Categories
Currently

Currently #48

Hello All! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are in full on Christmas mode as the countdown to the big day is on. I know I have been in the Christmas spirit since Black Friday, this is truly one of my favorite times of year and I have been enjoying it to the fullest.

Hot cocoa and a holiday movie!

I am switching things up this month but doing my Currently a week early, so I can save next week for my end of the year recap. My Year in Review posts are some of my favorite ones that I put together all year long, so I can’t wait to share it with you next week. 

But, we have so much to get to in today’s post, hint, be prepared for a lot of Christmas cheer. Let’s get to it!

What I’m Up To: This past month has been filled with all things Christmas cheer. I have been checking so many things off my Christmas Bucket List and have been trying to make the most out of every single day, whether it’s watching a Christmas movies, baking cookies, or doing my shopping and gift exchanges. I LOVE CHRISTMAS. The best news is that the Christmas season continues after December 25, so there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the holiday spirit. Here’s a look into some of the things I’ve done so far.

Enjoying holiday traditions.
Christmas wrapping and movies
Ready for the big day!

What I’m wearing: On days off, I have been doing my best to wear all my holiday graphic tee shirts. Most of them are from Old Navy. I love the texture, the durability and all the fun designs. You can dress them up with jeans and boots or dress them down with leggings if you are just lounging around the house.

I also have been getting a lot of use out of my festive flannel from Old Navy, I paired it with jeans and boots and a red coat.

For a more dressed up look, I wore this black and white polka dotted long sleeve blouse from Ann Taylor to work and it was a hit. I wore it with black dress pants, my pearl hoop earring and a red lipstick for a pop of color. 

All bundled up for outdoor fun!

What I’m Reading: I started off the month by reading A Likely Story by Leigh McMullan Abramson. It follows the story of a young woman who is aspiring to follow in her father’s footsteps and be a writer, however she has some challenges getting there. When her mother passes away, she finds an old manuscript, but who wrote it and what will our protagonist do with it? This story follows the family through the years and through a web of secrets that slowly unravels through the book.

A great book for the fall

Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand. It’s the second book out of a five-book series. It follows the story of a large, interconnected family through Christmas year after year. When I picked up this book from the library, I didn’t realize it was the second book out of five, it took me a moment to get caught up with the characters, but once I did, I really enjoyed it and got immersed in it. It takes place over one weekend in Nantucket for the traditional island Stroll. There’s lots of Nantucket references and so much Christmas and holiday descriptions.

What I’m Watching: All the Christmas movies and programs! I don’t have a list of movies perse, but have I been trying to watch all of my favorite movies this Christmas season? You bet!

I’ve seen the classic cartoons like Rudolph, Frosty and the Grinch. I watched the childhood favorites like Home Alone and The Polar Express and I have enjoyed the adult movies like Christmas Vacation and Love Actually. 

Polar Express movie night

I also have been making my way through the final season of The Crown. I have been doing my best to savor the last six episodes and not rush the experience. If you have been watching, what are your thoughts so far?

What Inspires Me: I have been inspired by trying new recipes in the kitchen. I tried a few salads in addition to sweets.

Stir fry for the win!

I wanted to try my hand at some new recipes this season in addition to some classics. I have already made chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter cookies and I know I will be doing more baking in the coming days.

Fresh chocolate chip cookies

I also tried my first gingerbread recipe which was a success. I plan to make homemade fudge and red velvet cookies in addition to sugar cookies and some other Christmas treats.

My first gingerbread loaf
Red velvet, peanut butter and peppermint bark ready to go@

What I Accomplished: I have been very productive when it comes to my Christmas Bucket List. One night we had a Christmas movie night with the Polar Express and a popcorn and hot chocolate bar.

We made popcorn and had different seasonings for people to try, from chocolate sea salt to movie theater butter, kettle corn, and classic, everyone could try their favorite.

We also enjoyed hot cocoa with different marshmallows and toppings. This was a fun and affordable way to enjoy a movie night.

 I also enjoyed a Christmas concert to kick off the month of December, which was so fun for a night out

Christmas concert to kick off the season
Christmas in the city at night!

