Tag: healthy snacks

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #140

Hello everyone and happy Fri-YAY!

It is the first Friday of April and it certainly feels like spring. I have a packed few weeks coming up and it all kicks off today!

Tonight is the home opener of our local baseball team, which means we are gearing up for summer nights at the ballpark which is always a good date night or family activity. Our local high school is putting on West Side Story this weekend, so I will be spending some time at the theater, which is fun! Looking ahead, I have a weekend trip planned for next week, then Easter the following week. I love seeing my calendar fill up with all the fun things!

Before we get to the fun, I wanted to catch you up on some of my favorite things from this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

The Messy Lives of Book People– I mentioned this audiobook in my Currently last week, but wanted to share more about it today. I really have enjoyed Phaedra Patrickā€™s books including The Little Italian Hotel and The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. I couldnā€™t wait to read this book about authors and book lovers. The Messy Lives of Book People. is all about a woman who gets hired by her favorite author to clean. When the author dies, she leaves the job of finishing her book to her cleaner. The question is why. There were so many fun connections and secrets all through the book, I couldn’t stop listening. I listened in the car, at the gym, even getting ready in the morning. I really loved the narrator too, thatā€™s always a make it or break it for me when it comes to audio books. My favorite part? The author’s name was Elspeth. Too funny! I loved this book, definitely a favorite!

Yogurt Covered Raisins– Iā€™m not typically a fan of raisins. I prefer craisins as a snack or in a salad, but not raisins. I also enjoy chocolate covered raisins-to no oneā€™s surprise. However, I gave yogurt covered raisins a try and got hooked. I loved the sweetness and the outer covering they provide and I donā€™t mind the raisin taste as much. They are the perfect afternoon pick me up or lunch snack to satisfy that sweet craving, although, they arenā€™t the healthiest, they are still tasty.

Simplified Cover Reveal– It was like Christmas morning for me on Wednesday as Simplified revealed their new covers for the upcoming year. They launch new products and their academic planners next Wednesday, but I wonā€™t be making any purchases until their fall launch when I get their yearly planner. I always love to see what new products they come up with and what items they bring back. Hereā€™s what I have my eye on this year. 

Meghan Markle New Podcast– From a new Netflix show to a new podcast, last month, Meghan Markle announced she was launching a podcast. Itā€™s called, ā€œConfessions of a Female Founderā€, you can watch/listen to the trailer here. She has also shared some behind the scenes videos and pictures. I plan to listen to the episodes once they drop next Tuesday. I love listening to podcasts and learning new things and I think this will be a great podcast to add to my library. If you are a fan of Harry and Meghan, do you think you will be listening?

Pinterest Spring Boards and Foods– Whenever the seasons change, I find myself scroll through Pinterest more for ideas and inspiration. These can be anything from new spring-like recipes to try, house decor, date ideas, even spring quotes. Pinterest is an instant mood booster for me and I am always so inspired when I am looking through different pins. This is a look at some recipes I want to try in the kitchen.

There you have it. A look at some of my favorite things from this week. Lots of fun things are coming up and a taste of spring too. Iā€™m off to a busy weekend, but will see you back here on Wednesday! Have a great weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #139

Hello everyone and Happy Friday!

I hope you have been having a great week and are ready for a spring weekend!Ā I know I am. This week, I finished a big work project, got some time outdoors and started to run outside again, major wins!!

I can’t believe we are at the end of March. The spring season is going by too fast, before we know it, we will be celebrating Easter!

Before we get to a weekend of outdoor fun, maybe some spring cleaning or yardwork, I wanted to share some things that I have been loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites!

Meghan Markle’s New Show-I know itā€™s been out for a few weeks, but I just got around to watching, With Love, Meghan. Itā€™s Meghan Markleā€™s new show on Netflix. When heard the Ducheess of Sussex was coming out with a show I was intrigued what it would be about. Her series, which was already renewed for season two features her and different friends each episodes as they make different recipes and tackle different projects. She makes fruit platters, cakes, chicken, pasta, candles and balloon arches, truly a little bit of everything. The show is very aesthetically pleasing to watch and very soothing, but at certain times unrealistic (who has time to pick fresh berries and make preserves every day?). I do love seeing how she interacts with her friends and the different recipes she makes, some easier than others. Overall, I enjoyed the first season and will definitely be watching season two!

