Hello All! HAPPY FRIDAY! We made it through the week! This has been a hectic week at both home and work, but we made it to Friday and I’m very grateful for that. I’m hoping things slow down just a bit, but we shall see.
The last of the fall leaves
I hope you have had a great week and are ready for the weekend and maybe have something fun planned. As we move away from all the Halloween fun, I am back into fall mode, before Christmas in just a few weeks. I really like to take this time for my prep or calm before the storm. I LOVE the holidays, but I’m hoping for a few quiet weeks before the hustle and bustle.
Here’s a few things on my radar that I’m loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea.
Insight Timer– I recently started to try mediating, mindfulness, and deep breathing exercises. I have always taken time at the start and end of my day for prayer, but have also incorporated some guided breathing exercises too. I have found it to be very beneficial, especially when I am overwhelmed and stressed out. I typically take time at the start and end of my day for breathing, but have found myself doing exercises through the day too. I have been using the app, Insight Timer daily and it’s been doing a great job at holding me accountable and providing resources for guided meditations and breathing exercises. I am just using the free trial, but have been really loving it.
Atoms– Speaking of apps, I also have been using the app called Atoms to hold me accountable. The app was created by James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, a book I read this past year. I have really been loving his app which helps you track new habits or break bad habits. It sends you daily reminders about completing your tasks and gives you positive affirmations through the day as well. I have used the app to help with putting my phone down and now with meditation and both have been very helpful. I’m using the free version through this as well.
The Diplomat– Season two of The Diplomat starring Keri Russell came out last week and I have slowly been making my way through the season. It picks up right where it left off from season one. This show has me hooked with new characters, storylines and of course some crazy plot twists. The finale had me shocked and I can’t stop thinking about it. I binged a lot last weekend. You can watch the trailer here and stream season two on Netflix.
Outer Banks Part Two Out– Another season of a favorite show of mine is out. I mentioned this a few weeks ago, when the first part of Outer Banks season four was released, but now the second half was released and I can’t wait to watch. I may or may not have started depending on when you are reading this, but I can’t wait to see how season four wraps up. The premiere was really good and I’m looking forward to the rest of the episodes. The first half started out a bit slow, so I’m anxious to see what storylines get solved and what cliffhangers remain. Here’s a look at what you can expect.
Atmosphere– Taylor Jenkins Reid announced her new book coming out next summer last week. It’s called Atmosphere and I can’t wait to read it. Here’s a look at the synopsis and the cover art. I personally love the UK version more, but I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I doesn’t seem like it will be in the same universe as some of her other books, regardless, I can’t wait to read it.
That’s a look into life lately and what I’m loving.
Tell me what are some highlights from your week? I would love to hear them! Have a fantastic weekend!
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!
Happy Wednesday and may I add, happy Halloween Eve!
Are you all set for the big day? I don’t have too many big plans for the holiday, but I will be enjoying some candy, treats and maybe a Halloween movie to celebrate.
Fall in full effect!
October was all enjoying the beautiful fall weather. We had gorgeous weather, and the leaves and foliage showed off all month long. I tried my best to pack in as much fall fun as I could and I think I did a pretty good job at it. This post is full of fall fun, you have been warned.
What I’ve Been Up To:
This month began by running my furthest distance, 10.5 miles which I was VERY proud of. I had gorgeous weather and more than enough time to pace myself and enjoy the journey.
I’ve really enjoyed finding new places to run in my community and have been discovering hidden gems along the way.
Early morning run
Another new spot to run
I also enjoyed some solo dates to the library and taking the time to browse and read and not rush to another errand.
Snapshot from a recent solo date
I made a few trips to different farmer’s markets to pick out pumpkins and fall decor which is always a fun outing for me.
October also brought seeing the Northern Lights from my backyard which was an incredible experience.
Plus, we got to see a beautiful, full moon.
I got to do one of my favorite fall activities which was apple picking and made some sweet treats from it as well.
What I’m Reading:
I had such a good reading month with lots of different genres of books.
The Plan– I kicked this month by reading The Plan by Kendra Adachi. This is Adachi’s third book and it’s all about planning, organization, and compassionate time management. She lays out ideas and principles for how to plan and organize your life, but the best part is that you can tailor it to your own wants and needs. I found myself taking notes while reading it and have applied so many principles to my own life. If you have read or listened to Adachi’s podcast or books, you can almost hear her voice across the pages. 5 Stars from me!
