I canāt believe this is my 100th Friday Favorites. Iāve shared a lot of favorites week over week and itās been so fun to share what things I love and what things you might be interested in too! Itās been a fun 100 posts as I link up weekly with ErikaĀ andĀ Andrea and I canāt wait for 100 more! By my count, Iāve shared over 500 favorites things with you over the past two years, in good news, I have a lot more favorites to share!Ā
Letās get to it!
Emily Henry article– Iām a huge fan of Emily Henry! I look forward to each of her books every year. I finished Funny Story and itās been such a good summer read! More on that later, but if you are a fan of Henry or if you have never read her works, I highly recommend them. I came across this article which is a great primer about all her books with little synopsis of each. Definitely a great place to start if you are interested in Emily Henry!
New Candle Scent– It was time for a new candle scent and Iām loving this scent. I got it as a gift, so Iām not sure where itās from but itās lavender scented. It is such a soothing and calming scent. I love the floral holder it comes in. So feminine for my desk. I also love that it complements my lavender and linen wall flower when I use it from Bath and Body Works.
New Bracelet– I got this blue floral bangle for my birthday and have gotten so much use out of it already. I love the floral designs with the different shades of blue. I also love the gold accents. I wear a lot of blue in the summer and itās the perfect accessory to wear at work with different dresses and jumpsuits. I got it from Rifle Paper Company if you are interested.
Fixer Upper: The Lake House– I have gotten hooked on Fixer Upper: The Lake House. I always love watching Fixer Upper and have really enjoyed some of their spin-off series like the Hotel and the Lake House. I always love seeing how they think outside of the box with their designs and decor. This has been such a fun show to watch at the end of the day and I love seeing the antics between Chip and Jo!
Solid t-Shirts– As summer sets in, I was on the hunt for some clothes/outfits that can be worn on days off or on the weekends. I love this tennis skort and the versatilityĀ of it. Plus, a cream can go with anything. Solid t-shirts have been my new favorite thing to grab to mix and match with outfits. I have them in pink, red, black, and white. As much as I love a graphic t-shirt, I do love the simplicity of a solid color too, plus they make pairing them with different outfits so much easier too. This outfit just screams summer to me.Ā
Thatās a look into some of my favorites over the past week. Thanks so much for stopping by and for being along for 100 weeks of Friday Favorites!
I can’t believe we are at the end of June. This summer is going by so fast and it’s making me sad. There are a lot of good things on the horizon, but also some major changes. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time and enjoy where I am at. Since we are at the end of the month, it’s time for another Currently. Here’s a look into life lately.
What I’ve Been Up To:
Since I last caught you up on life at the end of May, a lot has happened.
I have been enjoying a lot of outside time. I have been to minor league and major league games, including a quick trip to Cleveland to see the Guardians play and win!
Beautiful night for baseball
Gorgeous afternoon for a Guards win!
I also celebrated my 26th birthday with dinner at home with my family and boyfriend and cake and presents. We had Jessie James Decker’s Can of Cola Cake with raspberries and it was delicious.
A fun day!
A sweet night!
I’ve spent some time at the local zoo and enjoyed a picnic too.
Perfect summer day!
I’ve been enjoying lots of outdoor meals!
I’ve also been sneaking in working from outside on days off.
Lots of ice cream runs on hot days!
And Morning walks and drinks!
What I’m Wearing:
I have been loving a mix of casual and work outfits including this skort and t-shirt combination for a casual look.
I also have been wearing bold and bright colors in the summer, like this new suit from J.Crew.
Some blue and white too!
What I’m Reading:
Expiration Dates– Expiration Dates was such a fun read by Rebecca Serle. I have really enjoyed her other books and this one didn’t disappoint. It’s all about a girl who always gets a note and date of when each of her relationships will end. This happens for years until she gets a note with no end date. Has she finally met her match or is it a trick with fate? There were some unexpected twists and turns that I didn’t see coming that really added to the plot. The ending was my favorite, definitely a summer read.
The Perfect Marriage– The Perfect Marriage was a mystery/ thriller that I didn’t know I needed to read, and it was one of my favorite books that I have read in months. From the outside, it looks like this couple has the perfect marriage, that is until the husband’s mistress ends up dead. The person who defends the husband? His wife, who is a top attorney. I loved the mystery of who killed the mistress and seeing how more people got caught into the web of the marriage. I stayed up late and woke up early to finish it.
