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Let's Look

Let’s Look: How We Unwind During the Holidays

Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great holiday season as we make our way through the second week of December. I’ve been having a great start to December and I hope you are too. We are recovering from a massive snow storm, so needless to say, it definitely feels like Christmas.

So much snow
Even more snow
It wouldn’t stop

Here’s a look at what I have done so far to celebrate the Christmas season.

Watching the tree lighting in NYC
Holiday Baking
And Wrapping

All year long, I have been linking up with Shay and Erika for Let’s Look as we share different parts of our lives. Here’s a look at the topics we have covered in 2024.

In January, we talked about How We Clean Our Closets.

In February, the topic was Things We Do Every Day

In March, it was all about what’s in our Grocery Carts

In April, we chatted about our Quiet and Prayer Time.

In May, we talked about Summer Staples.

In June, we shared our Summer Schedules.

In July, we chatted about our favorite TV Shows and Podcasts.

In August, we learned about our Pantry Staples

In September, we shared Easy Weeknight Meals

In October, it was all about how we Prep for the Holidays.

In November, we talked about Gift Guides for Guys 

For our final Let’s Look of the year, we are sharing how we unwind during the holidays. The holiday season can be a magical, but busy time of the year. You have all your regular things to get done, plus make some holiday magic, and additional holiday to-do’s to get done. Needless to say, it may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be an overwhelming time.

Here are some ways I try to unwind during the season.

Make a Gift Giving Plan– I always feel better with a game plan and that takes the stress away. I like to set deadlines for making my list of who I have to buy for, when I want to have my wrapping done and when I want to give gifts out to people.

Schedule Christmas Activities– Life can certainly get busy during the month of December, I make sure to put things on the calendar for must-do activities. For example, there are certain things that are spur of the moments activities, like see Christmas lights or watch a Christmas movie. But other things like see a Christmas show or bake Christmas cookies or gift exchanges should be put on the calendar. 

Don’t Add Unnecessary Things to the Calendar- With so much already going on, December isn’t the month to add more to the calendar, save the doctor’s appointments or or unnecessary appointments until after the new year to save you stress and to free up your calendar.

Do Things that Bring You Joy- There can be a lot of pressure around the holidays, especially when it comes to making Christmas magic. Don’t feel like you have to do it all. Only do what brings you joy. If you don’t have the time or desire to bake dozens of cookies, don’t do it. Save yourself the time and pressure and only do what you have time for and what you want to do.

A hot chocolate bar and movie night brings me joy!

Delayed Gratification– A lot of work comes with the holiday season, put in the time and effort now, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday season and relax and be present later. The last thing you want is for everyone to be relaxing and you still be working. Get all the to-dos done early on, so you can be present and remember the reason for the season.

Work hard to relax later!

I also try to carve out little moments every day to enjoy the season, whether it’s with festive mugs in the morning, Christmas scents, or holiday music at all times. These are little ways I like to sprinkle in Christmas cheer all season long. How do you unwind during the holiday season? Let me know in the comments below! I hope you take the time to unwind and relax during the holiday season and take some time for yourself. 

Family time is the best time!

Enjoy the Christmas season and remember the reason for the season.

Categories
Fabulous living

Christmas Bucket List 2024

Hello Everyone! Happy Wednesday!

 I hope you are having a wonderful week and are enjoying the Christmas season. We got a ton of snow, needless to say, it’s been a winter wonderland.

 I don’t know about you, but since Christmas is only a few weeks away, I’m doing my best to enjoy everything this season has to offer, while doing all the daily things. We decorated for Christmas last week and it put me in the best mood.

There’s so much to celebrate and accomplish and only so much time. My favorite way to make sure I’m enjoying the season to the fullest is by making a Christmas Bucket List. 

