Tag: friday

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #44

Happy Friday friends and happy JUNE! This week went so fast and it was so busy! We kicked off my birthday on Monday with Memorial Day which was so fun! Then we had a few family events this week, so I was ready for my weekend! 

Surprise birthday flowers still going strong!

Today’s Friday favorites are so fun for the start of summer as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

J.Crew Haul– I did some retail therapy for some new work clothes last week and was so happy with some recent J. Crew purchases. I got some great blazers, pants, tops and dresses. It was such a successful day at the outlets. I can’t wait to share some of my outfits soon in a few weeks, but here’s a sneak peek. I can’t wait to wear these fun pants and a blazer this summer. Very professional but also fun for summer!

New Kylie Cosmetics Lip Color– I always enjoy trying some new makeup, but I do like to stick with what I know and love. I have really enjoyed Kylie Cosmetics for the lip kits, colors, and how long lasting they are. I have been on the hunt for a bright, pink and finally found it. This color is perfect for summer and can be great for work or play. I have ordered Kyle Cosmetics online, but now that you can get products at Ulta Beauty, it makes it so much easier to pick out colors and makeup options. This will be a summer favorite for sure!

Summer Planting– Over Memorial Day weekend, I made my way to the greenhouse for some summer flowers! I love the smell, colors and creativity that comes with a greenhouse. I picked out some flowers to help my mom with some of our pots. Although it’s a lot of hard work, the end result of a summer full of flowers is worth it. I also picked out some items for another summer project this summer. Stay tuned!

Love Again– Ahead of my birthday, my mom and I went to see Love Again in the theaters. We went to a matinee and were the only ones there. So fun! The movie stars Sam Heughan (hello Outlander fans) and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The movie is all about two people getting connected and finding Love Again. There’s a few unexpected twists in the movie and some surprise cameos. One of my favorite parts was all the Celin Dion songs (she stars in it too!) Definitely a new favorite, rom com!

Ted Lasso finale-This past week was the season 3 finale on Ted Lasso and wow, what a finale, dare I say series finale! My boyfriend and I started binge-watching the show at the beginning of the year and watched it right up to the start of season 3 and we have been watching the new episode every week. This season had some up and down episodes, but overall, I thought the last few episodes were really strong. This has been such a fun show to watch. If you watched the last episode, what did you think?! This article breaks down what happened. Warning: Spoilers!

There you have it! A fun roundup of shows, products and movies as we kick off June! Tell me what things do you have planned for the first month of summer? Let me know in the comments below!!

Happy First Weekend of JUNE!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #43

Happy Friday Friends and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!! This month flew by, I feel like we were just celebrating Mother’s Day and here we are at Memorial Day weekend!

This past month has been up and down weather-wise. Some days, we hit 70’s and others were in the 50’s. Last weekend, I had a family wedding and it was so nice to celebrate love and see family! 

Zoo trips are back this season!

Besides Memorial Day Weekend, it’s also my birthday weekend. I’m looking forward to celebrating on the actual day and a bit before.

Now, that I’ve got you all caught up on all things in life, here’s what I’ve been loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

Lemon Bundt Cake-I have been trying to incorporate more fruits and vegetables as we get closer to summer and that includes desert too. I made a lemon bundt cake last week and it was the perfect taste for spring. It was sweet and moist and had so much flavor. You can eat it solo or with some vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit. A lemon cake and fresh strawberries would be divine for a summer night dessert. If a cake isn’t your cup of tea, you can make these into cupcakes or muffins. The possibilites are endless!

The sweetest cake for spring!

The Dinner List– I have been a big fan of Rebecca Serle’s books. I’ve enjoyed In Five Years and One Italian Summer and I was excited to read The Dinner List. The book follows a young woman as she enjoys a dinner with five important people in her life. The purpose behind the dinner is explained through the book and different relationships are explained through the story. I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters, but the end had me grasping for more. I wasn’t ready for it to end!