Protein Bars– When I was on the road last month for work I made sure to pack plenty of snacks, including healthy ones for long days when we may miss a meal. I tried two different protein bars, one by Nature Valley and the other by Fit Crunch. I chose peanut butter and chocolate flavored ones since I have a sweet tooth and enjoyed them both. I did find the Fit Crunch to be more flavorful and filling. These wouldnā€™t keep you satisfied for a meal, but a good snack and they are both packed with protein! A win for me!

New Journal– I got a new journal at the beginning of the year and loved it. It had different self care prompts for each day. However, I didnā€™t realize it wouldnā€™t last me for a year, so I had to get another one for daily journaling. This new journal was one II already had as a gift from a friend and it does the job perfectly for what I was looking for in a journal.  There are no prompts, but plenty of space to fill in with thoughts, quotes and mementos. Sometimes I like structure with a journal, other times, I just like being able to put my thoughts on paper. Right now, in my season of life, having a spot to put all my thoughts down is what I need.

Using the Playbooks– I started using The Lazy Genius Playbooks at the beginning of the year in addition to my Simplified Planner. Itā€™s been four months and I wanted to share a playbook update. I mentioned them a few weeks ago in my post about how I reset for the week, but wanted to do a more in-depth review. The playbooks have been a huge help to my weekly and daily organization. Thereā€™s one for each season and there are different prompts for have to and hope to as well as brain dump spot. Thereā€™s a spot to write down notes or to do each week, which I love! Every week, I will fill out my Simplified planner and play book based off my phone calendar and things to do. I use my Simplified planner for daily tasks and to do and use the playbook for weekly goals and notes. I use them both every day and they have been instrumental in keeping me organized without going organized. You donā€™t have to use both, but I have found using them as companions have been very helpful for me.

Outdoor Walks– Goodbye treadmill walks, hello outdoor walks! We are finally experiencing spring and I have been loving being able to get outdoors! I have already taken several spring walks, even in windy or chilly conditions. I truly believe the sun makes everything better! I have even gotten in some outdoor runs too! I truly missed getting outside for fresh air and sunshine. Whether I am on the phone, walking with friends or family, walking with my dogs, or listening to an audiobook, the fresh air has been such a bright spot in my days!

Thatā€™s a look into life lately and what Iā€™m loving!

How has your March been treating you? I would love to know! Are you ready for the fresh start of a new month? Happy Friday and I’ll see you back here next week.

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #138

Hi everyone! A very happy Friday Favorites to you. Spring is here and it certainly has sprung. I donā€™t know about you, but I have not so patiently been waiting for this new season. Iā€™m ready for fresh starts and new beginnings, sunshine, blue skies, and no more snow.

A taste of Spring!

Can you tell Iā€™m excited for spring?!

Before we get to the weekend, I wanted to share some of my favorite things from the past week. I have lots of entertainment options, a spring scent and a foodie favorite!

Letā€™s waste no time and dive right in as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

The Pitt– My latest tv binge-worthy obsession has been The Pitt. It stars ER vet, Noah Wyle and itā€™s a drama about working in the Emergency Department. It takes place in Pittsburgh and they actually shot some scenes in the 412! The series follows a medical team from interns, to nurses, and attendings about what a standard shift looks like. This hour-long drama brings in lots of interesting cases and patients and from what I have heard, itā€™s one of the most realistic medical dramas on tv. The episodes drop once a week on Max every Thursday! Definitely check it out! 

The Recruit– It came out a few weeks ago, but I finally got around to watching the new season of the Recruit. Season two picks up right after where the last one ended. I wanted to finish The Pitt before I began a new show, so Iā€™m glad I waited. I like how this series on Netflix mixes drama and humor every episode. Iā€™ve been enjoying working my way through this new season.

New Essential Oils– One of my close friends recommended this new essential oil at Target and let me tell you, it is an instant mood booster. Your space will feel like spring and you will want to open all the windows and have birds chirping in the background. At least, thatā€™s how I felt. I love the combination this scent offers of fresh and clean. Itā€™s also great to use after you finish cleaning your space.

