Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week and are ready for the weekend! I am still out of town for work, so my weekend isn’t here quite yet, but it’s on its way.
I can’t believe we are at the beginning of March! We are inching closer and closer to spring which I’m very excited about! Brighter and warmer days are (hopefully) ahead! We have had a VERY long winter and I’m ready for the new season.
New mantra for the new month
As we get ready for the weekend, here are some things I have been loving this week. Some beauty picks, some travel items (this timed out perfectly), and a sweet treat or two! Let’s get to it as I link up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites!
Burt’s Bees Lotion– I started to use this Burt’s Bees lotion. It’s a thick cream that smells like almond and vanilla. I would recommend using it on dry skin, hands, or feet due to its thickness. I really love the smell and the durability. The scent isn’t too overpowering which is something I appreciate. This has been a favorite of mine in winter months.
Luggage Tags– I have been doing some travel lately (both for work and fun) and these luggage tags that I got for Christmas were a win for me! They match my navy and brown tote and backpack and are easy to spot if I have to check either item. I couldn’t pass up a monogram moment either!
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Kit- I got this travel/lip kit pair from Charlotte Tilbury as a gift from a friend and I have been so pleased with it. This is my first Charlotte Tilbury item. It’s a lip pencil and gloss. I love the neutral color, how smooth it goes on, and the great coverage it provides. I put it on in the morning and it lasted most of the day even with eating and drinking. I have been wearing this every day while I’ve been away and I’ve been loving it! I will definitely check out more products by Charlotte Tilbury.
Hot Chocolate– I love a good warm drink in the winter months and a warm cup of chocolate is always a sweet treat. I recently tried this new brand of hot chocolate which is packed with vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It tastes just like a warm cup of hot cocoa but it’s healthy for you too! A win for me!
Emily Ley Cookbook– I have been looking forward to this day for months, Emily Ley’s latest book, and first cookbook dropped this past week, it’s called the Simplified Cook Book. It’s filled with so many easy meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and desserts. She has been teasing her cookbook for months and I’m so happy to have a copy in my hands. This is a great cookbook for anyone looking for easy meals and how to function and work in a kitchen. This would also make a great housewarming gift too. I can’t wait to start trying new recipes.
That’s a look at what I have been loving this first week of March! As we countdown to spring, what are some things you have been enjoying this week? I would love to hear from you!
Hello everyone! Happy Wednesday! We made it to the end of February! I don’t know about you, but this month moved a lot faster than January, which I was very happy about. I feel like we are getting closer to the end of a very long winter. Some months are more eventful than others, but I’m afraid this month is not as exciting as past months, but it was still good nonetheless and filled with some travel, lots of VERY good books, and catching up on shows. Here’s what the past 28 days looked like.
What I’m Up To: This month involved some time outside for walks when I could, but February was an icy month.
I got away for a long weekend which was so fun and much needed.
I got away for the long weekend and the change of scene was so nice!
I got to see the Atlantic Ocean again while I was away too!
And made it home safe and sound!
I also got to celebrate Valentine’s Day leading up to and on the day.
Cut-out cookies for the holidayAnd more tasty treatsValentine’s Day goodies
I also got a haircut and switched up my hair style
What I’m Reading: I had such a good reading month! I can’t wait to share some of my favorite reads
The Secret Book of Flora Lea- The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patt Callahan is all about two sisters in World War II who get sent to live with another family during the war. One of the sisters goes missing and years later the other sister reads a book that contains all the made-up stories she told her sister growing up. After all these years, is her sister still alive and where has she been? This was a great historical mystery. Mix and Match Mama picked it for her January Book Club and I devoured it!
From Here to the Great Unknown– Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough wrote this memoir about their lives and Elvis’. I learned so much about the Presley family and life behind the camera. It was so fascinating and led me to listen to some Elvis music because of it. Such a good read!
Leading Women– Leading Women by Nancy O’ Reilly is a compilation of essays written by women for women. They highlight the struggles and victories women encounter in life, businesses, and in careers. I read it over the course of a few days, but I think it would be better read a little bit every day and not all at one time.
The Lazy Genius Kitchen– Kendra Adachi’s second book, The Lazy Genius Kitchen is all about the best way to use your kitchen. She goes through ways to organize and essentialize your kitchen that works for you. She also breaks down different kitchen terms and phrases. If you are a kitchen pro or you have never had your own space, I highly recommend this book.
