Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week. These next few weeks will be busy as we get ready for Thanksgiving and then eventually, Christmas, but I am ready for it. Bring on the challenge and the fun too! It’s still fairly decent weather for November, so I have been doing my best to enjoy the outdoors as much as I can, even enjoying my drinks outside when I can.
It’s the second Wednesday of the month which means it’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up with Shay and Erika.
Here’s a recap of the things we have talked about so far this year:
I can’t believe we only have a few more to go this year. Today’s topic is Gift Ideas for Men, now guys are hard to buy for, no matter the age, so hopefully, this gives you some ideas or suggestions. I asked my boyfriend for some help on this and I came up with my own ideas too. I created five categories or groups to get ideas from.
First, when it comes to men, always think practically. It may not be as fun, but most guys prefer a practical gift that they will use time and time again over something that is nice, but not as functional. Let’s dive right in!
Experience– Rather than getting a guy something they may not use or like, think about getting them an experience. This can be anything from tickets to seeing their favorite sporting team, going to a concert, maybe doing an activity, like beer tasting or trying a new hobby, and taking lessons or a course in it. You can still wrap up the tickets and make it something fun to open with the information inside.
Game Day Gear– Whether they are into sports or music or another hobby, you can never go wrong with getting them some gear. This can be more traditional items like jerseys or t-shirts, or you can go the more unique route and find something vintage online. Etsy always has such unique gifts and I love supporting local businesses too!
A Nice Watch– Guys might not be into jewelry as much as girls, but, you can never go wrong with a nice watch. You can take the more route with a traditional watch that they can dress up or down, or if they are more sporty, you can go the fitness watch route. I personally love my Apple Watch and use it every day. This is definitely a practical and useful gift for the guy.
Favorites Gift- For the guy who has everything, get him all his favorites. This can be his favorite foods, drinks, snacks, and gift cards to his favorite restaurants. You can even use this gift as a way to restock on his go to items, maybe he has a favorite type of pen that he only uses or a brand of shirts that he always wears, buy all his must have items and wrap them all up together or separate.
Upgrade Essentials– Purchase some higher quality versions of his favorite items. This can be anything from buying some nicer dress shirts or socks if he works in an office, to getting him a new pair of running shoes. Guys don’t always want to spend money on themselves, so this is a great way to get them things they need and splurge a bit.
I know these aren’t specific gifts for guys, but hopefully these suggestions lead to more ideas for the special guy in your life. Tell me: what are some things you plan on buying for the men in your lives? I’m always open to ideas! Happy Christmas Shopping!
Happy Wednesday! It makes me sad to that we are at the end of July. I feel like June was so well paced and a great introduction to summer and then July came and went in a blink of an eye. There’s always so much anticipation to summer and then it goes by too fast. I know August will be a busy month with end of summer activities and people heading back to school.
Summer is in full bloom!
In good news, I did my best to make the most out of July! From a low key Fourth of July to a concert, seeing friends and some pool days, it was packed full of summer fun in between work. Here’s a look at what I’ve been up to.
What I’m Up To– July started off with the Fourth of July, this year was a bit more lowkey as it fell in the middle of the week and I was working, but my family and I still grilled and enjoyed some Fourth fun and sunshine after work. It’s more about the people and moments than all the extra hustle and bustle.
Our Fourth of July spread
This month, I also made two trips to the Pittsburg area. The first was to catch up with friends for lunch and dinner. Living long distance and being on different work schedules has made it challenging to see some friends so it was great to catch up in person and enjoy some time outside too.
Catching up with friends is always good for the soul
My second trip was to see Ed Sheeran in concert which was so fun. I saw him back during his Divide tour and I was excited to see him perform songs from all his albums.
Ed Sheeran’s tour
I also got to enjoy some live music this summer, our city always does a great job at hosting live music events, and I have gone to a few of them. There’s nothing better than live music by the water.
Live music in the summer, a must for summer!
