Happy Friday! How has your week been? Fast and furious or slow and steady? I hope it has been everything you have hoped for.
This past week I celebrated Memorial Day and my 26th birthday.
A bright day!
Fun drinks!
A sweet night!
As we gear up for a summer filled weekend, this first weekend of June, I wanted to share somethings I have been loving as I link up with Erika and Andrea.
It Ends with Us Trailer– Last year, I read It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover and although it was a different genre and a heavier book than I typically read, I really enjoyed it. I even read the sequel and enjoyed it as well. The book is being made into a movie starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni and the trailer was released a few weeks ago. It looks really good and true to the book. I can’t wait to see Lily, Ryle, and Atlas come to life. I know I will be seeing it when it comes out.
New Blue Pants– I got these soft blue pants from Ann Taylor a few weeks ago and finally broke them out for summer! I love the pastel blue, how they are a wider pant and how you can virtually pair them with any bright or neutral top! I wore it with a pink sweater but can’t wait to try it with other combinations. Those will definitely be worn a lot in the summer months especially on cooler days.
Less Screen Time- This is a bit of a personal favorite but I have changed and limited my screen time throughout my day and have noticed a difference in my routine and sleeping. I used to always check my phone first thing when I woke up, it was the last thing I looked at before bed and I would find myself scrolling in the middle of the night if I couldn’t sleep. Now, I do my journaling and reading in the morning and at night before I check my phone. I know we have been hearing it for years to not be on the phone before bed, but after trying it myself, I am on board with it. When I can’t sleep in the middle of the night, I have found reading or mediation helps as opposed to mindless scrolling. I have found myself sleeping longer and deeper when I’m not distracted by my phone. A subtle change, but one that I have found has been making a big difference.
Just Eat– Jessie James Decker cook book Just Eat has been on heavy rotation over the past few weeks in my house. I’ve been making a lot of her recipes of the past few weeks including her shrimp fried rice, and Chinese chicken salad. They were both hits in my house for meals! I’m looking forward to trying more recipes as the summer months go on.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Chinese Chicken Salad
Can of Cola Cake
Expiration Dates– I had been seeing this book, Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle on so many blogs and finally got around to reading it and it was so good! It’s all about a young woman who gets a paper about every relationship she will be in and how long it will last. There’s a few twists that I didn’t see coming mixed in an oh-so-cute plot. I really loved the theme of live life to the fullest and the lessons you can learn from love.
That’s a look into what I’ve been loving this week! Tell me what have you been loving this week?
Hello All! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are all having a great week. Whether it has been a long week or its flying by, I hope this post is a nice midweek pick-me-up. We have been experiencing gorgeous weather over the past few days, it has been in the 80’s and I am here for it, especially in May.
My currently post is a bit earlier this month, due to a special post next week.
Here’s a look into my life lately.
What I’ve Been Up To:
Since my last Currently post at the end of April, I hit a new running distance of six and a half miles.
Then I conquered my May goal of running 7 miles! I was especially proud of how much I have built up my stamina and I look forward to continuing to do so.
I have also been enjoying the warm weather and we have been savoring lots of outside time, including eating meals outdoors. At the tail end of April, we ate dinner outside for three nights in a row and it was beautiful, less cleanup, more time outside and lots of fresh air and sunshine.
Grilling outdoors makes me happy!
My boyfriend and I spent some time detailing cars this month which was hard work but definitely worth it.
I also got to enjoy my first baseball game of the season, the weather was absolutely perfect!
My mom and I celebrated Mother’s Day with a build your own bouquet which was so fun!
I have been enjoying lots of walks with friends outdoors too!
Lots of time outdoors
I made my way to the beach for grilling and to watch the sunset.
First sunset of the season
I made my way to Cleveland for a quick trip and had a delicious meal in Little Italy.
A night out in the city
Followed by a delicious meal!
What I’m Wearing:
In the cooler days of spring, this has been my spring uniform, leggings, slip on sneakers, and a neutral top.
I also got a fresh cut for summer
What I’m Reading:
Lessons in Chemistry– is all about a chemist who hosts a cooking show in the 1960’s. I loved the combination of science and cooking and how they were intertwined throughout the book. The romance between Calvin and Elizabeth made my heart soar, but my favorite part was the importance of women working in a male dominated field in the 1960’s.
Tom Lake- this was a harder one to get into but I’m glad I read it. It’s all about a woman who shares the story about a man she loved before her husband with her grown daughter. The book goes back and forth between the past and present. The theme of the book is all about the lives that parents have before their children. I found the book to be a bit slow at times, but after it was recommended to me by friends and I read about it online I am glad I read it.
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston and it’s all about a young woman who falls in love with a man after they both end up in the same apartment, the catch? They are from different times, she’s seven years ahead of him. How does this relationship work and will they find each other in the future? You will have to read to find out. I loved the description, the setting, the characters and all the details about food which is a huge part of the book. Definitely a fun read!
The Women in Me by Britney Spears is a memoir by Britney herself. I’m glad I read it after it getting recommended to me and after hearing about it when it came out. I have never been a huge Britney Spears fan, but I did learn a lot about the pop singer. I thought she was very open and vulnerable in her writing and sharing of her story. I thought she shed a lot of light on different headlines, and it was interesting to get her perspective on things. However, I wish more things were explained and gaps were filled. Overall, I thought it was an interesting read and I did enjoy talking to my friends who had read it too. I would recommend this for a girl’s book club read if everyone is interested in the topic.