Plus, I’ve been enjoying holiday lights around our town, such a fun way to get in the Christmas spirit.

Christmas skating is a must!

Goals from Last Month: My goals from last month were to enjoy the Christmas season to the fullest and I know I have done that and there’s still more time to enjoy the fun. I’m looking forward to time at home with my family, especially since my siblings will be home from college. It will be great to enjoy the holiday traditions and just spend quality time together. 

Christmas movies and Christmas card stuffing

Goals for this Month: My goals for the upcoming month are to start my New Year’s Resolutions and get back into my routines and habits. This past month has been a flurry of fun and activities and while I’m not ready to say goodbye to the holidays yet, but I’m sure by January 2, I will be. 

That’s a look into life this past month. Lots of holiday cheer and fun and it only gets better from here. Wishing you a festive rest of your week

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #71

Hello All and Happy Friday!

I hope you had a great first, full of December. I am savoring every day of this Christmas season or at least trying to. I am slowly crossing things off of my Christmas Bucket List and am doing my best to slow down and really be present this season.

Christmas movies and cozy nights in

Today’s Friday Favorites are all Christmas themed-buckle up, you are in for a festive Friday Favorites as I link up with Erika and Andrea .

Etsy Gifts– I have been having so much luck on Etsy when it comes to unique Christmas gifts. I love to support small businesses when I can, and I love it even more when I get a unique and meaningful gift out of it too! I checked several people off my Christmas list thanks to Etsy. One of my favorite things about using Etsy is you can just search a name, theme or idea with the word “gifts” and you get so many options. For example, if you are looking for a gift for a teacher, simply search “Teacher Gifts” and you will have so many items to browse from. The only downside to Etsy is that I find things that I want to buy and have to reign myself in. If you are looking for some different gifts, check out Etsy!

My go-to for Christmas gifts this season.

New Flannel– I’ve been doing my best to wear something festive whenever I can and that includes running errands. I picked up this red, festive flannel from Old Navy when I was doing a bit of a shopping spree a few weeks ago. It’s a thicker material so it’s great for layering. I love how it is Christmas-y, but it can be worn in the fall and winter too. You can pair it with jeans or leggings to dress up in a lounging around the house outfit or add it to a pair of jeans for a day of shopping. I know I will be getting a lot of use out of it this year.

Feeling festive this time of year.

Dashing Through the Snow- If you are looking for a new, cute, Christmas family movie this is it! Dashing Through the Snow is on Disney Plus and it’s all about a dad who doesn’t like Christmas until he meets a new friend, Nick, who needs some help on Christmas Eve. Ludacris stars in this family movie that has so many great one-liners and heartfelt moments. This was also a step-up from your classic Hallmark movie as there was more drama and had a heavier storyline. My mom and I watched it on a Friday night and agreed it would make for a perfect family movie night.

Holiday Get-Togethers– Something else I have been loving this time of year is holiday get together with friends. The season can get so busy and it’s so nice to catch up with friends and family around the holidays. Some of my close friends are in grad school so it’s been fun to catch up before they begin their Christmas breaks. I prefer a one-on-one meet up as opposed to a big party since you get to really catch up with the person you are visiting with. The holiday season goes by so fast, so I have found it’s best to set up a time in advance with friends whether it be for a gift exchange, activity or dinner and get it on the calendar, this way you aren’t stressing out about finding time between your Christmas to-do, daily to-do and other things that pop up to make time for friends.

Christmas Candle– I love a good candle to light when I am getting ready for the day or relaxing. With the Christmas season in full swing it was time to pull out a new candle. This was the perfect combination of fresh Christmas trees and fresh pine. I love lighting a candle to set a mood and between my tree in my room and the candle, I am in the cozy Christmas spirit.

That wraps up this festive, Friday Favorites! Tell me: how are you planning on spending the weekend? Doing something fun and Christmasy?!

Have a great weekend!

Categories
Fabulous living

Christmas Bucket List 2023

Hi All! Happy Wednesday!

