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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #103

Hello everyone! 

Happy Friday! I hope you are having a great week and have something fun planned for the weekend. The weather is gorgeous, the days are long and so many memories are being made. 

A dinner and walk by the water is always a good idea in the summer.

This summer is going by too fast. I feel like we were just in June and kicking off summer and now July is half way done. I am doing my best to savor the summer days and nights, but my social calendar keeps filling up. It’s all good things and lots of fun activities, but it’s still busy, I’m hoping to create more space in my calendar for rest, we will see how that goes.

As we get ready for another weekend, I’m sharing some of my favorite things from the past week as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

This week’s edition of Friday Favorites is a mix of fashion, food, and summer fun! Letā€™s dive right in.

New Polka Dotted Shorts– I was browsing through Marshallā€™s recently and came across these polka-dotted shorts. I love a good pair or solid shorts ( I have the standard white, blue, black and red) and while these did have a bit of a print to them, I decided to try them out. They were a perfect fit, not too loose or tight and not too long or short. The polka dots are subtle and besides wearing them with a navy blue or white blouse or t-shirt, you can match any solid shirt with them. For the Fourth of July, I paired the blue and white shorts with a red shirt and white sandals. I felt patriotic and comfortable. Iā€™m excited to pair these shorts with other tops through the summer.

Texas Caviar Recipe– I saw this recipe for Texas Caviar online and figured a big party like the Fourth of July would be the best place to try it. It went over pretty well. Itā€™s essentially a variety of beans and veggies mixed together with a light dressing. It can be enjoyed by itself or with chips and over tacos too. It was healthy and filling and I know I will be making it again in the future. You can find the recipe here. 

Blueberries- Cherries were a favorite a few weeks ago and blueberries are a favorite today. My boyfriend and I went blueberry picking and we got bushels of blueberries. I enjoy eating the berries on their own, with other fruits or in recipes. I have been on the hunt for some new recipes to try and Pinterest is always my go-to when I am looking for inspiration.

Summer Reading– This may seem juvenile, but as a reader and fan of the library, I am participating in our summer reading program. Through our system, you have to keep track of whenever you read 30 minutes and mark it off. You can read books, magazines, articles etc. Once you complete so many minutes, you can turn in your sheet and get a new one to be entered to win different prizes. I love the accountabilityĀ aspect of it and it really shows how much reading you can do. I love to read in the morning and at night, but have found myself sneaking in more time to read through the day.Ā 

Just the Nicest Couple– I finished the book ā€œJust the Nicest Coupleā€ a few weeks ago. I read it on the Libby app through my phone which allows me to read library books wherever I am. I find myself wanting to pick up a book as opposed to scrolling on social media. Now onto the book, “Just the Nicest Couple” is all about a man who goes missing and one of the last people to see him alive is his wifeā€™s best friend. Did she have something to do with it or is she being framed? These two couples who you think may be friends, may not be as close as they seem. There were some great twists, turns and plot points and I really got into the book, so much so I kept finding times to pull out my phone and read more. If you like a good mystery thriller thatā€™s not too scary, this book is for you.

Thatā€™s a look into what Iā€™m loving this week, some snacks, books, and clothes. I hope the sun is shining wherever you are and life is good!

Have a great weekend!

Categories
Currently

Currently #42

June, where have you gone?! I can’t believe we are at the end of another month. There were certain times that this month felt slow and sweet and then I blinked, and I was planning things for July. These past 30 days have been filled with lots of walks, books, grilling, sunshine, and summer adventures. I have been making my way through my summer bucket list and doing more things that weren’t on the list. As we prepare to flip the calendar. Here’s a look at what’s Currently going on in my life.

What I’ve Been Up To: Through the entire month of June, I have been marking things off my summer bucket list. From day trips, to picnics, walks and time outdoors, I have done a lot. 

This month, I made a trip to Columbus, where I went to the zoo and state park for grilling and a beach day. 

Columbus Zoo!
More animals- I loved the polar bears!
And gorillas!
And finished the day at the beach!

I also enjoyed playing mini golf and trying a new to me pizza shop and park for a walk.

Pizza in the park!

Picking strawberries was on my summer bucket list and I accomplished that and made seven jars of jam in addition to lots of fresh berries to eat.

Strawberry picking day!
Our haul!
Some of the end results!
And strawberry shortcake too!

Another big highlight of the month was my birthday present from my boyfriend, more on that in the coming weeks!

