. I love learning about what happens when the cameras arenā€™t rolling. So fun to hear about their friendships off screen.Ā 

Murdaugh Murders Documentary-Like so many others, I was following the trial of Alex Murdaugh, however, I didnā€™t realize the whole scope of this family until I was watching the three episode documentary on Netflix. I planned on watching the first episode, but quickly got hooked and finished the whole series in one night (mind you-the episodes are only 45 minutes). The series shows how this one family was tied to a series of deaths, leading up to the most recent murders. It was fascinating to learn so much about the power that one family had in South Carolina. Definitely worth watching if you are interested in current events and true crime.

Fairytale Scent– New season, new scent! I recently started using Bath and Body Works Fairytale Scent. Itā€™s a perfect mix of warm and fresh wrapped up into one. I also go for a body spray and lotion combo from Bath and Body Works and they last me for about three months. I always like switching out scents and trying whatā€™s new. Whatā€™s your current favorite scent?!

As we make our way through March, this is just a look at some things Iā€™m loving right now, certainly a mix of reading, watching, tasting and wearing. Tell me, as we gear up for spring, what are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below! 

Have a great weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #31

Hey guys! Happy Friday or Fri-YAY! I hope you had a great first full week of March! This week was filled with work, doctorā€™s appointments and getting outside as much as I could.

The second part of YOU season 4 came out yesterday, so Iā€™ve been making my way through that and plan to watch more of it this weekend.

Even though, Iā€™m working this weekend, I have some fun activities planned which Iā€™m excited for. Today, Iā€™m linking up with ErikaĀ andĀ Andrea for this weekā€™s Friday Favorites. Hereā€™s some things Iā€™m loving this week!

Where the Crawdads Live– Iā€™m so late to the party on this movie, but I watched Where the Crawdads Live a few weeks back and really enjoyed the movie. I heard about the book, but never got around to reading it. The movie kept showing up on my recommended watch list on Netflix and decided to give it a try. Iā€™m so glad I did! Without giving too much away, it tells the story of a young girl accused of murder in a small town. The girl is an outcast to the town, so many people have already set their minds on if she committed the crime or not. The movie goes back and forth between the past and present. I was worried it would be a little dark, but found the story to be enlightening, beautiful and a story about life and death.Ā Now, I want to read the book!

Etsy Finds– I am a huge fan of Etsy and have purchased some recent gifts from small businesses. I love how unique every item is, how you can talk to the shop owners and the best part is that you are supporting local businesses. If you are looking for unique and timeless gifts, I would highly recommend Etsy! Iā€™ve had such great luck for anniversary gifts, birthday gifts, just because gifts and Christmas gifts! Definitely recommend checking them out.

Blueberry Muffin Recipe-Iā€™ve been on a baking and cooking streak and have been trying new recipes left and right. I tried this new blueberry recipe and loved it! The muffins were full of flavor and so moist. I made them for my family and they were a big hit. I have Pinterest to thank for this recipe.

The best blueberry muffins I’ve made!

Daisy Jones and the Six– Daisy Jones and the Six came out on Amazon Prime last week and I have been devouring this mini series. I couldnā€™t wait to watch the series after reading the book last summer. Itā€™s been so cool to see the characters I fell in love with come to life on the screen. From the music to the costumes and casting, this has been such a fun show to watch. You donā€™t have to read the book to enjoy the show, but itā€™s been fun to compare the two.Ā 

One True Loves trailer– Sticking with Taylor Jenkins Reid, the movie, One True Loves, based on her book is coming out soon and Iā€™m so excited to see it. I really like the casting so far and the trailer looks really good and promising for a great movie. You know itā€™s a good Friday when you have two TJR favorites!

Whew, that was a jam-packed Friday Favorites and a good mix of things Iā€™ve been loving. Tell me, what are some things you have been loving recently or looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below! Have a wonderful weekend!