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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #116

Hello All! Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful week! I have a packed full weekend around the corner with family time, activities, and some fall fun thrown in there too! It will be a busy, but fun weekend. 

Pumpkin patches and farmer’s market stands bring me so much JOY!

Before I hit the ground running today, I wanted to share some things that I have been loving (hint-most of them are fall and entertainment favorites) as I link up with with Erika and Andrea.

Light a candle, curl up with a blanket and let’s dive in!

The Simple Sophisticate– Shay Shull of Mix and Match Mama recommended this podcast on her blog and I finally got around to listening to it. Shannon Ables started the podcast after her blog back in 2014 and still continues with episodes to this day. The theme of the podcast is all about living a simpler, calmer, and French way of life. Ables has such a soothing voice and attitude that you will find yourself relaxing and feeling peaceful no matter what she is talking about. I started at the beginning of the podcast and I have been loving all the different themes and topics. Episodes vary from 30-60 mins. Definitely worth giving it a listen to over the next few weeks.

The Home Edit– I love following The Home Edit on Instagram and love their show on Netflix too. I decided to check out Clea and Joanna’s book during my latest library haul and learned a lot from it. They give practical advice and ways to organize your spaces. Not only do they write about ways to organize areas, but they have great photos to demonstrate it too. After reading their book, I wanted to do a massive purge and organization.

Fall Harvest Mix-If you have been following along for a while, you know I love a good festival or seasonal food. My local grocery store had this seasonal harvest mix and I had to give it a try. It’s a delicious combo of sweet and salty. There’s peanuts, M&M, cereal, and peanut butter cups. It’s by no means a healthy trail mix, but it certainly satisfies the sweet and salty tooth. 

Gilmore Girls- Watching Gilmore Girls was on my fall bucket list and I’m slowing making my way through it. I started the show last year, but then life happened and I never finished it. Well, now I am back on the Gilmore Girls bandwagon and I have been loving it. It’s the perfect fall show to cozy up and enjoy. I know this will also help me get through the cold winter months as well too.

Nobody Wants This- This new Netflix mini-series is what everyone is talking about. Nobody Wants This stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody and it’s all about a couple who starts dating later in life after not having luck in the dating department. There are so many funny one-liners and relationship connections besides the romance between the two main characters. I really loved the message how you can have a relationship after you have worked hard in your career. There are only ten episodes and they last between 20-30 mins, perfect to binge watch in a weekend. 

If the weather is getting cooler by you, I hope these favorites gave you something new to try or enjoy this weekend. What have been some things you have been loving this week? Let me know in the comments below! 

Happy Fall Friday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #115

Hello all! Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week and have something fun planned for the weekend. I am excited for all things fall this weekend as it will be a busy few days with lots going on. Needless to say, I am counting down to the weekend. 

Hint, this weekend will involve lots of festive, fall fun!

Before we get to all the fall fun this weekend, I wanted to share some favorite things of mine from this past week. Without realizing it, there’s a bit of a theme to today’s post, books and fall food, so if you are fans of either of those, you are in for a treat.

Speaking of treats, one of my most recent treats…snickerdoodles!

Let’s get to it as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

The Plan– Kendra Adachi’s third book The Plan is finally out. I got a chance to read it ahead of time and loved it. I plan on re-reading it now that it’s out in the world. Like Adachi’s other books, this one is very conversational and easy to follow. Not only does she talk about planning and organizing, but she gives real life examples and ways to get your life in order. She touches on her Lazy Genius principles and introduces some new ideas too! I will have a full post about the Lazy Genius way of thinking coming soon, but until then, go out and read The Plan today!

Fall Shows– With fall, comes the return of fall tv shows. Besides binge watching some of my favorite tv shows, I have been enjoying weekly shows like Grey’s Anatomy and The Masked Singer. I have watched these shows for years and always look forward to the weekly episodes. Even though I do love a good binge watch, it’s nice to look forward to a show every week to see what happens next.