The Heiress– The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins is all about a young man who returns to his family’s estate to collect his inheritance. Once he arrives, he learns there’s more to the family story than he realized and everyone has a secret and ulterior motive, including his own mother. The books goes back and forth between the present day and letters that are written talking about what happened. There are a lot of characters which can be hard to keep track. But overall, it was a good book with a really good and unexpected ending.
It Had to Be You– It Had to Be You by Mary Higgins Clark was a page turner and thriller that had me staying up late to finish it. It’s all about twin brothers who are accused of murdering their parents. Years later, the case is reopened and new evidence is brought to light. It took a while for it to pick up, but once it did, I was hooked. Definitely recommend it!
How to End a Love Story- How to End a Love Story is by Yulin Kuang. This is a new to me author, but I really enjoyed this book. It’s all about a young woman whose book gets turned into a tv show, one of the writers is someone from her past. Will the two resolve their differences and work together or is the past too much to move forward together? I really loved the character development and the behind the scenes of the making of the show.
What I’m Watching:
Bridgerton is back, both installments of the new season dropped over the past month. Although, I’m not a huge fan of the character Penelope, she really grew on me this season and really matured too. I also loved the costumes, setting and modern music tied in.
What I’m Cooking:
This has been such a good month for cooking and it’s been filled with lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and grilling.
Chinese Chicken Salad was a hit from Jessie James Decker’s cookbook.
Chinese Chicken Salad
Caprese Chicken– I grilled chicken and add fresh mozzarella, tomato and balsamic for my birthday dinner. We also as shrimp pineapple skewers for an appetizer and a Cesear salad which was delicious. We ended the night with Jessie James Decker’s Can of Cola cake with raspberries and ice cream. Yum!
Pineapple Shrimp Rice- I got this recipe from Mix and Match Mama. I love how easy it was to make and how light and fresh it was, while still being filling.
Bowls– I’ve been enjoying bowls for lunch with things I have in my fridge. On this day, I mixed black beans, corn, rice, pork and salsa for Tex Mex bowl-yum!
Citrus Salmon with Orzo and sides- This was a light and refreshing, but most importantly, healthy dinner. All wins in my book in the summer.
Apricot Ham and Broccoli Salad– Both of these recipes are from the cookbook, Brunch with Babes. I have been saving recipes to try and this month was perfect. I love the flavor of the ham and the crunch of the salad.
What Inspires Me:
I have been reading Savannah Guthrie’s book, Mostly What God Does, every night and I have been loving ending my day with something prayerful and to cal
m my mind. This quote really stood out to me.
My sweet friend Sarah got me a necklace for my birthday, and it came with this beautiful quote. So inspiring especially in the summer months.
Some inspiration from Simplified in June!
What I Accomplished:
I have been making my way through my summer bucket list and trying to soak up as much time as I can outside.
I’ve done that by enjoying ice cream or milkshake runs.
Reading by the pool
Planting Flowers
Planting my garden
Here we have strawberries, zuchinni, pumpkins, and squash
Here are carrots, onions, peas, tomatoes, and peppers
I also ran my furthest this month of 8 miles. I was very proud of that accomplishment.
Goals from Last Month: I really wanted to make a point to soak up summer and enjoy the mornings and nights when I could. I still have a ways to go on my summer bucket list, but I’m just hoping summer slows down. I’m not ready for it to end.
I checked Donuts and Sunrise off my Summer Bucket List
I also ventured to a new place for a morning hike.
I’ve gotten to enjoy dinner by the water.
Followed by ice cream runs!
A day trip to Deep Creek, Maryland happened this month, my first time for a day of hiking and hitting the beach and reading.
Goals from This Month: Next month will be busy between the Fourth of July and celebrations. I have a wedding to go to and I want to make plans to see friends while still enjoying summer and working too. It will be busy but oh so fun!
Happy Wednesday! I hope you are all enjoying June and the summer season. I hope your days are filled with time by the pool, stopping and smelling the roses and late nights by the fire. That all sounds dreamy, but in reality, you may have children home from school with no schedule, or you may be working full time and life looks the same as it does in December.
