Tag: let's look

Categories
Let's Look

Let’s Look: Evening Routines

Hello all!

Happy Wednesday! 

I hope you are having a great September. It’s the second Tuesday of the month which means it’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up with  Erika and Shay. 

This year has been flying by, I can’t believe we are closer to the end of the year than the beginning or middle. It’s been such a good and fulfilling year, I can’t complain. 

Here’s a quick recap of all the Let’s Looks we have done this year. 

In August, we talked about our worst habits, In July, we talked about new favorite summer finds, in June, we talked about best travel tips, in May, we talked about our morning routines, in April, we talked about pet peeves, in March, we talked about Amazon purchases, in February it was about our medicine cabinets.

I love getting a look into other people’s lives and I love sharing a bit about my own too!

This month’s prompt is a look into our evening routines. My evening routine is pretty lowkey and not too exciting compared to my morning routine. It also ebbs and flows more than my morning routines.

 For me, the end of the day is all about wrapping things up and prepping for the next day so I can do my part to have a smoother morning.

After I get home from work or whatever I’m doing that day, I’ll eat dinner, visit with my family and clean up. Then I’ll do some computer work or picking up, like laundry, getting my lunch, prepping for the next day, anything that needs done.

I’ll shower and wash my face then unwind for the night. Unwinding is typically done by watching a show (whatever I’m binge watching or if there’s a weekly show I’m watching) or I’ll do some reading. If I have to be up early, I may drink some Sleepytime Tea to unwind. This is what I’m currently drinking.

My current favorite tea!

Right now, I’m watching A Perfect Story on Netflix which follows the story of a runaway bride and how she turns her life around when she meets someone totally unexpected. It’s a light-hearted mini series that’s only five episodes long, so it’s been a fast watch.

I just finished reading Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson. I have been waiting all summer to read it, but it was always checked out at the library. It was such a good and fast read all about the dynamics of a wealthy family in New York City. I loved how it was told from different perspectives and truly fell in love with the storylines and characters. Sometimes I’ll watch an episode or two depending on the time or read a few chapters or pages, it mostly depends on the day and how busy I am.

My latest read!

I try to be in bed between 9:00 and 9:30 when I’m working an early shift which means my alarm goes off at 3:30 a.m. or by 10:00-10:30 when I’m up at a normal time like 6:00 a.m.

A few things I always use before bed is my Sara Happ Lip Scrub and Slip. Since I always have lipstick on, I like to use this scrub and slip to clean and protect my lips nightly.

I also like to use essential oils at night for a good night’s sleep. I use different scents through the day, but at night I stick to Lavendar, Peppermint or mixes like Calm, Headache, or Deep Sleep.

I always use these at night.

If I also use a pillow/room mist that has Lavendar in it too and then I always apply some hand lotion before bed, Bath and Body Works Lavendar has been my go-to.

Now all that’s left is to put on my eye mask and hit the pillow. I do one final check on my phone for social media or to see if there’s any calls or emails I may have missed and then it’s time for bed.

My morning routine is way more detailed an expansive. However, at night, it’s just about wrapping up the day, getting set for tomorrow and then calming the mind and body. I’ll do some deep breathing techniques right before bed and that typically puts me to sleep.

Alarms set for the new day!

I wish my evening was more exciting, but it’s pretty subdue. 

I’m always curious to learn about other people’s evening routines! Tell me, what do you do at night that helps you get ready for a new day or unwind at the end of the day? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Sleeping!

Categories
Let's Look

Let’s Look: Worst Habits

Hey everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope you have been having a great week. Last weekend I ran my first 5K and I’ll be sharing more about what I learned about myself while training and how I prepared for it next week. Since it’s the second week of the month, I like to link up with Erika and Shay. for Let’s Look. Here’s some of the past things we looked at through the year. 

In July, we talked about new favorite summer finds, in June, we talked about best travel tips, in May, we talked about our morning routines, in April, we talked about pet peeves, in March, we talked about Amazon purchases, in February it was about our medicine cabinets.

Today, it’s all about worst habits which is similar to the biggest pet peeves prompt from April, but I decided to change it up and switch up my responses. When I first saw the prompt, I knew I could think of a list of bad habits or things that I’m not good at, which shows me how hard we can be on ourselves. 

Rather than give you a list of bad qualities, I decided to choose three bad habits I have and how I want to work on them. 