The Summer Pact– The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin was a heavier read, but I’m glad I read it. I have read other books by Giffin and really enjoyed them. The book follows three friends who lose one of their friends to suicide in college but remain close through the years. When one of the characters go through a major life change, they go on a trip to reconnect and get their lives back in order, but they learn more about each other and all go through major life and growth moments on the trip while remembering their fourth friend. I really loved the themes of friendship, growth and maturity that were found all through the story. I would recommend, but just be warned that suicide is discussed in it.
The Home Edit-The Home Edit by Clea and Joanna was just a fun read for me. I love all things organization and this gave examples with pictures of how to organize different areas in your home. I loved all the scenarios they created for what spots you can streamline in your space, no matter how big or small.
The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard– The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard by Michael Callahan was a book I picked up on a whim and I’m so glad I did. It follows the story of a rising Hollywood star who leaves the spotlight after a summer in Martha’s Vineyard. What happens that summer that caused her to leave it all behind? I really loved the mystery that came with this book, but it jumps back and forth from the past to present which always keeps my attention. The description of Martha’s Vineyard was dreamy too. This was such a fun read after a heavier book.
Darling Girls– Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth had been on my to be read list for a long time and I’m so glad I finally got around to reading it just in time for spooky season. It follows the story of three girls who grew up in foster care and how their past becomes part of their present when a body is found under the home they grew up in. There were so many changes in the plot that I had a hard time keeping up, but this book was so good and worth the wait to read it.
Lies and Weddings– Kevin Kwan’s Lies and Weddings was a fun read but you do have to be plugged in while making your way through it. Kwan is the author of Crazy Rich Asians so I knew I was in for a treat with this one. He was recently on the podcast, Books, Beach and Beyond and I loved learning the behind the scenes scoop. It tells the story of a young man from a healthy family who’s mother wants him married off, but there’s a method to her madness. Throughout the book, lies, secrets and family histories are revealed and not everything is as it seems. The only critique is that there was a lot of characters and it took focus to keep them all in order, otherwise, it was a great read!
My What If Year-My What If Year by Alisha Fernandez Miranda is all about a woman who is a wife, mother and CEO and as she enters hr 40’s she decides to try different jobs and internships for a several months. She tries careers she has always dreamed of and gets a first hand look at what they entail. I loved reading about this woman’s journey and hearing what she took away from the experience.
What I’m Watching:
I have been making my way through Gilmore Girls which has been a fun escape for the fall season.
I also watched the latest season of Outer Banks. It started out slow but they picked up and now I can’t wait for part two to be released next month.
I also made my way through Nobody Wants This which was a hit on Netflix and already got renewed for season 2!
Plus, I have made time for the classics like It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.
What I’m Wearing:
My wardrobe hasn’t been too exciting as of late, a lot of layering for when it starts cool and then warms up.
What I’m Cooking:
Here’s been some of my favorite new meals:
I have been busy in the kitchen this month thanks to checking out different cookbooks from the library like Magnolia by Joanna Gaines and some of Ina Garten’s cookbooks.
Roasted Keilbasa, Carrots and Sprouts– This was perfect for fall and was so tasty to heat up the next day.
Snickerdoodles-A fall must have!
Speaking of treats, one of my most recent treats…snickerdoodles!
Homemade gumbo– I found this recipe in Magnolia and was a bit intimated by it, but it wasn’t as tricky as I thought and it tasted so warm, a great late summer or early fall soup!
Apple Cider Donut Cake– I have been baking all things Apple, including this apple cider donut cake which only has a few ingredients that I’m sure you keep around your home!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins– Another welcome to fall and only three ingredients!
Pulled Pork Tacos– I love a good taco night and this was a fun and flavorful twist on this!
Pumpkin Black Bean Chili- I love a good chili and you can cook this in the stove or in the slow cooker and you will have a delicious meal. Not a bad meal idea for Halloween too!
Chicken Cordon Bleu- I was intimated to make this at first, but it was fairly easy and a warm and hearty meal too.
What Inspires Me:
I have been inspired by all the fall weather and changing of the leaves. I’ve really been trying to make it a point to really be present outdoors and take in nature.
Just look at this beauty
So many colors!
Here’s a few quote that have really resonated with me too!
What I accomplished:
I really have made so much headway with my bucket list. Here’s how it started and how it’s going.
My boyfriend and I also had a packed full fall day and did all the festive things which was so fun!
I also got to listen to a presentation by journalist and sports analyst Stephen A Smith. It was fascinating to hear his take on sports, the media, journalism and our currently political climate.