I love the summer season and try to sneak in pockets for relaxing or doing something fun even in the midst of work and life and my daily routine.
Beautiful days on the water
Whether it’s a walk after work, dinner outside, or reading by the pool on a day off, I have been trying my best to find ways to enjoy the summer season when I can and break up my routine.Ā
Speaking of routines, that’s what today’s post is all about being flexible and adapting to change.
Last week, we talked about summer schedules and routines and rhythms. As you may have noticed, I love a good routine, but I need to get better at adapting and getting used to change, especially when my schedule gets thrown off. So today we are talking about change on a broader scale.
Change, we either embrace or we fear it, in some cases we may even try to deny it. (Hello, that’s me sometimes!)
I’ve never been one who adapts easily to change. I’m as Type A as they come, I crave a schedule, routine, and I’m very regimented. I admit to getting thrown of when my routine gets thrown off or I don’t accomplish everything I want to in a day or on my to-do list. I know no one is putting the pressure on me and I create the pressure, but I don’t always do well with leaving things not completed.
Although being organized and regimented are all good qualities to have, they have held me back from being flexible and sometimes adaptable to life and being spontaneous to activities and adventures. I may get stressed about being out late or not feeling a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. For the last several years, I have kept putting “be flexible” on my new year’s resolutions or goals, and often times I try to be more flexible, but I slip back into old habits of being regimented.
This past year has brought some changes to my life, and more are on the way. They are all good things, but they are changes, nonetheless. I decided this year to embrace the change rather than fear it. It was a daunting goal and one I’m still trying to navigate. I have been listening to The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra Adachi and one of her pillars is starting small. I have really been working on starting small when it comes to decision making or when I get overwhelmed with change. Rather than try to solve all my problems, I focus on what I can control and make decisions about.
I have been trying to look at change as an exciting time, rather than a stressful time. I am looking at the positives of a new routine or seeing how I can grow as a person through change. Plus, so often we see the best changes in ourselves when we have to go through the uncomfortable moments in life.
As practical way that I have been coping with change is by journaling. In addition to my daily journals, which I keep to look back on, I have been doing a lot of brain dumps. These aren’t your typical brain dumps where you write down everything you may have to do or want to accomplish, instead, I have been writing down all my stressors, fears, anxieties, and worries and getting them out of my mind. This helps a lot at night when my mind is racing. I write down every good or bad thing that’s on my mind and have found that even if I don’t solve anything, it helps to have it out of my mind and on paper. I often will throw out the paper, but it helps put things in perspective of what’s important and what things I can control.
Change is scary, stressful, overwhelming, but it can also be exciting and full of new beginnings.
In this season of life, Iām choosing to embrace change and not fear it, I know it wonāt be easy, but I am ready for the challenge and Iām excited to see how I grow along the way.
I hope you are having a great summer week and are doing something fun for the weekend.Ā I took advantage of the calm weather and enjoyed a beautiful morning walk this past week! Plus, yesterday was in the 80’s and I did as much as I could outside, even laundry and computer work.
Before we get to all the weekend happenings, I wanted to share some things with you that I have been loving. Let’s dive right in as I link up with Erika and Andrea.
Pink Suit– This may be one of my favorite work purchases in a long time. I was on the hunt for a matching suit for months. I was looking for a dark blue, or a black or even gray matching suit. However, once I saw this matching pink suit at J. Crew I knew I had to get it. I love the cut and style of the suit, but more importantly, I love the boldness of the pink. Now, I wouldn’t wear this every day, but it is a great outfit to wear when you want to make a statement. I also love that you can swap out what blouse you wear under it, you can choose from a classic white, a navy, or even a black. You can even just wear the pants and a blouse and forgo the blazer and wear the bold pants with a solid or a floral top. This has been a favorite purchase that I know I will get a lot of good use out of.
