Tag: favorite things

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #5

Happy Friday! We made it through the first full week of September! Woo hoo! 

I hope you have something fun planned for this weekend, maybe some football action with the return of the NFL season? As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for this edition of Friday Favorites!

Here’s five things I’m loving this week!

Trying out the Quick Cherry Tomato Pasta– A few weeks back, I shared that I wanted to try this Cherry Tomato Pasta from Mix and Match Mama. I made it for dinner this past Sunday and loved it. It was super easy to make, there was lots of flavor and it was fast and filling. I will definitely be making this again!

The perfect Sunday dinner

New Makeup samples– I mentioned a few weeks back that I was testing some makeup samples out. I got a few foundation samples from Benefit and Valentino and have slowly been trying them out. I tend to stick to my Bare Minerals powder foundation, and I plan on sticking to that. But, it has been nice trying some other products out especially on days off. I have been enjoying the coverage that the liquid foundation provides and it’s long-lasting too. Both wins in my book!

A few samples I’ve tried
More samples I’ve tried.

Alleyoop Multi-Tasker Brush- Sticking with beauty, I heard about this Multi-tasker Brush by Alleyoop from a few different people and when I saw it went on sale, I decided to try it for myself. I have been looking for a set of small travel makeup brushes to keep at work for makeup touch-ups through the day and rather than buy four separate brushes, I decided to go for a four in one brush. This brush features a blush brush, sponge, eye shadow brush and eye line/brow brush. I’ve been using it all this week and I love it. It blends makeup really well, I like that It can fit in a makeup bag, and it comes with its own too. My favorite feature is that it’s four in one, I’m not digging through my purse looking for different brushes, it has all my main brushes for touch-ups. this would also work as a great travel makeup brush too. Overall, I’ve been very happy with this purchase. 5 Stars from me!

My favorite brush for work!

Switching out Notebooks– With so many students heading back to school and back into the classroom, it has me feeling a bit nostalgic of school days. I recently had to upgrade my notebook for work and it brought me back to my school days and picking out fresh supplies. There’s nothing quite like starting a new month and using a fresh notebook too. I got a much larger notebook and I’m looking forward to more space to jot down notes and keep track of to-do lists through the day. 

New month, new notebook!

Meghan Markle in The Cut-If you have been following me for a while then you know that I’m an avid follower of the Royal Family. These last few years have been interesting to say the least. I really enjoyed reading this interview in The Cut featuring Meaghan Markle. I love how genuine and honest the article portrayed her. I’m looking forward to see more of the work her and Harry do together over the next few months. 

That’s just a look into things I’ve been loving this week. Tell me, what are some things that are jumping out at you!?

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #3

Happy Final Friday of the month! As we wrap up another week and month, I’m sharing five things I’m loving this week as I’m teaming up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites! Here we go!

  • Peach salad-I have been loving fresh peaches this summer. I had this peach salad at a wedding last weekend and loved the sweetness mixed in with the cheese and greens along with the crunch of nuts. Yum! I definitely want to try my own version of the recipe at some point.

  • Rose Water and Vitamin C serum– I got a few beauty products samples recently and have been testing them out over the past few days. I’ve been using this Squalane, Vitamin C and Rose Water serum by Biossance each night. I apply a few drops to my face each night before bed and I have been really enjoying how it feels on my skin and how I wake up feeling extra refreshed. I’m just using a sample, so I’m not sure if I will invest in it full time, but it’s fun to try it out at the end of summer.
  • 5 Ways to Take Better Breaks During the Workday. I have been a fan of Shondra Rhimes for years, from Grey’s Anatomy to Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder and more. I’ve also read her book, Years of Yes and LOVED it! Shonda now has a newsletter that I subscribe too where she has different articles about life, tv, health, and business. I saw this article and found it so informative especially when it comes to the importance of taking those work breaks whether you are in an office or work from home. A great thing to keep in mind as we make our way into a new season.
  • Simplified Large Desk Pad–Simplified is one of my favorite brands and I love all their products, from planners to note books and stickers. When I have a busy day or a long to-do list, their large pads are a go to for me. I have been using this one a lot recently, it’s also great if you need to do a brain dump!