Outlive– by Peter Attia was a book recommended by Shay Shull and it’s all about longevity from all different aspects of your life. The author focuses on fitness, nutrition, emotional health, mental health, sleep, and how they are all connected. There is a heavy science component to the book but it’s very easy to understand. I really appreciated how the author connects all these different aspects of your life and how you can make small changes for a longer and healthier life. It’s one of the best health and wellness books I have read in a long time.
I think both books and series could be consumed on their own, but it was nice to visually see the stories I enjoyed so much.
I also started watching the new season of Bridgerton and have been loving this season.
What I’m Cooking: It’s been a busy month in the kitchen filled with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Air Fryer peanut Butter cookies-I started the month out by trying a recipe for air fryer peanut butter cookies. They turned out okay, but I think I will stick to my traditional peanut butter cookies in the oven.
Bacon Chopped Salad- This was super easy to assemble and was so healthy. I know I will be making this again in the summer. Make a salad with all your favorite vegetables, add in grilled chicken, corn, avocado, and chopped bacon and you are in for a flavorful and healthy meal.
Homemade Chipotle Bowls- This was a super easy to prep and healthy meal. This was my own take on Chipotle’s bowls- just cook rice and your favorite protein and add your favorite veggies and toppings. I personally love corn, black beans, avocados, sour cream, and cheese.
Chicken Caesar Salad Pasta Bowls- Another easy bowl recipe. Cook your favorite pasta with grilled chicken and a caesar salad and combine for a hearty and tasty meal.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp Fried Rice came from Jessie James Decker’s cook book. I love how this dish was so easy and fast to make in one pan, plus it was filling. The best part was that there was no leftovers.
What Inspires Me:
The sunshine and spring weather!! Here’s a look at some of my favorite moments.
Plus who can resist ice cream?!
Fresh flowers and planting has made me smile!
Grilling by the water
A surf and turf for dinner
What I Accomplished:
This was a busy month with end of school year fun, people moving home, graduations and celebrating birthdays and holidays.
My puppies enjoyed lots of sunshine!
And time indoors relaxing!
Goals from Last Month: In the midst of all the craziness I did my best to really be present and soak up the season I am in.
Perfect day for a walk this week…blue skies and not a cloud in sight
We got to view the Northern Lights this past month from our home which was such a cool experience.
It was beautiful at night!
Goals for this Month: Summer is officially here and that means it will soon be time for my summer bucket list. I’ll be sharing that soon with you all.
So many signs of spring!
I also enjoyed some trips to the zoo!
That’s a look into life lately and what I’ve been up to this week. I hope you are having a fantastic week so far. See you back here on Friday!
Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week, we made it halfway to the weekend!
I am celebrating my blog anniversary this month.
I started to create this little corner on the internet seven years ago as I was finishing up my first year of college. I had just gone through one of the biggest years of growth and change. I moved out of my home, met all new people and went through all the growing pains of being a freshman in college. I started this blog as a creative hobby and outlet and it has grown so much since I wrote my first post.
I’ve shared a lot about myself through my blog, from homesickness, to landing my dream job, and staying true to myself.
So many fashion posts
I’ve also been able to share my favorite things; from beauty products, to fashion trends, travel, books and entertainment.
A few books from my collection at home.
Every year, I like to look back and see what posts stood out to me the most. This year, the biggest moments come in the form of 24 hour day trips, starting new hobbies in the form of running, playing piano and growing a garden, and being more sure of myself.
The fruits of my labor
Your 20s can be a challenging time of figuring out your career, being an adult, staying in touch with friends, being involved with family, navigating a relationship and discovering yourself. I really feel like I have found who I am and how I want to live my life over the past year.
I always say I will blog until it doesn’t bring me joy, but every day I still get excited about writing what I’m feeling and sharing my life with you all. I keep a running list of topics to write about, or favorite things to share, or even stories that I hope can help others who may feel how I feel.
I always learn so much from other bloggers and women and they inspire me every day and make my day a bit brighter.
I hope I can do that for at least one person. Whether this is the first post of mine you are reading or you have read over 500 of them, thank you for being here and reading what’s on my mind and heart. I so appreciate every read, follow, and comment.
Thank you for being on this journey with me and I can’t wait to see what the next year holds. Cheers to seven years!!!!
Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week as we make our way through April. This month has been flying by in the blink of an eye. Easter being at the beginning of the month has certainly made this month go by faster.
Finally starting to feel like spring
One of the things I have gotten back into the habit of doing this year is trying new recipes once a week. I started this practice a few years ago, but fell off the wagon, due to life getting busy. At the start of 2024, I wanted to get back in the habit of cooking a new meal once a week again. I know how to cook and bake and I would say I’m pretty decent at both, but I really wanted to expand my skills in the kitchen.
I’ve been trying new recipes regularly since January and wanted to share an update of what I have learned over the past four months. I keep track of the meals I have made and tested, you can find them on my Instagram stories and I have them saved too!
Here’s some of the biggest things I’ve learned over the past four months:
Lots of soup recipes were found on Pinterest
-Always be looking for recipes-There are some days when I know what meals I want to try and other weeks, I am looking for ideas. I am constantly scouring Pinterest, blogs, cookbooks, and even asking family and friends what meals or recipes they would be interested in trying. I’m always open to trying new dishes and sides and mixing and matching different flavors too. You never know what will stick, so I always try to keep an open mind.