Goals from Last Month:
I got some much fun fall activities in, plus I spent time with friends and although not all together, I got lots of family time in too which is always a treat.
Beautiful fall drives
Goals for this Month:
I’m really going to try to be present and do all the prep work before the craziness of the holidays. I also have a weekend trip planned, some big work projects to tackle and then Thanksgiving! So maybe it won’t be as calm as I hoped? Haha! We will have to see!
Thanks so much for stopping by for a look at life lately and what I’m currently up to.
Have a happy Halloween and I will see you back here on Friday!
Hey Hey! Happy Wednesday! I can’t believe we are days away from December. This month was a slower month for me in terms of activities and events, but it still flew by. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact Thanksgiving was early this year. Regardless, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are ready for the Christmas season, I know I am. I have my holiday candles burning, my Christmas throw blankets are out, and I am using all the festive mugs, life is good!
All decked out for Christmas
As this month winds down, I want to share what I have been up to recently as we flip the calendar from November to December.
What I’m Up To-This month has been filled with fall walks, organizing, and lots of baking and cooking. We had some snow this month, but it has been mostly chilly, yet sunny. I have been trying my best to still get outdoors to enjoy the dry conditions for as long as I can. There’s nothing better than some fresh air and sunshine with the leaves changing in the background.
A beautiful fall morning!
I also have been doing a lot of baking and cooking as I have been trying both new and old recipes.
Lots of time spent in the kitchen!
Finally, I spent almost every Thursday this month doing major cleaning and organizing. My mom and I tackled all the spaces, from cabinets to closets and storage areas. It was never out intent to do a big declutter, but once we started, we couldn’t stop. It felt great to donate a lot of things we weren’t using ahead of the holidays.
A look at some of our donations
I ended the month by celebrating Thanksgiving!
A delicious, Thanksgiving spread!
What I’m Wearing– I don’t have too many fun outfits to show off from this past month since my days off were spent in grubby clothes cleaning. However, after cleaning and reorganizing my closet, I was able to create some new winter outfits with items I have. I have been wearing this red jacket from Old Navy a lot.
You can’t go wrong with red jacket!
I know I will be wearing a lot of the next few weeks. I also did an Old Navy haul this past month. Here’s some of the pieces I got and I have been loving.
This is also what I wore for Thanksgiving last week.
What I’m Reading– Some months I have great reading months and other months they are not so great. I read a few books this past month and while they were good, they were great nor my favorites.
I started the month by reading The Girls of Summer by Katie Bishop. The story goes back and forth between the past and present about young college-aged girls in Greece who get wrapped up in some adult situations. They don’t realize the severity of their situations until they are adults and consequences happen. As grown women they work to try and make amends and come to terms with their young adult mistakes. The book was very serious and dealt with a lot of heavy topics, I found parts of it interesting, but most of the book, I just felt bad for the characters.
Dirty Laundry by Disha Bose is all about a group of women in Ireland who are all trying to one up each other, but all have their own secrets and hidden agendas. When one of the women in the small-town winds up dead, everyone has a different motive for wanting her dead. The book follows each woman and their lives as mothers and wives and it turns out not everything is as it seems. I though the book was good but got confused as it flashed back and forth from past and present and jumped between characters. In my opinion, the book wrapped up way too fast, I was waiting for a who done it moment and it came and went so fast and then the book was over.
Love and Luck by Jenna Evans Welch is a companion book to Love and Gelato, you didn’t have to read Love and Gelato to read this book, but there are a few references to the first book. The story takes place in Ireland as a brother and sister in high school decide to take a road trip to a music festival instead of following a plan to take a trip to Italy. I really liked how the setting of Ireland was depicted and I liked seeing the relationship between the brother and sister evolve. I really enjoyed this book compared to the first two I read.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune- This was the second book I read by Fortune, but the first book she wrote. It takes place in a small town in Canada. This book also goes back and forth between the past and present as a young woman goes back to the lake that she grew up spending her summers. She is reunited with a former friend/flame of her past and through the book, the reader sees how these two characters went from best friends to strangers. I really enjoyed this book, from the character development to the setting and storyline. It definitely had more of a summer feel to it but can be read during any time of year. I’m glad I ended this month reading wise on a high note. Next month will be all about the Christmas books.
What I’m Watching– This month marked the return of a lot of series. I kicked off November with Selling Sunset. I’m not a big reality tv fan, but I can’t help myself with it comes to Selling Sunset. I started this show for the houses, but stayed for the drama. It’s been interesting to see the dynamics between the women in the office change through the seasons. I really love how they have a reunion at the end of the season too.