It’s the first full week of December. I hope you are soaking up the Christmas cheer and magic of the holiday season, I know the big day will be here soon, so these next few weeks are all about enjoying the holiday season. To make sure I enjoy it to the fullest, I like to create a seasonal/Christmas Bucket List. A bucket list gives me ideas for things to do and makes sure I accomplish everything I want to do. If you are looking for some ideas this holiday season, I hope this list helps you.

2023 Christmas Bucket List

Decorate for Christmas (Swap Out Scents and Mugs and Cups)

Christmas Shopping

Set Deadline for Picking Out Gifts, Buying and Wrapping (to minimize stress down the line)

Give Back to Others (by donating time, gifts, and baked goods)

Try a New Christmas Recipe

Bake Christmas Cookies

Build A Gingerbread House

Enjoy Hot Chocolate

One Christmas Activity a Week

Go Ice Skating

See Christmas Lights

Read Christmas Books

Listen to Christmas Music

Family Christmas Card

Go to a Christmas Concert

Exchange Gifts with Friends

Spend Time with Family

Light a Fire 

Watch Traditional Christmas movies (Frosty, Rudolph, A Year Without a Santa Claus, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Love Actually, Christmas Vacation)

Watch the Santa Clause Series

Watch Apple TV Christmas Special

Get a Christmas Tree and Decorate it

Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s

It may seem like a lot to do in 25 days, but I have already made a dent in my Christmas Bucket List. I hope this gives you some inspiration and ideas for some Christmas cheer over the next few weeks.

 I hope you have a festive week!

Categories
Currently

Currently #36

Hi everyone! I can’t believe we are nearing the end of December. I decided to move up Currently a week earlier and do my end of the year recap next week. I am in full holiday spirit over here. From baking, to Christmas music and movies and starting gift exchanges. It has been a festive time. Here’s a look into life the past month.

What I’ve Been Up To: I’ve been doing all things Christmas the past few weeks. from watching Christmas movies, like the classics (White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone), to new movies and shows, like The Santa Clause Series on Disney Plus and Spirited. I’ve also been doing lots of Christmas activities, like decorating a gingerbread house, ice skating, and Christmas activities like seeing holiday lights.

Scrooged-a classic Christmas movie.
Spirited- such a cute new movie, great for families.
A new holiday favorite series.

What I’m Wearing: Since the holiday season only lasts so long, I try to wear my Christmas gear as much as I can, from graphic t-shirts to pajamas, and socks, the choices are endless. I also have been wearing lots of layers to bundle up for the colder weather. This time of year, I always believe warmth is more important than style. 

All the layers for Christmas shopping.
I’ve also been layering up for winter walks.
The best coat for the Christmas season.

What I’m Reading: I’ve been reading lots of books over the past few weeks. I’ve been reading lots of Christmas books. Here’s a few books I’ve been loving and maybe you will to:

Some of my Christmas reads so far!

Christmas Shopaholic– This story follows a young mother in England who is charge of organizing Christmas for her family. It’s very relatable to anyone who has had to host a holiday. There’s friendship, love, family drama, lots of shopping and Christmas cheer.

A Nantucket Christmas and An Island Christmas. Both stories take place in Nantucket over Christmas time and have themes of family drama, cozy Christmas vibes and happy endings. I really appreciated the attention to detail about the island of Nantucket.

What I’m Watching: Besides lots of Christmas movies and shows. I watched the new season of Firefly Lane which I really enjoyed. I can’t wait to watch the new season of Emily in Paris. Lastly, like many others, I watched the Harry and Megahn documentary-series. I have been sharing my thoughts on it on my past few Friday Favorite posts. I was really pleased with, learned a lot and enjoyed seeing another side of Harry and Meghan!

It was so good to get caught up on this series.
Such a good documentary series.

What I’m Loving: I may sound like a broken record, but I have been enjoying all things festive for the holidays. This time of year brings me so much joy. From shopping, to present wrapping, exchanging gifts, baking, and seeing family and friends. I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR. 

Trees all dressed up for the season.
Tis the season for holiday fun!