I also enjoyed lots of time outside, having pool and reading days on my days off. We had a stretch of beautiful weather and I tried to soak up as much time outside as possible.
Reading by the pool days
Summer walks by the water.
What I’m Wearing– Last week, I shared some summer outfits that I have been wearing to work, you can read more about it here.
I also have been into skorts and casual skirts recently too. Here’s been some of my favorite looks.
I have also been wearing shorts and all the graphic t-shirts. They are so easy to throw on for off days especially when I’m outside and just relaxing on days off.
Also, t-shirt dresses are a major win for me in the summer, they are lightweight and easy to throw on after work or heading out and about to run errands, you look put together with minimal effort. A win across the board.
Perfect for a day in the city
What I’m Reading– I had such a good month for reading. This month has been a mixed bag of genres and they have been so fun!
Happy Place- I couldn’t wait to dive into this book. Happy Place tells the story of six friends reuniting in their favorite spot for one last summer trip together and one of the couples pretending they are still together when they have broken up. The personalities of the friends, the description of the setting and the nostalgia had me craving a week at the lake. I read this book on vacation and it was the perfect beach read. If you haven’t read this book yet or any of Emily Henry’s books, you are missing out.
Such a fun, summer read!
My Hygee Home- I got this book for my birthday and it’s all about making a house a home and ways to incorporate Hygee which is a Danish practice into your home. I learned a lot of practical lessons about ways to make your home cozy and useful and purposeful too. It would be a great coffee table book and a great read too. You can easily finish it in one sitting.
28 Summers- 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand was such a fun summer read. It’s about a man and woman who meet as young college students and agree to meet up every summer in Nantucket no matter what. Now, let me start out by saying, I don’t believe in cheating or having affairs, but I did enjoy reading about how no matter what was going on in these character’s lives, they always met up every year. I loved seeing how their relationship changed and stayed the same through the years. I also loved reading all about Nantucket and it makes me want to visit even more.
A favorite summer read.
What I’m Watching– Summer is typically a slower time for me for tv shows, but now with streaming services, I feel like there are more options to watch different shows. I’ve done some binge watching, but a lot of these shows have episodes that come out weekly. This summer, I have been watching Outlander, which I have really been enjoying this season, especially the twist with Roger and Brianna. I won’t say more than that to avoid spoilers, but these episodes have been really good.
I also have been watching And Just Like That, every week, again, another light and fun show. In my opinion, season two has had really good episodes and some have fallen flat for me. Overall, I still love the friendships, the fashion and the nostalgia and that’s what draws me in week after week.
As far as binge-watching goes, I have been watching The Summer I Turned Pretty on Amazon Prime. I never read the books, but I watched the first season last summer and thought it was cute and I wanted to see what was in store for season 2. This season has been definitely more dramatic and intense, but it’s still fun to watch. There are moments that are a bit unrealistic, but overall, it’s a fun show to watch at the end of the day.
Lastly, Sweet Magnolias has been my other go-to binge watch. If watching this show doesn’t make you want to move to a small Southern town, I don’t know what does. I love the aspects of southern hospitality, the one-liners and life lessons and most of all the friendships. Such a fun summer show.
What Inspires Me– I have been inspired by my garden that I started at the beginning of this summer. I am finally seeing some progress and some buds. It’s been exciting to see it grow as I tend to it every day.
My garden so far!
My first set of veggies! Peas!
I’ve also been inspired by finding new places to walk and hike. I have my places that I love to go to, but it’s been fun to find new spots and explore new places and get some exercise too.
Plus no summer would be complete without a trip to the zoo!
What I Accomplished– I’ve been doing my best to soak up summer and I think I’ve been doing a good job with it by trying to build in slower days in a busy schedule. I have also been trying to go to as many events that are traditions and free and fun! Plus, I’ve been doing everything I can do to spend time outside, from reading to grilling outside, I have been soaking up all the sun!
