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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #107

Hello everyone! Happy Friday! I hope you have had a great week. These past few weeks, especially this one, have been a bit of a whirlwind, between getting back from time away with my family, returning to work and getting my life acclimated once again. Needless to say, I am ready to get my life back in order and in a new routine.

One of my goals for this month was to run new places and this was the first spot I chose, by the water! It was beautiful!

As we get ready for the weekend which will be filled with fun, I am sharing some favorites this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea

New Candle Scent- I was looking for a new candle scent for the month of August and settled on Iridescent Glow. It’s by far the most subtle candle scent I’ve had in a long time. It is very subdue and not powerful. For lack of a better description, it’s a clean scent that’s not too perfumey or florally. I am using this scent as a good palate cleanser of scents as we transition from summery scents to fall scents.

Wick Trimmer- Speaking of candles, this wick trimmer is a great tool for candles, especially if you are a big candle user. I typically burn a candle in my room every day as I get ready and I have found that by using this wick trimmer it makes my candles burn longer. I got it on Amazon and it has been a great investment. Definitely worth it if you are a big candle user. It would also make a great gift to give someone with a candle as a housewarming gift. 

Shower Steamers– If you are looking for a way to heighten your shower experience, I may have just the thing for you. I got these shower steamers from Bath and Body Works for my birthday and have used them a handful of times in the shower. The scent is lavendar and vanilla. Some may prefer a bath to a shower, but these are a great and fast way to relax while washing up. The scent isn’t too overpowering and whether you use them in the morning or at night, I’m sure you will feel relaxed when you are done. 

Blueberry Lemonade Dark Chocolate Bar– I am a sucker for trying new things on display at grocery stores. I talked about a peanut butter trail mix last week in my Friday Favorites and this week I am sharing a new candy bar. The flavor is unique, but it’s so good. I picked it up from Giant Eagle and it has been a tasty treat to indulge in at the end of the day. It’s mostly dark chocolate with a hint of lemon and blueberry, unique, but so tasty. 

Homemade Chocolate Croissants– We were big fans of the Olympics this year and that included watching the Opening Ceremonies and many events. My mom and I made homemade chocolate croissants. They were super easy to make and tasted delicious! We purchased mini croissants from the grocery store and sliced them and put mini Hershey bars inside, we cooked them for about 10 minutes and took them out and then drizzled melted chocolate on top. After letting them cool, we all thoroughly enjoyed them. These were such an easy and sweet treat to enjoy. I will definitely be making them again for breakfasts, desserts and coffee. Yum!

Today’s post was definitely more of a home goods/sweet treats post, but you never know what you are going to get when it comes to Friday Favorites! I hope you had a great week and have something fun planned for this weekend. Happy Friday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #68

Hello All! 

Happy Friday!

This week flew by. November has been filled with work projects and events, seeing friends, preparing for the holidays and lots of deep cleaning and organizing. It’s been busy but I have been loving and embracing this slower season before the chaos of the holidays begins (which I love too).

Here’s a few things that I have been loving as I link up with Erika and Andrea or a fun roundup of Friday Favorites!

The Bodyguard-This is an older show, but new to me. Have you watched or heard of The Bodyguard. It came out in 2018 and is a limited series on Netflix. It’s all about a bodyguard for a government official in Great Britian, however, she starts receiving threats once he is assigned to her detail. She is targeted by bombings, shootings and car accidents, but the question remains, why? There’s only six episodes so you can easily binge through it in a week or over the course of the week. I personally finished it in a week but could have finished it sooner if I had more time. There were some major cliffhangers through the series and lots of plot twists. Themes of government corruption, espionage, PTSD, and love were all found in the series. Definitely worth the watch!

New Black Leggings– I have been on the hunt for some solid black leggings to wear around the house or when running errands. I found an inexpensive pair at Marshall’s, and I have been loving them. They are fleece-lined, but also thin so if you do decide to wear them in warmer weather, you won’t be sweating in them. They are soft and almost conform to your legs, so it doesn’t feel like you are wearing leggings. They one downside is that they aren’t high waisted, but I wasn’t necessarily looking for a high waited legging, but besides that, I love them!

Purple Sherpa-I have been on the hunt for a sherpa since the beginning of the fall, but never found what I was looking for when it comes to putting something on a chilly day. I popped into Old Navy last week and found lots of good deals (more coming in the next few weeks) but I finally found the sherpa I was envisioning, and it was a huge win for me! Here’s some of my favorite details, first, I love how warm and cozy it is, perfect to pair with leggings, jeans, or even sweatpants. It was a great price and style, and lastly, I fell in love with the color. I don’t have too much lavender, so I’m looking forward to bringing a new color in my wardrobe.

