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Currently #42

June, where have you gone?! I can’t believe we are at the end of another month. There were certain times that this month felt slow and sweet and then I blinked, and I was planning things for July. These past 30 days have been filled with lots of walks, books, grilling, sunshine, and summer adventures. I have been making my way through my summer bucket list and doing more things that weren’t on the list. As we prepare to flip the calendar. Here’s a look at what’s Currently going on in my life.

What I’ve Been Up To: Through the entire month of June, I have been marking things off my summer bucket list. From day trips, to picnics, walks and time outdoors, I have done a lot. 

This month, I made a trip to Columbus, where I went to the zoo and state park for grilling and a beach day. 

Columbus Zoo!
More animals- I loved the polar bears!
And gorillas!
And finished the day at the beach!

I also enjoyed playing mini golf and trying a new to me pizza shop and park for a walk.

Pizza in the park!

Picking strawberries was on my summer bucket list and I accomplished that and made seven jars of jam in addition to lots of fresh berries to eat.

Strawberry picking day!
Our haul!
Some of the end results!
And strawberry shortcake too!

Another big highlight of the month was my birthday present from my boyfriend, more on that in the coming weeks!

Here’s a tease for where I went…

I rounded out the month with a trip to the beach to visit family and it was so good to see relatives and get some time by the water.

The shores of New Jersey!
The boardwalk!

What I’m Wearing: Besides your typical shorts and graphic t-shirts on days off, I did a big summer clothing haul at the start of summer and have been wearing new pieces to work. Lots of bright colors and patterns, plus quality clothing coming your way too.

One of my new dresses. I have been wearing lots of pink!

I also have been wearing lots of short sets too! Like this one!

Β 

What I’m Reading: I got a lot of books for my birthday and have been slowly making my way through them.

I started this month with Best Served Hot. I saw this book on display at the library and was immediately drawn in by the plot and checked all the boxes for a good read! Rom-com, takes place in a big city, and talks about food! The story follows a food critique and a food influencer as they try out different restaurants in NYC, first as competitors and then on a collaborators. The best and dare I say, worst part of the book was the details of all the foods they were tasting. The description was so vivid, which just made me hungry while I was reading.

I also read Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng. I really enjoyed her book, Little Fires Everywhere and I was excited to read this book. I will admit, it was a heavier novel, but I learned so much about the Asian American culture and customs. It’s all about the lengths a mother will go to protect her family while doing what she thinks is right. Themes of unconditional love, sacrifice and coming of age are found throughout the book.

I also read Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. This book takes a scientific approach to productivity and time management. I am all about maximizing my time and being as efficient as possible. This book was more research based and didn’t have as many tips or advice about management, but I still found it interesting. I appreciated how the book focused on time management through history and ways we can be make the most of our time on Earth.

What I’m Watching: I haven’t been watching too much tv as I have been doing my best to be outdoors as much as possible. I have watched some good family movies, like Air and A Man Called Otto.

Family movie night!

I also finished the series, Ted Lasso which was really good. I think the series wrapped up very nicely and I like how everyone’s storylines had closure. It was such a fun show to binge and watch week to too.

I also watched The Night Agent on Netflix. This was only ten episodes, with which episode lasting about 45 minutes. It was a mix mystery, intrigue, action, drama, and thriller, those are all good things I’m looking for in a series. I would recommend it if you were looking for a new show to binge watch.

The new season of Outlander is back! I have been making my way through season seven every week when their episodes air. 

Outlander is back!

And Just Like That Season 2. The girls are back with And Just Like That! I really enjoyed season one and have been enjoying what season has brought. It’s also been a fun show to watch weekly. 

What Inspires Me: I’ve been so inspired by summer fun! From outdoor meals, walks, trying new recipes and celebrating milestones.

Walks by the water

I also have been getting my runs in weekly and have enjoyed feeling stronger with each run I go on.

My longest run!
Delicious summer meals!
Picnics by the shore

What I Accomplished: This past month has been all about welcoming summer and really trying to be present in the moment.

Summer grilling and salad

I’m always trying to find time to sneak in time outdoors, whether it’s visiting a bit longer outside after a meal, reading outdoors instead of inside or finding time to go for a quick walk.Β 

Slow mornings reading outdoors.

Goals from Last Month: I kicked off my summer bucket and have been proud of the progress I’ve made so far which has been a win.

Enjoying all the fresh foods!