Here’s what I came up with:

Over planning– I am a Type A person through and through. I like lists, planners, a schedule and direction and I like it way in advance. But, as I have learned, life doesn’t work that way and you have to adapt and adjust, often or on the fly. Sometimes, I tend to over plan and then when things stray or change, I get thrown in a tail spin which is not good. I will also stress out about things that are out of my control. I will get anxious about something that is days, weeks or months away or may not even happen. I sometimes get so focused on it and get tunnel vision and then it may not even happen. I’m also really working on not overbooking things in advance and instead being more open and flexible to plans and things falling into place. It’s way easier said than done. I’m also working (which I have been for years) on being more spontaneous to making plans with friends and family. It hasn’t been easy but I’m doing my best. 

A look at my overly organized planner and to do lists.

Neat freak– I am a neat freak, control freak, everything has a home freak through and through. I love to clean, I love to make sure dishes are put away at the end of the day and all the laundry is folded and hampers are empty. I have been known to clean and put away dishes and cups when people are still using them. However, living with five other people, I know the house isn’t always in perfect condition. I try my best to let the little things go and give myself grace, but that doesn’t always happen. I love the sense of satisfaction of clean space which I alway try to leave room at home and desk at work in good shape whenever I leave, so when I come back, everything is fresh and clean. Growing up in a large family you get used to chaos, disorder and messes and it’s all a part about being in a family and I wouldn’t change it.

Getting sucked into “Sales and Free Items”– I enjoy shopping and I always love a good deal. However, I am guilty about buying things to get a sale or discount or to get something free when I don’t need it in the first place. For example, I will get emails like many other people about getting a free item/drink/side with a purchase and I will want to take advantage of the offer, because I would get something free too. However, do I need to buy something in the first place? Probably not. I fall victim to spending more sometimes to get a free item or free shipping when I probably didn’t need the item in the first place (I’m looking at you Bath and Body Works and Chipotle!) I will say that McDonald’s app and deals are ones that are consistent and worth the free items or discounts. However, most times, I realize I probably didn’t need to buy the item to get something free to begin with. I have gotten a lot better at simply deleting the email unless it’s something I absolutely need. However, I am guilty of spending when I don’t need to be spending haha!

An example of an email that I try to delete and not give into

I think as I have gotten older, I have seen these habits come out more, they aren’t necessarily bad, but when you take them to the extremes or become obsessed then you have to reign it in a bit. 

My biggest takeaways as I have grown up is that it’s all about moderation and not going to extremes of being a neat freak or over planned or stressing out about things out of your control, what it comes down to for me is about being more flexible and adaptable and less rigid. I’m a work in progress and I’m proud of that. I’m sure if you ask my friends and family about what my worst habits are, they can can give you a full list of other things, but these are big areas I that hope to work on as I grow older.

Now, that I have opened up, tell me, what are some of your bad habits? They can be big or small! Let me know in the comments below!

Categories
Let's Look

Let’s Look: New Favorite Summer Finds

Hey everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week. Last weekend, I was in Pittsburgh to see Ed Sheeran in concert. It was my second time seeing him perform and loved it. I loved his set list, the atmosphere and the songs. I had been looking forward to seeing him again and it did not disappoint.

View from our seats
Always a good time to enjoy a concert in the summer
One more concert shot

It’s the second Wednesday of the month which means it’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up with Erika and Shay.

Here’s the past Let’s Look topics of 2023

In June, we talked about best travel tips, in May, we talked about our morning routines, in April, we talked about pet peeves, in March, we talked about Amazon purchases, in February it was about our medicine cabinets.

This month’s topic is all about New Favorite Summer Finds. I have found lots of things I have been loving this summer that I have shared a lot of with you in different posts. This post has all my favorite summer finds with links in one stop.

Without further ado, here’s my 2023 Favorite Summer Finds:

Super Goop– I wear Super Goop almost every day. It goes on super lightweight and it adds a bit of shimmer too. I love that 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. From work days to weekends, this is always the first thing I put on after I wash my face.

White Baseball Cap– I love a good baseball cap and I have several in from different places and colors, but I was looking for a white one to wear with lighter colors and outfits. I happened to kill two birds with one stone when I found a white one in New York City. I loved the simple NYC logo and the fact it came in white. I wore it almost every day when I went to the beach and I have worn it out and about in the summer too. I love the lighter color for summer and it reminds me of trip to NYC too. 