I’ve also been enjoying lots of meals outside.
Plus lots of grilling too!
Goals from Last Month– I made the most of summer and actitvites by crossing things off my summer bucket list. From friends, to new adventures and places and visiting old spots, it’s been a packed month. Plus, throw in some family time and you have a great July!
Summer beach days in July!
I’ve also been enjoying trying new recipes! Last week, I made homemade chicken sandwiches! So good!
A mix between a McChicken and Chick Fil A sandwich! Yum!
Goals for Next Month-The time is almost here. I’m crossing something off my 2023 New Year’s Resolutions and Summer Bucket List by running my first 5K. I have been training for it since the spring and all of this summer and I think I’m almost ready. A 5K may not seem like a huge accomplishment, but for someone who has always hated running, the fact I am excited to do this and have enjoyed the hobby is a big deal to me. I’m looking forward to finishing and accomplishing it next month. I’ve been running longer distances and I’m proud of myself for what my body can do.
Next month, I’m also looking to some family time as we take a little getaway and then some final summer adventures.
July flew by, but looking back, I accomplished so much. I know August will be busy with trying to get everything done, but I’m excited to see what the next month brings.
Happy June! I can’t believe we are already into the sixth month of the year and making our way through 2022.
As we embark on a new month and in a few weeks, a new season, I figured it was time for a summer bucket list.
I love goals and I love to do lists, in order to maximize my time in the summer and have fun, I enjoy creating bucket lists. This bucket list is a mix of free and inexpensive things around my hometown and region of things I want to do this summer. Some can be done multiple times, others are a one and done kind of deal. If you are on the hunt for fun things to do this summer, feel free to steal an idea or two from the list.
I love to support local spots and community events, so I’m hoping to do that more this summer. I also like to use the summer season as a way to slow down a bit, less appointments and to-dos and more time to rest and go with the flow (one of my goals for my 24th year!)
Sumer Bucket List for 2022
This summer I hope to accomplish as many of these things as possible and do more activities that goes beyond this list.
Here’s a look at my summer bucket list:
Heritage Festivals/ Fairs
Day trips
Zoos
Beach Day
Pool Day
Celebrate Fourth of July
Time with family
White Turkey
Sara’s
See college friends
Go Someplace New
Meal by the Water
Food tour
Picnicing
Winery/Wine Tasting
Happy Hour/ Ice Cream Hour
State/National Parks
John Russell Brewing
Mini Golf
Kayaking
Amusement Park
Outdoor Concert
That’s a look at some things I hope to accomplish this summer. What are some things you are looking forward to this summer?
Hi everyone! I hope you are having a great December! I’ve been doing my best to soak up as much Christmas spirit as I can, between drinking lots of hot coco, doing shopping, having my Christmas lights on, and doing some fun Christmas activities too, like ice skating and watching ALL the holiday movies. I’ve been doing my best to get it all in between work and family time.
It’s been a long time since things have been normal since the pandemic began back in 2020.
But slowly and surely, things are going back to normal.
One step towards normalcy has been the return of events and activities including live music and concerts. At the start of December, my mom and I traveled to Cleveland for dinner and a concert.
I didn’t take as many pictures as I planned but had the best time.
Here’s a quick recap:
We started the night meeting friends for dinner in downtown Cleveland at The Chocolate Bar.
If you know me then you know I have a HUGE sweet tooth, so this was the perfect spot.
We all enjoyed appetizers and shareable items from potstickers, to artichoke dip and chips, soft pretzels, deep fried raviolis, and then pulled pork sandwiches.
A look at some of the snacks.
The dessert line up was even better. Here’s a look at the menu.
Here’s what I got…the triple chocolate fusion. It was soooo good!
I also got a mug of a mint hot chocolate. It was the best warm cup of cheer.