–Build in extra time when trying a new recipe- I always try to budget extra time when I am making a complicated recipe. I like to take my time to make sure I am following the directions to a tee and I’m giving everything enough time to properly cook. There’s nothing worse than having your taste testers wait on food or have things not be cooked fully. I also want to build in time for errors or mess-ups.
Crab cakes were a recipe that took some extra work and prepping.
–Be open to feedback and criticism- This is easier said than done, but I always ask my family or judges about what they think of the meal. Sometimes, the meals are successes and everyone’s happy, other times, I get recommendations to try other sides or flavors. I try to be open to feedback because I know that’s the only way I will get better.
Baked Chicken Tacos!
-Portions- This is more of a technical side of things, but I still haven’t mastered portions for servings. I try to make enough for six people, I have been making just enough for six, but there’s not always enough for leftovers or seconds. I need to do a better job of cooking bigger portions so there’s more than enough food for seconds or leftovers.
Salmon bowls that were such a hit, there was no leftovers.
-Not Getting Intimated by Complicated Recipes- A lot of the meals I have made can be made in under an hour and are fairly easy to cook. They include using kitchen gadgets like the Air Fryer, are made in one dish or a crock pot. There are a few bigger recipes I want to try but they take a lot more planning and time in the kitchen, I want to work on trying recipes that may scare or intimidate me to build my confidence in the kitchen.
My first pot pie was a success!
-Getting Better at Familiar Recipes-While I am all about trying new recipes each week, I also want to make sure I am getting better at recipes I have tried before. It can be great to try new things, but I also want to get more reps in making some of my favorite family recipes like roasted chicken, spaghetti, homemade soups. I also want to have a few recipes that I can call my own and that will only come with more practice in the kitchen.
Working on my chicken skills
–Have fun and be creative-One of my favorite parts about cooking is getting creative and trying new foods. I am a huge foodie and making different dishes brings me joy and confidence. I also love to serve my family and friends something that I know I put time and effort into researching, buying ingredients and preparing. Not only is cooking and eating something that you need to do to survive, but I love that I have come to truly enjoy it.
Getting creative with stir frys!
My cooking and baking journey is just beginning. I tend to make my meals on days off when I have more time to cook and prepare a meal, I know that won’t always be the case. Some nights, a quick dinner of salad will have to do, but other nights when I have more flexibility for a more detailed meal, I know I will be taking advantage of it.
Sunday spread done right
Tell me: what advice do you have for a novice in the kitchen looking to expand her knowledge? Let me know in the comments below!
I hope you had a peaceful and joyful Easter if you celebrate. It was wonderful to have my family together, even if it was for a short weekend.
Easter always gets me excited for the start of spring, even if it was slightly earlier this year. From the pastel colors to the blooming flowers and the sunshine, there are so many things to love about this time of year.
A joyous Easter weekend filled with lots of traditions.
Even though we had a mild winter, I’m ready for spring and summer. The new season also means the return of some of my favorite hobbies, which brings us to today’s post…the importance of hobbies. I firmly believe that having hobbies or interests outside of work and family and friends are vital for a life of balance and joy. I’ve tried out different hobbies through the years and as an adult found things that truly interest me and bring me joy.
Growing up, I was involved with different activities and interests. I did theater all through middle school and high school. I was involved in National Honor Society, Student Government and other clubs. In college, I had jobs on campus and was a part of different clubs and organizations too, which kept me busy between classes. I was always on the go; I didn’t have a ton of hobbies. I didn’t play a lot of sports growing up and although I was involved with groups and organizations, I didn’t have a ton of extra interests. I always enjoyed reading, journaling and watching movies or catching up on tv shows, and helping my mom in the kitchen, but It wasn’t until end of college that I wanted to develop consistent hobbies that could be a balance outside of work.
Once I started working full time, I realized I didn’t have homework, or other responsibilities to keep me busy like I was used to my whole life, so it was time to find some interests outside of work and family.
Here’s some of the hobbies I’ve picked up and stuck to in the recent years:
Reading
I have always loved reading. English was my favorite class in school, I loved going to the library as a child and to this day, I make weekly trips to my local branch. I love getting lost in the stories, being transported to other worlds and learning about different people or places. I didn’t read as much in college, due to other books I was reading for classes, but once I graduated, my time for reading opened up. I tend to go through a book a week, depending on the length and I make weekly stops to my library to pick up or return books. I love browsing the shelves for new books, but I always have a long “To Be Read” list of recommended books from blogs, friends, and family. I have even started to download a book on my phone, so I always have a book with me, but I tend to stick with a book I can hold as opposed to a digital book. I spend so much time on screens every day, it’s nice to put it down and focus on something else. Last year, I read over 50 books and I hope to exceed that goal this year. I tend to read first thing in the morning and right before bed at night as a way to ease in and out of the day, but that doesn’t always happen. I always tell myself, as long as you read something, even if it’s just a page, that counts. Reading has been such a relaxing and soothing outlet for me to unwind and forget about the everyday stressors.