Those are just five things I’m loving this week. Tell me! What’s been a favorite moment of this week for you?

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Fabulous living

A Few Favorite Things

 Happy Wednesday! I hope your week has been going swimmingly. 

As a child, the middle of June always felt like the official start to summer, once school was out. Now as an adult, once Memorial Day weekend arrives, it feels like the summer can begin. 

Even though I just put my bucket list out last week, I’ve already made some headway with summer fun. So far, I’ve enjoyed a trip to the drive-in, grilling and cook outs and eating by the water. Needless to say, it’s already been a very good start to summer.

Seeing the new Top Gun Maverick at the drive-in.

Speaking of good things, today, I wanted to share some things I’ve been loving lately. I’m all about using things that make my life easier, so if I find things I love, then I’m going to share it with you.

Here’s some of my favorite things:

Shoe Eraser: I love wearing white, almost as much as I love wearing black, haha! I wear a lot of white shoes and sneakers in the summer, but one of the things I found was the more I wore them, whether out and about or running errands, they were getting dirty or scuffed up. I got this shoe eraser for Christmas and it works incredible. It’s almost like a magic eraser that you can use for walls or marks. The shoe eraser works great on sneakers and softer leather shoes. I’ve had dirt and scuff marks on shoes and after adding some water to the eraser and lightly scrubbing, the scuff marks are gone. I’ve seen these erasers at Dollar Tree and Amazon, so they are fairly easy to find. If you wear white sneakers, these are a summer must.

You can see how much dirt and scruff was on the shoe.

Ear Bud Cleaner: If you wear headphones, whether they are air pods, other wireless ear buds or wired ear buds, these ear bud cleaners are super helpful. Again, I got this for Christmas and have used it so much, these different tools that you can use to clean your ear buds with, from brushes, to fine tooth combs and event ones like a tooth pick. After cleaning out my headphones, I immediately noticed a difference in the sound. I also wear an earpiece for work and used this little tool kit to clean my ear piece and it was night and day when it comes to the quality of the sound after cleaning. If you are a frequent ear bud user, you may want to consider grabbing this. 

Definitely worth the buy!

Hair Dryer Headband: This next one is more for the ladies. Whether you shower in the morning or night, this headband is a game changer when drying your hair and keeping your hair away from your face when using a face mask, washing your face, or even doing makeup. I don’t use it every night but when I’m pampering myself a bit or I need to dry my hair a bit faster then this is my go-to. There’s also essential oils in the wrap which makes the experience of getting ready a bit more soothing. 

And who doesn’t love a cute bow?!

Silk Pillow case: I’ve been reading about these pillow cases for years and got one for my birthday. I’ve been using it for over a week now and I’ve been loving it. Based on reviews, it helps with your skin and hair and prevents wrinkles, all major wins for me. I’m still new to using it but have been very pleased with it so far. Have you tried a silk pillow case? If so, what are your favorite part about using it?

A favorite way to get to sleep nowadays.

That’s a look into some of my favorite things right now. Some fun, some practical, what are some of your favorite things you are loving in the summer months? Let me know in the comments below! Have a great rest of your week!

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Fabulous living

Five Favorite Things

Hello hello! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are week’s are going well. I don’t know about you, but I’m SO ready for spring. We had a 70 degree Sunday last week and it was absolutely beautiful. I got out for a walk with no snow on the ground and got to soak up some sunshine. Even that taste of sunshine has me craving spring even more.

I always love my routines and rhythms, but I always like to try new things. Today I’m sharing five things I’ve been loving. They are a mix of products, snacks, make up, and fun things. 