Here’s what I hope to accomplish this Christmas Season:

  • Decorate for Christmas (room and home decorations, scents, and mugs)
  • Listen to Christmas Music
  • Watch Christmas Movies (Cheesy ones and the Classics)
  • Read Christmas Themed Books
  • See a Christmas Show/Performance
  • Christmas Shopping and Wrapping
  • Send out Christmas Cards
  • Go Skiing
  • Go Ice Skating
  • Exchange Gifts with Friends
  • Bake Christmas Cookies
  • Try a New Christmas Recipe 
  • See Christmas Lights
  • Enjoy a New Christmas Activity
  • Light a fire and Enjoy Hot Chocolate
  • Get a Tree and Decorate it
  • Give Back to Others
  • Build a Gingerbread House
  • Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s

There you have it! My Christmas Bucket List, I know I will be spending lots of time with family and friends too! I love creating a goal list to hold me accountable and to give me ideas of things to do on days off or weekends. Tell me: what do you plan to do ahead of Christmas? I am always looking for new ideas of things to celebrate the Christmas season. 

Have a wonderful Christmas season and I’ll see you back here on Friday!

Categories
Fabulous living

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Hello All! 

Happy February! I’m SO ready for a new month. January was slow and steady and a great month for relaxing and resetting, but I was ready to flip the calendar. The holiday months tend to go by in the blink of an eye and some of the calmer months seem to take their time. Nevertheless, I’m ready for what this new month will bring.

One of my favorite things about this month is celebrating Valentine’s Day. I have always enjoyed celebrating this holiday, but I have grown to love it even more as I have gotten older. I think Valentine’s Day is a great day to remind the people in your life how much you care for them and as a way to show your appreciation to them. I always love to plan Galentine’s Day meetups with friends that live close by or send cards to those who live far away. The heart shaped candy, themed events and red, pink and white decor always brings a smile to my face in the middle of winter. 

You can go all out or keep it low key when it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day. In honor of the holiday, I thought I would round up a few ideas that can be used for a date night out or girl’s night in, you can even do some of these activities on your own or throughout the whole month. 

Here’s some Valentine’s Day Celebration Ideas:

Candle Making- This is becoming a popular activity and would be so fun to do with your girlfriends as a big group or one on one with your significant other. You learn how to make the candles and have something to bring home at the end of the night. As someone who loves to light candles, this would be so fun. I attended a candle making workshop last year and LOVED it, you can read about my experience here. 

Such a fun activity!

Local Performance-If you are a fan of the arts and culture this would be a great experience as a treat for you and your date. Whether it’s a big show or your local theater, heading to see a performance is a great way to get out on the town for a date night and some fun, of you are both into sports, choosing a sporting event wouldn’t be a bad idea either, choose an activity that you both enjoy!

A night out for a show!

Ice Skating and Hot Cocoa-If you are looking for an afternoon out or are looking to celebrate the big day the weekend before, Ice Skating and Hot Cocoa go hand in hand. Some cities may have rinks open outdoors if you are looking for a fun atmosphere, but an indoor rink works just as well. You are getting some exercise in and getting some one-on-one time together, finish off the date off with some hot chocolate or a warm beverage. If skating isn’t your forte, bundle up and take a long winter walk with your warm drinks, another way to spend quality time together. 

Hot cocoa
and ice skating…the perfect combo!

Homemade Meal-As much as I love a night out, I am a homebody, so I love a good homemade meal as opposed to braving the elements in the middle of winter. Whether it’s a new recipe or a favorite of yours and your date, nothing says love, like some hard work in the kitchen. You both can spend time preparing the meal together and enjoy the fruits of your labor with your meal. To make things fun and special, dress up for the dinner, light some candles and use the good plates or buy accessories for your dinner. Yes, leggings may be more comfortable, but you may feel better being all dressed up.