Half Marathon: You Can Do It– Jeff Galloway’s Half Marathon: You Can Do It is a beginner’s guide to running and running a half marathon. I am planning to run a half marathon this summer and learned so much from this book especially when it comes to training and preparing. He talks about his run-walk method and proper ways to train and prepare for a race. I found myself taking notes and photos as I was reading.
The Art of Stillness- As someone who is always on the go, this book really forced me to slow down. I read it when I was traveling and I found it fascinating to learn the importance of slowing down. The Art of Stillness by Pico Iyer
Young and Restless– Young and Restless by Mattie Kahn was a book I had on my shelves for ages and I just got around to it. It’s all about different girls who made their mark on history in different ways. I loved learning about these women’s stories and the impact they had on society. A great topic as we enter Women’s Empowerment month.
What I’m Watching: A lot of my favorite shows came back for new seasons, so I spent time catching up on several shows.
Night Agent- Season 2 of The Night Agent on Netflix brought new characters, a new mission, and lots of edge on your seat moments. The first half of the season was a bit confusing and slow with lots of new characters, but the end of the season tied all the storylines together. The finale opened the door for new questions and a new mission.
Sweet Magnolias– After an intense show like The Night Agent, I needed a pallet cleanser and Sweet Magnolias on Netflix provided that for me. This season had lots of sweet and unexpected moments and even some drama. I liked seeing how some of the relationships unfolded and how the characters grew from different situations. Overall, a good season.
Scamanda– I listened to the podcast about Scamanda in 2023 and was excited to learn a documentary would be made about it through ABC. I really enjoyed the four part series. It was interesting to put names with faces and I think the creators did a great job at covering everything the podcast did and more.
American Manhunt- O.J. Simpson– My boyfriend and I watched this four part series about O.J. Simpson. I have always known about the O.J. case and I liked the light this series shined on Simpson and his case. I really liked how they interviewed some of the key people for this series on Netflix.
Masked Singer– The Masked Singer is back for season 13. This hour-long show always provides a good laugh and keeps me guessing who’s under the mask. There have been some pretty good reveals so far this season and I’m excited to see who wins it all!
What I’m Cooking/Baking: This month has been filled with a mix of baking and cooking!
I almost got this mug but held off
Homemade Brownies– I made Ina Gartner’s outrageous brownies. They were good but not great. I’ve tried a few different homemade brownie recipes and have yet to land a winner. Until then, I’ll keep trying different recipes.
Grilled Cheese and Homemade Tomato soup- We have had a stretch of cold weather and soup and grilled cheese is a perfect go-to. I tried Emily Ley’s homemade grilled cheese and tomato soup and it was so easy and hit. I can’t wait until her cookbook comes out!
Roasted Shrimp and Orzo– Another Ina Garten recipe for the win. I made her Roasted Shrimp and Orzo and really liked it. It was healthy and filling and very easy and can be made in any season.
Cheese and Spinach Bake– I made the bake as a side dish one night and it was so filling and healthy too. The recipe is from Brunch with Babs. It’s spinach, cheddar cheese, and cottage cheese with some egg. This would be great for a brunch or a dip!
Baked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Salad-A filling Sunday night dinner with lots of nutrients.
French Silk Pie was a new recipe for me and it was a hit!
Margarita Chicken Soup is always a good call on a cold day!
Homemade Hummus and Chicken Gyros- It was Greek night with lots of tasty and savory bites!
Chicken GyrosHomemade Hummus and Pita
Chicken Caesar Club Sanwichs– This was such a hearty and tasty meal that was a hit!
What I’m Wearing:
Since February is the month of love. I tried my best to wear as much red, pink, purple, and white as possible.
Layers for cold days
All pink for Valentine’s Day
A more casual look
The neutrals for more winter weather
What Inspires Me:
After such a gloomy and gray winter, any day with sunshine is good day! I also have been inspired by putting more of an emphasis on my health by going on more walks and making healthier choices too!
Some reading inspiration
And some love inspiration for the month of love!
Some desk inspiration and motivation
What I Accomplished– I am still making my way through my Winter Bucket List, but I still have things that need crossed off over the next few weeks.
I got out for some outdoor running time!
Goals from Last Month– I was able to see all my friends for some one-on-one dates, virtual, and in-person. I also got to celebrate Valentine’s Day and do some traveling too!