Such a good read!

Brain Dumps– This month has been so busy with all the activities, events and to-do’s and the only way I have been keeping it all straight (besides my Simplified planner) is by writing everything down and doing periodic brain dumps. A brain dump is when you literally put everything that needs done or what’s on your mind on a giant list and break it down about what needs done. I always write to-do’s for the day in my planner, but sometimes, for long term lists or detailed to-do’s, having it in one spot is a game changer. I love these large pads from Simplified, not only are they super cute but have a ton of space for lists.

The best notepad for brain dumps!

Selling Sunset Season 6– One of my favorite reality shows is back! Selling Sunset is my guilty pleasure and there has been so much drama and excitement this season. From new characters to familiar faces, incredible homes and all the drama…this season has been so good. I’m currently watching it as I type this post. The only downside is that once I finish it, I have to wait for a new season. If you are watching this season, what are your thoughts so far?!

Substack– Have you heard of Substack and started using it? It’s a platform to read blogs and newsletters. A lot of writers I follow have joined substack. Some you have to pay to read their newsletters, but others offer free subscriptions. A few of my favorite writers on Substack right now include Emily Ley and Elizabeth Holmes (are we surprised?) I have been loving following Holmes’ coverage of the Coronation. She’s been providing both newsletters and podcast about it. Substack has been a fun place to get lots of content in one place. 

Some of my Substack reads

That’s a roundup of some of my favorite things this week. From books, to food, and shows, I hope you found a new favorite here. Tell me, as we gear up for Memorial Day weekend, what are your plans? I hope you can enjoy some fun time outside and with family! Happy Friday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #42

Hi friends! Happy Friday! I hope you have something fun planned for this weekend. I have been loving this spring weather. I have been trying to spend as much time as possible outside to soak up the sun! I’ve even been grilling and enjoying reading outdoors. Some of my favorite summer activities.

Summer grilling has begun!

I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea! for another edition of Friday Favorites. Here’s a roundup of some things I’ve been loving this week. 

Running– I can’t believe this is on my Friday Favorites list, but here we are. As the weather has been getting warmer, I’ve been running outside more. I’ve never been a runner, but one of my goals this summer is to run a 5K, so I’ve been preparing for it. I try to get longer runs on the weekends, and shorter runs on the weekdays. Slowly but surely, I’m getting there and I’m proud of myself for how far I’ve come.

Getting my runs in!

Coronation Behind the Scenes Video: Even though it’s been a few weeks, I’m still reading and following things about the Coronation of King Charles III. Last week, Will and Kate released a behind the scenes of Coronation weekend. You can watch it here. I loved seeing them getting ready for the big day and getting into the community for all the events. The video was so well produced, such a great recap of the weekend!

Such a good recap!

Jury Duty– Have you seen Jury Duty yet? It’s on Freevee through Amazon Prime and without giving too much away it’s about a group of people seated on a jury for a trial in Los Angeles, they are all actors who know the case is fake except for one of the jurors. There’s so many great one-liners and scenes, definitely worth the watch. 

Such a fun show!

Cuffed Jeans– As we are making our way through Spring, I have been wearing lots of transitional pieces of clothing that work for cooler mornings and hotter afternoons. Cuffed jeans and graphic t-shirts have been my go-to for the spring. Old Navy is a one stop shop for jeans, I love all the cuts and styles, but their regular cuts are my favorite. I have been wearing cuffed jeans non-stop this Spring.

A weekend look!

New Outlander Trailer- I am a big fan of the show, Outlander on Starz and the new trailer for Season 7 which airs this June dropped last week. This season brings us to the American Revolution. The trailer looks dramatic, intense and has some pretty big cliffhangers sprinkled throughout. I can’t wait to watch the new season. 

June can’t come soon enough!

So many favorite things this week, from shows to clothes and outdoor fun! I know I’ll be planning to soak up some sunshine this weekend and get some family time in too! How do you plan to spend your weekend? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great weekend and a fantastic Friday!!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #41


Hello all! Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week! This one was a fun week, filled with friends, activities, and a good work week. 