Movie Soundtracks– I have been spending a lot of time in the car and one of the things thatā€™s helped me has been listening to movie and musical soundtracks. I have been listening to music from my favorite Broadway shows, rom coms, and everything in between. I like to listen to them through Apple music, but you can find your favorites on Spotify or YouTube. Listening to a movie soundtrack helps the time past and it draws you back into the movie. Highly recommend listening to your favorite scores when doing chores, running errands or taking long car rides.

Some of my recent favorites

Chai Seeds– I started to incorporate Chai seeds into more of my meals and I have been loving them. I made chai pudding and overnight oats and enjoyed them both, but I have to say I enjoyed the overnight oats a bit more. After I made both recipes and let them sit, I added some of my favorite protein granola, some fruit and chocolate chips for extra flavoring and crunch. The perfect snack or dessert, plus itā€™s healthy too!

Chai Pudding
Overnight Oats

There you have it! Thatā€™s a look at what I have been loving this week, some spring snacks, new entertainment options and a new scent for your space. What things have you been doing to get into the spirit of Spring? I would love to hear from you! Have a fantastic Friday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #137

Hello hello! Popping by to say hi this Friday!

I hope it has been a splendid week for you and you are getting ready for spring or at least trying too! It has been a very long winter so the fact we are closer to the start of spring than the start of winter makes me very happy! Life is back to normal for me, which I am happy about. Plus, spring is almost here.

A sneak peak from my work trip. More to come in a few weeks.

This weekend, we have our St. Patrick’s Day parade which is always a fun time!

Today Iā€™m linking up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites with a bunch of fun and new things as we round out this week! I have a mix bag of movies, books, some things Iā€™ve been up to, and a recent favorite snack! Letā€™s get to it!

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy- Bridget Jones is one of my favorite rom coms! I love the quirkiness of the character with Bridget, I love the relationship between Mark, Bridget, and Daniel and I adore all the British references. Itā€™s one of those movies that I can watch time and time again and it doesnā€™t get old. I have seen all the movies and when the most recent one came out, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy on Peacock. I was anxious to see it, especially once I learned what the plot was about. Although apprehensive at first, I went into the movie with a clear mind and I really enjoyed the film. Itā€™s all about how Bridget moves on after a major life event. A lot of the original cast returns for this movie which made it extra special and although older, Bridget hasnā€™t changed a bit. If you have seen the other movies, this is definitely worth the watch!

New Scent from Bath and Body Works– Every few months itā€™s time for a scent refresh and this refresh timed out perfectly with a new month and soon to be season. I still have some of my Emily in Paris collection from Christmas to use from Bath and Body Works. I really have been enjoying this lavender scent. It has some springy feels to it which is desperately needed after our long winter. I am still burning a lavender candle in my room so I am channeling all the lavender and soothing vibes, if only it could bring spring faster.

Simplified Pouches- I mentioned in a post a few weeks ago that I was loving my Simplified tote, well I have also been loving my Simplified pouches to keep things organized when I am on the road or in the air. These have come in handy so many times over the last month. I have a large and small pouch and you can see I used the small one to hold writing utensils and chargers and cords. I love how it keeps all my stuff tidy and in one spot. I also love the quilted material!

Reconnecting with Friends– Over the past month, in addition to seeing my current friends, I have spent a lot of time reconnecting with old friends. It has truly brought me so much joy to catch up with people about their careers, families, and love lives. Whether in-person or on facetime or through a phone call, I have enjoyed seeing and hearing what people are up to and where they are at in life.

Protein Mix– I mentioned a few posts back that I have been loving fruit bowls as a snack or with my meal. I discovered a new topping to add to my rotation. I will combine greek yogurt, fruit and now some protein mix to my bowls. I love the sweet and salty flavor this granola provides and the extra vitamins and proteins to gives too. I am always looking for different way to get more protein in my diet and this does the trick.

Thatā€™s a look into what I have been loving this week, some food, some entertainment and some self care. As we make our way through March, what are you loving this week? Are you ready for spring and hoping for more snow! Iā€™m Team Spring! I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

See you back here on Wednesday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #97

Hello everyone! A very happy Friday to you as we make our way through June! I LOVE this time of year. School is out for summer, schedules are allegedly a little more relaxed, nights seem longer, and you want to stay outside for as long as you can. I am truly living my best life. I already went to my first MLB game of the summer last week and had so much fun. Truly a perfect summer day!

Beautiful day for some summer baseball!

