How was your Halloween? Did you pass out candy, take your kiddos trick or treating or stay in for a cozy meal and spooky or not so spooky movie?
Here’s how I celebrated the holiday.
I started the morning with an early run
I made a festive taco soup
We had lots of tasty treats!
I even dressed up my dog!
I am in a busy season of life right now with work, but the light is at the end of the tunnel, which is a relief. I’m doing my best to pace myself in the midst of the craziness. Here’s a few things that have kept me grounded and brought me joy as I link up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s edition of Friday Favorites.
Zen with Jen– I have been listening to this new podcast for a few weeks and wanted to share it with you. Zen with Jen is a weekly podcast that drops on Mondays, where Jenni shares bite-size, yoga, mindfulness and mediation techniques. Each episode lasts about five minutes but it’s centered around taking time for yourself through the day. Jenni has been teaching yoga on zoom for the past few years and it’s been so nice to connect with her in a new way with her podcast. This is a great way to start my day and week.
New Raincoat- I have been on the hunt for a raincoat ever since I got caught in a rain storm in September. I was looking for a durable, waterproof coat that would keep me dry and wasn’t too boxy. I hoped to find something that was sporty but still could be worn out and about. I also wanted it to be red. I found all those qualities with this raincoat from Land’s End and as a bonus it was on sale too! I have worn it a few times and can’t wait to get more use out of it in the coming weeks.
Emily Henry New book and Cover Reveal– I am a huge Emily Henry fan and she revealed the cover and plot of her latest book that will be launching next year. You can read about it here, but it sounds soooo good. Very Emily Henry-like, but with some new flavors too. When I saw the news, I immediately texted my fellow book worms to get their thoughts on the details. If you are a fan of Emily Henry, what are your thoughts on the book?
Unfrosted- I know this movie has been out for several months, but I just got around to watching it with my boyfriend and we both enjoyed it. Unfrosted tells the story of how the pop tart was created. The concept was cute, but the all star cast of comedians was even better. There were so many cameos and I loved seeing some of my favorite cereal box characters come to life. Definitely worth the watch if you are looking to laugh.
Fall Weather– My favorite thing about this past week has been the fall weather. The leaves, the sunlight, and the warm temperatures have made me love this time of year. Pictures don’t do it justice. I have been trying to sneak out at any time I can to enjoy the leaves and crisp fall weather. My dogs have also enjoyed the warmer weather and rolling in the leaves. There is truly nothing better than getting outdoors for some fresh air after a long day.
Just look at this beauty
Pictures don’t do it justice
I can’t believe October has come to an end, I always say November is the calm before the storm, so I am going to take these next few weeks to prep. How do you like to spend your November? I would love to hear from you, let me know in the comments below!
I hope you had a wonderful week and are ready for the weekend. It’s the first weekend of October and it certainly feels like October. Fall is settling in which means several weekends of pumpkin patches, apple picking, leaves falling and cooler temperatures.
First signs of fall with the changing leaves
I’m excited to start crossing things off my fall bucket list.
Before we get to a weekend of fall fun, I wanted to share some things that I have been loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea
Midnight at the Pera Palace– The second season of Midnight at the Pera Palace came out towards the end of September and I have been slowly making my way through the season. It picks up right where season one end as storyline goes back and forth between the past and present. Although it can be hard to follow since it’s in a different language, the English dialogue does help, so do the subtitles.
Dot Pretzels-I was influenced by Erika and Shay to try these Dot pretzels and they are so good! I have only tried the original flavor, but I love the extra bite and zest they have. Definitely more flavorful than your average pretzel, but so delicious. I plan on trying on the other flavors too!
Large Lavender Lotion– I love lavender lotion and use it every night. I had been getting small bottles of lavender hand cream and lotion, but kept having to purchase refills more often than I would have liked. I decided to buy a large bottle of lavender lotion from Bath and Body Works. I love using a pump every night, it not only is softens my skin but soothes me as well. Definitely worth paying more for more product.