One of my latest favorite reads….American Royals by Katharine McGee
Cooking/Baking
Growing up, I loved helping my mom in the kitchen baking and cooking. I enjoyed baking in high school and college, but it wasn’t until I graduated college that I wanted to take my cooking skills to the next level. I started to cook one meal a week to work on my skills in the kitchen and to learn new recipes. Although, I took a hiatus with trying new meals in the kitchen due to a busy schedule, I’m back on track for trying new meals. I have enjoyed learning family recipes and researching new things to try. I’m getting more comfortable in the kitchen using different tools and ingredients and it’s been fun to have my family benefit from my new meals. The best part is that I’m building up my own cookbook for when I am on my own. Here’s how I plan out my recipes. I also have tried different baked goods recipes along the way too. From cookies, to cakes, and all things in between, it’s been fun to replicate some of my favorite desserts.
I’ve truly loved learning new recipes and getting comfortable in the kitchen.
Working Out/Running
In college, I started working out as a way to keep me busy and to stay active and fit. I wanted to continue that healthy lifestyle while I was working, so I found a gym and started going five days a week. I learned different skills and techniques in the gym, and I love the stress reliever it provides and that it helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle. I consider working out a hobby, it brings me joy and it’s something I’m passionate about. Last year, I wanted to challenge myself and start to run, I’ve talked about my running journey here and have truly found a love for running. I consider running one of my newest hobbies. I love the sense of accomplishment after a run, I love how I can clear my mind, and I love to see how far I can go. I do need to improve my speed, but that’s something that takes time and I’m okay with.
One of my latest runs and recent records
Gardening
This was a new hobby I picked up last summer and hopefully can continue it this year. I always wanted to grow a garden and finally gave it a try last year. It took lots of patience and tending, and plenty of trial and error, but I was thrilled with the end result, even if it wasn’t as plentiful as I hope. I learned a great deal about growing and harvesting and I can confirm that homegrown veggies taste way better than store bought. I loved seeing my hard work pay off and I loved that I could use my veggies in recipes. Plus, it was great to spend more time outdoors by tending and checking on my garden.
The fruits of my labor
Piano
This is my latest hobby, which has been one of the more challenging hobbies. I took piano lessons when I was younger but didn’t keep up with them. We have a piano in our home that was sitting idle, and I decided I wanted to try to pick up the hobby again. I have been slowly teaching myself through an app, Simply Piano, and it’s been an interesting learning experience. I have found that like anything, you have to be disciplined with it. For me, that means practicing every day, even if it’s only for ten minutes a day or on the go in the app. I spend more time practicing on my days off but try to get it in every day. Some days, I am on a roll and loving the lessons, other days, I hit a plateau and get stuck on the lesson. But I am slowly learning the instrument once again. Another personal challenge I’ve faced is that my dog hates it when I play and will cry or howl the entire time, which can cause stress and be a distraction. I will try and practice when he is outside, but it doesn’t always shake out that way. This has been one of the more challenging hobbies I have tried, but I am slowly learning it. My favorite part has been learning to play my favorite songs.
A recent accomplishment
Those are some of the hobbies I’m currently trying to incorporate into my day-to-day life. I don’t know if I will keep up with them for the rest of my life, but for now, they bring me joy and purpose and balance outside of work, family and friends. They are little ways I can take care of myself and don’t take up too much of my time. I think that’s the important thing about hobbies, they don’t have to be super expensive or any everyday thing. They can be simple way to take care of yourself and do something for me. Another thing that I have learned about hobbies is that it’s all about making time for them. You may think “I don’t have time for a hobby or to try something new”, but I promise you that if you really care about it and want to do it, you will find the time. I always seem to find a minute here or there to read a few pages of a book instead of scrolling through Instagram mindlessly, it’s all about how you structure and use your time.
I hope this gives you some inspiration about finding a new hobby or re-learning an old one. Don’t be afraid to try something new or put yourself first, it may surprise you, how a little change could make a big effect.
Tell me: what are some hobbies you have picked up or are enjoying? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Wednesday! I hope you’ve had an enjoyable week so far. We are halfway to the weekend and a few days away from a new month. This weekend is Easter Sunday, and my family will all be together for a few days. Although it will be a short weekend, I’m looking forward to it.
This month flew by, between spring-like days, a few snowy mornings and activities across the month, it was a busy March.
Here’s a look at what I’m currently up to:
What I’ve Been Up To: I have been making my way through my Spring Bucket List. I have already accomplished a few things, but will have to wait for more consistent warm weather to accomplish others.
I have been doing my best to get outdoors and that has included walks with friends, trips to the zoo and running.
First trip to the zoo of the year!
We had a stretch of warm weather and my friend and I went for walks three times in one week, it was great to catch up, get outside and do a free activity.
A day that included all the outside time!
I also got to meet up with one of my college friends for lunch. We met halfway on a day off and it was so good to catch up and share a meal together.
One of the goals I already accomplished was running 6 miles. Although, I was sore for a while after, it felt great to hit another mile.
One of my latest runs and recent records
What I’m Wearing: My wardrobe hasn’t been too exciting as of late, but I have been browsing T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s for some Spring finds. I do see a trip to Old Navy in my future soon to see what things they have on their racks for the new season.
I have been getting some wear out of my new bright, pink jacket from T.J. Maxx. It’s bright for the spring season, but also warm enough for the chilly, early spring days.
I also broke out my green for St. Patrick’s Day!