Nothing better than a warm cooked meal

Out for Dessert– Many people may choose to go out for drinks and snacks or appetizers, but I am more of a dessert gal. Sometimes when I go out to eat, I enjoy my meal so much that I don’t leave room for dessert. I am a sweet tooth girl, so I love the idea of heading out just for dessert, whether you eat at home and then go out or if you your whole date is the dessert, head to your favorite restaurant or bakery and indulge on some Valentine’s Day sweets with your sweetheart. 

Dessert for the win!

I hope this list gave you some ideas of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day this year. I am always looking for different unique ways to celebrate the holiday. Whether it’s big or small, be sure to tell the people in your life how much you cherish them. 

Happy February!

Categories
Fabulous living

2024 Winter Bucket List

Hello All!

Happy Wednesday. I hope you are having a great week so far, as we make our way through the middle of January. Winter is here and it won’t be going away for a while, at least for me. All of our Christmas decorations have been taken down and we have transitioned to winter decor, which includes cleaner surfaces, more empty spaces, and simpler decor. 

Now that the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is behind us, as sad as I was to have seen it go, it has been nice to have less stuff around the house, more freedom in my schedule and start on a clean slate for the new year. It’s also gave me time to plot out my goals for the winter months, which includes my winter bucket list.

Here’s some fun things I want to accomplish over the next few months:

  • Complete Simplicity Challenge
  • Hockey game
  • Ice skating
  • Sled riding
  • Reading by the fire
  • Find a new show to binge watch 
  • Play more board games and puzzles
  • Try new recipes in the kitchen
  • Work on my new hobbies for the new year
  • Winter walks followed by warm drinks
  • Skiing (either downhill or cross country)
  • Movie and junk food day
  • Celebrate Valentine’s Day

This is just a start of some of the things I want to accomplish over the next few months in addition to work, spending time with family, seeing friends, and daily happenings. 

After a busy end of the year, I like to give myself more grace and space in the new year for rest, house and work projects and downtime. As much as I LOVE the holiday season, it is nice to have an open schedule in the new year.

That’s a look at my Winter Bucket List, as we start the new year and season, what are some things you hope to accomplish in the winter months? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great rest of your week and I will see you back here for another edition of Friday Favorites!

Categories
Currently

Currently #48

Hello All! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are in full on Christmas mode as the countdown to the big day is on. I know I have been in the Christmas spirit since Black Friday, this is truly one of my favorite times of year and I have been enjoying it to the fullest.

Hot cocoa and a holiday movie!

I am switching things up this month but doing my Currently a week early, so I can save next week for my end of the year recap. My Year in Review posts are some of my favorite ones that I put together all year long, so I can’t wait to share it with you next week. 

But, we have so much to get to in today’s post, hint, be prepared for a lot of Christmas cheer. Let’s get to it!

What I’m Up To: This past month has been filled with all things Christmas cheer. I have been checking so many things off my Christmas Bucket List and have been trying to make the most out of every single day, whether it’s watching a Christmas movies, baking cookies, or doing my shopping and gift exchanges. I LOVE CHRISTMAS. The best news is that the Christmas season continues after December 25, so there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the holiday spirit. Here’s a look into some of the things I’ve done so far.

Enjoying holiday traditions.
Christmas wrapping and movies
Ready for the big day!

What I’m wearing: On days off, I have been doing my best to wear all my holiday graphic tee shirts. Most of them are from Old Navy. I love the texture, the durability and all the fun designs. You can dress them up with jeans and boots or dress them down with leggings if you are just lounging around the house.

I also have been getting a lot of use out of my festive flannel from Old Navy, I paired it with jeans and boots and a red coat.

For a more dressed up look, I wore this black and white polka dotted long sleeve blouse from Ann Taylor to work and it was a hit. I wore it with black dress pants, my pearl hoop earring and a red lipstick for a pop of color. 

All bundled up for outdoor fun!

What I’m Reading: I started off the month by reading 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.