A Family Affair– Have you seen A Family Affair on Netflix? It stars Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron. It’s all about a widowed mom who falls for her daughter’s boss and let’s say things become quite the family affair. Although the storyline is for mature audiences, I really enjoyed watching it and I think the casting and chemistry was well done. Definitely a movie with adding to your watch list for your next movie night.
People We Meet on Vacation Casting– I’m a big fan of Emily Henry and I have read all of her books. Some are currently in the works to be made into movies or mini series, including People We Meet on Vacation! This is one of my favorite books by Henry and I can’t wait to see the adaptation. I’m familiar with some of the actors and actresses but I can’t wait to see them bring these characters to life.
That’s a look into what I’m loving this week! As we fully embrace fall, tell me what’s on your bucket list for this month?! Let me know in the comments below! Happy Fall Friday!
Happy Wednesday! As much as I hate to say it, we are at the end of July, I have had such a good and fulfilling summer.
Although, I know we still have plenty of summer and nice weather ahead, the end of July always makes me a bit sad since I know it will soon be back to school and back indoors and one of my favorite seasons is coming to an end.
Today, I am focusing on the positives and everything I accomplished over the past month. July was BUSY between entertaining, crossing off big goals, seeing friends, and day trips. In case you missed it, here’s what I have been up to.
What I’ve Been Up To:
I have been trying my best to enjoy as much time outside as possible, from reading by the pool, to eating outdoors, catching up on work outside, even folding laundry in the sun.
It’s been a beautiful month!
Speaking of eating outdoors, I have done my best to cook as much as possible outside and that means lots of grilling.
I’ve done some grilling myself, but I’ve enjoyed when other people do the grilling for me.
The before
The finished product
The month began with the Fourth of July which included lots of food, family, friends, and fireworks!
Plus, plenty of leftovers that we enjoyed all weekend long.
I then went to a wedding in Cleveland which was a fun afternoon and a great time to celebrate great people and love!
I enjoyed summer fun like by mini golfing!
Soaking up summer fun like by mini golfing!
I’ve enjoyed live music by the water
Plus some festivals and fairs too!
What I’m Wearing:
Short sets have been my go-to. These polka dotted shorts from Marshall’s were a hit for the Fourth of July.
For a more casual look, I love these white, cotton shorts from Old Navy.
Florals are in this summer and I love a bold print. This was the dress I wore to the wedding at the beginning of the month from Ann Taylor. It would be perfect for weddings, showers, or a fancy date night.
I will be sharing more about this outfit as part of Friday Favorites. I got both the top and shorts from Marshall’s and were pleased with both.
A skirt and top combo for a dinner out!
What I’m Reading:
This month had some ups and downs in terms of reading. I read some great books and others fell flat.
Funny Story– Funny Story by Emily Henry was a win for me. I love Henry and have read all her books, and this one did not disappoint. It’s all about a girl who gets dumped by her fiancé for his oldest friend. She ends up moving in with oldest friend’s ex, temporarily. They end up becoming friends as he shows her around the town and community before the wedding. They decide to face the music and go to their ex’s wedding together, how about that for a plot twist?!
Mostly What God Does– Mostly What God Does by Savannah Guthrie was such a good daily read. It’s a series of essays about faith, God, his love, and life. You can read it all at once, but I chose to read an essay/passage a night. It took me a while to finish it, but I’m glad it gave me time to really appreciate the readings. I really love how Guthrie has the book laid out. It gives readers a chance to really focus on the material and then digest it.
Just the Nicest Couple– Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica is all about a man who goes missing and one of the last people to see him alive is his wife’s best friend. Did she have something to do with it or is she being framed? These two couples who you think may be friends, may not be as close as they seem. There were some great twists, turns and plot points.
A Court of Thorns and Roses– Sarah Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses was a fantasy first for me. I have heard so many rave reviews about this book and I thought it was good, but not great. It’s all about a medieval land where a faerie is forced to live with a beast after she allegedly killed one of his people. She is treated like an outsider at first, but eventually grows to love her new world, until she is forced to leave. She then must decide if she wants to return again. The description of the land and the characters is very well done, but I think the different genre is what caused me to have a hard time getting into it. I may continue to read some of her other books in the series but decided to take a pause for another book genre. The book was good, but I don’t know if fantasy is for me.