Kate Spade Jewelry– Another fashion favorite, I got this matching Kate Spade jewelry set for my birthday and have been having so much fun finding different outfits to wear them with. I love the glitz and glam with the sparkles, but also appreciate that the necklace and earrings aren’t too overwhelming. I think you can really dress up any solid dress or top with these items. They are fun for a girl’s night out or a date night.Ā
New Season of Books Beach and Beyond- One of my favorite podcasts returned for a second season. Books, Beach and Beyond is by Elin Hilderbrand and Tim Ehrenberg. They talk all things, books, authors, Nantucket, and publications. I found this podcast last winter and was so happy when they announced they would be back for another season. I always find new authors and book recommendations from them and I canāt wait to listen to the weekly episodes during my weekly runs.Ā Their guest this week was Sarah Jessica Parker, so fun! Plus, Hilderbrand gives scoop into her books and life as an author.
New summer spray and lotion– Although, they arenāt the same scent, Iām very excited to start using these scents from Bath and Body Works. They complement each other very well. I got a lot of new scents from the Bridgerton for hand sanitizers to room scents, that I canāt wait to try, but until then I needed something summery and fresh. I love anything lemon so I know this lotion will be a hit and this body spray will be perfect for hot summer days. I canāt wait to start using them.
Bridgerton Season 3 Part Two– The second part of season 3 of Bridgerton dropped yesterday. I haven’t started it yet, but I plan to this weekend. I loved the first half of season 3 and I can’t wait to see where the second half takes us. The only downside is that there are four episodes and Bridgerton won’t be back until 2026! I wish it wasn’t that long of a wait, so I’m hoping these episodes tie me over until then.
Thatās a look into what Iāve been loving lately. Tell me: hat are some of your favorite things from this past week? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!
Happy Wednesday! If you are in summer mode, I hope you are embracing the summer season and everything that comes with it. If your life is still normal and not much has changed except for the weather, I hope you are able to enjoy the warm temperatures in the midst of your everyday happenings.
Taking time slow down in the summer months.
It’s the second Wednesday of the month which means it’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up with with Shay and Erika.This has been such a fun link up for me as I love sharing bits and pieces of my life and I love learning from others too.
Here’s a look at some of the topics we have discussed so far this year:
My summer schedule doesn’t look too much different compared to my schedule throughout the year. Because I work full-time and year-round, how I structure my day doesn’t change no matter the season. I work the same days and hours and things stay pretty status quo. However, I do try to keep my schedule more open in the summer months to allow for more flexibility with events and plans. I have siblings who are home from school and like to spend time with them when I’m not working. I also like to build in time for day trips, family vacations, and time to do things before or after work. In the other three seasons, I often try to add things to do after work, but in the summer, I like to have as little on my calendar as possible to allow room for spontaneity. If I want to go to a baseball game after work on a Tuesday, I want to be able to do that without having to rearrange schedules or plans.
In the fall and winter, I tend to schedule more doctor’s appointments or make plans to accomplish different house projects or personal projects on days off. I really like to maximize my time the best I can, but in the summertime, I put the projects on hold to really enjoy the weather and time outside and build in time for loved ones.
I always like to make my summer bucket list which I shared last week, which always gives me ideas of things to do with my boyfriend or friends or family. It also holds me accountable for what I want to make sure I accomplish every week.
Whether you have a strict summer schedule or routine due to children being out of school, or you like to let things go and add more flexibility in your schedule, I highly recommend giving yourself grace and being present.
A few weeks ago, I got home from work on a Sunday afternoon and rather than rush to get things done like laundry or cleaning, I decided to go for a walk, sit outside and have a slow dinner that wasn’t rushed. The laundry got done after the sun went down and the cleaning was a quick dusting as opposed to a deep dive, however, I was much happier by sitting in the sun as opposed to working indoors. When I think of summer, I like to think of slow afternoons, nights by the grill, and being tired because you spent too much time in the sun. That’s what I’m hoping for this summer. I know not every day will be like that, but if I can squeeze in more calm days as opposed to rushing around and always being in a hurry, I will be happy.
I know this wasn’t how the prompt was intended, but I took my own spin on it. Tell me: As we gear up for summer, what are your hopes and dreams and how do you want your summer to look and feel? Let me know in the comments below!
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 Iām 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!
Itās the final day of June, but no fear, we still have plenty of summer to enjoy! I just got back from some time with my family at the beach.
The beauty of the beach!