A great book for the fall

Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand. It’s the second book out of a five-book series. It follows the story of a large, interconnected family through Christmas year after year. When I picked up this book from the library, I didn’t realize it was the second book out of five, it took me a moment to get caught up with the characters, but once I did, I really enjoyed it and got immersed in it. It takes place over one weekend in Nantucket for the traditional island Stroll. There’s lots of Nantucket references and so much Christmas and holiday descriptions.

What I’m Watching: All the Christmas movies and programs! I don’t have a list of movies perse, but have I been trying to watch all of my favorite movies this Christmas season? You bet!

I’ve seen the classic cartoons like Rudolph, Frosty and the Grinch. I watched the childhood favorites like Home Alone and The Polar Express and I have enjoyed the adult movies like Christmas Vacation and Love Actually. 

Polar Express movie night

I also have been making my way through the final season of The Crown. I have been doing my best to savor the last six episodes and not rush the experience. If you have been watching, what are your thoughts so far?

What Inspires Me: I have been inspired by trying new recipes in the kitchen. I tried a few salads in addition to sweets.

Stir fry for the win!

I wanted to try my hand at some new recipes this season in addition to some classics. I have already made chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter cookies and I know I will be doing more baking in the coming days.

Fresh chocolate chip cookies

I also tried my first gingerbread recipe which was a success. I plan to make homemade fudge and red velvet cookies in addition to sugar cookies and some other Christmas treats.

My first gingerbread loaf
Red velvet, peanut butter and peppermint bark ready to go@

What I Accomplished: I have been very productive when it comes to my Christmas Bucket List. One night we had a Christmas movie night with the Polar Express and a popcorn and hot chocolate bar.

We made popcorn and had different seasonings for people to try, from chocolate sea salt to movie theater butter, kettle corn, and classic, everyone could try their favorite.

We also enjoyed hot cocoa with different marshmallows and toppings. This was a fun and affordable way to enjoy a movie night.

 I also enjoyed a Christmas concert to kick off the month of December, which was so fun for a night out

Christmas concert to kick off the season
Christmas in the city at night!

Plus, I’ve been enjoying holiday lights around our town, such a fun way to get in the Christmas spirit.

Christmas skating is a must!

Goals from Last Month: My goals from last month were to enjoy the Christmas season to the fullest and I know I have done that and there’s still more time to enjoy the fun. I’m looking forward to time at home with my family, especially since my siblings will be home from college. It will be great to enjoy the holiday traditions and just spend quality time together. 

Christmas movies and Christmas card stuffing

Goals for this Month: My goals for the upcoming month are to start my New Year’s Resolutions and get back into my routines and habits. This past month has been a flurry of fun and activities and while I’m not ready to say goodbye to the holidays yet, but I’m sure by January 2, I will be. 

That’s a look into life this past month. Lots of holiday cheer and fun and it only gets better from here. Wishing you a festive rest of your week

Categories
Fabulous living

Christmas Bucket List 2023

Hi All! Happy Wednesday!

It’s the first full week of December. I hope you are soaking up the Christmas cheer and magic of the holiday season, I know the big day will be here soon, so these next few weeks are all about enjoying the holiday season. To make sure I enjoy it to the fullest, I like to create a seasonal/Christmas Bucket List. A bucket list gives me ideas for things to do and makes sure I accomplish everything I want to do. If you are looking for some ideas this holiday season, I hope this list helps you.

2023 Christmas Bucket List

Decorate for Christmas (Swap Out Scents and Mugs and Cups)

Christmas Shopping

Set Deadline for Picking Out Gifts, Buying and Wrapping (to minimize stress down the line)

Give Back to Others (by donating time, gifts, and baked goods)

Try a New Christmas Recipe

Bake Christmas Cookies

Build A Gingerbread House

Enjoy Hot Chocolate

One Christmas Activity a Week

Go Ice Skating

See Christmas Lights

Read Christmas Books

Listen to Christmas Music

Family Christmas Card

Go to a Christmas Concert

Exchange Gifts with Friends

Spend Time with Family

Light a Fire 

Watch Traditional Christmas movies (Frosty, Rudolph, A Year Without a Santa Claus, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Love Actually, Christmas Vacation)

Watch the Santa Clause Series

Watch Apple TV Christmas Special

Get a Christmas Tree and Decorate it

Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s

It may seem like a lot to do in 25 days, but I have already made a dent in my Christmas Bucket List. I hope this gives you some inspiration and ideas for some Christmas cheer over the next few weeks.