Here’s a tease for where I went…

I rounded out the month with a trip to the beach to visit family and it was so good to see relatives and get some time by the water.

The shores of New Jersey!
The boardwalk!

What I’m Wearing: Besides your typical shorts and graphic t-shirts on days off, I did a big summer clothing haul at the start of summer and have been wearing new pieces to work. Lots of bright colors and patterns, plus quality clothing coming your way too.

One of my new dresses. I have been wearing lots of pink!

I also have been wearing lots of short sets too! Like this one!

Ā 

What I’m Reading: I got a lot of books for my birthday and have been slowly making my way through them.

I started this month with Best Served Hot. I saw this book on display at the library and was immediately drawn in by the plot and checked all the boxes for a good read! Rom-com, takes place in a big city, and talks about food! The story follows a food critique and a food influencer as they try out different restaurants in NYC, first as competitors and then on a collaborators. The best and dare I say, worst part of the book was the details of all the foods they were tasting. The description was so vivid, which just made me hungry while I was reading.

I also read Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng. I really enjoyed her book, Little Fires Everywhere and I was excited to read this book. I will admit, it was a heavier novel, but I learned so much about the Asian American culture and customs. It’s all about the lengths a mother will go to protect her family while doing what she thinks is right. Themes of unconditional love, sacrifice and coming of age are found throughout the book.

I also read Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. This book takes a scientific approach to productivity and time management. I am all about maximizing my time and being as efficient as possible. This book was more research based and didn’t have as many tips or advice about management, but I still found it interesting. I appreciated how the book focused on time management through history and ways we can be make the most of our time on Earth.

What I’m Watching: I haven’t been watching too much tv as I have been doing my best to be outdoors as much as possible. I have watched some good family movies, like Air and A Man Called Otto.

Family movie night!

I also finished the series, Ted Lasso which was really good. I think the series wrapped up very nicely and I like how everyone’s storylines had closure. It was such a fun show to binge and watch week to too.

I also watched The Night Agent on Netflix. This was only ten episodes, with which episode lasting about 45 minutes. It was a mix mystery, intrigue, action, drama, and thriller, those are all good things I’m looking for in a series. I would recommend it if you were looking for a new show to binge watch.

The new season of Outlander is back! I have been making my way through season seven every week when their episodes air. 

Outlander is back!

And Just Like That Season 2. The girls are back with And Just Like That! I really enjoyed season one and have been enjoying what season has brought. It’s also been a fun show to watch weekly. 

What Inspires Me: I’ve been so inspired by summer fun! From outdoor meals, walks, trying new recipes and celebrating milestones.

Walks by the water

I also have been getting my runs in weekly and have enjoyed feeling stronger with each run I go on.

My longest run!
Delicious summer meals!
Picnics by the shore

What I Accomplished: This past month has been all about welcoming summer and really trying to be present in the moment.

Summer grilling and salad

I’m always trying to find time to sneak in time outdoors, whether it’s visiting a bit longer outside after a meal, reading outdoors instead of inside or finding time to go for a quick walk.Ā 

Slow mornings reading outdoors.

Goals from Last Month: I kicked off my summer bucket and have been proud of the progress I’ve made so far which has been a win.

Enjoying all the fresh foods!

Goals for Next Month: Keep enjoying summer! I know it may not seem like much, but I really am trying hard to be present in the moment and soak up the sun, go swimming, grill, go on picnics, and make memories!

More grilling nights with lots of salads and fruits!
And more fresh salads (do you sense a trend here?)

The older I get the more I know how sacred family time is, so I’m doing my best to spend as much time with family as I can!

The beach all quiet in the morning.

I also have a concert planned and plans to visit friends! I’m looking forward to seeing those plans through. Plus, a lot of our local fairs and festivals gets underway in July so I’m looking forward to checking those out too!

Ending June with ice cream.

That’s a look into what’s Currently going on. A whole lot of summer lovin!  How have you been spending your summer? Let me know in the comments below!

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 friendā€™s birthdays an seeing lots of college friends. It was such a fun weekend to see everyone and catch up!

Todayā€™s post is all about my summertime favorites, from music Iā€™m listening to, shows Iā€™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, itā€™s a perfect blend of Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs, Darius Rucker and more. I love playing it while Iā€™m at work or road tripping.Ā 

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 canā€™t stopped. SO good. I canā€™t wait until the next season comes out.Ā 

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.Ā 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.Ā 

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 doesnā€™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 canā€™t wait to share my summer book review with you.

Favorite place to read at the end of the day

Thatā€™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!