Before we get to the weekend and all the fun that comes with it, I’m sharing my latest roundup of what I’m loving this Friday as I link up with  Erika and Andrea 

Here’s what’s been on my radar of things I’m interested in.

Mostly What God Does-I got this book, Mostly What God Does a few months ago, but just got around to reading it. I adore Savannah Guthrie and I was so excited to read her book, especially since it was faith-based. It’s a series of essays about faith, God, his love, and life. You can read it all at once, but I’m choosing to read an essay/passage a night. I finished my other nightly devotional, Near in the Night, and decided this was the perfect time to start a new one. I really love how Guthrie has the book laid out. It gives readers a chance to really focus on the material and then digest it. This has been such a favorite for me.

New Lip Gloss– I got this lip gloss from Ulta Beauty as part of my birthday rewards. I always love to try new beauty and makeup products especially when they are either travel size or free. It gives you a good feel of the product before you invest in a full size. I always use any samples when I am traveling to see if I like them and to use them up. Now, back to the lip gloss. This is a new brand to me, but I love the gloss and shine it gives off. It’s a soft and subtle pink, so it can be worn on top of a darker matte if you are looking for some shine or it can be worn by itself if you are looking to elevate your look a bit. I’ve been really pleased with it, and I can see myself wearing it a lot in the summer months.Ā 

Fruit and Granola– I have been in the fruit mode all summer long. I love fruit all year around, but there’s nothing quite like fresh fruit in the summer. Besides enjoying fruit at lunch, I have been enjoying some at night as a post-dinner snack or dessert. Here’s what I have been making, slicing up and fruit I have (strawberries, raspberries, bananas etc), adding a little bit of whipped cream, some mini chocolate chips and granola. It’s been the perfect healthy snack that satisfies my sweet tooth. This would be a great afternoon snack as well. 

Outlander Trailer– One of my favorite series, Outlander is coming back soon and the new trailer for the season dropped this past week. This season is all about the Revolution. The series is winding down so Iā€™m excited to see how things wrap up. If you are a fan of the series, you can watch the trailer here. Also, for all the fans out there, what do you think of what to expect over the next few episodes?

Lululemon Top-I recently got some new activewear including some tops from Lululemon. Lavendar seems to be the color of the year and I am here for it. I love the lightweightness of the top and how breathable it is, those are two things that I always look for in athletic gear. I have paired this top with both leggings and shorts, but I do prefer the leggings as opposed to shorts. I love how it can be mixed and matched with other patterns since it’s a neutral top. This will definitely be getting a lot of wear in the summer months as I head to the gym, go for a run, or just lounging around the house.

Well there you have it, five of my favorite things from this past week. A mixed bag of clothes, beauty products, some summer snacks and a new book. Tell me: what are some things that have caught your eye recently? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Friday! Have a wonderful weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #95

Hello All! 

Happy Friday! I can’t believe we are almost to the end of May. The months keep going by faster and faster. I have been enjoying this week to the fullest by getting outside, seeing a baseball, spending time with friends and enjoying lots of spring fun.Ā This weekend is Memorial Day weekend and I’m hoping things slow down so I can be present with family, enjoy the sunshine and warm weather.

It has been such a good month, and I am truly doing my best to soak in every moment. As we get ready for the weekend I am sharing some of my favorite things from the week as I link up with Erika and Andrea 

Lululemon Bag– I have a few Lululemon accessories including their belt bag which I LOVE and some athletic wear too, but one of the other things I love is their reusable tote bag. I use this little bag multiple times a week. It’s the perfect size for throwing in a few must-haves when you are running out and don’t want to lug a big purse. It’s also great to throw in some shoes or a change of clothes and it’s perfect for transporting library books too. Those are just a few of the uses I have for mine, but the possibilities are truly endless. If you have one of the tote bags, what are your favorite uses for it?

Blue Jacket– I did some retail therapy a few weeks ago at the outlets and picked up a few pieces of clothing from Ann Taylor. This jacket was one of them. Although I have a similar on in pink, I absolutely love the cobalt blue. I wore it dressed up for work with bright dress pants and a blouse, but it could be dressed down with jeans and heels if you are looking to elevate an outfit. Although, I won’t be able to wear it much in the summer, I’m looking forward to wearing it in the other months year round.