 I hope you have a festive week!

Categories
Currently

Currently #38

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday. I know February is the shortest month of the year and it certainly flew by. This month has been filled with new recipes, unexpected sunshine and mild weather, lots of books and new shows. Here’s a recap of this past month.

What I’ve Been Up To: I’ve been keeping up with lots of my favorite hobbies. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw that I have been putting my new cookbook Just Feed Me by Jessie James Decker to good use by trying lots of recipes. 

Here’s a few that I have tried this month. 

I made Na’an Bread Pizzas
I also made Cilantro Lime Rice and broccoli
And Dirty Rice and Beans
Chicken Chili

We’ve also had such a mild February. With little to no snow, I’ve made the most of the sunshine by getting in lots of walks and outdoor time.

Winter walks in the snow
Followed by warm drinks, even with Santa mugs!

I also got some friend dates for dinners around Galentine’s Day. My boyfriend and I celebrated Valentine’s Day with dinner after work, and we also did a day date to Cleveland at the beginning of the month where we went ice skating, went to the Museum of Art and dinner and a show. It was a packed full day but so much fun!

Skating in the city!
An afternoon at the museum.
And a show at night!

What I’m Wearing: I’ve been wearing Valentine’s day colors all month long. From pink sweaters to red coats. I always love to break out some fun colors around the holidays. These bright colors also help me get in the spring feels which will be here soon.

All pink for the month of LOVE
My red coat made its way out for a date night

What I’m Reading: I got on a Colleen Hoover book train and read two of her books this past month. 

I also finished Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez, this told the story of star-crossed lovers who live in essentially different worlds. A country boy meets city girl, they fall in love but quickly realize they may not fit in each other’s worlds. Will they make it work or have a short-lived romance, you will have to read to find out. (I finished this almost 400 page book in a week-so worth it!)

Some of my books that I’ve read and still need to read.

What I’m Watching: New show to me, but I started watching Ted Lasso and love it. I know I’m late to the party but find it so creative and funny. I love all things Great Britian, so I can’t get enough of the British references.

Such a fun show, especially with snacks!

I love the casting and one-liners and can’t wait for the new season to debut this summer. I’ve also been making my way through some movies on my watch list on Netflix and Amazon Prime. I’ve been watching lots of rom coms. Here’s some of my favorites. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris follows the story of a woman who works as a house cleaner and looks to fulfill her dream of wearing a designer gown. This movie takes her from England to Paris where she gets a newfound sense of confidence and makes some friends along the way.

About Fate follows the story of two people in different relationships, one serious, one not so serious, but they run into one another without their significant others and end up spending New Year’s Eve together overcoming one obstacle to another to get to their dates. They end up learning they have more in common than they thought and fate​ keeps bringing them together.

What Inspires Me: Spring will be here soon, or so I hope. As much as I am enjoying winter, I wouldn’t be lying if I said I am looking forward to spring. I am savoring the time indoors and being cozy and working on projects that I may not be able to accomplish in warmer weather.

Fresh flowers make me think of spring too!

What I accomplished: I have been making headway on lots of odds and ends projects, which is a huge accomplishment. I also spent time with family and and friends which is always a good thing!

Goals from Last Month: I was so glad I got to make time for my girlfriends for Galentine’s Day. I enjoyed having one on one time with friends in town and made time for friends further away with facetime calls. I also had a great Valentine’s Day that was filled with lots of baking and sweets.