What Inspires Me: I’ve been inspired by all the acts of kindness this time of year in addition to all the Christmas tradition. It’s been so wonderful to see so much generosity for others in need. I’ve also been inspired by unique gift ideas too. It’s always wonderful to see how creative people get with their gifts this time of year. 

Presents all wrapped and ready to be given out.

What I Accomplished: I’ve been really enjoying crossing things off my Christmas bucket list. From solo activities to things with loved ones, family and friends.

Skating has been a favorite of mine this past month.
A trip to the city to enjoy the Christmas season.

Goals from Last Month: I got all of my shopping done fairly early this month which made life a lot calmer towards the end of the month. It also helped with various gift exchanges happening throughout the month. All the prep work certainly paid off. 

Some of my gifts under the tree for others.
Enjoying hot cocoa leading up to Christmas.

Goals for this Month: I’m looking forward to coming up with my New Year’s Resolutions. I have a few ideas so far, but I’m looking forward to firming them up and working towards them in 2023.

That’s a look into life recently. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I’ll be back next week for my 2022 Recap! See you then!

Categories
Currently

Currently #24

Hey guys! Happy December…the countdown is on until Christmas! I hope you are gearing up for the holiday season!

Quick check in time…How are you doing? Got everything wrapped? Checking off all those holiday traditions? Feeling overwhelmed with everything you still have to do? We’ve all been there…while it may seem like this season will never end, it will. In the meantime, enjoy every moment and soak up all the moments, the big ones (like decorating the tree) or the little ones like looking at Christmas lights.

Onto today’s post, can you believe that we are up to two years of Currently?!  This has been such a fun monthly post, not only does it keep you updated on my life but it also puts in perspective everything I’ve done in 30 days or so…without further ado, here’s this month’s Currently.

What I’m up to: ALL the Christmas fun and cheer. From skating, to watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music at every opportunity, baking cookies and shopping and wrapping this month has been about enjoying all the Christmas fun!

There’s Christmas cheer all over the house.
We got our tree earlier in the month and it was perfect tree cutting weather.

What I’m wearing: Besides work clothes, I’ve been getting in the Christmas spirit by wearing Christmas sweaters, some cute graphic shirts and of course, Christmas socks!!! I can’t get enough of Christmas socks!

What I’m reading:  I finished reading “All the Light We Cannot See”, it was definitely a heavier read but it was so well done. This month I have been reading all the Christmas books. I read “A Shoe Addict’s Christmas”, which was super cute. I then read “Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe”, this was the perfect mix of Christmas and a beautiful tribute to Jane Austen. I’m currently reading “The Mistletoe Secret” by Richard Paul Evans, I read his series, “The Walk” during the pandemic and loved it, so I’m very excited to read this one too. 

What I’m Watching: Besides watching classic Christmas movies and some Hallmark ones too.  I have also been watching Selling Sunset on Netflix and like many other women out there, I’ve been watching “And Just Like That”…the first two episodes were so beautiful and so poignant, but broke my heart. I can’t wait to see what else this season has in store. If you have watched them, what are your thoughts on the shows?

What I’m Loving: Christmas spirit all day, every day! I love this time of year, there’s nothing better than having a candle lit, while wrapping presents and watching Christmas presents. Plus, making treats hasn’t been bad either. I made some Christmas bark this year and it was so good. It’s super easy to make and its’s easy to save and store. Here’s the recipe I used, thank you Mix and Match Mama!

Look at all this delicious Christmas bark!

What Inspires Me: The holiday season puts me in the best mood. I decorated my room at the end of last month and whenever I put on my tree and light a candle, I’m automatically put in the Christmas spirit. I also can’t wait to spend time with family and continue our holiday traditions. I went skating this month and had the best time.

Skating in the city
Buffalo was beautiful.

What I accomplished: I’ve been doing a great job at being intentional and present during the holiday season. From the gift buying to the family time and holiday traditions. I wish this season was longer. Even enjoying a hot coco and cookie while driving back from ice skating made me so happy. 