Some cute Valentine’s Day details
And some sweet treats!
Goals for Next Month– I am READY for warmer weather, getting ready for spring and to see my brothers who will be home for Spring Break!
That’s a look into life as of late. A lot of time indoors, self care, and some socializing. I’m looking forward to brighter days ahead. What about you?! How was your February!? What were some highlights for you? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Wednesday!
Happy, happy Wednesday! I don’t know about you, but it feels like February is blitzing right by us. I know I wasn’t alone by feeling that January took forever, but February is certainly moving by quickly, which I’m not complaining about.
I got away for the long weekend and the change of scene was so nice!
I am ready for spring, to get outdoors, and for blue skies and sunshine! But we still have a little bit more time until we are in the clear of the cold and snow. The light is near and end of winter is hopefully near.
Last month, I participated in the Simplified “Simplicity Challenge”. I have been doing this for the past several years and done posts every year on it. For 2024, click here, for 2023, click here, for 2019 click here.
If you are new to me blog, here’s a bit of the rundown of the 31 Day challenge.
Simplified’s Simplicity Challenge is 31 days of little tasks to complete every day in January to simplify and organize your life. Team Simplified posts the daily challenge that typically takes less than 15 minutes to complete. These are ways to organize your life without getting overwhelmed and stressed by completing daunting projects.
An example of a task is cleaning out your fridge
I successfully completed every task and shared them on my Instagram stories, some on the day of and some in the days following if I didn’t have time or was out of town.
Here’s a look at some of the tasks that I completed.
Declutter Junk Drawers– These were my desk drawers and an easy task to get done.
Sheets– I successfully got rid of sheets that were old and stained and only kept the best ones.
Organize Dresses– I didn’t get rid of any dresses, but I did get them sorted.
Edit Jeans and T-Shirts– I had so many jeans and tried them all on and only kept the ones that fit best. As far as t-shirts go, I refolded them and kept my favorite and most worn ones.
Only the best jeansFavorite t-shirts
Simplify Jewelry- I got an earring organizer for Christmas and this has been a huge help when it comes to keeping my jewelry all together and organized.
Sort Bottles and Cups– I didn’t get rid of any mugs or cups, but I did sort them but type. I have SO many mugs that when I move out, my family will have a lot more space back.
Clean Out Tupperware– This was clean and organized and it has by and large stayed that way, but I don’t know how long it will last.
Pantry Clean Out– This wasn’t too hard of a task since I keep it pretty organized and sorted especially after I unload and sort things after I go grocery shopping every week.
Clean Out Car– I love a clean car, but the winter months means lots of snow and ice, so a car clean out and car refresher was necessary.
Towels Purged-We have so many towels, especially beach towels. They are folded now, but it won’t last for long, especially once summer hits and we go through towels left and right.
Med Cabinet Cleaned– A clean out and restock was necessary especially right before flu and cold season hit.
Books Sorted– As a reader, I have lots of books, but I do make weekly library trips. I did get rid of some books that I didn’t like or wasn’t a favorite.
It felt so good to get my life in order after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I also liked how it gave me something to do each day. I appreciated how the tasks don’t take too long to complete; you don’t get overwhelmed by the daunting things like attacking your whole house in one day and it really has you stay focused on one area at a time. Plus, they all take only a short amount of time to get done.
Cleaning out cook and bakeware
If you didn’t participate in the January challenge, you can still start it whenever you like.
Tell me, if you did complete the Simplicity Challenge, what did you think of it?
If you haven’t tried it yet, are you willing to take the plunge? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Wednesday! See you back here on Friday for another edition of Friday Favorites!
Hi everyone! Happy Friday and more importantly, Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you are showing and getting some love today. I know I have been making some time for my girlfriends over the past few weeks. Whether it is with your significant other, spouse, girlfriends, or even yourself, today is such a good reminder to give yourself some extra love and maybe even treat yourself too!
I am out of town this weekend, for a little getaway, so I am looking forward to a break in the routine for some fun. However you are spending the day, I hope it’s enjoyable. Before we get to the weekend, I wanted to share some current favorites with you as I link up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites
Simplified Bags and Pouches-We kick things off with travel accessories which ties in perfectly with me being on the road today. I got the Simplified tote and pouches for Christmas and have used them here and there, but was waiting for a trip to use and take advantage of them. I love the soft blue color and the quilted pattern. The size is great for running errands if you need to hold lots of things or for a weekend away. The pouches make organizing small items much easier too.