Some Valentine’s Day treats!
And more treats!
Valentine’s Day fun!
Lots of sweets!

Goals from this Month: March is such a tease for spring with a mix of winter. I am looking forward to getting some warmer days, while savoring the days of winter. 

Cold days and warm drinks are the perfect combination!

That’s just a look into my life this past month, lots of baking, reading, binge watching and walking, throw in some work and family time then you have yourself a perfect month. I’m looking forward to see what next month brings. 

Categories
Fabulous living

Winter 2023 Bucket List

Hi everyone!

Happy Wednesday! I hope your week’s are going well as we settle into January. As we make our way through winter months and spend more times indoors, I’m always on the look for different activities that are fun and inexpensive.

This makes the cold, winter months a little more bearable. If you are looking for some fun, winter date ideas, look no further since I have you covered.

Here’s my Winter Bucket List for 2023

-Go Skiing

-Bookstore Date and Coffee Shop Date

-Go Ice Skating

-Read by the Fire

-Winter Walks

-Go to a Museum

-Go to the Movies

-Try a New Recipe

-Board Game Day

-Go Sledding

-Go to a Hockey Game

-Declutter my Spaces

-Enjoy Hot Cocoa

-Try a New Outdoor Activity

-Tackle a Project

-Bake Something New

-Entertain Friends

These are just some suggestions of things to do on those gray, gloomy days. I am always looking for things to do for fun that don’t break the bank and that don’t take up a ton of time. If you are in need of some winter fun, I hope these ideas help. What’s on your winter bucket list?

Categories
Fabulous living

2022 Year in Review

Here we are at the end of another year. At the beginning of this year, my motto or phrase of the year was “Building the Best Version of Me”. I really wanted to lean into my routines and rhythms that I established at the beginning of the year and stick to them and I was happy I did that.

It’s been said before that the older you get, the faster the years go by and that is certainly the truth.

This year has been busy with growing in my job, time with family both at home and away, building friends, enjoying hobbies.  

I’m using today’s entry as a both a recap of the past year and a favorite things of 2022 post.

So, let’s begin with a recap:

The beginning winter months of 2022 brought me out in snow and soaking up with outdoors with ice skating, winter walks and trying cross country skiing, something I haven’t tried in years.

Starting the year off with time outside, like skiing.
Time spent ice skating.
And cross country skiing…
Seeing the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit.
I also took in some local theater.

It also brought day trips to Pittsburgh for a trip to museums and time with family. As the weather got warmer, it meant more time outdoors with walks, picnics and trips to the local zoo and different parks. 

Time in Pittsburgh in the spring
I love taking in all the architecture.
First zoo trip of the year.
Celebrating Easter traditions.

Both of my brothers graduated in the Spring, one from college and one from high school, so it was fun to celebrate their milestones as a family. I also celebrated my 24th year around the sun. 

First signs of spring.
Cheers to 24!

I tried to spend as much time outdoors as possible in the summer months, from walks, to reading outdoors, picnics, and countless meals outside, our winters are long, so I tred to take advantage of the summer as much as I can.

I went to the National Comedy Center this year.
Summer picnics outdoors.
Drive-in dates.

I met up with friends through the summer months for dinners, or coffee or walks. I also did some traveling with day trips with family and my boyfriend and then some meet ups with friends too. My family and I got away for a few days with and went to the ocean which was such a fun escape.

Beach days in the summer
One of the many places I went for hikes for in the summer.
It felt so good to relax for a few days at the beach!
More zoo trips!
Fair fun!
I spent so much time reading outdoors.
I enjoyed sunrises and sunsets.

The summer was also filled with baseball games, strawberry picking, zoos, bonfires, beach days, and grilling. I tried to head outside as much as I could when the seasons changed from summer to fall.