Besides homemade cookies, I can’t resist some Pillsbury cookies too!
Even the shopping malls are all decorated

Goals Accomplished from Last Month I got all my Christmas shopping done by my deadline and I got almost all my gifts sent out or wrapped. It was a huge accomplishment! I love all the gift giving but it can be a lot to get everything organized. I don’t know how parents do it, they are the real super heroes during the holiday season!

My presents for others all wrapped up under my tree.

Goals for the New Month:  Kick off 2022 with my New Year’s Resolutions. I also can’t wait to break out my new Simplified planner and start getting ready for the next. As much as I hate to see the holidays come to an end, there’s nothing quite like a fresh start.

That’s a look into my life this past month, lots of holiday fun and traditions. How are you spending the last few weeks of this year?

Categories
Fabulous living

Christmas To-Do List

Happy December! We made it to the last month of 2021…this past year has brought lots of ups and some downs too, another post on that and an end of the year recap will be coming later. Today’s post is all about holidays and Christmas and all the holiday cheer that comes with it!

If you have been following along long enough, you know I love my to-do lists and my goals, especially when it comes to the seasons and holidays. Hello Summer to do, Fall to do, yearly goals etc. With Christmas just weeks away, here’s a look at my Christmas to do list for the month of December.

  • Decorate
  • Buy Gifts
  • Wrap and Send Gifts Early
  • Make Cookies
  • See Christmas lights
  • Listen to Christmas music
  • Read Christmas Books
  • Watch classic holiday movies
  • One Christmas activity a week
  • Go ice skating
  • Get the Christmas tree and decorate it
  • Family Christmas card
  • See family and friends
  • Give back to other
  • Celebrate the holidays

A lot of these things are free or affordable and can be done all through out the month of December. Some are must dos like buying presents, others are fun actives like go ice skating. I can’t wait to celebrate the holiday season and everything that comes with it and most importantly, spend time with family and remember the reason for the season. I can’t wait to get started on my to-do list What are you looking forward to the most this holiday season and what’s on your to-do list?

Categories
Currently

Currently #23

Hi everyone! Happy Thanksgiving Eve! I hope you are getting ready for your Thanksgiving feasts! Whether you are heading to family’s or doing all the cooking yourself, I hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving.

I’m looking forward to being able to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family and having the day off! Granted, I’ll be back in work the next day, but having a day off will be wonderful.

I always like to be as open with you all as possible, so this past month hasn’t been too exciting. A lot of work, family time, watching movies and pretty routine things, I didn’t even take many pictures…blogger fail. Nonetheless, here’s a look at what’s currently going on. 

What I’m up to: It’s been a productive and busy month at work, from starting the month with the election, we had our annual food drive at work, and just on Monday, I led another roundtable panel. Between work, I’ve enjoyed time at home, watching movies, relaxing and planning Christmas gifts and goals.

A behind the scenes look of when I go live.

What I’m wearing: Glasses! Surprise, I had to revert to glasses for about a week and had to forgo eye makeup, it was definitely an adjustment to go for the more natural look especially at work, but it was good to change it up. Thank goodness I had bought some new, cute glasses too. In other news, I have been wearing long-sleeve dresses and even had to break out the turtleneck. 

A look with glasses before work.

What I’m reading:  I’ve been working my way through “All the Light We Cannot See”, it’s a beautifully written book about World War II and children’s perspectives on it. It’s taken me a while to work my way through it since it’s so heavy, but I’ve really enjoyed it so far.

What I’m Watching: I’m still enjoying Community and watching that when I’m need of a laugh. I’ve also been watching a few movies, some new and some classics on Netflix and Amazon Prime too. 

What I’m Loving: Besides work, I’ve been excited for the upcoming holidays, from Thanksgiving to Christmas. I can’t wait to see family for Thanksgiving and decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. I’m also looking forward to celebrating all the Christmas traditions too. 

I saw this when I was shopping and had to laugh.

What Inspires Me: I’ve been inspired by all the Christmas décor and gifts that I’ve seen in the stores. I’ve done some window shopping but haven’t started any major shopping. There’s something about seeing giftwrap and bows in the stores excited for Christmas and all the traditions.

Seeing this come out is getting me even more excited for Christmas!