It was great to see some extended family, catch up, and enjoy some time in the water and in the sand. The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to make time for family.Ā
Ending June with ice cream.
This next week will busy between getting back into the swing of things and heading back to work.
Plus, we have the Fourth of July next week, in the middle of the week, no less and then I have plans to see some friends from college. It will be a busy but good week coming up.
Now, that I have caught you up on everything in my world this final Friday in June, itās time for a new edition of Friday Favorites as I link up with Erika and Andrea!
Super Goop Sunscreen– I know I am so late to the party on this one, but I am on the team Super Goop sunscreen train! I have heard about it for years and got a face sunscreen for my birthday and have worn it a lot. It goes on so easy and has a bit of a glow which I really love. The sunscreen protects you from the sun and acts as a primer for makeup which I found to be super helpful too. On days when I know I am going to be outside all day, I always apply it to my face, do my makeup and then I am good to go. This is easily becoming one of my summer favorites.
And Just Like That Premiere– The girls are back! I loved watching the premiere of And Just Like That last week. I like how episodes are once a week, they are the perfect mid-week pick me up. I have read a little bit about some cameo appearances and Iām looking forward to see how the storylines make their way into the show. From the setting, the fashion, the nostalgia and the friendship, plus some fun relationships, I know this will be a good season. If you are watching, what are your thoughts so far?
Lululemon Purse– I got my Lululemon cross body purse for Christmas and have been loving it this summer. I brought it on day trips, running errands and out on walks. Itās the perfect size to hold a wallet, keys, a sunglasses, head phones, even a charger. It has come in so handy this summer. Iāll be sharing more about my love for it in next weekās post!
The best summer purse!
New Scent– Itās time for a new scent for summer. I am currently wearing Gingham Gorgeous! I love the fresh, floral scent it brings whenever I put it on. I got it from Bath and Body Works and it will last me months. The perfect, fresh summer scent as we enter July!
New month, new scent!
A Man Called Otto– Have you seen A Man Called Otto? It came out a few months ago, but just recently came onto Netflix. I really love Tom Hanks so I was excited to see this film, plus some of it was filmed in Pittsburgh, how cool!? We started the movie as a family and I finished it on my own. It was definitely a heavier movie dealing with deep topics including suicide, just as a warning. Itās all about a grumpy man who befriends new neighbors and how they get him to come out of his shell and start to enjoy life again. There were a lot of happy and joyous moments, but it was mixed with some adult topics too. I thought it was a good movie, but not the best Tom Hanks movie. If you have seen it, what did you think of it?
Thatās a roundup of life this week. Itās always so busy coming back to reality after time away, but Iām ready to hit the ground running and get back into a good routine. As we say hello to July, how are you spending the weekend? Let me know in the comments below! Enjoy the last day of June!
June, where have you gone?! I can’t believe we are at the end of another month. There were certain times that this month felt slow and sweet and then I blinked, and I was planning things for July. These past 30 days have been filled with lots of walks, books, grilling, sunshine, and summer adventures. I have been making my way through my summer bucket list and doing more things that weren’t on the list. As we prepare to flip the calendar. Here’s a look at what’s Currently going on in my life.
What I’ve Been Up To: Through the entire month of June, I have been marking things off my summer bucket list. From day trips, to picnics, walks and time outdoors, I have done a lot.
This month, I made a trip to Columbus, where I went to the zoo and state park for grilling and a beach day.
Columbus Zoo!
More animals- I loved the polar bears!
And gorillas!
And finished the day at the beach!
I also enjoyed playing mini golf and trying a new to me pizza shop and park for a walk.
Pizza in the park!
Picking strawberries was on my summer bucket list and I accomplished that and made seven jars of jam in addition to lots of fresh berries to eat.
Strawberry picking day!
Our haul!
Some of the end results!
And strawberry shortcake too!
Another big highlight of the month was my birthday present from my boyfriend, more on that in the coming weeks!
Here’s a tease for where I went…
I rounded out the month with a trip to the beach to visit family and it was so good to see relatives and get some time by the water.
The shores of New Jersey!
The boardwalk!