New Car Scent– My interior of my car has gotten very dirty this winter with lots of snow, ice, and salt. I try to keep up with cleaning it, but it just keeps getting messy. I can’t wait for spring and summer when I can really detail it. One thing I have kept up with is keeping my car smelling good. I swapped out car scents and am going for a fresh scent for a new month. I want to be better with the maintenance of my car this year by including monthly car washes and scent swaps. Here’s what I’m currently using from Bath and Body Works. I love the freshness that it provides to my car.
Valentine’s Day Playlist– It’s Valentine’s Day and I have been enjoying the month of love as much as I can. From doing some decorating, wearing my reds, pinks, and purples, and listening to lots of love music. I found this great playlist on Apple Music which has a little bit of everything, some classic songs, new hits, and all genres of love songs. This has been a go-to playlist for me as I drive or get things done. Give it a try if you are looking for some background music this weekend.
The Six Triple Eight- This has been on my watch list for a while on Netflix and I finally got around to viewing it. The Six Triple Eight is based on the all-black, female battalion in World War II who worked to help organize and distribute mail. I was first intrigued by it because it starred Kerry Washington was a Tyler Perry film, but the more I watched and read about it, the more invested I got. I really loved the historical storyline, and I think they did an incredible job showing just how challenging it was to be a woman of color in the army in World War II. They had a stellar cast who brought so much emotion and passion to the film. I wouldn’t be surprised if it got nominated and won awards for it. This would also be a great film to watch as we make our way into Black History Month.
Ice Scraper-This winter season has been oh-so cold. We have dealt with record-breaking snow falls, blizzard warnings, freezing temperatures and everything else in between. Needless to say, winter tools have been my best friend this year. I got a heated ice scraper for Christmas, and it has been a game changer. You just plug it in your car, and it heats up and you can start scraping ice off your windshield or other parts of your car. It’s proven to be a big help especially when you don’t want to spend too much time outdoors.
That’s a roundup of things that have grabbed my attention this week! As we make our way to Valentine’s Day weekend, what are your plans and how will you be celebrating? Whether it’s by yourself or with loved ones, I hope it’s a wonderful day and weekend. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Hello All! Happy Wednesday and Happy February! We are making our way through the first week of the February and I don’t know about you, but I love the sense of freshness that comes with a new month, plus I really enjoy the second month of the year with more winter fun, the Super Bowl, Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day, so many fun events that make the cold days a little bit brighter!
Winter walks and sunshine for the win!
As I go through my life, there are things I find myself reaching for every single day, sometimes, multiple times a day. They may not seem like a lot to others, but to me, I can’t live without them. Here’s a list of five things I use every day that I can’t live without (minus the obvious-phone, car, food, clothes etc.).
Apple Watch- I always have my Apple Watch on and it never leaves my wrist except when I am showering or sitting for long periods of time and I know it needs a charge. Since I upgraded to the series 10 last month, I have noticed my battery life is much longer. I use my watch for the time, to track my workouts, steps, sleep, text messages, emails, and even calls. It’s so helpful to set reminders or check a notification when my phone isn’t around. I know smart watches aren’t for everyone, but this is a tool that I use all the time and am constantly looking to try new features.
Wireless Earbuds– I was never a big headphone or earbud gal, but I got these JBL wireless earbuds as a gift a few years ago and use them almost every day. I wear them when I go running to listen to podcasts, I use them for travel to watch or listen to things on my phone, and I even use them for work. Their charge lasts for several uses and I’ve been pleased with the quality. I almost always have them with me wherever I go.
Planner– If there is one thing I refer to multiple times a day, it’s my Simplified Planner. I plan my weeks out using the planner and I use it every single day, even multiple times. I open it up when I am getting ready for the day. I will use it at work for putting in important dates and work functions. I use it at night for to-do lists and looking towards the next day. The new planner for the weekly is a bit larger, but I love the extra space it provides. I couldn’t survive without my planner and when I don’t use it, I find myself feeling scattered.
Water Bottle– No matter the day, time or place, I always have a bottle with me. I take a Yeti to work with me, I have water bottles for the gym, I always have one by my bedside and whenever I leave the house, I make sure to have a bottle or cup of water with me. I never like the feeling of being dehydrated and I always want to make sure I have something to drink, plus whenever I feel down or sick or not my best, water always helps!