Someone is happy for the weekend!

We are inching closer and closer to warmer and summer-like weather and I can’t wait for it.

As we get ready for the weekend, here’s some things I’m loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

Firefly Lane– The second part of season two of Firefly Lane came out at the end of April and I slowly made my way through it. I watched an episode or two a night and really enjoyed seeing how the series wrapped up. It was based on a book, so if you read the book series, you know how it ends. It was bittersweet to say goodbye to the characters that I grew to enjoy. Overall, I was satisfied with how it wrapped up. If you watched, what were your thoughts on the series?

New Scent– It’s been a few months, so it was time for a new body lotion and spray. I am currently using Coco Paradise by Bath and Body Works. I got it for free with a purchase and couldn’t wait to try it. It’s the perfect scent to get you ready and excited for summer. It’s the perfect mix of ocean and coconut. This will be the best thing for a beach trip this summer!

Barrington and Simplified Collaboration– Simplified announced a collaboration with Barrington, a purse brand and the patterns and colors are so fun! There’s so many different styles and bags you can choose from with Simplified patterns or colors. Plus, you can get them monogrammed too! I may have to add a few of these to my Wish List.

Just a look at some of the bags!

Ed Sheeran New Album– Ed Sheeran’s new album, Subtract, came out last week and it’s what I’ve been listening to it non-stop. I love the variety of music, from slow and soft to fast and upbeat. I’ve loved listening to Sheeran’s music over the years and I couldn’t wait for this new album. I’ll be seeing Ed Sheeran in July and I can’t wait. This will be the second time I’ll be seeing him in concert and I’m going to do my best to have most of these songs memorized.

Elizabeth Holmes on the Simplified podcast– Another Simplified favorite (sorry, I can’t help myself!) Last week was the Coronation of King Charles III, I caught parts of it on Saturday and actually got to do some stories on it too, more on that next week! But ahead of the Coronation, Elizabeth Holmes, my favorite Royal expert, shared thoughts about Royal fashion and the Coronation and more on Emily Ley’s Simplified podcast. It was so fun to hear two of my favorite people talk about Royalty. Such a special treat.

Such a fun listen!

There you have it! A look into some of my favorite things from the past week. Some collaborations, new scents and hobbies. Certainly a little bit of everything! Tell me: what are you looking forward to this weekend? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Friday friends!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #40

Hey hey! Happy Friday! We made it through the first week of MAY! I hope you guys are all having a great week. This was a busy work week for me, but so fun, so this weekend is much needed for some R and R.

I hope you have something fun planned for the weekend whether it’s family time, doing something with friends, watching the Coronation of King Charles II or enjoying the Kentucky Derby. There’s a lot going on this first weekend in May.

Today’s roundup of Friday Favorites is a bit of a mix bag, so I hope you find something that speaks to you in this post as I link up with Erika and Andrea! 

Guacamole Chips– In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I have you covered! We picked these up on a whim for our Taco Tuesday a few weeks ago and they were a hit. They complemented salsa, queso and guac so well. There was a little bit of a kick to them which really added to the chips. If you are a chips and guac fan, consider these for your next Taco night.

Brunch with Babs– I know I am late to the game on this Instagram account, but I found Brunch with Babs a few months ago and I have been loving it. Babs has great tips and advice from cooking and cleaning to housewarming. I have been really enjoying her spring cleaning tips and have been using them a lot lately. If you don’t follow her, definitely consider checking her out.

The Diplomat– Have you seen The Diplomat on Netflix? I started watching it last week and have really gotten hooked. It’s all about a government official who gets a new gig as an Ambassador and how she adjusts to her new role with some twists. I loved the casting, the plot, and the storylines. It’s been a fun show to watch to unwind at the end of the day.