What I’m Reading:
A majority of March was spent reading the American Royals series. There are four books by Katharine McGee, American Royals, Rivals, Majesty, and Reign.
I have talked about the books in Friday Favorites posts, but in case you missed them. Each book follows the fictionalized Royal family of America. Imagine if the United States had a king and queen. Every book picks up right after the other in this four-part series. Themes of romance, coming of age, service, duty, and love are found in each of the books. They are a young adult genre, so the topics are more PG-13 compared to R. Every book ended with a cliffhanger which made you want to immediately pick up the next one. I really loved how the author wrapped up everything in the final book. Definitely a fun series to read in the spring and summer.
The Last Love Note– I finished The Last Love Note by Emma Grey in four days. I kept looking for pockets of time to keep reading. Without giving too much away, it’s all about a woman who looks to move on and grieve after losing her husband to Alzheimers. The book goes back and forth between his diagnosis and her life after he dies. It’s a story of second loves, grief, moving on and hope.
Longbourn– I also finished Longbourn. It’s a spinoff Pride and Prejudice based all about the maids and servants who work in the Bennett household. I love Jane Austen and this was such a fun read to take me back to Jane Austen times. Kendra Adachi, the Lazy Genius read and recommened the book and I’m so glad I decided to pick it up. I only wish I read the physical copy of it and not the digital copy of it.
Mother Daughter Murder Night– I saw this book on a few blogs and I couldn’t wait to dive in. Mother Daughter Murder Night tells the story about a mother who moves in with her daughter and granddaughter temporarily, while she’s there, a murder happens in the small town. The grandmother looks to solve it on her own and quickly enlists the help of her daughter and granddaughter. It’s a fun “Who Done It?”, but with the family drama. I really enjoyed the book and couldn’t put it down at the end.
What I’m Watching:
Some of my favorite shows have made their return after a long hiatus. The Masked Singer came back at the start of the month and it’s been fun to see who gets revealed every week.
Grey’s Anatomy also came back in the middle of the month. These shows have been keeping me entertained during the week.
What Inspires Me: I have been staying busy in the kitchen over the past few weeks. Here’s some of the recipes I have made.
Air Fryer Salmon Bowls
Lemon Olive Oil Muffins
Homemade Coffee Cake
Crab Cakes
Homemade Fish Fry
Turkey Pot Pie
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Roasted Chicken
What I Accomplished:
I enjoyed making my way through my Spring Bucket list as well as seeing family and friends and getting outside.
Donuts for the spring season!
Sunday spread
Goals from Last Month
I enjoyed the early days of spring. I also got to enjoy some St. Patrick’s Day fun!
I made some St. Patrick’s Day cookies for the holiday!
I also got to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day parade
My brother and I also got to see one of our favorite comedians on tour.
Goals for this Month
Next month, I am looking forward to trying more spring recipes, spending more time outdoors and having more spring-inspired dates.
This quote left me feeling inspired
That’s a look into what I have been up to this month. I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend if you celebrate! See you back here on Friday!
Happy Friday! I hope you had a successful and fulfilling first full week of March. My brothers are home for Spring Break and some of their time off overlapped. We have a full house over the next few weeks with siblings and significant others home, needless to say, I am one happy camper. It’s been fun to catch up and have some bonus family time together.
These next few weeks are looking busy with some activities, events, and travel plans, so I am taking the slower and calmer weeks as a win. As we get ready for the weekend, here’s been a look at what I’m loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea.
One Day– Have you seen the mini-series One Day on Netflix? It’s based on a book and a movie that came out a handful of years ago starring Anne Hathaway. The story follows a guy and girl who meet in college in 1988 and the viewer gets to see where life takes them by checking in with them every year. Each year you see how their lives and their relationship changes and evolves. Some years they meet up on the day, other years, it’s just a check in. You get to see these characters grow into adults, in their careers and with the different people in their lives. It was a very sweet series and I loved seeing the character development throughout. I do have to warn you, there are so emotional storylines told through the series.
Non-Meat Recipes– Asking the internet for some help! We are in the season of Lent and I’m on the hunt for some non-meat recipes to enjoy on Fridays. I am always looking to try new things and Pinterest is always a huge help, but I have found myself in a bit of a rut looking for new recipes. I am looking for any seafood or high protein recipes that don’t involve meat. If you have a favorite recipe or suggestion, share it below!
Big Note Pad- This big notepad has been saving my life recently. I got it from Simplified and I use it to write out my to-do lists for the weekend. I mentioned earlier this year that I use a mini notebook from Simplified to write any weekly to-do’s or goals. However, on days-off, I like to create a massive daily to do. Everything goes on there, from getting in a workout, to meal prepping, even scheduling appointments. I love having a big notepad to jot everything down in one spot. It’s so big that I can use it for multiple days. It’s been a huge lifesaver and it saves me from having a million post-it notes with things to do.
Apple Watch Charger– Another favorite from this week has been a new lifehack I have been using to make my life a little easier. It’s super silly, but also practical. I have a two-in-one charger at home for my iPhone and Apple Watch that I use daily. I have a car charger for my phone in my car, but nothing for my Apple Watch to charge when it’s low on battery and I’m not home to charge it. I took an Apple Watch charger that I wasn’t using and threw it in my purse, so I always have it in case my watch is low, and I need some juice when I am out and about. I know it may seem so silly and a “duh, that’s such an easy solution”, but it was one of those problems that I kept having and was causing my stress about my watch dying and not having a charger on me. A simple solution took away a lot of unnecessary stress. Just an example at how one small change can make all the difference.