My favorite thing that I watched this past month was The Crown. I had so many questions going into this season and found the first four episodes of Season 6 to be moving, somber, but also really beautiful. It was almost eerie to see what Diana’s life was like in her final weeks and how the world reacted to her death.
I also started to watch some of my favorite Christmas movies now that we are in the Christmas season.
Like Rudolph!
What Inspires Me– I have been inspired by all my time in the kitchen. I also have been scouring Pinterest and cooking blogs for new recipes to try.
Here’s some of the things I have been making in the kitchen
Banana protein balls
Halloween candy cookies
Peanut butter cookies
Chocolate chip cookies, Double chocolate chip cookies, mint cookies
Chicken and Veggie stir fry
Lots of breakfast foods
What I Accomplished– I feel so accomplished after all the cleaning and organizing and donating my mom and I did this past month.
A look into some of the spaces we organized
I also ran another 5K on Thanksgiving which was fun, despite it being chilly. It was my first Turkey Trot and I loved it.
Turkey trotting!
I also got to thoroughly enjoy the holidays with my family which is so nice.
Nothing says Thanksgiving than by watching the parade.
Our Thanksgiving Dinner at home
Goals from Last Month– I really got to enjoy quiet days at home before hustle and bustle of the holidays. It was the perfect time to recharge and get things down before life gets crazy around the holidays, but I’m really looking forward to my Christmas bucket list and doing all the holiday traditions. Plus, I started my Christmas list for others and I’m excited to start my shopping too.
Fresh fall flowers to brighten up a clean space
Goals for this Month- My goal for the last month of 2023 is simple, enjoy the holidays, enjoy the family traditions and be present in the moment. More times than not, I find myself trying to do all the things and not being present and enjoying the holiday moments. This year, I want to do a better job of planning things out, so I get them down but also really enjoying the moments and savoring them, whether it be holiday baking, making a gingerbread house, watching Christmas movies or wrapping gifts. My goal is to be intentional and present with my time and energy.
Someone is enjoying the holiday spirit
That’s a look into life lately. The calm before the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.
Tell me: as we prepare to welcome December, what are you looking forward to next month? Let me know in the comments below!
Hello all! Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week and have some fun weekend plans, maybe even something fall-hello pumpkin patches and corn mazes? This week really felt like autumn was setting in, from the cooler weather to the changing leaves, it’s been giving me all the fall vibes.
I’m linking up with linking up with Erika and Andrea for today’s Friday Favorites! Here’s five things I’m loving this week.
Apple Muffins– In true fall spirit, I have been spending a lot of time indoors and that includes doing lots of baking. From muffins to cookies, it’s been so fun and cozy to enjoy a warm treat inside. Apples have been my go-to for baking. I made apple muffins this past week and they were a hit. I made them last year and couldn’t wait to make them again this year. They are so easy to make and require little prep and ingredients. I have plans to do some apple picking soon and I know I will be making more recipes with them. Here’s some more apple recipes I enjoy!
Old Navy Shirts– I did some shopping at Old Navy and one of the things I love are their t-shirts. I always get them in white or black in short and long sleeve to have some neutral colors, but they had cute colors for fall and I grabbed a few on sale. I love the color green and I love how it breaks up neutral colors. The fabric is also super soft too. Perfect for fall and winter.
Malibu Rising– I’ve also been doing a lot of reading. I’ve been on a Taylor Jenkins Reid kick. I read Daisy Jones and the Six in the summer and I just finished Malibu Rising this past week. It follows the story of one unforgettable party in Malibu that a family throws every year. However, at this one party, secrets come out, decisions are made and things are forever changed. I personally liked Daisy Jones and the Six better but this was still very good. For any Taylor Jenkins Reid fans out there, what book should I read next?
Snack Lunches– I’ve been eating a lot of lunches at home lately and as a way to clean out my fridge and use what I have, I’ve been enjoying snack plates. I’ll load up fresh cut fruits, veggies, cheese and crackers and enjoy. It’s healthy, filling and it uses what I have in my house.
Operation Mincemeat– I’ve been enjoying some movies and shows on Netflix recently including Operation Mincemeat. It’s based on a true story about a mission during World War II involved Great Britain, Germany and Italy. I really enjoyed the plot, the mystery aspect and the casting too. It is a longer movie but keeps you on the edge of your seat.
That’s a look into what I’m loving this week. Tell me, what’s a favorite thing or two you are loving this week! Let me know in the comments below! Happy Friday!