Emergency Key- I got this emergency key/tool for Easter and immediately put it on my keychain. It has so many uses and tools if you are ever in an emergency. This is definitely a handy tool to key in your wallet, purse or on your key chain. Take a look at all the uses below. Genius!

And Just Like That Season 2 Trailer– Calling all Sex and the City Fans! The trailer for season 2 is out and it looks good. From the fashion, to the friendship, the one-liners and surprise appearance at the end of the trailer, wow…June can’t come soon enough. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens.

An extra bonus, the series finale of A Million Little Things aired this week, I watched the show from the beginning and although sad, I though the show wrapped up beautifully. If you watched, what did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

There you have it, a fun roundup of favorite things from this week. I hope you have a wonderful first weekend of MAY! 

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #39

Hi all! Happy Friday and happy end of April! What a month it’s been, filled with the start of spring and sunshine! That being said, I can’t wait for May, lots of good things in store for the next month.

My pup enjoying the sweet sunshine!

As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea! for another edition of Friday Favorites, a collection of things that have caught my eye and maybe will catch yours too!

Here’s what I’m loving this week.

Small Gold Hoops– I have been on the hunt for a small gold hoop earrings for a while and got a perfect pair for Easter. I have large loops in different colors, but was looking for something a bit more dainty and these fit the build. They are classy and professional and can be worn in the office, out to dinner or even with jeans and a t-shirt, definitely a favorite worth sharing.

New candle– Out with the old and in with the new! It was time for a fresh candle for my room. This scent is divine. I love the sweet and subtle smell it brings to my room. It’s perfect for sunny mornings and quiet evenings. The orange is perfect for spring. I’ll be enjoying this candle all spring long!

Outdoor walks– We have been having the best weather here lately (minus a day of snow!) and I have been taking advantage of all the outdoor walks, from walks on my own with my dogs and a good podcast, to long walks, catching up with friends. I have been doing everything I can to get outdoors and in the sunshine and getting some good exercise doesn’t hurt either!

A great walk with one of my friends!

So Many Thoughts Coronation podcast– If you have been following on here for a while, you have heard me talk about Elizabeth Holmes’ and her coverage of the Royal Family, from her book, to her newsletter and podcast, she is a wealth of information. She has a new series of podcasts on Substack about the coronation of King Charles II. It’s been fascinating to learn about what to expect for the big day next month.

Murder Mystery 2- I watched the first Murder Mystery with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston a few years back and was excited to learn there was going to be a second movie. I recently watched Murder Mystery 2 on Netflix with my family and really enjoyed it. It was a bit different than the first, but had the classic “who done it” element. The second movie takes them to a different destination with characters old and new. I highly recommend it for a fun, family movie.

There you have it, a fun mix of favorites this week. This weekend has family time and a few activities lined up. Tell me: what do you have in store for the last weekend of April? Let me know in the comments below!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #38

Hi everyone! Happy Friday! I know it’s only mid-April but I am so ready for summer. Over the past few weeks, I’ve gotten to enjoy sunshine, 70 degrees, and all the clear skies. I even have indulged in ice cream on a few nights too. I know it’s not here to last, but I am soaking up as much as I can. I’m currently working on this post outside and it’s such a tease for summer.

Beautiful spring weather!

It was so hard to narrow down today’s Friday Favorites because I had so many things on my mind. But I think this is a good mix of things to read, watch and enjoy this week. Here’s this week’s edition of Friday Favorites as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

The Best Years of Your Life– This book started out slow, but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. It’s told by the three main characters, a married couple and their college-aged daughter. Each character is going through different trials and tribulations and has their own secrets that they are dealing with. You can find themes of drama, relationships, family, honesty and integrity. It’s one of those books that will stick with you after you finish it. Another bonus is that the author is from my community-such a small world!