New Kylie Lip Color– Speaking of retail therapy, I did some refreshing with my makeup and picked up a few new lipsticks from Kyle Jenner’s line at Ulta. I wear a lot of her pinks and nude colors at work since you can pair them with so many colors and looks. I had run out of a few of my go-to colors and figured it was time for a refresh. I picked up the Harmony lip kit and love it. It’s a softer pink that goes on smooth and creamy and lasts for hours. I applied some when I got to work around 7:00 one morning and didn’t have to re-apply all day. It was long-lasting and my lips didn’t feel too dry after having lipstick on them all day. Definitely a win in my book and worth the investment.

A full day of wearing the color

Texas Caviar Recipe– I’ve heard about this recipe for Texas Caviar and it looks like it could be something that’s right up my alley. I love the flavors of beans, plus the freshness of the veggies and a light dressing to top it off sounds divine. I love a good salsa/ guac/dip, so I can’t wait to try it this summer. I could see it being a crowd pleaser for big parties and gathering, plus, it looks super health and filling too. Have you tried this recipe before? If so, what are your thoughts?

New Room Scent– Tis the season for a new scent for my room. Strawberry snowflakes lasted me a long time, so I figured it was time for an upgrade. With us being in full on spring mode, I spend a lot more time outdoors and my windows are often open letting the fresh air in. I was searching for a scent that wasn’t too strong or overpowering or floral or fruit. I settled on linens and lavender from Bath and Body Works. A soothing scent that adds a bit of freshness to the room without it taking over. I also swapped out my cover for my wall scent for spring and summer, some minor tweaks and changes, but ones that make a difference. 

That’s a look into my life lately. How have you been enjoying the month of May? Let me know in the comments below! Have a fabulous Friday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #92

Hello All!

Happy Friday! I hope you all have had an enjoyable week and are doing something fun this first weekend in May, maybe watching the Kentucky Derby?! It’s officially my favorite month of the year and I am pumped for everything that comes with the next few weeks, from birthdays, to end of school, holidays, and the start of summer.

First of many ice cream dates this spring and summer!

As always, I am linking up with  Erika and Andrea for another edition of Friday Favorites. This week features a mix of life hacks, foods, and some beauty and fashion finds. Let’s dive right in!

Taylor Swift’s New Album– I know I am late to the party but I have slowly been listening to Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poet’s Department. I am not a diehard Swiftie but I do enjoy her music and think she did a great job on her latest album. I have been listening to it in the car and out on walks. It’s been fun to find learn all about her hidden references and Easter eggs. If you are a fan, what are your favorite songs? I personally love, Florida.

New sandals– Summer will be here soon and I got these new sandals from Marshall’s just in time for outdoor fun. I love the style and support they provide and how you can truly dress them up or down with any outfit. I know I will be getting a lot of use out of them this summer, I just need the weather to warm up a tiny bit. I always love to pop into Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx to see what they have and it’s always a win when I walk out with some great finds.

Kashi Cereal– I will go through different favorites when it comes to snacks and right now, I am on the yogurt train. I have really been enjoying vanilla yogurt at lunch and topping it off with something crunchy. Kashi Cereal has been my current go-to. It’s packed with flavor and protein. I enjoy the saltiness of the cereal mixed with the sweetness of the berries. It has been making a difference instead of enjoying yogurt on its own, plus, it’s a healthy alternative to other snacks.

Logging Podcasts- This has been a new life hack that I have been loving. I often listen to podcasts when I am running or in the car and I am always looking for recommendations. I’m currently making my way through the Lazy Genius podcast, however, not every episode pertains tor I’m not interested in it. Whenever, I have some free time, I will go through the Lazy Genius library and log what episodes I am interested in. This way, whenever I am looking for a new episode to listen to, I am not wasting time looking for one, I have a list already to go. It saves me time and stress. Now, you don’t have to do this just for podcasts, you can keep track of music you want to listen to, or shows or movies to watch. In this situation, I am using Kendra’s idea of deciding once to make it easier on myself.Ā 

New Scent- Now that the weather has finally broken and we are experiencing spring-like weather, I figured it was time for scent change (I also just so happened to be out of the scent I started using after Christmas, haha!) I decided to break out Gingham Fresh from Bath and Body Works perfect for spring. There’s a hint of floral to this scent, but it’s mostly a light scent, that’s not too overpowering. Although, I love fragrance mists, sprays and perfumes, I know not everyone does, so I always try to choose scents that are subtle as opposed to strong. 