Chasing Harry Winston– I picked up Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberg at a book sale and was interested in the plot about three young women in New York City who are all searching for new relationships. It’s a story about love, growth, taking chances, but most importantly, friendship. I thought the book was good, but not great.
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper– This was the second book I read by Phaedra Patrick. The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper follows a widowed man who discovers a charm bracelet from his late wife which takes him on a journey about the life she had before him. He travels to India, London, Paris as he learns about each of the charms and the story behind them. This was such a quaint novel and I loved learning about all the adventures his wife went on.
Emergency Contact– This was the first book I have read by Lauren Layne and Anthony LeDonne. Emergency Contact is about a woman who gets in an accident and when they call her emergency contact it turns out to be her ex-husband. This story follows the two reconnecting and being forced to spend the holidays together in an effort to get home. I loved all the obstacles the characters had to overcome and the ending was perfect! 5 stars from me!
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird- Josie Silver’s The Two Lives of Lydia Bird tells the story of a young woman who loses her fiance and has to cope with life without him. However, when she sleeps, she finds herself in a world where he is still alive. She must decide what life she wants to live in. This is the second book I have read by Josie Silver and I loved it!
The Blue Bistro– I have been on an Elin Hilderbrand kick and the The Blue Bistro was my latest read. I loved everything about this book, from the setting, Nantucket references, the characters and storyline. My favorite part was the description of the food! Everything sounded so delicious. The story follows a young woman who takes a job at a restaurant in Nantucket for its final summer being open. It’s all about the challenges she has to overcome and the lessons she learns and the people she meets along the way. Such a good story!
What I’m Watching:
I haven’t been watching too much tv, which is typically the norm in the summertime. I like to be outside as much as possible. But I have watched a few movies which I enjoyed.
A Simple Favor– I know it’s a movie that has been out for a few years, but I finally got around to watching A Simple Favor. It stars Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick who become friends until Lively’s character goes missing. Where and why did she disappear and what secrets does she have hidden? I really enjoyed the movie, especially with the unexpected plot points.
I Am Celine– I have enjoyed Celine Dion’s music and was sad to learn when she announced her illness last year. Her new documentary “I Am Celine” is now on Amazon Prime. I really loved getting a behind the scenes look at her life before and after her illness. I also loved hearing some of her iconic songs throughout the documentary. Definitely worth the watch if you are a Celine fan.
We also have been watching the Olympics! From the opening ceremonies to the primetime events, it’s been such a fun nightly watch!
What I’m Cooking:
It’s been a great month of cooking.
Strawberry Chicken Salad- I got this recipe from Celebrate with Babs’ cookbook. It was a hit with grilled chicken and I added some extra fruit to garnish and that seemed to go over well.
Strawberry Salad with Grilled Chicken
Cocoa Oatmeal Treats– I found this recipe from Hershey’s and even though they aren’t the healthiest with chocolate and peanut butter, they were tasty and easy to make.
Texas Caviar– I made this salad for our Fourth of July party and really enjoyed how it turned out. You can eat it with chips or just on its own.
Lemon Blueberry Muffins– I loved citrus and fresh fruit in the summer. On a rainy day, I decided to do some baking with my blueberries from my picking and these lemon blueberry muffins were a hit!
Pineapple Chicken with Caprese Orzo and Corn- These were two recipes I found on Pinterest and loved to try. They can be eaten by themselves or together for a filling meal with lots of flavor!
Peach Caprese Salad– This was such an easy side dish. We ate it with chicken, but you can eat it on its own. I loved the flavor of the sweetness of the peaches mixed with veggies and cheese. I got it from my Magnolia cookbook by Joanna Gaines.
Shrimp Tacos and Homemade Coleslaw– I found this recipe from Jessie James Decker’s cookbook and it was a hit. I love seafood and the slaw was so easy to make too! A great summer meal!