Chapstick and Hand Lotion– Two things that I have multiple of in many different spots. I keep a chapstick and lotion by my bedside, in my car, in my purse, and in my desk at work. I love to keep my hands soft and not dry (especially in the winter) and I hate the feeling of dry or cracker lips. I wear a lot of makeup at work, so having smooth lips is a must for me. Two small items that may not seem like much, but I would have a hard time surviving without them.
Now obviously, I always have my phone, wallet, and keys with me wherever I go, but these are some extra items that I use every single day and help make my days smoother. What are some of your favorite things you can’t live without?! I would love to know! It’s always so fun to see what other people are using and loving!
I hope you all are having a great week and I’ll see you back here on Friday for another edition of Friday Favorites!
Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope you have been having a great week. We are at the end of the month which means it’s time for another Currently post. I don’t know about you, but this has been a long month.
Most of January has looked like this, lots of snow!
I am ready to see the calendar switch from January to February. Although, it was a long month, I got a lot done and enjoyed the winter season the best I could even with chilly temperatures and lots of snow! It’s been a while since my last post, so I have a lot to catch you up on. Here’s what the past month has looked like.
What I’m up to: I started year with lots of cleaning and organizing. I have been following the Simplicity Challenge through Simplified to tackle little tasks each day, rather than trying to organize your whole house in one go.
Some of the spots I organized, a full recap will be coming next month!
When it hasn’t been too frigid out, I have gotten outside a few times for winter walks with my dogs. The blue skies are such a breath of fresh air.
A day outside makes everything better
We got a new indoor mini golf spot in town and my family and I tried it out. It was a lot of fun for a chilly afternoon.We wrapped the afternoon up with some tasty treats.
A fun day mini golfingSuch a cool set upFun outings to local bakeries makes the winters better
I made the most of the winter weather by getting in some pond skating. We haven’t had weather cold enough for the lakes and bays to freeze over, so this was a huge perk to our rough winter.
Our man-made rink
What I’m Reading: I have read a lot since my last Currently, here’s a look at my bookshelf.
The 5 AM Club– The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma, is one of the best books I have read. It was uniquely written, but so informative about the best way to elevate your mornings and change your life by getting up early and how you can work on yourself! Such a life changing book! It’s a fictional book about people who meet at a conference and go on a retreat together about how to live their best lives. I learned so many life lessons that I will be holding onto for a long time.
Every Time I Go on Vacation Somebody Dies– Catherine Mack’s Everytime I Go on Vacation Somebody Dies is about a mystery novelist who goes on vacation and people on the trip start dying or think they are going to die. It’s a bit of a “who done it” with drama. I listened to it as an audiobook, but got a little confused with the footnotes, so it may be a better book to read.
TheFirst Ladies– The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray was a fascinating book about the friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary Bethune. A little slow at points but overall very interesting and informative. I loved how it followed their friendship through the years. I also recently the Six Triple Eight which touches on their friendship too which was so fun to watch!
A December to Remember– Jenny Bayliss’ A December to Remember was a good winter/Christmas story, but hard to get into at certain time with lots of different plots happening. I really loved the message of sisterhood and family and a small town coming together when three sister’s fathers unexpectedly died. They must come together and face their past for a greater cause.
Seven Days of Us – Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak was a good book about a family trapped together in quarantine around the holidays. I loved learning about family dynamics. There were also secrets spilled through the book. A holiday read with some substance.It almost reminded me of the movie, The Family Stone with all the different dynamics.
Educated– Tara Westover’s memoir, Educated was a heavy book to start the year. It was definitely interesting to learn about the Mormon customs and traditions and I loved the first hand account, but it was definitely a heavy book and serious topics too. I had heard so much about it that I’m glad I had the chance to read it.
Here One Moment– Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty follows the story of a woman who tells everyone on a plane how and when they will die. It’s up to the passengers about what they want to do with the information, change their lives or keep living them as they were. The beginning was a bit slow and hard to get into but the middle and end went really fast. The ends no tied everything up in a meaningful way and it really gives you a lot to think about with living your best life to the fullest
Be Ready When the Luck Happens– Ina Garten’s memoir, Be Ready When Luck Happens really touched me. I really really loved this book. I heard about it on the podcast, Books Beach, and Beyond and after hearing Garten’s story, I knew I had to read it. I didn’t know much about Ina but learned so much about her life before she was well know for her culinary skills. I love how she talked about the lessons she learned along the way and how she was vulnerable at times too. I also loved how she talked a lot about her background and what she learned through different jobs and life experiences.
