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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #76

Happy Friday friends! I hope you had a great week and are ready for the weekend. Maybe you have something fun planned whether it’s a date night, hanging with your girlfriends or tackling some house projects.

We are in a new year and that means lots of fresh starts and new beginnings which evident in today’s Friday Favorites. I also got some fun presents for Christmas, so I’ll be sharing those in the coming weeks too. As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea. for some new favorite things this week and year. 

New Lotion-Strawberry Snowflakes– The timing worked out perfectly that I needed a new scent as the new year rolled around. I got Strawberry Snowflakes lotion and body spray for Christmas, and I have really been enjoying the warm scent with a hint of sweetness. I like body sprays and lotions that have a bit of a sweet or refreshing scent, but that’s not too overpowering or strong. I don’t splurge too often on Bath and Body Works, but when I do, I make sure it’s during one of their major sales they have throughout the year. This has been a luxurious way to treat myself every day.

New Planner– I purchased my Simplified 2024 Yearly planner back in the fall, but just started using it last week and it has been a favorite of mine. Before the new year begins, I always like spending some time setting up my new planner with dates to remember, goals to follow and items to track. I made a few minor changes of how I plan to use my planner more efficiently this year and I’m eager to see if these new systems work. It feels so good to start the new year out with a clean slate and new planner. I also will be using their mini notebooks to keep track of notes and to-do’s that come up through the week as well.

New year, new planner

Near in the Night– I purchased the second devotional, Near in the Night from Emily Ley last year, but saved it to start at the start of the new year. I typically do my quiet time in the morning, but it has been nice to wind down with some reading and reflection at the end of the day too. It’s been a soothing way to get off my screen a bit earlier in the evening and read and unwind before I head to bed. Plus, I love the way Emily writes and have really enjoyed the scriptures she chose reflect on.

Libby– Speaking of reading, it’s no secret that reading is one of my favorite hobbies. I always read every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. I recently downloaded the Libby app, which allows you to check out EBooks and audiobooks from your local library. I prefer reading hardcover or paperback books as opposed to reading them on a screen, but I have found that if I have a book on my phone, I’m more apt to read it as opposed to scrolling through social media. I’m currently reading “The Senator’s Wife”, both the book and Libby have been favorites for this book lover.

Clutch Charger-I got a Clutch charger for Christmas and this has been a favorite tech device for me. This slim, portable charger attaches to the back of your cell phone with a magnetic ring and provides a fast charge to your cell phone. It isn’t big or bulky and it charges both as a device and your phone fast. I can’t wait to use this charger more when I travel more through the year. Plus, the pink color sparks joy for me too!

That’s a roundup of some of my favorite things from this past week and from the new year.

What’s something that has brought you joy this week? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Friday!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #45

Hi friends! Happy Friday! I hope you are in the midst of soaking up the days of summer. Although summer as an adult isn’t nearly as fun as summer as a child, I am still enjoying the sunshine, warm weather and family time! This past week, I got the chance to catch up with two friends, spent lots of time outdoors and went on some fun day trips!

My pup enjoying the sunshine!

This week’s Friday Favorites has all things summer as we make our way through June! Let’s get started as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

Summer Garden– I teased this last week in my post and talked about it in my summer bucket list, but one of my goals for this summer was to plant a garden. I’ve been looking for a creative outlet where I could have an end result and I found it by planting a garden. Since I am just a beginner, I decided to keep it simple and do some seeds and some plants. I decided to buy cucumbers, tomatoes, and pepper plants and then carrot and pea seeds. I wanted to have a variety of options in case they didn’t all work out. Fingers crossed, I get to see the finished product in a few months, but I did enjoy picking the seeds, tending the garden and making signs too. I’ll keep you updated on my progress this summer!

My garden!
and signs!

Sure as the Sunrise– I mentioned this daily devotional by Emily Ley back in January and I have been reading it every morning and just finished it. It’s 100 daily devotionals and reflections with space for thoughts too. I took a brief break during Lent to do another devotional and just finished Ley’s book in time for summer. I really loved how the book was set-up with daily scripture, reflection and questions. Then at the end of every week, there were a few questions you could answer. You don’t have to start on January 1, so if you are looking for a new devotional or morning reading companion, I highly recommend this one. 

My favorite way to start the day

Birkenstocks– This may be one of my favorite birthday gifts. After seeing the trends for years, I finally decided to hop on the Birkenstock bandwagon and I’m so glad I did! I was on the hunt for a pair of sandals I could throw on if I had to run out to get the mail, hit the store, wear by the pool or just go for a walk and these were just what I was looking for. I love the rubber material (perfect for the pool) and white color. They are so comfortable too. I know these will be  a favorite all summer long!

New favorite summer shoe!

Chicken Kabobs– Another birthday related favorite! I decided on grilled Chicken Kabobs and veggies for my birthday dinner with pasta and fruit salad and it was delicious. I love grilled chicken with lots of seasoning and flavor and these were the perfect way to welcome 25! I am looking forward to trying new recipes with chicken kabobs and grilling this summer. I can’t wait to try new summer recipes. If you have any you love, drop them in the comments below!

Best birthday dinner!

Queen Charlotte– I finished a lot of series in May, so as June rolled around I was looking for a new show to start and I found that with Queen Charlotte! I love Bridgerton, so I was anxious to watch the prequel to the series. It definitely has the same feel of Bridgerton with the characters, clothes, one-liners and scenery, but has a heavier feel (if that makes sense?) I really have enjoyed learning about the Queen’s backstory and it has been such a fun way to escape our world and head back in time. The episodes are a bit longer, but there are fewer in the season. This would be a great summer binge!

Such a fun show to start!

That’s just a peak into life lately. Some fun new gifts, new shows, tasty food and hobbies! How have you been enjoying your summer so far?
Let me know in the comments below! 

Happy Weekend!