Cook Books from the Library– I had a great library book haul a few weeks ago and that included some cookbooks. I love cooking, baking, and trying new recipes and often get ideas and inspiration from Pinterest. There’s nothing quite like flipping through a cookbook for new tastes and flavors. I recently checked out the second Magnolia cookbook by Joanna Gaines and have found so many great recipes that I can’t wait to try. 

Maple Granola– Speaking of food, I love seasonal foods and treats and can’t resist when I see something seasonal at the grocery store. I have been on a granola kick with yogurt and berries and decided to add some maple flavored granola to my rotation. It has been a delicious success. I enjoy granola on its own, but there’s something extra sweet with the maple flavor that screams fall. It’s a nice, subtle nod to the season. 

The Summer Pact– I have had The Summer Pact on my to-be-read list for the longest time and finally got around to reading it. It’s by Emily Giffin and I have read several of her books. She was recently on Books, Beach and Beyond to talk about her latest book and after hearing her talk about it, I knew I had to read it. It’s about three friends who go on a trip together in honor of their fourth friend who died while they were all in college. The three current friends are all at different crossroads in their lives and are all looking for clarity in their own ways. I really liked the book, but felt that it wrapped up a little too quickly. Just a warning, there is talks of mental health and suicide in the book. But, overall, well worth the read!

That’s a look into life lately and what I’m loving! I hope you have a wonderful fall-like weekend! See you back here on Wednesday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #53

Hey everyone! Happy Friday! I hope you had a great first week of August. These past few days have been fun with activities and adventures and the fun continues tomorrow as I am running my first 5K.

Getting in all the runs before tomorrow!

I’ll be sure to share all about it in the next few weeks. I’m excited, but a little nervous too. Every week for Friday Favorites, I love sharing some of my favorite things from the week with you and this week is a heavy food week of favorites! Grab your pen and paper as we dig into this week’s Friday Favorites as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies– I haven’t done baking in a long time simply because I have been spending so much time outdoors and because on warm days, the last place you want to be is in a hot kitchen. However last week, I was inspired to bake and wanted to try a new recipe. I found this recipe from Baked Abundance for Cinnamon Chocolate Chip cookies and I thought they were the perfect warm treat. Although they are not a traditional summer treat, I couldn’t resist trying them. Now, they didn’t turn out like the photos, they were still delicious. I love the mix of cinnamon and chocolate chip. These would be a perfect fall treat, but they would be great anytime of year. You can find the recipe here if you are looking to try them for yourself.

Fresh baked cookies are good for the soul and stomach!

Fox’ ‘Special Forces” Season 2 Cast– The season two cast for Fox’s “Special Forces” came out this week. If you remember, I watched this show last season and really liked seeing celebrities, athletes, and actors all compete in various obstacles to see if they have what it takes to be a special forces operator. I know I could not do all the different challenges that the recruits could do each day. The cast for this season looks really good. I’m excited to see if Tom Sandoval, Savannah Chrisley, Brian Austin Green and even Blac Chyna have what it takes to be a special forces operator. The new season comes out on Monday, September 25. I can’t wait!

Love and Gelato– This book was recommended to me by a friend and it was one of the cutest books I read in a long time. Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch follows the story of a young girl who loses her mom and her mom’s dying wish is for her daughter to go to Florence and reconnect with people from her mother’s time when she lived there. This book checks all the boxes for a cute rom com book. Dreamy city, beautiful description, incredible Italian food and desserts, and a little romance too. I blitzed through this book and was so sad when it came to an end. After reading this book, you will want to book a trip to Florence.

The sweetest summer book!

Charcuterie Boards– I have been into Charcuterie Boards all summer long. They are so easy to put together for entertaining for friends and family or they are great for a one person meal. I love seeing what’s in my fridge and using what I have to put together a meal for lunch or dinner. You can add whatever you want to your board, I typically like to include some kind of fruit, some veggies, cheeses, some meats and then nuts or crackers. These boards are also great if you have had a long day and are looking to clean out your fridge too. Here’s an example of a recent board that my boyfriend and I enjoyed. So many delicious and healthy options on one plate.

A healthy and filling meal!