Peanut butter Chocolate Chip Cookies– I was craving something sweet and these hit the spot. I love anything peanut butter and chocolate and this was such an easy recipe that I found on Pinterest!
What Inspires Me: I have been spending so much time outside, whether it’s going for walks, cutting fresh flowers, or eating meals. I love seeing everything in full bloom.
Fresh cut flowers make everything better
Here’s some quotes that have been both inspiring and left me smiling too!
I saw this quote on instagram and it really resonated with me.
What I Accomplished: I have been checking so many things off my summer bucket list and while I’m glad I’m accomplishing a lot, it makes me sad that summer is coming to an end.
Great way to start the day
Some highlights of my summer bucket list from this past month include running my first 10 K and hitting a new personal record.
I started the day by doing my first 10K and setting a new PR!
I also enjoyed fruit picking from cherries to blueberries.
My garden is coming along nicely too.
Plus I enjoyed lots of summer walks to new places and old and at all hours of the day.
Walks at old places
And new!
I also got in some zoo trips too! This is one of my favorite summer activities!
Local zoos!
And out of town zoo trips!
It was a beautiful day!
Goals from Last Month:
I accomplished a lot from celebrating the Fourth of July, heading to a friend’s wedding and seeing and catching up with friends whether it be through calls, facetime or in person.
I also got away for a day-trip to Canada. I packed a lot in and will be sharing more next week in a whole post!
Goals for this Month: I am looking forward to but also dreading August. I have a lot of fun things planned like a family vacation, but also I’m not looking forward to everyone moving out and going back to school. It will be a month of change and transition, that I’m not particularly looking forward to, but know it will be a month of growth.
Going on walks always give me peace of mind in life’s chaotic moments.
That’s a look into life lately, great strides in my summer adventures and lots of memories being made.
A happy Friday to you! I hope you are having a great week as we make our way through July! I am looking forward to a busier weekend between seeing some friends, a big picnic and hopefully some time outside. Let’s just hope the weather cooperates. Fingers crossed! It’s been a busy week, so I am looking forward to the weekend.
Everything is in full bloom and I am one happy gal!
It’s Friday which means it’s time for another Friday Favorites as I share some highlights from the past week with you as I link up with Erika and Andrea.
This is a mixed bag of food, sunshine and products! Let’s dive right in!
Family Walks– Family walks have been a favorite for myself and my family over the past few weeks. We have been trying to take advantage of the warm weather and walking at different parks and trails throughout the area. Whether it’s a long walk in the woods or a short walk on pavement, it’s been a fun way to get in some exercise, spend time together and get outdoors. It’s also been fun to explore the area and different parks too.
One of the spots we have walked
Happy Place Series Announced– Emily Henry is one of my favorite authors. I have read all her books and one of my favorites is Happy Place. It was released last summer and it was announced a few weeks ago that there’s talks about making it into a series through Netflix with Jennifer Lopez at the helm. You can find the article here. I’m really excited to learn more about the project. Although only a few details have been released, I’m itching to see how it compares to the book. I have mixed feelings about making books into tv series or movies, but this one I’m very excited about!
Such a fun, summer read!
Brunch with Babs Cookbook– I am really proud by keeping up with my new year’s goal of trying to cook one new meal a week. I get ideas from Pinterest, Cookbooks and blogs. I have really been having success with Celebrate with Babs cookbook. It’s from the online account, Brunch with Babs, which is all about lifestyle and homemaking hacks.
Here are some of the recipes I have tried and had success with.
Apricot ham and broccoli salad
Strawberry Salad with Grilled Chicken
New Car Scent– I did a recent car cleaning and decided it was time for a new car scent. I try to swap out scents every six to eight weeks. Since we are in full on summer mode here, I decided Tiki Beach was the perfect summer scent. It’s not too overwhelming or overpowering, but it does leave your car smelling fresher and like a pina colada. Yum! Thank you, Bath and Body Works!
