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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #72

Hello all!

Happy Friday! I can’t believe we are halfway through December, this month has been flying by and I am trying to soak up as much Christmas cheer as I can. I’ve been checking things off my Christmas bucket list slowly, but surely. I have been watching Christmas movies, enjoying hot cocoa, and I’ve gone skating a handful of times already this season. I am here for all things holiday cheer.

Hot cocoa and a holiday movie!

I’m sticking with the Christmas theme for this week’s Friday Favorites as I link up with ErikaĀ andĀ AndreaĀ or a fun roundup of Friday Favorites!

Giant Eagle Holiday Mix-I am a sucker for a festive holiday mix. I saw this holiday trail mix at the entrance of Giant Eagle when I was picking up some groceries and I had to try it. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty and it’s festive too. I’ve enjoyed it while wrapping gifts, watching Christmas movies and just relaxing. This would be a great addition to a charcuterie board or for a night of appetizers. Yum!

A new favorite snack

Christmas Movie Countdown– Speaking of Christmas cheer, I have been trying to watch a Christmas movie or program a night or when I can. I have been mixing in the classics with some new releases too. Shawn Johnson East and her husband, Andrew work with a company called “Family Made” and they put out a Christmas movie countdown to Christmas. They are all family movies, but I have been watching them too and crossing them off my list of holiday movies. It’s been so fun to tap into the nostalgia of childhood memories too.

Brownie Recipe– I’ve been slowly baking my Christmas cookies for the season and trying new recipes along the way. I baked my first batch of homemade brownies and although they were not as good as the Betty Crocker box recipe, they were still tasty. I got the recipe from Mix and Match Mama, and they were super easy to make. I may tweak the recipe a bit and may try some other flavors like peppermint, but I was proud of my first homemade batch! Stay tuned for more holiday recipes in the coming weeks.

A new recipe for me!

Crown Returns– The final six episodes of the Crown dropped yesterday. I have slowly started to make my way through them, but I am savoring each episode since I know the end is near. If you haven’t started watching yet, here’s the trailer and more information from TVLine. I really am looking forward to seeing how everything wraps up even though we know what happens in real life. I will also be following along with Elizabeth Holmes’ podcast as well to hear her insights on the final episodes.

A Likely Story– I am in Christmas book heaven right now with all the cheesy and warm Christmas novels, but before I began, I read A Likely Story by Leigh McMullan Abramson. It follows the story of a young woman who is aspiring to follow in her father’s footsteps and be a writer, however she has some challenges getting there. When her mother passes away, she finds an old manuscript, but who wrote it and what will our protagonist do with it? This story follows the family through the years and through a web of secrets that slowly unravels through the book. This book kept me hooked so much so, I woke up early to read the last 100 pages. Definitely a great read for a cozy day in the winter.

A great book for the fall

That’s a look into life lately and some of my favorite things, lots of yuletide cheer this holiday season. I hope you do something fun and festive this weekend as we countdown to Christmas. 

Have a holly, jolly weekend!

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Let's Look

Let’s Look: Top Comforts

Hello All and Happy Wednesday!

It’s the second Wednesday of the month which means it’s time for our final Let’s Look of the year as I link up with ErikaĀ andĀ Shay.Ā 

This has been my first year participating in Let’s Look and it’s been so fun. Not only do I love sharing glimpses into my life, but I enjoy reading about other people’s lives too. Here’s a look at all the topics we covered for the past year.

Last month, in November we talked about stocking stuffers, October we discussedĀ our biggest fears, in September, we talked aboutĀ evening routines, August, we talked aboutĀ our worst habits, in July, we talked aboutĀ new favorite summer finds, in June,Ā we talked aboutĀ best travel tips, in May, we talked about ourĀ morning routines, in April, we talked aboutĀ pet peeves,Ā in March, we talked aboutĀ Amazon purchases,Ā in February it was aboutĀ our medicine cabinets.

Today’s topic is perfect for this time of year, we are talking about favorite comforts. I love every season for different reasons, but there is something special about the Christmas and winter season that makes you want to cuddle up and get cozy.

Whether you are getting cozy for Christmas or looking to stay warm in the winter, here’s my top comforts.

Flannel Sheets in the Winter– A few years ago, I picked up a pair of flannel sheets to use in the wintertime and they are a comfort that has brought me so much joy. I only use them around the holidays, so when I take them out, it makes them even more special. They provide extra warmth; they make my bed feel a bit fancier and they make my bed look a bit more festive too. We spend hours every day sleeping in our beds, so it’s important that we make that space comfortable and cozy.Ā 

Fuzzy Blankets– If I’m curled up on the couch with a good book or movie, chances are I have a warm blanket to go with it. I love a good throw blanket, not only are they practical, but they also make a great decor item. I have them draped over chairs, beds and couches. I use them all twelve months, but I get the most out of them in the winter months.