Wordle– I know I am way late to the party on this one, but this summer I started playing Wordle and I’m addicted. I never got hooked on it months ago when it first came out, but this summer, I got on the Wordle train. I try to do it in the morning before the day gets away from me, but sometimes it doesn’t always happen. I like the challenge of trying to figure out each day’s word. It’s been such a fun brain game to enjoy this summer. 

My recent stats!

And that’s a wrap on today’s Friday Favorites. Lots of food, a new read and some games. This weekend will be fun between my race and then time with family. Tell me: how are you spending your weekend? Let me know in the comments below! Have a great weekend!

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Currently

Currently #21

Hey hey guys! Happy final week of September! Anyone else feel like we just celebrated Labor Day??

This month feels like a whirlwind, from wrapping up summer fun to starting the fall season. This month was packed full with lots of fun and memories. Here’s a look back on September with Currently.

What I’m up to:  Lots of fall walks! I am trying to soak up as much time outside as possible. From walks at the Peninsula, to walks in the woods or just in my backyard.

Finishing summer with summer walks.

I finished summer with a traditional baseball game.

Ending summer at a baseball game.

I’ve also made headway in my fall bucket list! l already went to a pumpkin patch and I’m making headway in some scary stories and fall walks too. Besides work and family time, my hobbies have been keeping me busy.

I already went to a pumpkin patch this year.

What I’m wearing: The weather has made it hard to find outfits this season. Sometimes I can get away with short sleeves, other times, its long sleeves and pants. I have a fall roundup of work clothes coming soon! I am starting to break out my leggings when I’m at home on days off or when I come home from work. I found a great pair from Gap, they are super long lasting and are thick too. I also like that they are high-waisted too!

What I’m reading: I finished reading “The People You Meet on Vacation” and I absolutely loved it! From the characters, the plot and the way it was told. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it!

My little buddy reading with me.

I’m also currently reading “The Silent Patient”. My friend Maddie recommended it to me and I have loved it! I’ve never been a fan of thrillers or dark mysteries but I’m hooked on it. What are some books you are loving?!

What I’m Watching: I finished watching season 2 of Modern Love. I really loved the first season and I thought the second one was good, but I really loved the first one. Based on popularity I started to watch Community. I really love the characters and how its only 30 minute episodes. I also can’t wait for my shows to return on tv!! Shows returning in the fall is a big favorite for me!

What I’m Loving: As we are making our way through fall, I’m all about staying in more, less time traveling and more quality time unwinding after work or spending time with family. I’m loving cozy nights in and building time in my schedule for the things I love including reading or shows or even going for walks or coffee with friends. 

I’ve been spending a lot of time baking.
And cooking too!

What Inspires Me: For the longest time I was putting off the start of fall. I wanted to hold onto summer for as long as I could. I enjoyed a boat ride with co-workers and I enjoyed a flower festival with my mom too!

But now that fall is here, I’m embracing it!! From seeing the leaves fall to lighting warm scents and candles to seeing pumpkins and hay and apples in displays in stores and at different farmer’s markets. 

Boat rides with co-workers!
And summer flower festivals too!

What I accomplished: As far as accomplishments go, I’ve been keeping busy at work between some projects and just the daily work. I’ve been making time for meaningful time with family too. I got busy in the summer visiting friends, but now that things have quieted down a but I’m liking a quieter lifestyle. I even started finding old hobbies fun again, like word searches. I loved them as a child and I’m found my love for them again!

I feel like a kid again with a word search!

Goals Accomplished from Last Month I really soaked up the end of summer and the warm weather by going on walks and enjoying some tasty ice cream, say it with me, ice cream makes everything better. Now, that summer is officially behind us, it’s full on fall mode. 

Big pumpkins are getting me ready for fall!

Goals for the New Month: Besides working, my goal for the next month is to accomplish as many things as possible on my fall bucket list! I love my lists and I look forward to crossing more things off and making memories.

My Fall Bucket List

That’s a look into my life this past month, all about the changing of seasons and getting ready for a new season. What are you looking forward this next month? What was a highlight from your past month?