Cocoa Oatmeal Treats– Another food related item for you this week. I am a big lover of Hershey’s and saw this recipe on their website for their cocoa oatmeal treats. They are super easy to make and would be perfect for a summer picnic. They are no-bake cookies and only contain a few ingredients like oats, milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and peanut butter. I thoroughly enjoyed them for a “healthier” treat.
That’s a quick roundup of what I am loving this week. Some snacks, new releases, and products. How has your July been treating you? Any fun plans? Let me know if the comments below!
Happy Friday friends, and a happy belated Fourth of July! I hope you had a wonderful day celebrating!
Here’s how I spent the holiday.
I started the day by doing my first 10K and setting a new PR!
Our spreadSnacks Some dessertsAnd a show!
I hope you had a fantastic first week of July and are doing something fun and maybe even patriotic this weekend. I have a fun list of favorites for you today as I link up with Erika and Andrea.
Photo Refresh– I got a new art print for my birthday, it’s a watercolor portrait of different places Pride and Prejudice. I loved the print and got it framed, but I was looking for a spot to add it to my room. I moved some photos around and did a photo refresh in my room. I love how it turned out and how it was a much needed refresh.
Anyone But You– I know it’s been a while since this movie came out, but I finally got around to watching it. Anyone But You is all about a couple who has an awkward one night stand and then run into each other years later at a wedding. They decide to fake a relationship for the wedding and end up getting past their differences, but will they get together? It was a really cute rom-com and I’m glad I finally watched it. You can find it on Netflix.
Funny Story– Emily Henry’s latest book, Funny Story is out and I devoured it. This follows a similar storyline to Anyone But You. It’s all about a girl who gets dumped by her fiance for his oldest friend. She ends up moving in with oldest friend’s ex, temporarily. They end up becoming friends as he shows her around the town and community before the wedding. They decide to face the music and go to their ex’s wedding together, how about that for a plot twist?! I really loved this story and I love Henry’s writing style. I can’t wait to see what she works on next.
Cherries– I have never been a fan of cherries, but I gave them a try again this year and have really been enjoying them. I love the sweetness and the taste. I have enjoyed them by themselves or in a fruit salad. Now I haven’t attempted them in a dessert yet, but that may be next for me. What are your favorite cherry recipes?
The Girls on the Bus– Have you seen The Girls on the Bus on HBO Max? It’s all about four different female journalists as they hit the campaign trail for election season. I have really been enjoying this series after I finished the latest season of Bridgerton. I love all the different personalities and perspectives the characters bring. I found myself identifying with different characters at different times. I was sad to learn it got canceled after one season, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching it in its entirety.
There you have it, a look at life lately. What have you been up to? Did you have a good holiday? Let me know in the comments below! Have a fabulous weekend!
Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week! This week was a busy, between being back to work after some days off, the Fourth of July in the middle of the week and then visiting some friends on days off.
Time spent with friends in the sunshine!
It was packed full but in the best way. Summer is all about making memories and I certainly have done that this week!
Everything is in bloom his time of year!
I’m excited for this weekend for some fun activities too! More on that next week. Anyways, I hope you had a great week and have something fun planned this weekend.
Now, that I have you all caught up on life. Here’s some things I’m loving this week, a lot of these things are things that I loved and used during my family visit to the beach last week. Buckle up, here’s some fun, summer favorites as I link up with Erika and Andrea!
Tennis Dress– I was influenced by Shay Shull for this Amazon tennis dress. While I am not a tennis player, I love how easy this dress is for the summer to throw on for a day of errands or coming out from the beach or pool. It’s easy to throw on, it’s made from Nylon so it’s good for being around water. It comes in so many colors, but I love the light blue. I’ve been into blue this summer and this was the perfect fun outfit to add to my fun clothes wardrobe.
Pearl Hoops– If you remember, I got a pair of gold hoops around Easter and have been wearing them a lot for work. For my birthday, I got a pair of pearl hoops that really elevate your every day outfit. I have worn them with dresses for work, to shorts and blouses. They add some fun, bling compared to pearl studs. They can really dress up a cocktail or work dress. For example, on this day, I wore them with a blue and white polka dotted dress. So fun! They would even be great for a summer wedding!