Day trips to Pittsburgh
Lots of burgers on the grill.
Beautiful night for baseball
Strawberry picking summer fun!
Bonfire nights.
In my happy place!
I went to my first MLB game this summer.
And ice cream nights!
I fell in love with avocado toast this summer too.
I enjoyed farmer’s markets this summer too.

But as the winds changed, I had to layer up for fall walks, leaf peeping and apple picking. I tried to do as much baking as possible when I was cooped up indoors.

Fall drives.
Lots of fall baking
Enjoying Beautiful Fall Walks
Apple picking fun!
First time seeing this majestic waterfall.
Making Halloween treats too.

The last chunk of the year was filled with all things holidays. From Halloween movies to family at Thanksgiving and all the Christmas and holiday cheer. The last few months are always my favorite time of the year.

Family movie night for Halloween.
More fall baking.
Hello holiday cheer!
All the Christmas spirit, from movies to decor, to hot cocoa.
Holiday fun!

That was a bit of a recap, now here’s some of my favorite things from the past 12 months:

Favorite Show: This is Us: the Final Season

Favorite Binge Watch: Downton Abbey (both the series and the movies)

Favorite New Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid (new to me!!)

Favorite New Movie: Elvis

Favorite Artist or Song: Taylor Swift’s Midnights

Favorite Adventure: First MLB Game in Cleveland to see the Guardians

This is a snapshot of this past year, it can be easy to forgot or not recall all the little moments that make up the past 365 days. This year has been so fulfilling and fun. I don’t know what the new year will bring, but I’m ready to embrace the change, take opportunities (even the scary ones), and make every moment count.

Thank you 2022…let’s ring in the new year!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #20

Hey hey! Happy Friday and happy day before Christmas Eve! I hope you are able to slow down and enjoy the next few days with family and loved ones. I absolutely love this time of year, after all the anticipation and build up, we can all (hopefully) enjoy some time to slow down and reset with family and friends. 

Here’s a few things I’ve been loving this past week for this week’s Friday Favorites with Erika and Andrea for another edition of Friday Favorites:

Cleveland Trip: My boyfriend and I took a day trip to Cleveland last week and had the best time. From ice skating to walks around the park and dinner and a show. It was the best way to celebrate the Christmas season in a different city. A truly spectacular Christmas gift!

Christmas in the city!
The best Christmas gift from my boyfriend.

Christmas Snack Mix: I have been in the Christmas spirit since the day after Thanksgiving and it hasn’t slowed down at all. The holiday displays at the front of stores always suck me in to try new things. I picked up this holiday snack mix from Giant Eagle and have been loving it. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty and holiday cheer. If you are looking for a sweet snack for a holiday party, this is it!

The best Christmas mix

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Speaking of Christmas cheer, I tried this peppermint flavor mix in a batch of chocolate chip cookies and loved how they turned out. I have been doing lots of holiday baking over the past few days, from new recipes to classics, it’s been so fun to do some holiday baking. This cookie mix has the perfect blend of peppermint and chocolate. There was also mini marshmallows and chocolate chips in the mix too. Yum!

The start of baking season.

Long Sleeve Blouses: I am always on the hunt for new pieces to add to my wardrobe and found this long sleeve blouse by Ralph Lauren at Marshall’s for a great deal a few weeks back and couldn’t wait to try it.  There’s so many things that I love about this top, first the colors, I adore the classic blue and red. Second, I love the cut and style with the sleeves and the bow at the top. Lastly, I love that it’s long-sleeved. I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for more tops like these.

I love a good long-sleeve blouse

Christmas in Paris: Just in the nick of time, I finished another Christmas book. I loved this story about a young woman who calls off her wedding and retreats to Paris. The description of Paris in the winter is beautiful. I loved the character development and it was so interesting to see this young woman find herself and love again. Christmas in Paris gets 5 stars from me.

That’s a look into my Christmas-filled week. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve and Day and I will see you back here next Wednesday for my 2022 Recap!

Merry Christmas!