Tag: Katie couric

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Let's Look

Let’s Look: Things We Do Every Day

Hello all! Happy Wednesday and Happy Valentineā€™s Day! ! I hope you are having a great day celebrating all things love, whether its with your significant other, best friends, or even celebrating love for yourself. Spreading some love island kindness is so important not just today, but every day.Ā 

Valentine’s Day cookies are always a must!

Itā€™s also the second Wednesday of the month which means itā€™s time for another Letā€™s Look. Last month we talked about cleaning our closets.

This monthā€™s prompt is Things We Do Every Day. Obviously thereā€™s things every person does every day (brush their teeth, shower, eat, sleep). I decided to go through my day and take note of the unique things I do (or try to do) every day.

Hereā€™s what I try to do every day:

Journal- I always start the day with some prayer time and journaling. Sometimes I follow prompts, other times, I write whatā€™s on my mind or how Iā€™m feeling.

My journal for 2024

Movement- Whether it’s through a workout, a run, biking, a walk or yoga. I always try to get 30 minutes of movement in. I aim to get it first thing in the morning, so I donā€™t have to worry about it as the day goes on, but sometimes I donā€™t get movement in until after the work day.

One of my workouts

Reading– I love to read, so I always try to get in some reading every day, whether itā€™s a few chapters or pages of whatever book Iā€™m currently reading. Reading is a hobby that I love and try to incorporate every day. I typically read in the morning and at night as a way to start and end my day by relaxing. 

My current read

Wordle– This is a silly one, but I always start my day with the Wordle. It keeps me sharp and itā€™s always fun to play at the start of my day, plus my friends and I will try to see who can get the word in the least amount of tries.

Word Search– Another way I like to keep my mind sharp is by doing a word search. Most of the time I choose fairly easy ones that I can accomplish in 15 minutes, but it’s a fun hobby that entertains me.

No day is complete without a few minutes doing word searches

News Briefings and Blogs– I have a few blogs that I follow and a few trusted new sources that I always read before the day begins. I always check the top stories of USA Today and I love Katie Couric Media sent to my inbox in the mornings. I always like to be briefed about whatā€™s going on before the day begins.

My most used apps in the morning

Family Time– My family and relationships are so important to me, so I always aim to have a family meal together or catch up after a long day. I also aim to check in with friends once a week to see how my people are doing.

Thatā€™s just a little recap of things unique to me that I try to do every day. Most of them I do in the morning before work because I know the days can get busy and crazy, but I always feel better when I have my hobbies or interests out of the way at the start of the day. 

Thereā€™s other things I try to do every day (laundry, cleaning, cooking)-but the above list are ones that I make a point to do every day. If I donā€™t get to something itā€™s not the end of the world, but I try to incorporate these little things to help set me up for success for the day ahead. 

Tell Me: what things do you try to do every day? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Valentineā€™s Day! Sending you love on this Wednesday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #57

Happy Friday Friends and Happy September!

Even though we are in a month associated with fall, Iā€™m holding onto summer for as long as I can. I hope you have something fun planned for Labor Day weekend and the end of the summer season. This weekend, I plan on spending time outside, getting in some pool time and some family time too.

Soaking up summer with every last ice cream!

Before we get to the weekend, I want to share some things Iā€™m loving this week as I link up withĀ ErikaĀ andĀ AndreaĀ for another edition of Friday Favorites.

Becoming Free Indeed– A few months ago, I mentioned I am trying out Audible for a free trial and one of the first books I listened to was ā€œBecoming Free Indeedā€ by Jinger Vuolo. I grew up watching Jinger Vuolo on 19 Kids and Counting and I have continued to follow her after the show ended. I was interested to read her book about her faith and life and decided to listen to the audiobook version to hear it read in her voice. Through the book, she mostly focuses on her faith and how her relationship with God has changed through her life. She doesnā€™t focus too much about her family or the drama that has surrounded them in recent years. Overall, I thought it was interesting to hear her perspective about her faith and relationship with God.Ā 

Brown Flats– I got my first taste of fall with this purchase. I was on the hunt for some sturdy but fashionable flats and found them at DSW, they are by Kelly and Katie. I love the extra cushion and support they provide, plus the dark brown allows them to go with dress pants, skirts, and even jeans. Plus, the gold buckle is such a cute accessory. These shoes and fall fashion will make saying goodbye to summer a little less painful.

Katie Couricā€™s Wake Up Call Newsletter– This isnā€™t new, but this is something I use every day and wanted to share. One of the first things I do when I get up is check the top news headlines. I get them from various apps and sources, from my local news app, to USA Today, Twitter (X), and then Katie Couricā€™s Wakeup newsletter that gets sent into my inbox every morning. It covers national and world headlines along with some entertainment news and then some features. It takes only a few minutes to read, but it brings me up to speed every day. You can learn more and subscribe here, definitely a great source if you are looking to get a comprehensive scope of news.