Tennis Skirt– Another outfit favorite this summer has been this pale blue tennis skirt. I was influenced by Shay Shull for this skirt. It’s so easy to throw on after being out in the water or running errands. The material is Nylon, which is great for hot days. You can dress it up with a cute blouse or dress it down with a workout shirt or regular t-shirt. I like how you can wear it with sneakers, sandals or flip flops. Such a fun way to switch up an outfit. An amazon purchase for the win!

Tennis Dress– Seaking of Amazon wins, this tennis dress was another Amazon find courtesy of Shay Shull. This dress (which comes ith shorts) is  easy to throw on and it’s made from Nylon so it’s good for being around water. It comes in so many colors, but I love the light blue. I’ve worn it with sandals and my birkenstocks, but you can easily wear it with sneakers too. Plus, it goes great with a white baseball cap. I love the cut and style and runs true to size.  This was the perfect fun outfit to add to my fun clothes wardrobe. 

Birkenstocks–  Speaking of sandals, after seeing the trends for years, I finally decided to hop on the Birkenstock bandwagon and I’m 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 wear them multiple times a week, from watering plants to taking out the trash and running errands. They have been my go-to all summer.

New favorite summer shoe!

Dress Sandals– These have become my favorite summer dress sandal. I picked up a pair from T.J. Maxx and I am obsessed. I have worn them to work, to church and out to events and date night. I love the color, the straps and the best part is how comfortable they are! They have great support and you can wear them for hours. I know they are in style and a major trend and I am on board.

UV Hair Spray– I have talked about using new products or sample products when I am on trips or vacations and when I went to the beach last month, I tried this new sample UV heat protection spray from Ulta. I really liked how it added an extra layer of protection for my hair and how easy it went in. Plus, as an extra bonus, it smells really good too. I always like trying new products as samples before I purchase them to see if I want to invest in them. 

Those have been some of my favorite summer items over the past few weeks. Some clothes, some products and some items. Overall, these are things that I have been using weekly if not daily this summer. Tell me, as we make our way through July what are some things you are loving?! Let me know in the comments below!

I hope you are having a great week and a great July! See you in two days for a new edition of Friday Favorites!

Categories
Let's Look Travel

Let’s Look: Best Travel Tips


Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week so far!  It’s the second Wednesday of the month which means it’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up with Erika and Shay.

Here’s some of the past prompts. In May, we talked about our morning routines, in April, we talked about pet peeves, in March, we talked about Amazon purchases, in February it was about our medicine cabinets.

As we make our way through summer, one thing you may be doing is heading on a trip, so this month, we are talking about travel tips. I did a post about summer travel tips that you can read here. But here’s a bit of a refresher and some new advice!

I broke down my travel tips for a day trip, weekend away and week long trip. I have been going on lots of day trips recently, so I have it down to a science. All these tips are for road trips in a car, but can be altered for flying.

Day Trip

  • Make a list of everything you plan to bring (I always like to keep it on my phone, so I can reference it- write everything down-from wallet to snacks, even chargers)
An example of a packing list (mine are more detailed but this just an example)
  • Totes and smaller pouches are the best tools. I love to bring a big tote (some of my favorite brands are my new Barrington tote, my Longchamp tote and my Thirty One bags) and then store smaller items like chargers, ear buds, gadgets in the pouches.
  • Always bring the necessities in addition to the fun things. (I always bring extra medicine, a first aid kit, a book, my glasses, some backup makeup, a hoodie or sweater, sunscreen or sunglasses- in the summer, just in case I may need them.)
  • A good road trip isn’t complete without some good snacks and don’t forget bottle water and drinks in case you get stranded in a car.
  • I always pack a backup outfit or blanket in case something happens and a day trip turns into an overnight trip. 
  • I always have a go-bag with extra clothes, toiletries, a blanket and pillow in my trunk.

Weekend Away

  • A lot of the same advice applies to a weekend away as they would to a day trip, but here’s a few extra tips. 
  • I always like to use sample products from toiletries and beauty products when I go away. It’s a way to try different products, see what works, but you don’t have to worry about long-term uses.
An example of some free samples that I can’t wait to try when I go away.
  • If you are low on items, use them on the trip and then toss them so you don’t have to bring them back.
  • Don’t overpack, try to keep in mind what events you need to pack for and try and stick with a color scheme too, it makes planning outfits easier

Week Long Trip

  • Always keep a packing list with all the details of every item and every place, event, or activity you need an outfit for.
  • Pack back up items in neutral colors to mix and match for outfits ( I always pack a white shirt, a t-shirt dress, and an extra pair of shoes that can be worn with other outfits.)
  • Leave room for souvenirs or any items you may buy or bring back. 