Such a fun statement pier of jewelry!
Happy Place– I love the author Emily Henry! She has written some of my favorite beach reads from People We Meet on Vacation to Book Lovers and Beach Read. Happy Place may be one of my new favorites! I loved the plot line 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’s books, you are missing out and I highly recommend picking up one of them this summer!
Such a fun, summer read!
New Wall Flower scent– I love lemons! From the scent, to the flavor, to any foods. At the beginning of the season, Bath and Body Works unveiled some new scents including a sweet tea and lemonade scent. I loved the concept of the combo, but they are sold out of lotions and soap and candles. However, they still had some wall flower scents and I was able to get one. This is the perfect summer scent. It’s refreshing and not too overpowering. I use it in my bedroom, but I think it would great for a kitchen or a family room. I have tried a lot of different scents but this may be one of my favorites. The best for summer!
Smells like summer!
The Night Agent– I know I talked about this show on my Currently post last week, but I figured it deserved its own spot on Friday Favorites! The Night Agent on Netflix has been such a fun and dramatic show to watch in the summer. There’s mystery and suspense and of course some romance too. There are definitely some intense parts but it’s been a fun show to watch nightly in the summer. Have you found any new shows that you have been loving this summer?
Another summer show!
That’s a look into life lately and what I’m loving! Some fun vacation finds and things I’m loving as we make our way through July!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!! See you next Wednesday!
Hello everyone and Happy Friday! It’s been a week! From Halloween on a Monday, to starting a new month on Tuesday and then a mix of weather. I was very happy to see the weekend. I like the beginning of November since there’s time to rest a bit before the hustle and bustle of the holidays and the end of the year.
I have a fun roundup of favorites for you today as I link up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites ,it’s a good mix of movies, books, activities and food!
The Weekend Away– I know it’s not a new release but it’s new to me. I recently watched The Weekend Away on Netflix, and it was the perfect mystery and scary movie for me. I’m not big into scary movies, but I do love a good mystery and plot twist. The movie follows a young mom who spends a weekend away with her best friend. After the first night, her best friend ends up dead and everyone including the main character becomes a suspect. There’s lots of intrigue and a few plot twists you won’t see coming even up to the last few minutes of the movie. Definitely a good movie to watch if you want a scare, but nothing too scary.
Book Lovers– If you are in the mood to curl up with a good book on a chilly November day, then consider reading Book Lovers. It follows the story of a book agent from New York City who takes a trip in a Hallmark-esque town in North Carolina. This type-A young women is perfectly content with her life in the city but quickly learns that life’s not so bad in a rural town, that is until she learns her rival is visiting the same town. Will they stay competitors, or will a new chapter be written? You will have to turn each page to find out. This book is written by Emily Henry, and I have loved reading her books over the past few years and this one was no different. A great book that you will finish in a breeze.
Spare-Speaking of new books, Prince Harry’s new book cover and synopsis was released last week. Spare is set to hit shelves on January 10. I already have my copy pre-ordered. I can’t wait to read about Harry’s life from his perspective. From my past posts, you have probably picked up that I enjoy following the Royal Family so I’m very eager to read his thoughts. Plus, this gives me something to look forward to in the new year after the holidays are over.
Old Navy Sales– I stopped into Old Navy last week and they had so many sales going on. From jeans to blouses, coats and graphic tee-shirts. There was something for everyone. Plus, they already have some of their Christmas gear out and I may have picked up a holiday shirt and some Christmas pajamas. There’s so many different prints and patterns, you can go crazy! Plus, this is a great time to stock up on things while they are on sale as they switch their seasonal clothes out.
Elk Watching– This is a different kind of favorite, but I went Elk watching last week and had such a fun time and it was a really unique experience. I had to get up extra early and travel to southeastern Pennsylvania to see the elk in their natural habitat. I got the chance to see them in the field and then up close by the road. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
That’s a look into some of my favorite things this week. Tell me, what are you looking forward to this weekend?