That’s a look into life this past week, some time outdoors, some snacks and life hacks. What’s your week been like and what are you looking forward to during the week ahead? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Fri-yay!

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Let's Look

Let’s Look: What’s In Our Grocery Carts

Hello everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope you have had a great week and are enjoying the spring season. It’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up withĀ ShayĀ andĀ Erika

In January we talked about cleaning our closets.

In February we discussed things we do every day.

This month we are talking all about what’s in our grocery carts.

This topic was a little tricky for me since I still live at home. When I go to the grocery store, I’m not just buying for myself but for other family members too. I typically go shopping with my parents for their weekly grocery shopping trip.

Before I head out to the store, I always plan meals with my family and make a list of meals we plan to make in the week. Typically, we aim to cook five to six meals at home each week and we make a list of what nights we plan to eat them (this may change through the week, but having a list saves stress from figuring out meals the night of and it saves money from eating out.

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to cook a meal for my family each week by trying and testing new recipes, so I will take one night, my mom cooks the other four and then we may go out or order in for the remaining nights. Our meals range from a mix of chicken, pasta, salads, sometimes seafood, and then an easier night of leftovers or soup/sandwich/salad for late or busy nights.Ā 

One of my latest meals, baked chicken tacos!

When we are making a list of what to buy, we take an inventory of things we already have and can use for dinners or lunches. Making a list saves money and it encourages you to use what you have rather than buying new. 

Besides things for meals, we tend to stock up on fresh produce and veggies and any staples we may be low on in the pantry, like bread, milk, lunch snacks etc.

At the store, I also to keep my eyes open for new products to try. For example, I enjoy eating hummus with veggies or fruit, I saw this hummus trio at the store and gave it a try and loved it. You never know when a new item could be a win. I also get inspired by different things I see at the store that I may want to try on my own.Ā 

As far as my lunches go for work, I did a post about meal prepping here. I like to have a variety of easy food options for lunch. I typically have some sort of fruit, veggie, something sweet, and then either a salad (veggies, chicken, tuna, egg etc.) or I will eat leftovers from the night before. I like to use what I have in my home before going out and shopping.

We love a good meal prep!

That’s a look into my grocery cart. Not too exciting or thrilling, but fun to share what things I enjoy buying and making.

Happy Wednesday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #80

Hello! Hello!

A happy Friday to you all! I hope you had a wonderful first full week of February! We are just under a week away from Valentine’s Day, are you planning on celebrating this weekend or waiting until the day of? I’m planning on doing a little bit of both. As we await the weekend, I’m sharing from favorite things from this past week as I like up with ErikaĀ andĀ Andrea.

I have some snacks, shows, books and fascinating reads. Let’s dive right in!

Lost and Found in Paris- I picked up this book after seeing it pop up on a few blogs late last year and was expecting a chick-flick/rom-com-esque story and I got so much more than that. Lost and Found in Paris is about a young woman who travels to Paris for work after a major shift in her relationship. She’s hoping to find herself and deliver a piece of artwork to a client. When the artwork goes missing, she’s forced to go on a bit of a treasure hunt around Paris with someone she meets in the city of lights. Through the course of the book, she learns more about herself than she was every anticipating. I loved this book and it’s in the running for a top book of the year.

My Life with the Walter Boys– This mini-series came on Netflix at the end of 2023, and I had it on my watchlist for a while before I finally got to dive in. Once I started, I finished it in a week and really enjoyed getting to know the characters and the story. It’s all about a young girl who moves in with a large family filled with boys, all of whom she’s never met. She’s forced to navigate high school, new friendships, a budding relationship and some drama along the way. It has some high school drama vibes (very PG-13), but a cute show to get lost in over the winter months.

Such a cute min-series

Reese’s Dipped Animal Crackers-If you like a perfect mix of chocolate, peanut butter and crunch, this may be the snack for you. I have seen these on the shelves for weeks if not months and finally decided to give them a try and really enjoyed them. I have a huge, sweet tooth and chocolate and peanut butter is one of my favorite combinations. I loved the sweetness and saltiness these snacks provide. I will definitely be getting them again, plus how can you resist anything from Hershey’s?!