New Mascara– I am always trying out different brands when it comes to makeup. I have my favorite products that I use all the time (hello Sephora foundation and concealer), but for other products like mascara, I like to change it up and try new things. I saw this Maybelline mascara advertised on the TODAY show and wanted to try it. It has a thinner and smaller brush which I like since it lengthens your lashes and separates them more. I like the coverage it provides and how it doesn’t clump easily. I only need a coat or two and then I’m good to go. It’s fairly affordable and I can get it from most drugstores and big box stores. 

S’more Popcorn– Rounding up this edition of Friday Favorites is some S’more’s popcorn. We picked up a bag of this flavorful popcorn for a fundraiser and I was excited and intrigued to try it. In my opinion, there’s not a strong S’mores flavor found throughout the bag. There is seasoning on every piece of popcorn, but it’s not exactly marshmallow, graham cracker and chocolate. I would categorize this popcorn more as a sweet and salty mix. There’s a lot of flavors and it’s great to munch on during a movie night or for a post lunch snack, but I wouldn’t choose it if you just want the S’mores flavor. Regardless, it was still tasty and a great snack.

That’s a look into some of my favorite things from this week. Some snacks, some clothes and some beauty products!

Tell me: what are you looking forward for the final weekend before Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #67

Hey guys!

Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week as we countdown to Thanksgiving and the holidays. This week was a bit busier with some work events and projects, but we made it to the weekend! The weather has been cooler, so I have been spending more time indoors hence a lot of my favorites this week!

A perfect fall day!

Today is a mix bag of Friday Favorites as I link up with  Erika and Andrea .

Here’s been some things I have been loving this week.

M&M Mixed Bag– I know Halloween is over, but I am still enjoying candy. I love M&M’s and all the different flavors and types. When I saw this mixed bag at the store I had to try it. Regular M&M’s, Peanut M&M’s and Peanut Butter M&M’s in one bag? Sign me up. I love how you can get a different flavor every time. I used some of them in some protein balls I made recently, and they really added to the flavoring. These would be a perfect pairing with popcorn or in a trail mix if you like that extra crunch and sweet and salty taste. 

A sweet hit!

All the Light We Cannot See– The miniseries, All The Light We Cannot See based on the book by Anthony Doer came out last week and I watched it over the course over the weekend and really enjoyed it. I read the book last year and although it was a heavier topic, I found myself hooked from the beginning. I was curious to see how the miniseries would be compared to the book. There were definitely some differences between the two. I enjoyed the book on its own and the miniseries on its own, but with any adaption of a book to the screen there were times when I was hoping for one thing and got something different. This article does a great job at comparing the two. However, I enjoyed the miniseries and glad I watched it.

A great mini series!

Pumpkin Black Bean Soup– I can’t remember where I saw this recipe for Pumpkin Black Bean soup, and I couldn’t wait to try it. We made it around Halloween. This was a delicious recipe that had a great mix of spice and savory. I know I will be making it again, especially in the fall. Plus, it’s very healthy too. I love how thick and creamy it was too! It was the perfect harvest soup!

Santa Clause Series Returns– I’m not in the Christmas mode yet, but I am excited to get into the spirit with season two of the Santa Clause Series on Disney Plus. I really enjoy the classic, original movies with Tim Allen and was excited to see how the series would go. I thought season one was good and a good way to get into the holiday season. I was excited to hear that the show got renewed for season two. I’m looking forward to seeing what this season brings. Plus, this will be a great way to get into the holiday spirit ahead of the season.

The Murdaugh Murders Season 2– I know I am late to the party on this one, but I finally got around to watching season two of the Murdaugh Murders season two. I watched season one when it came out and was hooked and when season two came out, I knew I had to watch. It may have taken me a little while to watch it, but once I did, I finished it in two nights. I had followed the trial this past year and was interested to see what things I could learn from the documentary series. I found the behind the scenes look so interesting. If you love a true crime that’s still happening, you will want to watch this. 

That’s a look into what I’m loving this week. A lot of shows and miniseries and somethings I’m planning on watching!

Tell me: how have you been enjoying the month of November? What do you have in store for the next few weeks? 

Have a great weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #26

Happy First Friday of February! I hope you have something fun planned for the first weekend of February! 