Jerry and Marge Go Large-Wrapping up this week with a fun movie for the family! My boyfriend and I watched Jerry and Marge Go Large and loved it. The movie follows a recently retired man who is looking for a new hobby. His interest is piqued when he starts to play the lottery and finds a workaround to consistently win it. This leads to him and his wife getting closer and finding a new hobby together by playing the lottery. Many people in the town find out and want in on it too. It really brings the whole town together. Overall, the movie was funny, wholesome and great for the whole family.
That’s a look into some of my favorite things from this week. Some things to watch, some life hacks and some questions too. As we make our way through March, tell me, what’s been some things that have been saving your life? Let me know in the comments below!
I hope you have had a great week so far. It’s crazy to think we are at the end of February, with one more day to go as it’s a Leap Year!
This month went by much faster than January, there were more things on the calendar, more time with friends, and much better weather-all good things in my book. Although I know we are not out of the woods yet with winter, knowing we are closer to the end than the beginning is a huge win! There’s more daylight, the days are getting longer, and the temperatures are slowly but surely rising. Spring, I can hear you knocking on my door.
As we get ready for a new month and season, I’m sharing some of the highlights from the past month for this month’s edition of Currently.
What I’ve Been Up To: The month started with some really warm days. Temperatures hit the 50’s and we had lots of sunshine. I didn’t realize how much I missed the sun until we got it back for a few days. I made it a point to get outside for lots of fresh air. I always like to take advantage of the warm weather and stay active. One of my favorite ways to enjoy both is by taking long walks with my dogs and making phone calls. I love getting my steps in and catching up with friends or family on the phone.
We love a good coffee shop date!
I also have enjoyed time with family and cozing up on the winter days by watching movies or reading. Give me a blanket, light me a candle, and some form of entertainment and I am one happy gal!
Cozy afternoons on the couch
What I’m Wearing: This hasn’t been too much of an exciting month when it comes to clothes. I tried my best to wear my reds and pinks in honor of Valentine’s Day. I also got a lot of wear out of one of my favorite red coats from Old Navy. I love that you can dress up or down in an outfit with this coat. I have worn it out to dinners and work and with leggings and boots.
A look at an outfit for a night out.
What I’m Reading: This was such a good reading month for me. I read a variety of books and genres.
Lost and Found in Paris– Lost and Found in Paris is about a young woman who travels to Paris for work after a major shift in her relationship. She’s hoping to find herself and deliver a piece of artwork to a client. When the artwork goes missing, she’s forced to go on a bit of a treasure hunt around Paris with someone she meets in the city of lights. Through the course of the book, she learns more about herself than she was ever anticipating. I loved this book and it’s in the running for a top book of the year.
Love and Olives– This is the third book in the “Love” trilogy. Jenna Evans Welch wrote two other books, one that takes place in Italy and another in Greece. This book, Love and Olives follows a girl in high school who travels to Greece to work on her relationship with her dad and help him with a big project. While she’s visiting, she learns more about her father and why he left her for Greece. I loved the setting and the characters. After reading it, I want to book a trip to Greece.
The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary– This book was more psychologically heavy. The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary is all about finding the joy in everyday happenings. I was interested in the concept but sometimes got lost in the science behind it. I liked how the author brought in her own experiences to make it relatable but found some of her examples and stories to be a bit sad and dark. I learned a handful of things from the book, but it wasn’t my favorite.
The Little Italian Hotel-“The Little Italian Hotel” follows a talk show host who ends up taking her anniversary trip alone. Rather than go with her husband, she invites four strangers to accompany her. The five people bond over heartbreak and become friends as they create memories during their three-week trip abroad. I listened to the book as an audiobook in the car, while I was jogging, and while I was cleaning and doing things around the house. I like the narrator’s voice and she had me hooked the entire time.
Thicker than Water– “Thicker than Water” is by actress, Kerry Washington. She talked about her upbringing, getting into acting, and secrets about her childhood that she learned as an adult. Washington focused more on how she got to where she is today than her career in TV and film. I appreciated her candor in tackling different challenges as she grew up.
What I’m Watching: I did my best to watch some of the movies and series up for awards this season. I also made some headway in my watchlist on Netflix and Amazon Prime including some older rom-coms. I have been enjoying watching or rewatching them the past few weeks. I did however start a new mini-series which has brought me great joy!
Sanditon– PBS mini-series follows a young woman who goes to live with a family who has plans to build up a town by the water. There’s romance, drama, dealing with the class system, and of course, a beautiful backdrop where it all takes place. If you enjoy old British shows or movies, give it a try! There are three seasons, and each season has six to eight episodes. This has been holding me over until Bridgerton is back in the spring.
What Inspires Me: I have been keeping up with my cooking in the kitchen which has brought me lots of joy. I love researching to find a recipe for a meal and then I love taking the time to prepare it, but my favorite part is seeing people’s reactions to trying it. Some of my recipes have been wins, others have flopped, but that’s all a part of the process. I aim to try one new recipe a week if my schedule allows. I also have been using my air fryer more and have tried different recipes, thanks to Pinterest. Here are some of the recipes I have made.
Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad
Air Fryer Chicken Caprese
Stir Fry
Brownie Truffles
Baked Chicken Fajitas
Air Fryer Potatoes
A Veggies and Rice Stir fry
Baked Chicken Nachos
What I Accomplished: This month started with the Super Bowl and a fun spread I put together for my family. We are Steelers fans, so we didn’t have a team in the game, but it was fun to watch, especially the ending in overtime! I enjoyed the commercials and half-time show and of course, all the snacks!
Just a few days later, we celebrated Valentine’s Day. I put together little treat bags for my gals who live by me and sent some cards to my friends who live out of town. I love doing little things to shower my people with love. I also made my some heart-shaped cookies for my family, which were a hit too.
Valentine’s Day cookies are always a must!
Valentine’s Day also fell on Ash Wednesday, so I started Lent with a new devotional that I got from my church that I will work my way through for the next several weeks.
Sweet Valentine’s gifts
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with some fondue
Goals from Last Month: I was happy that I got to celebrate my gals for Galentine’s Day by catching up with them in person for coffee, a meal, or a shopping trip, or via Facetime or call. The older I get, the more I want to make sure I continue to make time for my friends no matter the distance. I also enjoyed celebrating Valentine’s Day and making the most out of the winter months.
Sweet treats with friends
Goals from this Month: I am hoping this next month brings an increase in temperatures, more time outside, and more time doing what I love. I’m in a season of gratitude and being present in the moment and I’m working on not stressing about things out of my control. I hope I can continue with that mission in the coming weeks. I am also looking forward to some bonus family time with my brothers being home from school for Spring Break. I am also looking forward to a show at the end of the month. Spring is coming, I can feel it.
Fresh cookies to round out the month
That’s a look into life lately.
Tell me: as we gear up for a new season, what are you looking forward to the most? Let me know in the comments below! Enjoy your bonus day of February! See you back here on Friday!
Happy Friday! I hope it has been a great week for you as we get ready for another weekend. I hope you are able to fill your cup with what matters most, whether it’s family time, some extra sleep, or a fun excursion. As we make our way through February I am getting set for another round of fun favorites from this past week. These are little things that have brought me joy and I hope you are finding things that have made you smile this past week too.
Let’s jump into this week’s Friday Favorites with Erika and Andrea.
Office Ladies and the Lazy Genius Collaboration– I love the Office and I love the podcast, The Lazy Genius. When I heard they were a part of the same network, I couldn’t wait to see what it would bring. Kendra joined the Office Ladies podcast for an episode and in return, the Office Ladies made an appearance on The Lazy Genius. I loved hearing about their collaboration and how Kendra helped both Angela and Jenna lazy genius different parts of their lives. If you are fans or both or either of these, give both of them a listen. You can find The Lazy Genius episode here and The Office Ladies episode here.
Coloring Books– I always loved to color as a child and got back into it in college. Once again, coloring has found its way in my life and I’m not complaining. I enjoy the calming activity if I’m watching a show in the background or if I’m sitting and just relaxing. I also enjoy coloring or doodling if sports are on and I’m only semi paying attention. Haha! I know studies have been done about the relaxing technique between coloring and I have found that it calms me down and is a soothing activity. It has definitely brought me joy on chilly winter days.
Thicker than Water– I finished Kerry Washington’s memoir “Thicker than Water” last week. I was captivated from start to finish as she talked about her upbringing, getting into acting and secrets about her childhood that she learned as an adult. It was a fast read as I finished it cover to cover in four days. Washington focused more on how she got to where she is today more than her career in tv and film. I really appreciated her candor about tackling different challenges as she grew up. Washington covered a lot of topics in an earlier interview she did this year with ABC back in September. I would recommend watching that as a companion to reading her book.
Sanditon- I heard about this PBS mini series from The Lazy Genius. In Kendra’s newsletter she talked about how she has been into all this Jane Austen, including this mini-series about one of Austen’s unfinished books. I am currently watching this series on Amazon Prime and have been loving it. The series follows a young woman who goes to live with a family who has plans to build up a town by the water. There’s romance, drama, dealing with the class system and of course a beautiful backdrop where it all takes place. If you enjoy old British shows or movies, give it a try!
Brownie Truffles– As we close out this edition of Friday Favorites, I wanted to share this sweet treat I made last week. I have always been intimidated by making truffles, but I found this recipe from Hershey’s (one of my favorite companies) and had to try it! The recipe was so easy to follow and they came out delicious! Super easy for any party or gathering and they were a hit with my family.
That wraps up today’s Friday Favorites! Some entertainment, recipes, and family fun!
Tell me: how are you filling your cup this weekend? I hope you make it a memorable one!
I can’t believe we are at the end of January. This was a slow month, but in all the best ways. I spent more time indoors, reading, taking it slow, starting new hobbies and getting back into routines. I still tried my best to get outdoors as much as possible, but Mother Nature made that difficult at times. Winter is often a time with hibernation, and I’ve done that in my own way over the past few weeks.
Walks in the wintertime
As we wrap up the first month of the new year, it’s time for a new Currently. Since this has been a quieter month, I don’t have too much to share, but I still want to show you what has brought me joy and happiness over the past few weeks.
Let’s dive right in:
What I’ve Been Up To: I have been slowly chipping away at my winter bucket list. I have been doing lots of reading, enjoying time cozied up by the fire, I started a new show and I have been enjoying lots of soup. Trying new recipes was one of my New Year’s Resolutions and I am proud of the recipes I have tried thus far.