After dinner we walked over to the show. My mom and I saw Andrea Bocelli. It was a beautiful show, from the choir to the orchestra, the soloists and Bocelli himself. We were blown away by the talent and the performances. He sang a mix of Italian opera, some songs in English and some Christmas tunes too!
Concert time!
A close up of the performances.
After the show, which included FOUR encores (!!!), my mom and I checked out some lights in the city before heading home.
My concert buddy! We’ve seen Matt Nathanson, The Piano Guys, Ed Sheeran and now Andrea Bocelli.
It was so nice to be able to have a sense of normalcy, even though we were masked the full time. After waiting for this show for months, I was so happy to finally see him live in concert especially after not being able to attend live music events in almost two years.
It was the best way to enjoy a night out and enjoy some live music too.
Happy Tuesday! I told myself going into my last semester of college that I am going to do as much as I can and last week was no exception. I finished with classes on Tuesday and headed to Pittsburgh for a concert. Even though I bought tickets months ago, the date crept up on me with classes getting back in session, so this was a fun way to spend a Tuesday night.
Post classes, pre concert
My two friends and I headed to see the Jonas Brothers when they were in town, I never saw them when I was a preteen and never thought I would see them in my 20’s, but boy was I glad that I did.
We are Here!
I travelled up to Pittsburgh on Tuesday afternoon with my one friend and we met our other friend there. We grabbed dinner before heading into the city for the show. We got there plenty early to secure our seats and buy our merch before it began. Jordan McGraw opened along with BeBe Rexah, I enjoyed both of their performances but was more than ready to have the show begin.
Jordan McGraw
The fan favorite trio came on stage around 9:00 and played for two hours straight. They interacted with the audience from time to time and had two costume changes but other than that it was just them performing.
Opening
They played tons of songs from their new album, Happiness Begins as well as old throwbacks from their early days as a group and their Disney days. Some songs I hadn’t heard in 10 years but I still remembered all the words. It was crazy to hear them sing throwback songs from the Disney movie, Camp Rock, and then perform a song from 2019. Some of my favorites were Hesitate, Burnin Up, SOS, Love Bug, Only Human, and Year 3000.
Our view of their second stage
The fans were loud, cheering and singing along the whole time. They went back and forth from the main stage, to the two cat walks and then walking through the crowd to a smaller stage (we were so close to the smaller stage and it was so cool to see them interact with their fans). It definitely wasn’t a normal Tuesday night, but an incredible one for sure. It was so cool to relive my teenage years in my 20’s and with some of my good friends.
Another outfit change
Thank you Joe, Nick, and Kevin for a phenomenal night! Now the next question remains…what will be next concert be?!
Today, is a very good day as tomorrow is fall break. The first half of the semester has been very busy, so I am looking forward to having some much-needed time off. In the midst of midterms and papers, I keep reminiscing about my Ed Sheeran concert last week. One of my favorite souvenirs to get at a concert are the t-shits! They are a good reminder of the event and you can wear them often. When I have gone to concerts in the past and I get t shirts, I really like to make a whole outfit of it not just a regular t-shirt.
Turning a t-shirt into an outfit
Today’s look of the day is dressing up a t-shirt into a cute outfit. The statement piece of this outfit is obviously my Ed Sheeran t-shirt. I opted for the white t-shirt instead of a black one to break up the colors.
Since it is fall and the weather is cooler, I decided to wear a pair of straight cut jeans, yes, the same ones from the concert, they are not only comfortable, but you can dress them or down. I got my jeans from Old Navy.
I added some brown hues to my wardrobe with my boots and jacket. These peep toe brown boots are perfect for fall, especially when the weather is cool in the morning but warm in the afternoon. I got these boots for an affordable price at T.J. Maxx.
Since my concert shirt is short sleeves, I knew a jacket was a must. I wore this brown leather jacket from Francesca’s to finish off my outfit. It not only kept me warm, but it was also stylish.
This was just one way to wear a concert t-shirt. I did go to a few other concerts this past summer, so I will be showing you other ways to wear this look.