Ironically, all my favorites today tie into the theme of love. If you are looking for a rom com, something sweet or a gift for someone special, I have you covered. Here’s what I have been LOVING this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

About Fate-Have you seen this cute rom-com on Amazon Prime? About Fate follows the story of two people in different relationships, one serious, one not so serious, but they run into one another without their significant others and end up spending New Year’s Eve together overcoming one obstacle to another to get to their dates. They end up learning they have more in common than they thought and fate​ keeps bringing them together. Definitely worth the watch to gear up for Valentine’s Day.

About Fate was such a cute movie on Amazon Prime.

New Candle-It was time to break open a new candle and I am loving this candle scent “Strawberry Snowflakes” from Bath and Body Works. I typically don’t purchase candles from Bath and Body Works, but I received this candle as a gift and have been loving it. It’s a sugary-sweet scent that’s a perfect mix of fruity and fresh cookies and great for fall. I always love to burn a candle when I am getting ready to start the day or unwinding at the end of the day. Candles just spark joy and this would be a great Galentine’s gift for your girlfriends this year!

Mint and Dark Chocolate Kit Kat Duo-Speaking of sweet, if you are a fan of mint, you may want to try Mint and Dark Chocolate Kit Kats. I got them as a gift and really enjoyed them. I already enjoy Kit Kats as sweet treat, and these just elevate them. They are the perfect mix of mint and chocolate and crunch. I highly recommend picking them up the next time you are in the grocery store. 

Eye Massager– I saw this eye massager on so many gift guides last Christmas and as some who gets headaches frequently, I wanted to try it for myself. I got it for Christmas and have tried it a handful of times. There are different settings that you can adjust such as pressure, heat, sound and vibrations. If you get headaches around your temples, eyes or head, I would highly recommend investing in this eye massager. 

Donut Phone Holder-Another super useful Christmas gift. As someone who is always on near this phone at work or home, this donut ring is so useful. You can prop your phone up vertical or horizontal to either use it for reading, answering text messages or using apps or, using it to watch videos. I typically like to have it propped up on my desk when I am working so I can see messages or notification. I’ve also used it in the kitchen when I am cooking and looking up a recipe. A fun gadget that proves to be quite useful too.

That’s a look into some things I am LOVING this week. As we embark in a new month, what are some things you are loving this week? Let me know in the comments below!

Have the BEST weekend!

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Fabulous living

Fall Bucket List Recap

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! Even though we are in the middle of November and still have about a month of fall left, I wanted to recap my fall bucket list before we get into the holiday fun between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here’s a recap of my fall bucket list.

Here’s my bucket list all marked off.
  • Apple Picking
I collected lots of apples and made some tasty recipes too!
Up-close of the apples.
  • Niagara Falls

I didn’t get to Niagara Falls, but I’m making a plan to go next spring or summer.

But I did get to go to another set of water falls in New York in Letchworth State Park.
  • Kinzua Hike
A beautiful fall day for a hike at Kinzua State Park.
  • Hockey Game

I didn’t make this happen, but I’m hoping to head to some local games this winter.

  • -Cider Press
I went to a pumpkin patch that at a cider press on site.
  • Decorate Pumpkins
Collected lots of pumpkins and used the to decorate my house.
  • Collect Leaves
Some of the leaves that I saw on the walk.
Then I used them to decorate my desk in my room
  • Scary Book and Movie
This was a chick read with a Halloween/mystery twist.
  • Celebrate Halloween 
Decorated my house for Halloween. (The pumpkins are from Mason Farms)
And I ate a lot of sweet candy, probably too much!
  • Fall Walk
Nothing beats a fall walk. If you are looking for places to walk, check out my blog post on places to walk or hike.
  • Enjoy Hot Apple Cider

I was enjoying a cup of hot cider every morning but work, but I never snapped a picture…blogger fail.

  • Make A Fall Treat
I made cut out cookies for Halloween
I made apple crisp and apple bread from the apples I picked.
I made s’mores cookies for the first time.
And of course fall trail mix.
  • Mason Farms
Here’s the pumpkins I got from Mason Farms.
  • Fall Festival

I didn’t make it to a fall fest this year, but I clearly enjoyed lots of fall fun!

I hate to see summer end, but I always look forward to the changing leaves and fall fun. That’s just a little peak into my fall fun! What are some of our favorite fall activities?!

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Fabulous living

Fall Bucket List 2019

Happy Fall Y’all!!

What is something on your fall bucket list?!

Full disclosure, I have seen that phrase everywhere and wanted to try it for myself. I love fall and everything that goes with it. I love all the seasons for a variety of reasons, but there is something special about fall. Whether it’s the crisp, crunchy leaves under your feet while walking to class, hot apple cider in a mug to start off your day, or heading to a pumpkin patch. 