What I accomplished: I’m feeling super accomplished after getting lots of work projects done. I have started some Christmas shopping and planning. It was great to start ordering some things too. I also got much needed rest.

My little buddy enjoying time on the couch.

Goals Accomplished from Last Month I’m happy I got to enjoy some bursts of warm weather, like going for a walk and enjoying the changing leaves. 

Some of the leaves from my walk under my desk.

Goals for the New Month:  My plan is to get my holiday shopping done early, so I don’t have to worry about things coming in late and then I’m looking forward to Christmas traditions and celebrating holidays with my family.

That’s a look at my life the past month, it’s not too exciting, a lot of work projects, and a mix of family time and relaxing. How are you spending Thanksgiving?

Categories
Fabulous living

Countdown to Christmas

It’s officially December and the Christmas season! Cue all the Christmas lights, music, and gifts! Last week, my family and I decorated for Christmas but I’ve been listening to Christmas music for the past few weeks and I already have some gifts purchases but still have a ways to go!. But it really feels like the Christmas season, we have already gotten some fresh snow, my Christmas flannel sheets are on, and I already have Christmas candles burning. 

With, the Christmas season upon us, it’s time to highlight some things on my Christmas to-do list.

  • See Christmas lights (This is perfect for a nighttime drive with some hot coco and sweet treats)
  • Get a tree and decorate it (We always cut down our tree a few weeks before Christmas and its one of my favorite traditions)
  • Make cookies (I am a big baker so I can’t wait to bake some of my favorite cookies and holiday treats, and I love sharing them with others)
  • Christmas movies (This is super easy and obvious but I can’t wait to watch all the classics, from family movies to cartoons, nothing says the holidays then Christmas movies, family and friends and holiday snacks)
  • Hot cocoa and Christmas music (Again, so simple, but enjoying a warm drink while I’m working or watching tv or getting things done. Plus I love listening to Christmas music on my way to work, or when I’m doing things around the house. I like the mix of classic songs with a mix of new covers. It’s the little things that make the Christmas season so special)
  • Christmas cards ( We always send out Christmas cards, it’s so fun to see how we have grown and changed through the year)
  • Buy gifts and Support Local (I love gift giving, I always try to stay organized and get the best deals. This year, I am looking to only shop and support small businesses or local businesses. I have already gotten some gifts from Etsy as a way to support small businesses. I plan on shopping other local spots this year to help them during what has been an unprecedented year)

That’s just a starting block for my Christmas to do list. I love taking advantage of Christmas activities. Above all, the most important part of the holidays is to celebrate Jesus’ birth and spend time with family! What are some things on your Christmas to do list?

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #29

LOTD

A very winter-y outfit for Chrsitmas shopping or date night or even a class!

This winter outfit is perfect for heading to class, shopping for Christmas, or a date night. This comfortable outfit is a great way to kick off  the first snowfall. Let’s get down to the details of the outfit.

This are my favorite black boots, they are warm and fashionable. Leather boots are so versatile, you can wear them with jeans, leggings, a skirt or dress. That is one of the many reasons I love these boots.

These cheetah print leggings are from Old Navy. I love the dark colors it comes in and how they can be pair with any outfit to dress it up. They are both comfortable and a pop of print instead of wearing standard black leggings.

I’m wearing a simple black shirt under this poncho. I get my solid black and white shirts from GAP and Old Navy. They are excellent quality and last a while.

I got this poncho from the Scandal Style the Limited Collection. It is from the show Scandal, one of my favorite shows. Olivia Pope wore a look alike sweater like this in the series. It is both comfortable and chic, two things you want in the things you wear. The sweater is a big statement piece that changes my whole outfit. Plus, not gonna lie, when I wear this poncho, I feel like I’m Olivia Pope and I can “handle” anything that gets in my way.

I’ve worn this hat before in the fall but here is another way you can wear the hat in the winter. I have bought all these things separately but put them together to form this chic outfit for a day of Christmas shopping.

I hope this inspires you to put pieces together you may not put together in the past. What is one accessory that completes all your outfits? Happy Thursday! xoxo