What I’m Watching: With lots of time indoors, I have had time to catch up on many shows and movies. I watched the latest season of Virgin River, which is always a fun show to enjoy.
I also finished Outlander, I can’t wait for the final season to come out soon.
My boyfriend and I are also finishing up Breaking Bad and are on the last season. We are open to suggestions for a lighter show to start next if you have any suggestions!
These shows are keeping me busy especially on days inside.
What I’m Cooking/Baking: More time indoors means more time in the kitchen! After lots of holiday baking, I have been focused on warm and hearty meals for the new year. Here’s what I have been cooking.
Cold days calls for warm cookies
Pulled Pork Tacos– I love a good pulled pork sandwich and this was a unique spin on it. I enjoyed eating the pulled pork with a taco shell as opposed to a bun, plus the ratio of wrapping to meat was a lot more manageable. I got the recipe from Shay Shull of Mix and Match Mama.
Clam Chowder– Another Mix and Match Mama recipe. I love a seafood and this clam chowder was super easy to whip together and very filling too!
Stuffed Chicken Parmesan– This was a fast Sunday night dinner thanks to Jessie James Decker. You can serve it with pasta or salad or Both!
Goulash– This was a perfect meal for a cold day! Yum!
Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs with Salad and Homemade Croutons- my mom and I spent a Sunday in the kitchen and she taught me some of her favorite recipes. Such a wonderful moment shared!
Homemade Brownies– After reading Ina Garten’s book, I wanted to try some of her recipes, including her outrageous brownies! They were a hit!
What I’m Wearing– Due to cold temperatures, I have been wearing all the layers. From turtlenecks, to blazers, and sweaters. Here are some of my recent outfits for both work and play!
A black and white combo!
A sparkly combo for the new year
A gray combo for warmer days
Lots of layers
And turtlenecks too
What Inspires Me: Emily Ley shared this quote for the new year and I saved it as my phone background and I have it on my desk at work. Such a good reminder!
What I Accomplished: I’m proud of all the organizing and tidying I have gotten done by being cooped up indoors over the past month.
Another space I organized
I’ve also made some progress with my New Year’s Resolutions this year which is always a good feeling and I have made headway on my Winter Bucket List!
Goals from Last Month: I certainly have started some of my New Year’s Resolutions and have been adapting my new year’s motto in my everyday life by not rushing around and being calmer about my days. I’m eager to continue this practice in the next month and through the year.
Winter has returned
Making the most of winter mornings
Goals for this Month: I love the month of February to celebrate Valentine’s Day. I’m also looking forward to a weekend away and time with friends too.
But, most of all, I’m looking forward to longer and warmer days and hopefully more sunshine!
That’s a look into what I’m currently up to! What has the past month looked like for you!? I would love to know, until then, have a great rest of your week and I’ll see you back here for Friday Favorites!
Hello everyone! Happy Friday! I hope you had a successful week and are ready for the weekend.
These past few weeks have been quiet after the holidays, it can be nice to not be busy and booked all the time, but a part of me does miss the hustle and bustle. I’ve been trying to do an activity or something different every week just to change things up. As we wrap up another week of January, I wanted to share some favorites of mine from the past week as I link up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites.
Lazy Genius Playbooks– I mentioned a few weeks ago that I started using my new planner from Simplified, but I also started using these playbooks from The Lazy Genius. They are to be used as a companion to a planner and they are organized by season, so you have one book for every season. The books are broken down by a looking back and looking forward section, a brain dump spot, have to and hope to list, and then week by week. This has been a great tool for me to use with my planner every day.
Desk Calendar– Speaking of every day, I got this calendar for my desk or motivational quotes for work and it brings a smile to my face whenever I look at it. It’s a fun little countdown and have positive and uplifting quotes that I like to read through the day. A small but, personalized touch at my work station.
New Scent– I shared a few months ago that Bath and Body Works released an Emily in Paris line and I got some of the scents for Christmas! I got some body lotion, body spray, candles, and car refreshers, so I will be set for a while. I am currently wearing this combo for body lotion and spray. The spray is a bit stronger but found that it lasts longer, which I appreciate since I don’t have to keep reapplying it through the day. The lotion is more subtle which I enjoy. I’m eager to try the other scents soon.