  • Simplified Wellness Journal (one of my New Year’s resolutions this year was to focus more on my well-being and health and wellness. In addition to working out, I’m putting more emphasis on eating right, getting enough sleep and making sure I’m more well-rounded for my physical and mental health). The Simplified journal helps keep everything organized and help you track your workouts, how much water you drink, what you are eating and how you are taking care of yourself. If you are looking to put wellness first, this is a great resource, but you can easily keep track of your fitness and health goals in a regular notebook or journal.
I use my Wellness Journal every day
And a look at the inside
  • For makeup lovers: Since I wear a lot of makeup for my job, I stick with what I know and what works for me. However, I do like to change it up and try new things. I got this lipstick from Covergirl at Target and I love the dark pink color, It’s long lasting and I love how it goes on.
My new favorite color

  • For snacks: I always like to try different snacks and trail mixes. I saw this smores bark from Target and thought it looked fun and tasty and boy was I correct. I love anything with chocolate and the crunch of the graham crackers, the only problem is you want to be careful not to eat them all in one sitting. Haha!
A tasty favorite!!!
  • For technology lovers: Last week I did a post about my Apple Watch and what I loved about it. Since I wear it all the time even at work I purchased a few bands to switch out for dressier occasions. I bought a gold and a silver band that really dresses up the watch.
A look at the gold watch band.

A look at the silver band.
  • For shoe lovers: I love a good heel and since I wear them all the day, I love a sturdy heel too. I have been searching for years for a blue heel. I wear a lot of blue, from dresses, to pants and skirts. I have been searching for a blue heel for years and I finally found a pair at DSW. Here they are! They are very comfortable, sturdy and affordable. They also have them in different colors if you want to change out the colors.

That’s just a few things I’m loving right now. Definitely a mix of fun things and affordable too. What are some things you are loving right now?

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Fabulous living

Apple Watch Review

Hey guys!

Happy Wednesday! I’ve held off on this post for a while but I’m excited to share it with you today. 

I always love reading people’s different reviews of products. Whenever, I’m on the fence about buying a product reading someone’s review always gives me the push or pull into getting a product. I’ve always been a HUGE fan of fitness trackers, especially Fit Bit. You can read my past Fit Bit reviews here and here.

For Christmas I got an Apple Watch and while it took a little bit of getting used and trying it out, I’m excited to share my review with you today!

My new Apple Watch SE.

A few notes, this post is not sponsored at all, this is just my own thoughts and opinions on Apple Watch.

For starters, I got the Apple Watch SE. 

It took a little bit of getting used to compared to my Fit Bit Versa Lite (the set-up, the notifications and the look) but once I did , I automatically fell in love with it.

For my job, I’m always on my phone, so having my calls, texts, emails, and social media all synced to my watch is huge!

I love that I can see who’s calling or texting me from my watch without picking up my phone.  The Fit Bit Versa Lite had these features too, but I like how on the Apple Watch you can read the full text message and not just the preview compared to the Fit Bit Versa Lite. You can also respond to texts through Siri or microphone or by writing a message out. I typically don’t respond to too many texts unless it’s a one-word or short response that I can quickly type or speak using Siri.

With the Fit Bit Versa Lite you can see when someone is calling you, but on the Apple Watch SE you can answer calls from it as well. I also like how you can get way more notifications from different apps. I can see when I get notifications from social media, to emails, calendars and emails.

I am always using my Apple Watch to set timers or alarms. I also use Siri a lot more on my Apple Watch compared to my phone. I also can get a quick check of the weather without going on my phone. Major wins for me!

Besides work, I really enjoy working out. I try to workout at least five days a week if not more. I use my Apple Watch to track my work out sessions, track how many calories I’ve burned, see how many steps I’ve gotten and see how long I’ve stood. There’s different programs you can start tracking when you workout from yoga to walking, running or lifting weights. Closing my rings is always a highlight of my day. 

If you have been following for a while, you know how I have started to incorporate mindfulness and meditation in my daily routines. One of the apps on my Apple Watch tracks Mindfulness, another favorite! I practice Mindfulness at the start and end of every day.