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Currently

Currently #10

Hey hey everyone! October was a month, like between working different schedules, seeing family, and gearing up for a busy few weeks ahead. With that being said, I apologize if this currently is a little boring. But let’s get to it. 

What I’m up to: Lots of work but also filling my free time in with fall activites. This past week I went apple picking and it was so fun and very fall! I’m so glad I got it in before the weather got too cold. 

Fun day apple picking

What I’m wearing: I went on a shopping spree to Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx and got some cute dresses for fall. Check out this green one!!! Perfect for winter and fall weather and the color compliments the weather we are experiencing. 

New green dress for fall

What I’m reading: I decided to try some audio books. I am currently making my way through Mindy Kailing’s book series through Amazon reading. She has a series of books that reflects her life, her family, her work and her background. This is such a fun listen especially when I’m doing things around the house. 

What I’m Watching: I’ve been watching Schitt’s Creek and loving it. I love that the episodes are only 20 minutes and the casting is perfect. It’s the perfect light thing to watch at the end of the day or when I’m getting ready to start the day. 

What I’m Loving: I am loving the fall weather, the changing of the leaves, the crisp air and making my way through my bucket list for fall.

What Inspires Me:  I’ve been lately so inspired by Pinterest. I am loving all the fall and winter boards I’m creating for food, fashion, fun and quotes. It’s been a great creative escape. 

Inspiration

What I accomplished: With work being super busy, I am so happy with getting time to relax and unwind even during the busy days, plus I am loving the ability to relax and unwind and make times for family traditions in the fall too. 

Goals Accomplished from Last Month Despite all the chaos, I have still been able to stay in touch with family and friends with weekly facetime calls and in person dinners. Also, even in all the craziness, I have been able to keep up with my work out routine and stay active too.

Goals for the New Month: Although, this next month will start out busy I am looking forward to planning for the holidays, even though it will be a bit different I am looking forward to all my favorite yearly traditions.

That’s just a recap into life today. Not too exciting but a realistic look into life today. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

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Fabulous living

Fall Shows to Start Watching

Hey everyone!

Happy Tuesday! I don’t know about you, but this week is one of my favorite weeks of the entire year…what makes the last week of September so great?! Fall shows are starting back up again! As much as I love binge watching series, there is truly nothing better than following a series week to week, year to year. Call my old school, but I love watching a show and being on the edge of my seat until the next episode airs next week. 

I started getting invested with tv series and “my shows” when I was in middle school. I think the first show I remember watching weekly was LOST…what a throwback, but still such a good show. Since then I have watched shows on all the major networks, everything from dramas, to comedies, procedures, and limited series. I have a few shows that I have watched from the early seasons, but I also find new shows to get into every year. I am so excited for the lineup of shows for this year. Here are a few that I am most excited for and why…

  1. This is Us
This Is Us

I love This is Us, it’s one of those shows that is so relatable, from family issues, to relationship struggles, and the every day life. You have to watch from the beginning, so you don’t get confused with the time jumps. I am excited to see where they go this season, they added a lot of new cast members and not only have they been going back in time, but now they are going forward in time. It premieres TONIGHT at 9 pm on NBC.

A Million Little Things

I got into A Million Little Things right after the first episode aired. It follows the story of a group of friends coping with their “perfect” friend’s suicide and how his friends and family are handling it and moving on. However, there is a lot to uncover following the sudden death. The first season was so well done, I am looking forward to seeing what direction season 2 goes in and what other storylines it explores. It premieres this Thursday at 9 pm on ABC.

How to Get Away with Murder

Another Shondaland show that keeps you on the edge of your seat. After 6 years of getting away with murder, will Annalise Keating and her crew finally have to pay for their crimes?! When I first started this show when it premiered, I was immediately drawn in with the murder and mayhem. There has been a lot of secrets, covering up, and death through the years but I’m anxious to see how it will all end up. The FINAL season premieres this Thursday at 10 pm on ABC after A Million Little Things, all part of the TGIT lineup. 