Goals for Next Month: Keep enjoying summer! I know it may not seem like much, but I really am trying hard to be present in the moment and soak up the sun, go swimming, grill, go on picnics, and make memories!

More grilling nights with lots of salads and fruits!
And more fresh salads (do you sense a trend here?)

The older I get the more I know how sacred family time is, so I’m doing my best to spend as much time with family as I can!

The beach all quiet in the morning.

I also have a concert planned and plans to visit friends! I’m looking forward to seeing those plans through. Plus, a lot of our local fairs and festivals gets underway in July so I’m looking forward to checking those out too!

Ending June with ice cream.

That’s a look into what’s Currently going on. A whole lot of summer lovin!  How have you been spending your summer? Let me know in the comments below!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #47

Hello all and Happy Friday!

I know I say this every month, but I can’t believe we are at the end of the month. June felt like it went by in the blink of an eye, but also felt slow and smooth at the same time. I’ve been having lots of fun over the past few weeks with day trips, time with family and getting outdoors as much as I can.

I’ve been finding new places to explore this summer.

It’s time for another Friday Favorites as I link up with Erika and Andrea! Today is a mix of beauty products and some fun entertainment and some sweets too. Let’s dive right in!

Hair Mousse– If you have read past posts, you know I love to use what I have, not waste, and be resourceful, when comes with food, beauty products, and household items. I came across lots of beauty and hair products and have been making my way through using them and seeing what works well for my hair. I had been using thickening spray by Kristin Ess from Target and when I finished it, I started using the Instant Lift Hair Mousse. I use it right after the shower with wet hair. I put a pump of mousse and work it through my hair and then brush it all out. The one thing I have noticed is that if you don’t really brush it through, it will harden which can make styling your hair the next day or later in the day a challenge, so make sure it’s thoroughly in your hair. Once I finish the mousse, I will let you know which product I prefer. 

Trying out this product

Air– We had a family movie night last week which was so fun! All six of us enjoyed dinner in the family room while we watched Air. You can find it on Amazon Prime. It tells the true story about Michael Jordan’s partnership with Nike. This was such a great family movie if you have older kids. They do use foul language, so be warned but everyone in my family agreed that it was a great film. I loved learning about how they came up with concept with the Air Jordans and all the effort it took to get Jordan to sign with Nike. One of my favorite parts of the movie was seeing all the iconic 80’s memorabilia and seeing some great Nike quotes too. Time spent with family all watching a movie together has been a favorite summer memory for sure!

A fun, adult or teen family movie

Honey Lemon Stirrers– I’m not sure if it was the smoke from the Canadian wildfires, allergies or a cold, but I was sick for a few days a few weeks ago and nearly lost my voice. These honey lemon stirrers were a saving grace. When I’m at home, I can make a cup of tea and add lemon, or honey or sugar if needed. But, when I am on the go or at work, I don’t want to bring lots of extra items for a cup of tea. These honey lemon stirrers add sweetness and flavor and are so easy to throw in your purse or lunchbox. I found them at Marshall’s, but I have seen them or similar ones at Home Goods or T.J. Maxx, even Target or Giant Eagle. These are great to have on hand in your cabinet.

Great for sick days!

The Lazy Genius Birthday Podcast- I know my birthday was last month, but this is such a great podcast episode to listen to if your birthday is coming up. The Lazy Genius podcast episode talks all about the importance of planning your own birthday and making it a day fit just for you. It also touches on expectations of birthdays and the pressures that come with it. I think this is such a good reminder that it’s your birthday and it should go the way you want it to be, not necessarily how others think you should celebrate it. Kendra Adachi, the host, gives examples of ways to celebrate your birthday and the importance of pampering yourself or making sure you honor the day and milestone. The episode is only 18 minutes but found it so interesting. I will definitely be listening to more episodes in the future. If you have a birthday or big milestone coming up, I highly recommend checking out this episode.

Definitely worth the listen!

Outlander’s New Season– Outlander season 7 is out on Starz. After a long hiatus I was so happy to see it back. The first episode was filled with lots of drama, suspense and intrigue. I know this is going to be a good season based on the first episode. A lot of questions got answered, but it also opened up the door to more questions. Episodes come out once a week and it’s the best way to unwind at the end of the day.

Outlander is back!

That puts a bow on another edition of Friday Favorites. From hair and skin to movies and podcast, I think this post has you covered. I hope you have something fun planned on this last full weekend and week of June. Summer needs to slow down! 

Tell me: what do you have planned for the weekend? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a fantastic Friday!