A look at the newsletter

The Morning Show Season 3 Trailer- The new season of the Morning Show begins this month. Iā€™m excited for this upcoming season especially after seeing the trailer that was released last week. It looks like this season will be filled with drama, a cyber attack, some new faces and a lot of morning news. Itā€™s been interesting to see how the show has evolved and changed since its begun and how it brings in whatā€™s going on in the world into the show. Iā€™m excited for some new shows to watch!

Laundry Crystals– Call me crazy, but I love doing laundry. I always like to stay on top of laundry with six people and Iā€™m always interested to see what things are out there to keep my clothes fresh. I have been using these Purex laundry crystals in my washer to keep my clothes fresh. I have used the Unstoppables brand in the past too and have enjoyed how they keep my clothes smelling fresh. They are just a little something extra that keeps my clothes smelling fresh after a wash.

There you have it, a look into some of my favorite and sometimes practical things that I am loving this. As we say hello to September, what things are you looking forward to this month? Let me know in the comments below! I hope you all have a relaxing and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!

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Currently

Currently #30

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I canā€™t believe we are at the end of June. This month has flown by. Summer needs to slowwwwww down.

Iā€™ve been making the most of my summer and checking things off my summer bucket list between spending time with family and work.

Hereā€™s a looking into what Iā€™m currently up to.

What Iā€™m Up To: Iā€™ve been soaking up all the summer and sunshine. From pool days to mini golf, baseball games, grilling, savoring ice cream, and seeing family. These past few weeks have been busy, throw in a few graduations and celebrations and you have a packed June. I canā€™t wait to see what else is in store for the rest of the summer.

Crossed mini golf off my bucket list this summer.
Beautiful night for baseball

What Iā€™m Wearing: Iā€™ve had such good luck with finding dresses and summer outfits for work. I did a shopping spree a few weeks backĀ  and got lots of good deals from Marshallā€™s, T.J. Maxx, and Ann Taylor. I have a summer outfit post coming soon. This will include dresses and shoes, since I also hit the jackpot with work shoes from DSW.Ā 

Here’s a sneak peak, a bright dress for summer!

What Iā€™m Reading: Iā€™ve been on a reading spree. Iā€™ve read some thrillers, romance, chick flicks and more.

I started with One Night on this Island which tells the story of a girl who goes to a remote island off of Ireland to find herself and do a story for her job. Turns out the place she is staying is double booked with a man from the United States. Will they both stay or will one leave? Will she end up loving the island or not? You will have to read to find out.Ā 

From Ireland to England, The Jane Austen Society takes place in the 1800’s when a group or men and women work to form a group to conserve the memory of Jane Austen in her hometown. The description and setting in this story is to die for. You feel like you are transported to Austenā€™s time period. This is a wonderful read for any Jane Austen fan.

My third book this past month was The Plot. Let me tell you, this book blew me away. It is an incredible thriller with a lot of mystery. It tells the story of an author who meets a young student with an incredible plot for a future story. When the student dies, the teacher decides to take the idea as his own, but will repercussions follow? You will have to read to find out.

What Iā€™m Watching: Iā€™ve been making my way through season 2 of The Morning Show which has been fun to catch up on. Itā€™s been interesting to see how they tie in events from 2020 in their storylines.Ā 

Iā€™ve also been watching Great News on Netflix. It follows the story of a news producer and her mother who becomes her intern. Such a funny show and a bit relatable for someone who works in news.

I also saw a few movies this past month, I saw Top Gun Maverick at the drive-in which was a fun experience, plus after seeing the first movie, I couldnā€™t wait to see the second.

Great way to kick off summer

Speaking of sequels, I saw the second Downton Abbey movie in theaters and it was so good. Definitely worth seeing it on the big screen.

What I’m Loving: Besides enjoying the summer season, I wanted to share two things Iā€™ve been loving every day or week. I really try to keep my subscriptions to a minimum, Iā€™m talking about streaming, email, letters etc. But there are two email subscriptions that I look forward to reading every time they are in my inbox.

For daily news, I am subscribed to Katie Couric Media for her news briefing every day. I consume a lot of news, every day, from USA Today, to local news, and other papers, but I really love Katieā€™s news letters. She recaps national and world events, has some feature stories and different contributors. If you are looking for a great recap an updates on national and international news, this is a great place. You can subscribe on her website here.Ā 

Iā€™m a big fan of the Royal Family and Elizabeth Holmes is a former reporterĀ from the Wall Street Journal. Now, she reports on the Royal Family, she posts about royal fashion on Instagram, has a book about royal fashion and history, and she also does a semi weekly newsletter about everything from the Royals to lifestyle and fashion. You can find her here.