What I’m Wearing: Besides your typical shorts and graphic t-shirts on days off, I did a big summer clothing haul at the start of summer and have been wearing new pieces to work. Lots of bright colors and patterns, plus quality clothing coming your way too.
One of my new dresses. I have been wearing lots of pink!
I also have been wearing lots of short sets too! Like this one!
Ā
What I’m Reading: I got a lot of books for my birthday and have been slowly making my way through them.
I started this month with Best Served Hot. I saw this book on display at the library and was immediately drawn in by the plot and checked all the boxes for a good read! Rom-com, takes place in a big city, and talks about food! The story follows a food critique and a food influencer as they try out different restaurants in NYC, first as competitors and then on a collaborators. The best and dare I say, worst part of the book was the details of all the foods they were tasting. The description was so vivid, which just made me hungry while I was reading.
I also read Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng. I really enjoyed her book, Little Fires Everywhere and I was excited to read this book. I will admit, it was a heavier novel, but I learned so much about the Asian American culture and customs. It’s all about the lengths a mother will go to protect her family while doing what she thinks is right. Themes of unconditional love, sacrifice and coming of age are found throughout the book.
I also read Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. This book takes a scientific approach to productivity and time management. I am all about maximizing my time and being as efficient as possible. This book was more research based and didn’t have as many tips or advice about management, but I still found it interesting. I appreciated how the book focused on time management through history and ways we can be make the most of our time on Earth.
What I’m Watching: I haven’t been watching too much tv as I have been doing my best to be outdoors as much as possible. I have watched some good family movies, like Air and A Man Called Otto.
Family movie night!
I also finished the series, Ted Lasso which was really good. I think the series wrapped up very nicely and I like how everyone’s storylines had closure. It was such a fun show to binge and watch week to too.
I also watched The Night Agent on Netflix. This was only ten episodes, with which episode lasting about 45 minutes. It was a mix mystery, intrigue, action, drama, and thriller, those are all good things I’m looking for in a series. I would recommend it if you were looking for a new show to binge watch.
The new season of Outlander is back! I have been making my way through season seven every week when their episodes air.
Outlander is back!
And Just Like That Season 2. The girls are back with And Just Like That! I really enjoyed season one and have been enjoying what season has brought. It’s also been a fun show to watch weekly.
What Inspires Me: I’ve been so inspired by summer fun! From outdoor meals, walks, trying new recipes and celebrating milestones.
Walks by the water
I also have been getting my runs in weekly and have enjoyed feeling stronger with each run I go on.
My longest run!
Delicious summer meals!
Picnics by the shore
What I Accomplished: This past month has been all about welcoming summer and really trying to be present in the moment.
Summer grilling and salad
I’m always trying to find time to sneak in time outdoors, whether it’s visiting a bit longer outside after a meal, reading outdoors instead of inside or finding time to go for a quick walk.Ā
Slow mornings reading outdoors.
Goals from Last Month: I kicked off my summer bucket and have been proud of the progress I’ve made so far which has been a win.
Enjoying all the fresh foods!
Goals for Next Month: Keep enjoying summer! I know it may not seem like much, but I really am trying hard to be present in the moment and soak up the sun, go swimming, grill, go on picnics, and make memories!
More grilling nights with lots of salads and fruits!
And more fresh salads (do you sense a trend here?)
The older I get the more I know how sacred family time is, so I’m doing my best to spend as much time with family as I can!
The beach all quiet in the morning.
I also have a concert planned and plans to visit friends! I’m looking forward to seeing those plans through. Plus, a lot of our local fairs and festivals gets underway in July so I’m looking forward to checking those out too!
Ending June with ice cream.
That’s a look into what’s Currently going on. A whole lot of summer lovin! How have you been spending your summer? Let me know in the comments below!
Hi friends! Happy Friday! I hope you are in the midst of soaking up the days of summer. Although summer as an adult isnāt nearly as fun as summer as a child, I am still enjoying the sunshine, warm weather and family time! This past week, I got the chance to catch up with two friends, spent lots of time outdoors and went on some fun day trips!
My pup enjoying the sunshine!
This weekās Friday Favorites has all things summer as we make our way through June! Letās get started as I link up with Erika and Andrea!