With Love, Meghan– Meghan Markle announced at the beginning of the year that she will be launching a show on Netflix. You can catch the trailer here. This week, the show was supposed to premiere but got pushed back to the wildfires in California. I really liked the trailer and can’t wait to get started with the series. Do you plan to watch it? If you have, what are your thoughts?
Juror #2– This was a movie my family and I watched over the holidays and we all enjoyed it. It’s all about a juror on a trial about a homicide. Through the course of the trial, he’s faced with moral dilemmas that could affect the entire case. It was dramatic, intense, and very thought provoking. Definitely a heavier movie, but worth the watch. You can find it on Max. Clint Eastwood did the movie and did a fantastic job on it!
That’s a look into what I have been loving this week, some organizational tools, some entertainment and some beauty products, something for everyone!
As we gear up for the weekend, tell me, what are you looking forward to? I would love to know! Have a great Friday!
Hello everyone and Happy Friday! Have things finally settled and back to normal for you after the holidays or are you still in the season of craziness? Things are back to normal for me which always makes me a little sad since I enjoy the holiday season so much, I’m planning finding the joy in every day to fight the post-holiday blues.
It may be a new year, but I’m still here linking up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites.
Here’s what’s on my radar this week of things I’ve been loving as we come down from the holiday high. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some gifts I got for Christmas and some new items and tools I will be using in the new year when it comes to organization in addition to my favorite things from the week. Let’s jump right in!
2025 Journal-Journaling is something I enjoy doing every morning. I like to take the time before the day gets busy to reflect on the day before, the highs and lows, what I’m grateful for, and what’s on my mind. This is my journal for 2025 and I have been loving it already. There’s space to share your thoughts at the start and end of your day and there’s a mix of open and close-ended prompts too. 2025 has just started and this has already become a favorite of mine!
Daily Reflections– I mentioned last year that one of my favorite things was a podcast called “The Simple Sophisticated Podcast with Shannon Ables. In addition to her podcast and blog, she has also written a few books including this one, The Road to Le Papillon, it was released in 2022 and it’s a book of daily reflections. I have really enjoyed starting my day with my journal and a daily reflection in addition to my quiet time. Starting my day in a calm way has made such a difference and I can’t wait to continue it through the year.
2025 Planner– I have teased this favorite a few times over the course of the year, but with a new year comes a new planner. I purchased my 2025 Simplified planner in September and I’m finally able to use it!!! I love the pattern and the message behind it and details. I am still getting used to the spirals and the larger format, but so far it has been working out great. One of my favorite days of the year is getting my planner all ready to go to use. These pages will soon be filled with lists, to-do, plans, and memories.
Dress from Ann Taylor- This is another recent fashion favorite of mine. I purchased this dress from Ann Taylor just before Christmas and have already worn it a handful of times to work and out and about. There are so many things that stand out about this dress. I love the colors, the style and the material. It gives off a very elegant look, but it’s so comfortable. It doesn’t hurt that I got this dress on sale too! Although it has short sleeves, I have worn it in the winter and it can be layered with a blazer too. I love a dress that can be worn in different scenarios.
Virgin River New Season– The new season of Virgin River came out just before the holidays, but I was wayyyyy too deep into holiday movies and shows to watch. Now that things have calmed down and are back to normal, I’m excited to get back into the series and catch up with all things Mel and Jack and Virgin River. This will be a good show to watch in the cold, winter months. I’m looking forward to what this season brings. If you have already seen it, here’s a great article to follow up with the season.
I love the holiday season and are always sad when they come to an end, but these list of favorites has me something to look forward it.
Although, the holidays are over, what are you looking forward to in the next few months? I would love to hear from you.
I hope you are had a fulfilling and successful week and are ready for the weekend, I know I am! This week has been different as I am slowly getting back into a new routine after a busy summer and past few weeks. I am still soaking up the warm weather while finding a new normal.
Endings summer with all the fun activities, like baseball games
Here’s a look at some of my favorite things from this past week as I link up with Erika and Andrea for another round of Friday Favorites!