Now that I have raved about the Apple Watch, here’s a few things that I have noticed that I don’t love about it. 

The battery goes faster on the Apple Watch compared to the Fit Bit Versa Lite. If I start the day with 80 percent by the end of a 12 hour day, it’s around 30 percent. It makes sense since I’m using it constantly and since I sleep with It on at night, but it still go faster than the Fit Bit. I typically charge it when I’m showering at night or when I’m sitting down or doing my hair in the morning.

You also need a specific charger and charger block for the Apple Watch, so that’s something else you should be aware of.

The other thing that makes it questionable is the price, or more accurately is it worth it? In my opinion …yes! Since I use it for multiple reasons, all day every day. It’s definitely worth it. But if you are on the fence about investing, I would suggest maybe starting with a Fit Bit and working you way up to an Apple Watch, just a suggestion. 

The pros outweigh the cons but A LOT! Overall, I am thrilled with my Apple Watch and I use it all day, every day! In next week’s post, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite accessories. Until then, if you have an Apple Watch, what are your thoughts on it? Let me know!

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Fabulous living

A Few Favorite Things

Hi guys! Happy Wednesday!! Wanted to round up a few of my favorite things with you guys that I have been loving lately. A few things I am loving and make a difference in my day to day life.

Starting up first…

This heat protecting hair spray from Eufora. I have been using a lot of heat on my hair whether it is with a curling iron or a straightener. Every day, I am applying heat to my hair, this hair spray comes in super handy when it comes to taking care and protecting my hair. 

After I am done with washing my hair, while it is still damp, I spritz a bit on and not only does it smell great but it protects my hair too.

Next up…

This vase, I got it as a gift from Signals, it comes as a thin bag, but once you add water, it inflates. There are so many reasons why I love it and why it’s a favorite. First, I love the painting and the colors, second I love the fact it is slim and portable and I love how it is durable, once you add water and flowers it holds up very well.

Last but not least…

Fun and colorful masks! Masks are the next best fashion statement. I have been seeing so many fun colors and patterns sold everywhere. Gone are the days of not being able to find masks, now, I swear I see them at every retailer. Old Navy has a variety of fun patterns and colors to match to every outfit. They make wearing masks much more fun!

That’s just a peak into some of my favorites this summer. What are sine favorite things you are loving this season?

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Fabulous living

Fall Favorites

Hey everyone! Happy Tuesday. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. This past weekend I headed home to surprise my family. They were definitely caught off guard. After spending a few days at home, I feel so refreshed. It’s amazing what a few days of change of pace and routine can do for you. I am also realizing that sometimes slow is better than being on the go all the time. I can’t believe that we are halfway through November. I will be graduating in ONE month which is so exciting but also so hard to believe.

The next several posts will start a new series all about my college experience, they are a mixture of reflection posts as well as being in the moment about things going on. I have been planning these posts for so long and I am so excited to finally share them with you. Before we get to that, I wanted to catch you up on what I’ve been loving. I did a summer favorites post, a few months back. You can read it here. Now, that we are into a new season, I figured it was time for a fall favorites post! Let’s get to it!

Favorite Music: There has been so many new albums out that I have been listening to nonstop.  Joshua Radin’s Here, Right Now has been a must listen. I have also been finding a lot of good stations on Amazon Prime to listen to, I am loving Mellow 70’s for when I need some background music or Top Rock songs for the gym. I love the oldies by goodies. I am holding off as long as possible to start playing Christmas music

Some of my favorite playlists of this season

Favorite Binge Worthy TV Show: I am loving Modern Love on Amazon Prime. Have you seen it?! It’s a mini-series based on New York column. Every episode is a single story all about finding different kinds of love in the everyday life. I love the concept of it and it’s an all-around feel good story. I would definitely recommend it, if you have already seen it, which was your favorite story?!

One of my new favorite mini series

Favorite Drink: I have been drinking all the hot apple cider and hot chocolate these past few weeks. I am also all about lemon water with mint. So refreshing, but with the colder weather I love the hot drinks. 