Roasted Chickpeas-From indulging to healthy choices. I also saw these on the shelves at the grocery store and was intrigued. I love Everything Bagel seasoning from Trader Joe’s (even though we don’t have one near us, whenever I am near one, I always get their seasoning.) These roasted chickpeas are the perfect snack to munch on if you are looking for something healthy that cures a salty fix too. I have just been enjoying them on their own, but I think they would taste great in a salad too.

Hard Seasons and Wild Hearts– I have always been a fan of Brene Brown and her books and Ted Talks. She’s been pretty quiet over the last few months, and she came out with a long essay last week talking about what she’s been up to and where she plans to go from here. In this essay she discusses the challenges and hurdles she’s overcome and how she’s still healing, recovering, and learning from them. Not only did I appreciate the update, but I also found the advice about overcoming the tough seasons in life and how to move past them to be relatable too. Definitely worth the read.

That’s a brief glimpse into life nowadays and things that have been bringing unexpected moments of joy! This weekend, I challenge you to find the pockets of joy every day! Happy Friday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #75

Hello all! 

Happy Friday!

We made it through the first week of January! How was your first week of the New Year? Have you started chipping away at your New Year’s Resolutions or giving yourself some grace this first week of the year? I know I enjoyed getting back into a routine and doing some cleaning, we still have all our Christmas decorations up which makes our home feel extra cozy. Regardless of how you are spending this week, I hope it’s been a good one.Ā 

I saw this quote and thought it was so timely especially if you are embracing these next few months as a slower time.

Today I’m sharing some last of holiday fun and some new favorites from this week as I link up with ErikaĀ andĀ AndreaĀ for another roundup of favorites for the first week of the new year!

Books Beach and Beyond– I heard about this podcast, Books Beach and Beyond in the fall but didn’t have a chance to start listening to it until the Christmas holiday. If you are a book lover like me, then you will love this podcast. Author, Elin Hilderbrand hosts the podcast with Tim Ehrenberg, and they talk to different authors about their books, where they get their inspiration from and what projects they are working on. The two hosts have interviewed Taylor Jenkins Reid, Colleen Hoover, Ann Patchett and Kristin Hannah, just to name a few. This podcast is so informative, and it gives great insight into the literary world. I really have been enjoying this podcast and hope they bring it back for season two in the new year.

A new favorite podcast

Candy Cane Lane-We watched Candy Cane Lane for a family movie night over Christmas break. The movie stars Eddie Murphy and it’s all about a man who loves Christmas. He participates in a house decorating contest, but gets caught up in signing a deal in hopes of winning, which results in some magic getting out of hand. The movie follows the classic Twelve Days of Christmas song as each of the items comes to life. There are a lot of good one-liners and fun catch phrases in the movie too. This was the perfect family movie that held everyone’s attention in my house. If you are still in the Christmas spirit, you can watch it on Amazon Prime.

Such a cute movie!

Wordle party game– We got the Wordle party game for Christmas and it has been a huge hit in our home. A few of my siblings and I play Wordle every day, so this game takes it to the next level. Up to four people can play the game. One person chooses the five-letter word, and all the players have to guess the word using the same rules as the daily game on the New York Times. If you are a fan of Wordle, this game is definitely worth the buy, plus it forces you to really put your thinking cap on.

A great family game

Mighty Patch– As far as beauty products go, the Mighty Patch has been a new favorite for me. I tried using the Mighty Patches after I got them as a gift and have been impressed with how well they work. These clear patches go over any blemishes you may have for a faster clear-up of your face. You can get them for overnight wear or daily wear. I tried a sample pack of both and found that the overnight patches work better. This product won’t solve all your acnes issues, but it does help if you are looking for a quick fix here or there.

Chopped Pomegranate Salad– I love a good salad, but I’m not one to purchase bagged salads too often due to the expense, I would rather make a salad with vegetables I already have at home and on hand. However, we picked up a few chopped salads to go with some appetizer nights and they were a hit. I really enjoyed this pomegranate salad, it’s a perfect blend of flavors for fall and winter.  We enjoyed this salad with some other snack bites, but it could also go great with a pizza night or with a protein like chicken or steak.

 That’s a look into some of the things that I have been loving this week, from the last bit of holiday fun to games, beauty products and food, there was something for everyone. I hope you have a relaxing and cozy weekend as we begin a new month.