I enjoy traveling for long and short trips and while packing can be stressful or overwhelming, breaking it down by making lists, keeping things simple and not overthinking always helps. Always remember, if you forget something, you can always pick it up at the store!

That’s just some travel and packing tips that work for me. Tell me, what travel tips do you live by? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Traveling!

Categories
Let's Look

Let’s Look: Morning Routines

Hey friends! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week so far as we make our way through MAY! This is one of my favorite months of the year, I love the warmer weather, transitioning from spring to summer, fresh plants and flowers, the start of grilling season and my birthday is this month-so many great things happening!

It’s the second Wednesday of the month which means it’s time for a Let’s Look with Erika and Shay for Let’s Look!! Once a month, they share different parts of their lives and I’ve linked up along with them too. Here’s some of the past prompts, in April, we talked about pet peeves, in March, we talked about Amazon purchases in February it was about our medicine cabinets. This month the theme is Let’s Look at our morning routines!

I LOVE a good morning routine, so I couldn’t wait to share mine.

I have two morning routines to share. The first, an early morning routine and a second-regular morning routine.

On weekends, I work an early morning shift, so my mornings look a bit different compared to Monday through Friday, so I decided to share them both with you today!

Up first, a weekend morning.

Alarm goes off at 3:45, I spend some time checking my phone for emails, texts, social media, news feeds for a few minutes and then it’s reflection time. I read a daily reflection from Laudate, a religious app and then doing journaling and reflection.

This is my current journal, there’s a prompt for every day which I’ll answer and then I’ll journal anything that’s on my mind. Then I do some reading of this meditation, Sure as the Sunrise by Emily Ley. I have been loving it this year. This takes about 10 minutes from start to finish and then this is where the time starts ticking.

I get up before 4:00, make up bed, brush teeth and wash my face and then start makeup. If all goes according to plan, it takes about twenty minutes for my makeup.

Then it’s hair time, I typically curl my hair and while I do that I do some reading and a word search. I know it sounds crazy, but rather than watch tv or listen to music, I will read a few chapters and complete a word search while I do my hair.

Once all is said and done it’s about 4:40, I finish getting ready, grab my lunch and it’s out the door by 4:50 to get to work by 5:00.

Out the door on time.

On weekends, mornings go by fast and there’s no chance of hitting the snooze.

At work on time!

On weekdays, it’s a bit of a different story. I get a lot more done and it’s not as rushed.

Alarm goes off at 6:15, I go about my morning routine of checking my phone, having my reflection time, getting up and getting ready to leave for the gym by 6:40.

Workout done!

Then it’s workout time for about an hour. I get home around 7:50ish.

It’s time to start getting ready for the work day, that includes makeup, hair-similar to my weekend routine. I’ll see what I have going on for the day with my Simplified Planner.

A glance at my planner for this week

I’ll grab my lunch do any picking up that needs done and then it’s out the door, on this particular day, I had to run to the bank before heading to work, but made it in my 9:15 ahead of my start time.

 

Time for work!

My days off look fairly similar to a weekday morning, same wakeup time, reflection, gym time and then after that every day is different depending on if I have appointments, errands to run or I just come home and relax.

That’s a look at two different by similar morning routines. I always love getting a peak into other people’s routines and rhythms. Let me know in the comments below about yours!

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

Categories
Fitness Let's Look

Let’s Look and Apple Fitness Review

Hello All!

Happy Wednesday! I hope your weeks are going well. It’s starting to feel more and more like springtime which I can’t get enough of. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter!

I had the best Easter with family, savoring traditions and having fun!

I have an extra-long post for you today!

First, I’m linking up with Erika and Shay for their monthly “Let’s Look”, every month, they choose different topics to discuss, last month we talked about about favorite Amazon purchases and in February we shared about our medicine cabinets and today’s topic is pet peeves. 

I’m sure if I thought about it for hours, I could give you a list of pet peeves, but to save both your and my sanity, here’s a few of my pet peeves.

I’m a neat-freak, so I can’t stand messes. If there’s clutter, I try to clean it up, a load of laundry in the dryer? I fold it. (Whether it’s a 10 pm or 6 am). Dishes sitting in the sink? I clean them. I love the feeling of going to bed or leaving the house in order, so I always try to have everything picked up and tidied up. It sometimes drives the people in my life crazy, when I spend time suggesting they tidy up a space, I’m a work in progress, so I’m trying to let go of things being tidy and organized all the time.