Throw blankets can add a lot to a space.

Seasonal Candle– Another way to make a space comfortable is by lighting a candle. Although, I light candles year-round (typically florals in the spring and summer and harvest/festive in the fall and winter) candles make a space extra cozy when it’s chilly outside. A candle sets the mood in a space and can make it more inviting, festive, or cozy. It also cancels out smells and odors which is a gameĀ changer if you have pets or just finish cooking a meal that has an aroma that lingers. I love to light a candle in my room when getting ready or relaxing, in the family room when people are visiting or watching a show or in the kitchen after cooking. You can purchase a candle without breaking the bank and it adds a lot to the ambiance of a space.

Festive Drink- If I’m looking to create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere, a warm drink will most likelyĀ be included. I enjoy hot chocolate in the winter, hot cider in the fall and then in the summer I enjoy a flavorful tea. Hot cocoa is my favorite holiday drink, I add some peppermint or candy canes for some extra flavor and to make it a bit more festive.

All festive drinks this time of year.

Good Book or Movie in the Background– After you have your drink poured, blanket handy and candle lit, it’s time to enjoy all these comforts. I like to enjoy them by reading a good book or watching a movie or tv show. I tend to get comfortable and cozy at the end of the day after the chores are done and work is on pause until the next day. Whether it’s for an hour or fifteen minutes taking time for yourself is so important and getting cozy and comfortable can only make it better.

That’s a look into my top comforts, nothing to exciting or special, a lot of things you probably have around your home, but they are little ways to elevate your space and help you relax and unwind a little especially this time of year when it can get extra busy.

Tell me: what are your top comforts? Let me know in the comments below! Have a great Wednesday and I’ll see you back here on Friday!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #18

Hello all!


Happy Friday!
December is flying by and I hope you are enjoying the holiday season in the midst of all the holiday to-dos! This week has been filled with Christmas spirit, Christmas shopping (both in store and online) and making plans with friends for the holidays.

A sweet treat by the fire.


Todayā€™s Friday Favorites are a mix of things to watch and eat! I have been watching different movies and shows as I order and wrap gifts, so if you are looking for some fun things to watch, hereā€™s some suggestions as I link up with Erika and Andrea for this weekā€™s Friday Favorites.

The Noel Diary-Iā€™ve been watching lots of holiday movies, new and old. I was excited to see The Noel Diary with Justin Hartley from This is Us and Barrett Doss from Station 19. The movie follows the story of a famous author who is forced to confront his past when a family member passes away. He uncovers secrets from his family and goes on a journey of self discovery. He also meets a young woman on his journey and they quickly learn how they are connected. This definitely has Hallmark vibes, but a bit more substance to it.

Spirited– Speaking of Christmas. I watched Spirited with Will Ferrrell and Ryan Reynolds and loved it. The movie is a modern day take on a Christmas Carol. Thereā€™s singing, dancing, drama and a little romance to this new movie. The characters were interesting, the one-liners were funny and the music is so catchy! Definitely a Christmas move to add to your watch list.

Christmas movie and hot cocoa!

Firefly Lane– The new season of Firefly Lane came out last week and Iā€™m hooked. The series follows the friendship between two girls through the decades. It bounces back and forth between the 1970s, 1990s, and early 2000s. Itā€™s based off a three book series and season two is broken up into two parts. Iā€™ve been watching an episode or two at night. Iā€™m looking forward to the second part of season two especially after the cliff hanger in the finale.

Harry and Meghan trailer for Netflix-Last week, Netflix dropped the trailer for the Harry and Meghan docuseries and it came out yesterday. I already started watched and am really enjoying it. Iā€™m looking forward to learning more about the couple and seeing some behind the scenes photos and videos. It’s been interesting to hear their side of the story about everything that’s happened over the past few years.

Chocolate covered Graham crackers-I whipped up this quick snack the other night as I was trying out new recipes. This recipe just requires Graham crackers, melted chocolate and any toppings you like. I made some plain, some with nuts, a few with marshmallows, and others with sprinkles. Everyone really enjoyed this quick snack that took less than 10 minutes to put together. Iā€™ll definitely be keeping it in mind for future snacks.

Thatā€™s just a look into life lately! I hope you get to enjoy this weekend do something festive! Happy Friday!