Favorite Food: Once again with colder weather I love some hot soup, whether it’s with lunch or dinner, it’s a hearty meal that keeps you warm and full. I also have been enjoying warm and buttery crossiants. There is nothing better than warm soup or a warm drink and something savory to go with it.

Favorite Beauty Products: In the summer, I am all about minimal makeup and neutral colors. I have my makeup routine down to a science, most of the time I go for simple bronze and highlighter with mascara. I am also going for a darker lip color or a neutral color. 

Just a quick snap shot of my makeup from the past week-simple and neutral

Favorite Fall Activity: Between school and work, I have been enjoying all the fall fun things to do, from fall fests, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes. I am looking forward to celebrating the holidays in the next few weeks with Light up Night, and gift exchanges. But for now I am loving the season I am in.

I went to a corn maze a few weeks back and I loved how the sun hit the corn

Favorite Spot: Whenever I have been on the go this semester, so I haven’t had much time to sit and relax. I am trying to enjoy my last few weeks of college whether it’s doing things with friends or just catching up. I am being present and making every moment a memory. 

I was heading to the gym early one morning and loved catching the sun rise

That’s a little recap of what I have been loving and what my favorite thigs are. What are some things that you are loving this fall?!

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Fabulous living

50 Questions

Hi All! I love reading other blogs and learning about others through Q&A’s. I found this Q&A through Laura. She always posts about her cute baby, fitness, and lifestyle. I picked my favorite questions and answered them myself.

A little bit about me!
  1. When are you most inspired? 
    When I’m driving or working out is when I get the best ideas!
  2. If you could teach one subject in school what would it be? 
    English, I love reading and writing and would love to teach!
  3. What’s your favorite beverage?
    Water or the occasional lemonade in the summer.
  4. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? 
    Anything about how I have changed as I have gotten older and more confident in myself.
  5. What is your favorite birthday cake?
    Chocolate with raspberry! 
  6. What is one thing you still have from your childhood? 
    American Girl Dolls, special stuffed animals, and favorite books
  7. Window or aisle seat?
    As much as I love looking out of the window, I want the freedom with the aisle.
  8. What does creativity mean to you? 
    Being able to express myself how I want
  9. What is your favorite holiday? 
    Christmas-l love spending time with family and all the gift giving 
  10. What’s heavily played on your music playlist right now?
    SO much country!! It has been my go-to music this summer, give me all the Dan and Shay, Thomas Rhett, and Luke Combs!
  11. Must have purse item? 
    Cell Phone
  12. What did you want to be when you grew up when you were 12? 
    Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher!!!
  13. What is something you will not be doing in ten years? 
    Being in school!
  14. What is an important life lesson for someone to learn? 
    Be yourself and don’t worry about what others will say. 
  15. How do you start your day? 
    Journaling and working out!
  16. Would you ever live anywhere besides PA?
    Yes! I would love to move to someplace new…maybe New York? I have no idea what the future holds which is exciting and nerve racking!
  17. What is your favorite dessert?  
     Warm chocolate chip cookies…or brownies…I love anything sweet!
  18. It’s brunch! What do you eat? 
    Waffles with fruit!
  19. Where was the best vacation you’ve ever taken? 
    Loved visiting Rome this past year and anywhere with my family.
  20. What is a book you are planning on reading? 
    Can’t wait for Emily Ley’s new book to come out in November!!
  21. What did you read most recently?
    A Reporter’s Life: Peter Jennings– my full summer book review is coming soon!
  22. What’s a city you wish to visit? 
    Paris, France!
  23.  Heels or flats? 
    Heels
  24. Where does one go on a perfect road trip? 
    Anywhere near the water.
  25. What do you do on a rainy day? 
    Read, watch movies, bake.
  26. What’s your favorite exercise? 
    I love going for walks or jogging…I hate running
  27. What was your worst subject in school? 
    Math
  28. What is your spirit animal?
    Elephant
  29. What do you usually eat for breakfast? 
    Toast with fruit or on the weekend, eggs with fruit, sometimes cheerios…all depends on my mood.
  30. What do you usually eat for dinner? 
    A type of chicken with some type of vegatables. 
  31. Cooking or Baking? 
    I love baking and want to start cooking more.
  32. Favorite baked good? 
    Chocolate Chip Cookies
  33. What is something you wish you could be good at? 
    Not getting overwhelmed all the time
  34. Skiing or Surfing? 
    Skiing!
  35. How do you manage stress?
    Making a list of to do’s or talking it out with someone.
  36. What do you do to relax? 
    Read, catch up on movies or tv shows.
  37.  Favorite snack?
    Popcorn,  pretzels, chocolate. 
  38. Favorite fashion trend of all time? 
    Wedges-comfortable and cute!
  39. What is your current favorite piece of clothing that you own? 
    I have been loving my white jean jacket!
  40. Shoes or Bags? 
    Bags!!!
  41. Television show you’ve binged on recently? 
    Outlander
  42.  Who do you turn to when you’re sad? 
    My mom/ my best friends
  43.  What is your biggest strength? 
    I am super organized
  44.  What is your biggest weakness? 
    Saying no…I always overcommit 
  45.  What are 3 words to describe living in PA? 
    rain, snow, home
  46.  Cutest thing on planet earth?
    Dogs-especially my furbaby!!
  47.  Favorite color? 
    Red
  48.  Favorite time of day? 
    Early morning —I always get more done in the morning and like how quiet it is.
  49.  What’s your guilty pleasure? 
    Reality tv
  50.  Favorite band? 
    All about Thomas Rhett right now