Summer Garden– I teased this last week in my post and talked about it in my summer bucket list, but one of my goals for this summer was to plant a garden. Iāve been looking for a creative outlet where I could have an end result and I found it by planting a garden. Since I am just a beginner, I decided to keep it simple and do some seeds and some plants. I decided to buy cucumbers, tomatoes, and pepper plants and then carrot and pea seeds. I wanted to have a variety of options in case they didnāt all work out. Fingers crossed, I get to see the finished product in a few months, but I did enjoy picking the seeds, tending the garden and making signs too. Iāll keep you updated on my progress this summer!
My garden!
and signs!
Sure as the Sunrise– I mentioned this daily devotional by Emily Ley back in January and I have been reading it every morning and just finished it. Itās 100 daily devotionals and reflections with space for thoughts too. I took a brief break during Lent to do another devotional and just finished Leyās book in time for summer. I really loved how the book was set-up with daily scripture, reflection and questions. Then at the end of every week, there were a few questions you could answer. You don’t have to start on January 1, so if you are looking for a new devotional or morning reading companion, I highly recommend this one.
My favorite way to start the day
Birkenstocks– This may be one of my favorite birthday gifts. After seeing the trends for years, I finally decided to hop on the Birkenstock bandwagon and Iām so glad I did! I was on the hunt for a pair of sandals I could throw on if I had to run out to get the mail, hit the store, wear by the pool or just go for a walk and these were just what I was looking for. I love the rubber material (perfect for the pool) and white color. They are so comfortable too. I know these will be a favorite all summer long!
New favorite summer shoe!
Chicken Kabobs– Another birthday related favorite! I decided on grilled Chicken Kabobs and veggies for my birthday dinner with pasta and fruit salad and it was delicious. I love grilled chicken with lots of seasoning and flavor and these were the perfect way to welcome 25! I am looking forward to trying new recipes with chicken kabobs and grilling this summer. I canāt wait to try new summer recipes. If you have any you love, drop them in the comments below!
Best birthday dinner!
Queen Charlotte– I finished a lot of series in May, so as June rolled around I was looking for a new show to start and I found that with Queen Charlotte! I love Bridgerton, so I was anxious to watch the prequel to the series. It definitely has the same feel of Bridgerton with the characters, clothes, one-liners and scenery, but has a heavier feel (if that makes sense?) I really have enjoyed learning about the Queenās backstory and it has been such a fun way to escape our world and head back in time. The episodes are a bit longer, but there are fewer in the season. This would be a great summer binge!
Such a fun show to start!
Thatās just a peak into life lately. Some fun new gifts, new shows, tasty food and hobbies! How have you been enjoying your summer so far? Let me know in the comments below!
Hello all! Happy First full week of June! I feel like summer-mode was activated over Memorial Day weekend and itās only gotten better from there. From summer walks, ice cream, grilling and family time, I have a great feeling about this summer!
Every season, I always like to share a bucket list with goals and ideas I like to accomplish. They range from date ideas, to activities with friends and family and some personal goals too.
I got a lot of things accomplished from my Spring Bucket List, but carried a few things over to my Summer Bucket List.
Hereās a look at my Spring Bucket List and what I accomplished.
Spring Bucket List
Now, that we are leaving the Spring season and entering the summer season, itās tie for an updated season bucket list.
Hereās a look at my Summer Bucket List:
-Beach and Pool Day
-Farmerās Market
-Seawolves Game
-Heritage Festivals
-Gardens
-Tend to my own Garden
-Use Kitchen Aid to Try New Recipes
-Grilling
-Picnics
-Night Picnic
-Columbus Zoo
-Family Trip
-Go Someplace New
-Time with Friends Outside
-Summer Sleepover
-Kayak
-Sibling Dates
-Drive-in
-New Place to Hike
-Visit New State
-Run a 5K
-Try New Recipes-Lavender Lemonade
-Ice Cream Dates
-Entertain and Visit Friends
-Meal and read by the Water
-Fruit Picking
-Bonfire
-Amusement Park
Thatās a look at my Summer Bucket List. A lot of local, fun, activities that I can do with friends, family and even by myself. I love crossing things off a list and having ideas to do on summer days. My goal for this summer is to soak up as much time as home with my family, siblings, friends and boyfriend.Ā