Emily in Paris– Although, it made its return to Netflix a few weeks ago, I have been so busy, I just got around to watching Emily in Paris. Season Four began with five episodes, each about 30 minutes each. You can binge them all at once or spread them out like I did to make them last longer. The fashion, storylines and drama was upped this season and it didn’t disappoint. Emily had some incredible outfits this season and after traveling to Italy myself this year, this season has me itching to go to Paris, France next.
This season was so good!
It Ends with Us– I have talked about this book and movie a few times and I finally went to see it. One of my best friend’s and I both read the book and we decided to make it a girls date and see the movie, It Ends with Us. There were definitely some changes between the book and movie, but I’m glad I read and saw them both. I think the casting was well done and it was cool to see the characters come to life on the big screen. If you read or saw it, what did you think of it?
Simplified Launch– This past week was the fall launch for Simplified. They unveiled their collection back in the spring, but because I buy the yearly planner, I don’t purchase mine until the fall. I couldn’t wait to place my order for the upcoming year. I decided to go with the 2025 Weekly Planner in Blush Block. The story behind the planner resonated with me as did the pattern. I can’t wait until the new year to start using it.
My planner pick
Touchless Hand Sanitizer– I got this as a gift from a friend and it came in super handy on our trip. Between different modes of transportation, the heat and sweat, I was constantly using hand sanitizer and so was my family. Everyone asked to borrow it through the trip. I loved how compact it was, it’s slim, so it can be put in a clutch or purse. The scent was a melon/lemon scent which was so refreshing, but not too over powering.
Wicked Little Letters– I watched the movie, Wicked Little Letters after it kept coming up on my recommendations on Netflix. It’s all about a woman who receives nasty and vulgar letters from someone. Everyone suspects it’s a former friend of the recipient of the letters and she gets put in jail for writing the letters. That is, until they question if someone else is behind the letters. This was a cute, British movie with many well-known British actors and actresses and it was a fun watch, but I must warn you the language made it R rated, just as a heads up.
That’s a look into what I’ve been loving this past week! Lots of beauty samples and some entertainment. If you are planning one last summer hurrah, consider giving one of these a try! Have a wonderful weekend!!! See you back here on Wednesday!
Hello All! Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week and are ready for the weekend. I can’t believe how fast this month is going by. I have been soaking up this month the best I can with sunshine, walks, and even some ice cream dates.
Perfect day for a walk this week…blue skies and not a cloud in sight
As we gear up for another weekend, I have a fun list of favorites for you as we wrap up this week. Here’s what’s on my radar this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea for another roundup of Friday Favorites.
My Love: Six Love Stories of True Love– I actually heard about this mini-series from Emily Ley’s Sunday Scroll on Substack. If you haven’t checked out her substack, you should, she posts a few times a week about different topics, current events, or what’s on her mind. Back to the topic at hand, this miniseries on Netflix follows six different couples all around the world and tells their love stories. These are all your normal couples, and they share their day-to-day lives and you get to see their love story told through their eyes. This is a warm and fuzzy, feel-good show. No drama, no overthinking-just good, wholesome love.
New Top– I got this new top from Marshall’s a few weeks ago and I have been loving it. It’s by Calvin Klein and I am always a fan of the style, colors, and quality of clothes. This silky, Cinderella-blue, top is perfect for the spring and summer months. I plan on wearing it to work with white or blue dress pants, but it can also be worn with jeans if you want to dress up a look. The ruffles and buttons and details are what caught my attention and they are some of my favorite parts of the top. I can’t wait to start wearing it more in the next few months.
Lessons in Chemistry- This may be one of my favorite books of the year. I have heard about it for several months, but just got around to reading it. 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. It was made into a series on Apple TV that I watched as well and really enjoyed the comparison of the two.
My Miniature Life Account- I recently got sucked into silly/fun accounts on social media. I typically just use social media to keep up with family and friends, but every so often I find a fun account that brings me joy. The account, My Miniature Life account features every day, mundane tasks but mini. I give the creator major props for creativity and uniqueness. I try to limit my time on social media, but when a 30 second video makes you smile, it’s worth it.
Trying New Pizzas– We always do Pizza Fridays in my house and it’s one of my favorite traditions. We typically order from the same place, but we have been trying new local places around town. Some have been hits and others have been misses. I prefer a thin crust as opposed to a thicker crust, but it’s been fun to try new spots and see what places we want to try again.
That’s a look into what I’ve been loving. Tell me, what’s something that’s caught your attention this past week? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Friday!