These are two newsletters that bring a smile to my face whenever I read them.

What Inspires Me: Iā€™ve been inspired by making every day count. I know the summer and warm weather is so short so I try to take every opportunity to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine whenever I can, even if it is just for a walk after work.

Sunset walk after work.

What I Accomplished:Ā  The past few weeks have been busy with both of my brothers graduating, plus my birthday, my momā€™s birthday and Fatherā€™s Day, needless to say, Iā€™ve been busy. But itā€™s been so nice to celebrate these big milestones and moments.

Birthday dinner by the water.

Goals from Last Month: Iā€™ve already checked off some items on my summer bucket list which has been fun. Itā€™s been nice to choose from a list of activities when you are looking for something to do. Iā€™ve done classic summer fun activities and some new ones, like going berry picking for the first time. So fun!

First time wild strawberry picking.

Goals for this Month: Iā€™m looking forward to enjoying more summer fun, from swimming, grilling, beach days and walks. Iā€™m also looking forward to seeing family who are visiting from out of town and celebrating the Fourth of July.

I can’t wait for more walks over the summer.

This a look into life this past month, lots of fun, family time and milestones. Overall, summer has been off to a great start! Howā€™s your first month of summer been? Let me know in the comments below.

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Currently

Currently #27

Hey everyone! Happy Wednesday! Can you believe we are days away from April? Where did March go, itā€™s finally starting to feel like spring and Iā€™m here for it! March was a packed month full of work, fun, getting some sunshine, and getting ready for spring!

What Iā€™m up to: This past month has been filled with spring cleaning, getting outside for walks, lots of reading, and then time with family and catching up with friends. Itā€™s been a good mix of relaxing and getting things done, those are my favorite kind of days and months. I spent the day in Pittsburgh a few weeks back and enjoyed a tasty lunch and an afternoon at the Art museum. It felt so good to take a road trip and be surrounded by art and change up my normal routine.

Snapshots of the Art museum.
Our tasty lunch of pizza and salad!
More art!

 

What Iā€™m wearing:  We got a few days in the 50s and it was so nice to be outside in just a long-sleeve shirt and jeans. Iā€™ve also been trading my winter jacket for my trench coat, thereā€™s nothing better than sporting lighter jackets. I have also being wearing sneakers more as opposed to boots-another win!

What Iā€™m reading:  I finished Pride and Prejudice which was such a nice treat down memory lane. Now, I just need to find the time to rewatch the mini series.

I also read Katie Couricā€™s book, Going There. I loved every page. I learned so much about Couricā€™s background and it was fascinating to read how she got to where she is today. It was insightful and eye opening.

Iā€™m currently reading Business Minded by one of my favorite bloggers, Carly Riordan. I’m loving learning about different small businesses and how they got their starts.

What Iā€™m Watching: Through the past month Iā€™ve made my way through the new season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It was such a good show to watch. I loved everything from the storylines to the fun guest characters and most importantly-the fashion! I love the styles and bright colors! Iā€™ve also been binge watching Downton Abbey, and Iā€™m not ashamed to say that Iā€™m hooked. Itā€™s been the perfect way to unwind and escape the craziness of the day to day life. 

What Iā€™m Loving: Iā€™ve been loving the changing seasons and the anticipation of spring.I got coffee and went on a two mile walk with a friend last week which was much needed and great to get outside. I also decorated areas of my home for spring and Easter. I also got a chance to head to our local zoo which was fun to get outside and enjoy the animals.

What Inspires Me: Iā€™ve been inspired by fresh starts and the spring season and new beginnings. IĀ  got some fresh flowers for my room and added some Easter eggs for some decorations and it quickly brightened up the room. Iā€™m excited for a season of new beginnings and warmer weather.

Fresh flowers and the sun peaking through

What I accomplished: After all my cleaning and organizing, I feel such a sense of accomplishment and ready for spring and summer with a clean slate. I sorted and donated lots of things from clothes to shoes and items I no longer need. It felt so good to clean things out and donate two huge bags of things to those in need. I’ve also been cleaning lots of different closets and drawers and it’s so good to see more spaces empty and not filled with clutter.

Goals Accomplished from Last Month: I started cooking again! This was a huge accomplishment for me. I made a chicken picatta dish a few weeks ago and I also made a fresh tomato basil sauce with pasta. Itā€™s been fun to research different recipes and try them out.

One of my latest recipes, thanks to Joanna Gaines, Magnolia cook book.

Goals for the New Month:  Iā€™m looking forward to celebrating Easter and starting to get the outdoors ready for spring and summer. Iā€™m also looking forward to taking more day trips and getting outdoors more.

Thatā€™s a look into life this past month. A month of decluttering, time with family and time getting ready for the new season. How have you spent your past month?