When the weather has cooperated, I have been still running and have been really enjoying it. A few weeks back, I ran over five and a half miles, which is the furthest I have gone. I was surprised to learn that I enjoy running in the cooler weather as opposed to the warmer temperatures.
My longest run to date.
This month has also been nice in terms of getting back into a routine. As much as I love the holidays and extra activities and fun, it is nice to get back into a good rhythm with less distractions and extra things added to the calendar.
What I’m wearing: This month hasn’t been too exciting in terms of outfits. I’ve been spending a lot of time at home which has led me to wear comfortable clothes like leggings and hoodies. My purple sherpa from Old Navy has been getting a lot of extra use lately. I wore this sparkly number for New Year’s Day at work. These were all three separate pieces that I tied together in outfit, and I loved the end result.
What I’m Reading: My “To Be Read” stack keeps growing, but I have been making headway with those books and other title that look fascinating to me.
Mrs. Queen Takes the Train by William Kuhn tells the fictional story of what would happen if Queen Elizabeth II left the palace and spent the day traveling through England. The story follows the Queen’s decision to leave and follows her along her journey to a place that has a special place in her heart. Throughout the book, the reader will also meet all the people who try to track her down and bring her back to the palace. Plus, the queen makes some friends along the way. I read this book as I was finishing The Crown and it was such a fun companion.
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley- This book follows the story of five college friends who, after their sixth friend dies, make a pact to hold their own funerals to show much they are loved in the world. The concept of the story was fascinating to me, and I loved how every friend had their own funeral when things weren’t going well for them in life. The book follows them through the years and in between the ups and downs of life. The last funeral they all attend turns out to be one of the most important. Overall, the message of the book stuck with me and I would definitely recommend it.
The Senator’s Wife by Liv Constantine is a drama/thriller that involves a senator and his new wife and some of the challenges and drama they go through, especially when she starts to get very sick. The story is through four different perspectives as the events unfold. The middle and ending were so good that I kept looking for pockets of time to read more, that’s when you know it’s a good book.
What I’m Watching: After six seasons, seven years and 60 episodes, I finished the Crown. It was such a wonderful series to follow filled with rich history, beautiful fashion, and stellar acting. I learned so much about the Royal Family and Queen Elizabeth. Although I was sad to see it end, I really loved how Peter Morgan wrapped it all up. If you watched The Crown, what did you think of the ending?
Six Feet Under– I started watching Six Feet Under this month and have been really enjoying it. It’s an older show that was on HBO and is now on Netflix. It follows the story of a family whose father dies and the wife and children and left to navigate life without the head of the household and the owner of a funeral home. I have heard about this show for years, so it’s been nice to finally watch it.
Meet the Parents– I mentioned this in a Friday Favorite’s post but wanted to bring it back here. My boyfriend and I watched all three Meet the Parents this month and it was such a fun way to spend the month. If you are looking for a sign to watch old comedies, this is it.
What Inspires Me: I have been inspired by all the cooking and new recipes I have been trying. A few years back, I made it my goal to cook one meal a week. Recently I have been slipping, I have been baking once a week, but the cooking has taken a backseat. This year I wanted to get back to trying new recipes and I have been pleased with the results and been inspired to look for more recipes.
So far this month I have made homemade wedding soup, stuffed pepper soup, and Mediterranean Chicken Teriyaki Bowls.
Wedding Soup
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Hawaiian Chicken and Veggie Bowls for the win!
Corn and Clam Chowder soup
I also did some entertaining and put together this spread of snacks.
We love a good spread
On days off, I sometimes like to enjoy a brunch and omelets are always my go-to.
A good breakfast spread
My day at work had me making pizza for the first time..this was the end result…
Fresh cookies on cold, winter days
Besides cookbooks, Pinterest is my favorite place to find new recipes and try new meal ideas.
What I Accomplished: Over the past month, I have started my New Year’s Resolutions. That includes making my meals and teaching myself the piano. It has been a slow start but I’m grateful for every opportunity I get to sit down and learn and practice.
Warm soup on a cold day
I also have met up with several friends after the holidays which is always a good feeling to catch up with one another.
Goals From Last Month: Some of my goals that I wanted to accomplish this month were getting back into my routines, start establishing my new goals for the year and take advantage of the slower days. I also have been working every day on the Simplicity Challenge through Simplified.
One of the spaces I organized through the Simplicity challenge
I’ll be sharing a full report on it soon once the month is up. This month has also taught me to find movement in different ways indoors. When I can’t always get an outdoor run in, I have been running on the treadmill, hitting the bike or even slowing my body down with yoga. I have been enjoying exploring different ways to move my body.
We love finding different ways to move
Goals for This Month: As we look towards next month, I am looking forward to celebrating both Galentine’s Day and Valentines Day. I love everything red, hearts and love, so I can’t wait to find little ways to show the people in my life how much I care for them. I also want to continue to make time for my hobbies in my life whether it’s with reading, piano, or running.
Lastly, I want to continue to embrace the cold and enjoy all the cozy vibes by lighting candles, using the fireplace and really slowing down and being intentional with my time.
That’s a look into life lately. Tell me: how have you been enjoying this past month and how are your New Year’s Resolutions going? Let me know in the comments below!