I’m off to wrap up my last few classes before it is officially fall break! I am counting down the minutes.
Today I am sharing a fun outfit that screams fall. You may recognize as it wore it to my concert to see Ed Sheeran last weekend. I wanted something that is fun and that I could dress up. This outfit was the perfect fit. I am looking forward to wearing this outfit more this fall on many occasions, to class, out to dinner, or on a coffee date. I can’t wait to wear this outfit more. I love wearing this mustard color for fall.
Concert ready
I got these regular cut, straight fit jeans from Old Navy. I love the way they fit and all the different kinds of shoes you can wear them with. You can wear ballet flats, shoe boots, or heels with them. The possibilities are endless, these are my favorite pair of jeans.
Up close of top and jacket
I am loving this fall top. I got this top from GAP at the beginning of this season. The off white and little flowers are perfect details for fall. I also like the fall colors in the top. The sleeves also are so fun and flirty. If you are wearing this night, a light mustard color sweater would be a perfect accessory to go with this outfit. I am wearing a brown leather jacket would be great for a chillier evening like I am wearing here.
Lastly, my brown peep toe shoe boots are my favorite fall heels. I love that they are a great transitional shoe from summer to fall. I got my peep toe boots from T.J. Maxx. Not only are the cute but super affordable.
Another full look of the outfit
This outfit has me in the mood for fall. Bring on the shoe boots, sweaters, jeans, and leather, because fall is calling and I am all here for it.
I had planned a pretty big post for you, but life got away from me. This past weekend, I headed to Pittsburgh to see Ed Sheeran in concert. I had gotten tickets back in February, so this was a long time coming. I don’t have a favorite band, but Ed Sheeran has been a constant favorite of mine for a long time now. I love his music, his message, and his style. The concert has kept me going especially with the past few weeks filled with school and work. It was so nice to get out and have a fun Saturday night and weekend. I had so much fun, that I took very few pictures…oopps! That’s when you know it’s been a good time when you are rarely on your phone!
Concert ready
On Saturday, my mom picked me up from school and we headed to Pittsburgh. We got food on the way and got to the venue (PNC Park) in plenty of time.
Mom and I
We had great parking, only a block from the park. It was great. The weather wasn’t too bad especially for the end of September. It was breezy but comfortable.
Our seats
We had great seats, right above the dugout (the stage was in the outfield).
Anne Marie
Anne Marie was the opening act. She sings the popular songs, Rockabye and Friends. She was personable and a great opening act.
Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol performed next. I was most excited to hear them perform the song “Chasing Cars”, famous for being heard on Grey’s Anatomy. It was incredible to hear it being performed live.
Full stage
Finally, Ed Sheeran came out. He did a fantastic job, he played for 2 hours with an encore.
He played hits like “Perfect” and “Photograph”.
Up close
Some of his earlier songs like “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You”.
More stage pictures
A few of my personal favorites like “Nancy Mulligan” and “Bloodstream”.
Just a guy and his guitar
He was so personable and down to Earth. It was just him and his guitar. Although, there were almost 40,000 people there, it felt like you were in a club listening to him perform. I had a fantastic time, especially enjoying it with my mom. After the show ended, my mom and I headed back home for the rest of the weekend.
Phenomenal Show
This is where the pictures end. I think I took maybe two pictures while I was home. I was able to enjoy some quality family time, home cooked meals, some shopping and unplugging. I was only home for 30 hours….haha, but I made the most of it.
Sunday afternoon, I caught the movie Life Itself, and it was absolutely phenomenal. The story, the cast, the score, and most importantly the message was beautiful. It was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Definitely take the time to see it.
Whew…it was a very busy, but super fun weekend. It was so good to get off campus for a bit and spend time with family and get home for a bit (I haven’t seen my family or been home since the beginning of August). Now, it’s time to get back to the books and start prepping for midterms!