Simplified Spring Launch!-Emily Ley and her team at Simplified revealed their products and covers last week and they went on sale on Wednesday! All I can say is wow! What a collection! Their academic planners go on sale in the spring and their yearly planners go on sale in the fall. I’m a yearly girl, so I will buy my planner in the fall, but I already have my eyes on some new products too! If you like organization and desk and office supplies, you have to see what they have in stock. This is my pick for this year!

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 5– The new and final season of the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel returned last Friday! So far, a handful of episodes are available. I am really into the season and i don’t want it to end. There was a lot of shock after the first episode, you can read about it here if you want to learn more, but be warned, the article contains spoilers! I always look forward to Fridays when the new episodes drop and I can’t wait to see how everything wraps up. 

James Corden and the Kardashians– If you are a fan of the Late Night Show with James Corden or the Kardashian’s, you have to check out this video. Corden fills in as their assistants for the day and the end result is too funny! This is guaranteed a laugh for you.

New Library Books– After reading some great books, I couldn’t wait to head to the library for some new reads and my recent haul didn’t disappoint. I picked up a mix of rom-com, drama, and some that have been on my read list for a while. I can’t wait to share some reviews soon!

Well there you have it, that’s a look into what I have been loving this week. I hope you found something that you can love too! I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with sushine and spring fun!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #37

Happy Friday Friends! It feels like Springtime here! The sun is out longer, I’m not wearing layers upon layers when I head out the door and flowers are starting to bloom. I love this time of year!

First signs of spring

As we make out way into another spring weekend, I’m sharing some of my favorite things with you from the week as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

Easter Fun!

I know we are a week past Easter, but I wanted to share an easy recipe! We always make a traditional Easter Bunny cake! We use a box mix to make to circular cakes and then here’s how you get the bunny shape!

Bake your two cakes in two circular pans.
Take one cake and cut two angles to make the ears for the bunny face.
Use the other for the bow
Ice, decorate and enjoy!

Sea Salt Crackers– I picked up these crackers when I was out and was looking for a new flavor for my lunches. I love to pair these crackers with cheese, apples or salads. I love the consistency and flavor of the pita and sea salt. I am always on the hunt for new flavors and tastes and these check all the boxes. If you are looking for a new cracker, definitely check these out.

Rose Water and Ivy Wall Flower– As the seasons change, it was time for a new wall flower scent from Bath and Body Works. For spring , I’m using Rose Water and Ivy and I’ve really been enjoying it. I love the sweet and fresh smell it gives off. I also swapped out my plug-in for a new one with sleeker look. I’m excited to use this more in the coming weeks.

Greenwich Park– My co-worker shared Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner with me and I loved it, I finished it in less than a week! It’s the perfect mix of drama, thriller and mystery. The story is told from different perspectives of the characters. The book follows a story of a woman who meets a fellow first-time mom in a pre-natal class, the two women become friends until the new women has a hidden agenda and some secrets and connections to the protagonist and her friends and family. The book starts out fairly slow but picks up towards the middle and end, so if you re thinking about quitting, stay with it.

Emily Ley’s Podcast on Friends– I listen to Emily Ley’s Simplified podcast every week. She covers different topics about life, organizing, cooking, motherhood, finances along with guests every week. Last week, she released a podcast about friendships and the different kinds of friends. Her message was all about how there’s different friends for different parts of your life or seasons. This podcast really resonated with me, I definitely recommend the Simplified podcast for regular listening but also for this specific episode.

That’s a look into some of my favorite things from this week. I hope you have something fun planned for you this weekend! Happy Fri-yay!!!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #36

Hey hey! Happy Friday and happy Easter weekend. I always look forward to Easter as a time to reflect and really embrace the spring season. I hope you have something fun planned this weekend with family if you celebrate. 

Today’s Friday Favorites is truly a mixed bag, from things to read, listen to and watch and use! I guarantee you, there’s something you will find that you like. Here’s some things I’m loving as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

Colette-Have you seen Colette yet? It came up as a recommendation for me on Netflix and my interest was piqued. Although, it’s a few years old, it’s definitely worth the watch. The movie follows the story of a young woman who falls in love and marries a man in the 1940’s. She ends up being his ghost writer, but it doesn’t exactly go as planned. My favorite part of the movie was that it was based on a true story. So fascinating!