Well that was fun! Pick a few questions and answer them about yourself below!! Have a fabulous week!

Categories
Fabulous living

Summer Favorites

Happy Tuesday!

I hope you all had enjoyable weekends. I was out of town this past weekend, doing some work for school as well as celebrating one of my friend’s birthdays an seeing lots of college friends. It was such a fun weekend to see everyone and catch up!

Today’s post is all about my summertime favorites, from music I’m listening to, shows I’m binge watching, fashion trends, and summer snacks. 

Favorite Music: Summer Time = Country Music. I have been adding to my country loving playlist all summer long, it’s a perfect blend of Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs, Darius Rucker and more. I love playing it while I’m at work or road tripping. 

Love me some country music in the summer

Favorite Binge Worthy TV Show: Outlander has been my go-to this summer, My friend Bailey got me hooked on it and now I can’t stopped. SO good. I can’t wait until the next season comes out. 

Who else has binge watched?!

Favorite Drink: I have been drinking all the water this summer, but to change it up I love adding some lemon, mint, cucumber, or other fresh fruits for a refreshing taste. Plus, its great for detoxing.

Drink for the day-water, strawberries, lemon and mint.Delicious and refreshing

Favorite Food: I am all about the salads in the summer. Check out my favorite summer salads here!

Fresh salads in the summer

Favorite Beauty Products: In the summer, I am all about minimal makeup. Unless I am at work, I am just wearing the basics, a bit of foundation and mascara are my go-tos. I have also been growing my hair out for the summer and use less product on it. During the school year, I would be straightening it several times a week and using lots of product, in the summer I have been letting it dry naturally and leaving it down. There is something refreshing about natural hair.

Minimal makeup for summer for the win

Favorite Summer Activity: Nothing says summer like going for strolls in the evening followed by ice cream. I am always down for an ice cream run. 

I always love going on hikes in the morning or evening

Favorite Spot: Whenever I get a chance to relax, you will find me outside by the pool reading, it doesn’t happen every day but I love being by the pool with a book in my hand. I have been reading a lot this summer and I can’t wait to share my summer book review with you.

Favorite place to read at the end of the day

That’s just a glimpse into my favorite things in the summer. The carefree days of summer are fleeting. Soak up all moments and make them into memories. See you on Thursday for another look of the day!