Outlander

If you followed my blog this summer, you know I was obsessed with Outlander this summer. I am so happy they finally announced that season 5 will be back on Starz starting February 16 at 9 pm on Starz. Although, season 4 didn’t leave us on a huge cliffhanger, I can’t wait to see what has been going in the late 1700’s in America, plus who doesn’t love Claire and Jamie?! I can’t wait until February! Luckily, I have these shows to hold me over until it comes back on!

The Masked Singer

So far, we have a mix of some drama and some intense shows, we clearly need a bit of reality tv!! Enter, The Masked Singer. I watched some of last season and fell in love with it, it takes who’s under the mask to a whole new level. I love trying to guess who is performing based on the clues they give and their singing abilities. Can’t wait to see who is on the show. This premieres TOMORROW at 8 pm on Fox. 

There you have it, a brief recap of a few shows I am most looking forward for this upcoming season. DO you have any favorites that didn’t make the cut?! Let me know in the comments below! I am always open to new shows, even if my schedule doesn’t allow it…haha! I will make it work, that’s a promise!

Have a great week everyone and watch some tv!

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Fabulous living

What’s Up Wednesday (10-25-17)

What’s Up Wednesday

Hello, hello! Today I am linking up with some of my favorite blogs: The Larson LingoMix and Match Mama , and Sheaffer Told me To to talk all things Wednesday, hence why I am posting this on Wednesday and not Tuesday. Don’t worry I will be back tomorrow with a fall look then I will be back to my Tuesday/Thursday posting. Once a month I will answer some questions so you know what’s going on with me. Today I will be answering the following questions. Wanna answer them too? Let’s see how much we have in common.

What I’m eating this week

I’m loving these proteins packs for lunch. They are quick and have great combinations. They are perfect for when I don’t have time to eat a full lunch.

What I’m reminiscing about

Halloween as a child! I always loved dressing up and going Trick or Treating. It’s hard being away from home during a holiday especially when I have younger siblings still trick or treating. This year I will still be dressing up, but I won’t be getting any free candy…or maybe some. We will have to wait and see.

What I’m loving

I am loving that we are finally getting cooler weather. It is consistently cool which is perfect fall weather. Also, now it is acceptable to wear high boots and jeans and not get worried to will bounce back to 70 degrees.

What I’ve been up to

Lots of school work. We are in the middle of the semester so papers, quizzes, and projects are all I have been looking at. Between going to classes and my job I’ve been busy.

What I’m dreading

Scheduling for next semester classes! Ugh, a stressful time for all. One step closer to the real world. Scheduling is always hard especially when you don’t get into classes you want are struggling for a back up!

What I’m working on

School work all day. Every day.

What I’m excited about

After looking at my calendar, I have something planned for every weekend from now until the end of the semester. From Fright Nights, to Light up Nights I am going to be busy but, I am very excited for the upcoming weeks.

What I’m watching/reading

I’m currently watching my favorite fall shows: This Is Us, Seal Team, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How To Get Away with Murder. These shows are my motivation to get through long and stressful days.

I’m reading Grace Not Perfection by Emily Ley and I’m loving it. I can’t wait until her new book comes out A Simplified Life.

What I’m listening to

I’m listening to Jessie James Decker’s new album Southern Girl City Lights on repeat. She is the only country singer I follow and I love her. This album has a great message filled with beautiful music. Get yours today!

What I’m wearing

Did someone say sweater weather?! I am wearing all the sweaters I can find. I can’t get enough. Also, check back tomorrow for my latest Look of the Day!

What I’m doing this weekend

Lots of Halloween fun! From a Costume Dance to a Fright Night, I’m excited. I’ll be sharing my costume next week with you all.

What I’m looking forward to next month

Thanksgiving and seeing some family for the holidays! As much as I love school and what I am doing, there’s no place like how especially during the holidays.

What else is new

Nothing much. Between classes, work, and the holidays I am always on the go.

BONUS QUESTION: What’s your favorite Thanksgiving Side Dish?

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, love my mom’ s recipe.