The Bestie Breakdown– One of my favorite podcasts, The Bestie Breakdown is back for season 4! Erika and Shay breakdown so many fun and relatable topics, I love listening to their fun conversations about life, pop culture and family. They’ve released a few episodes so far and I have loved listening to them. I took a road trip last week and listening to this podcast made the time go by so fast. Looking forward to see what other topics they breakdown this season.

Hello Spring!-Sticking with the spring vibes, this Hello Spring lotion from Bath and Body Works has been a favorite for me. I keep it in my car and apply it daily. I love the soft scent that’s not too overpowering. This and lotion is just a subtle nod to spring that’s been a bright spot in my days!

Emily Ley on Substack– Emily Ley, founder and creator of Simplified has started writing on a new platform called Substack. I’ve used substack before to follow Elizabeth Holmes who writes and follows the Royal Family. Substack allows people to read/write and listen to longer form thoughts and musings. So far Emily has written about her sabbatical, books she’s read and things she’s learned. I can’t wait to read more from her this year.

Biggest Changes from Book to Screen for Daisy Jones– I promise this is one of the last times I will talk about Daisy Jones, but for those who read the book and watched the series, this article is great at comparing the two and spotting the differences. As I’m working on this post, I am listening to the show’s soundtrack. SO GOOD!

Well there you have it, just a look into life lately and what I’m loving! I hope you have a fantastic Easter weekend! He will soon be risen!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #35


Hey guys! Happy Friday! We made it to the weekend and to the end of March! I can’t believe tomorrow is April, spring is flying by. 

Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite products, meals, and hobbies from the past week as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

Mary Kay Mint Lotion– I always love testing new beauty products. I got this Mint Bliss Energizing Lotion as a gift and I couldn’t wait to try it. Here’s some things that I love about this lotion. First, the smell is divine and so fresh, it provides a cooling sensation to your legs and feet. I also love the consistency of it, not too thick, but not too runny. It’s also great for dry skin which happens a lot in the winter.

Metal Straws– This year I have been doing my best to use more reusable products. From my reusable baggies to tupperware, but now I’m upping my game with my cups. I try to drink a lot of water every day and use a lot of reusable cups/water bottles and mugs. Many of the cups I use don’t have straws, so these reusable metal straws are a huge win! They fit perfect with most cups/thermoses, are easy to clean and I feel better that I’m doing my part to help the planet.

Chocolate Drizzle Popcorn– Most people in my family are huge popcorn fans and we have been trying different flavors and seasonings. We are currently loving this chocolate sea salt popcorn. It’s our own recipe, simply pop popcorn, (I typically do a cup of popcorn), melt chocolate chips (about ½ a cup) and then drizzle chocolate over the popcorn on a large tray. Add a pinch of salt over the chocolate and popcorn mixture and let it harden, I typically dry for about an hour or two and then serve! So tasty and a perfect mix of sweet and salty.

Lemon Poppyseed Muffins– I know I cheated with this box recipe, but I saw this at the store and couldn’t resist by trying them. They were the perfect mix of sweet and flavorful. I love the added taste of the poppyseeds. I know they are meant to be enjoyed as a breakfast treat but I think they could work just as well as a dessert. 

Love and Other Words– I am always reading and I just finished this book, Love and Other Words and loved it. It goes back and forth between the past and present with two best friends who reunite after almost a decade apart. Themes of friendship, love, and books are woven through the book. As a book lover myself, I loved all the references to books and getting lost in a story. My friend Sydney gifted me this book and I’m so glad she did. I’ll defintely be reading more Christina Lauren books.

That’s a look at some of my favorite things from this past week. Some products, some food and a good book. What more could you ask for? I hope you have a great first weekend of April!