Since October is well underway, I am sharing my fall bucket list of things I have done or things I plan to do. 

  • Enjoy a warm mug of apple cider
  • Take a walk in the leaves 
  • Make an apple recipe
  • Indulge in candy corn
  • Head to a Fall Festival 
I kicked off fall break with a fall fest
  • Decorate Pumpkins
  • Enjoy homemade apple crisp
My mom’s homemade apple crisp…so delicious
  • Do window shopping for new fall décor
Some beautiful fall decor while out and about
  • Enjoy a new book by the fire with a fall candle going
  • Decorate for fall/ Halloween
  • Pass out Halloween candy
  • Watch a Halloween movie
  • Celebrate Halloween and get dressed up 

A lot of these are simple activities that I can do with family or friends. I am wrapping up my time at home for fall break. I got some much needed family time, some yummy home cooked meals, and a lot of things accomplished on my to do list. I also got some time to enjoy the beautiful weather at home. I still have a few weeks left to enjoy October and I’m hoping to check the rest of these fall activities off my bucket list. 

What are some things that you have on your fall bucket list?!

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Fabulous living

Simple Christmas Decorating

Hello! Hello!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with family and friends. I know I spent my break seeing family, eating, and sleeping; refueling before its back to school and finals are upon us. While I was home, I did some decorating for Christmas. Today I am going to showcase some easy and affordable Christmas decorations that can work in a dorm, at home or even in an office.

Here are some home ideas:

These glass jars filled with bright and colorful candy and sweets and make a great centerpiece. They also make a great discussion piece. The jars are in different shapes and sizes. In my jars, I have peppermints, ribbon candy, marshmallows, red hots, and candy canes. Fun and colorful!

This sleigh was from an old floral arrangement but I am reusing it for decoration. I got these colorful ornaments from Target. Put them together and you have a great table decoration. The book behind it adds a child aspect to the arrangement.

I love making a home feel cozy. By pairing together a candle with a candy dish and a floral arrangement turns a house into a home.

Here are Dorm Ideas:

I got this stocking for sale last year and it was perfect to bring some Christmas Cheer in to my dorm room. I have it hung on my bed so it’s one of the first things my guests see when they enter.

I love dressing up a room with festive pillows and blankets, I got this pillow as a gift last year and it goes perfect on my chair.

Gel clings are inexpensive and can dress up a window. Not only does it dress up your window but people passing by can get a taste of Christmas Cheer!

I got both the Christmas Lights and Santa’s sleigh from Target for $1.00 each!

These are a few easy and affordable ideas for Christmas decorating. All these decorations can work at school, work, and home. What are your favorite places to decorate? What decorating tips do you have?

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Fabulous living

Fall Decorating

When it comes to fall decorating I try to decorate for the whole season of fall not just Halloween. Although, I’m all about the candy, the costumes, and the scary decorations, Halloween only lasts for one day when autumn last for months. I try not to go over board when decorating for each season. I like to have small reminders of the new season around my dorm/house.

Today, I am going to be sharing my decorations at home and at school that I have up for fall. Let’s start with school. I got these cute decals for my window at Target in the dollar section. I put them up in the beginning of October and take them down the day after Halloween. They are a simple reminder of Halloween without overdoing it.

Window Decorations. I used gel window clings to add some spookiness to my dorm room

I also keep my candy dish filled with Halloween candy for anyone who stops by. I also try to get a small pumpkin to have out just to add a bit more fall feeling to the room. It’s still a bit early so I haven’t gotten my pumpkin yet but when I do, I will be sharing pictures!

Halloween Candy

Now, for at home here are a few areas that are always decorated season long for fall. At home we (my mom and I) try to reuse decorations from last year but we do upgrade a few decorations each year. Centerpieces are crucial when decorating. They make the table, more than just a place to eat. Since it’s fall we used a lot of pumpkins, we have them spaced out through the house so it’s not overwhelming. Below are some of my favorite spaces at home for decorations. We tried to incorporate pumpkins in different ways and settings.

Kitchen Table Centerpiece. I love how bold and unique this centerpiece is. The table is a symbol of gathering and this centerpiece ties the whole room together.

Side Table Decorations. Another example of incorporating pumpkins in different ways. The acorn is also a fall touch without going overboard with decorations.

Coffee Table Centerpiece. I love the warm feeling the candles bring to the room. The leaves are also a good reminder of fall.

I hope this gave you so inspiration for fall decorating. Happy Tuesday!