Another pet peeve I have is I hate wasting, whether it’s food or items or time. It pains me to throw away food that I don’t eat. I always try to eat leftovers and use things I have in my fridge or freezer or pantry instead of buying food when I have things at home. I also hate wasting items, I like to use samples that I get or I will use cosmetics until the last drop. And time, i hate wasting time and not being productive.

My last big pet peeve is low batteries on phones or low gas in cars. I get stressed with gas gets below a quarter tank or when my phone battery hits 40%, I always like to be prepared with full tanks of gas or a full battery.

I’m sure I can think of plenty of more pet peeves, but those are some of my top pet peeves.

For part two of today’s post, I’m reviewing Apple Fitness. I got a new phone back in January and when I got it, I got three months free with Apple Fitness. I was excited to try it and have used it a lot over the past three months.

Some of my favorite features include the dozens of different workouts, intensity levels and lengths of workouts. There’s a mix of at-home workouts videos and guided workouts on a treadmill, bike, or elliptical.

I tried yoga, strength and conditioning, core, stretching, walking and running, just to name a few. Some workouts were 10-minute yoga sessions which were perfect for a quick stretch and other core workouts were 45 minutes that got you sweating. 

I loved the variety of workouts and the different instructors; some were upbeat and fast paced and others were more calming and chill. There were always new classes to try and I loved that you could see how you were doing to try and close your rings.

I used the guided walks the most, you could choose from a variety of people from singers to activists, actors, or political figures and they would narrate while you walked. They would share personal stories, their favorite songs and life lessons. I “went on a walk” with Prince William, Dolly Parton and Gabrielle Union to name a few. I learned a lot from them while getting a good walk in. 

Apple Fitness is $9.99 a month which in my opinion isn’t a horrible option for access to hundreds of at home workouts and guided workouts. However, I belong to a gym that I go to every day, so I was using Apple Fitness in addition to what I was doing at the gym. Ultimately, I decided to not renew my Apple Fitness subscription. I really enjoyed it and found it super helpful and useful, but I wasn’t using it enough to pay $10 when I was already going to a gym. If I decide to not to a gym and just rely on home workouts, then I will definitely be renewing my Apple Fitness Subscrpition.

Whew, that was a long one. Major props if you made it through the whole post, but I had a lot on my mind. I have two questions to pose to you today!

1) What are your biggest pet peeves?

2) Are you and Apple Fitness fan? Have you tried it? Are you more into hitting the gym or doing an at-home workout? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a wonderful rest of your week! See you here on Friday!

Categories
Let's Look

Let’s Look: Amazon Purchases

Hi all! Happy Wednesday! I hope your March is going smoothly and you start to see the beginnings of SPRING! We’ve had a mild winter so far, but I’m already craving the sunshine and 50 degree temperatures. 

Today I’m linking up with Erika and Shay for this month’s edition of Let’s Look. Every month, whoever links up gives you a look into a different aspect of their lives.

This month it’s about all time favorite Amazon purchases! I have to be honest, I use Amazon, but I do prefer to shop in stores. Amazon definitely makes it easier to order things you need in a pinch, but sometimes it’s fun to browse stores and the aisles. 

Here’s some fun things I’ve bought from Amazon recently. 

Photo Frame-Not a super fun purchase, but I needed it for a gift and rather than going to multiple craft stores to find this large frame, I went on my Amazon app, ordered the it and had it shipped to my house in two days. I could choose the color and size and it was inexpensive too. Just what I was looking for.

Jeep Key Fob Cover- One of my co-workers had this cover for her key fob and I loved how it looked (so sleek and sophisticated) so I wanted to get one for myself. This soft rubber key fob slips right over your key fob. A larger key ring also comes with it, so you can slip it right over onto your wallet or key ring. When I was looking on Amazon for it, I came across other covers for different cars and their keys. My mom loved how mine looked, so she ordered a cover for her key fob, (a different make and model than mine)! It wasn’t too expensive, but it was more of a fun purchase than a practical one. But every time I see it, does it bring me joy? You bet!

Charging Station for iPhone– I talked about this purchase in my Friday Favorites at the beginning of the year, but I wanted to bring it back again. I got this three in one charging station for my phone and apple watch. You can charge your AirPods too, but I don’t have AirPods, so I don’t use that feature. I love how I don’t have to worry about multiple cords and chargers anymore. it’s one plug and everything gets charged. I also have a pop socket/ring on the back of my phone, and you can still charge it with it on. The only catch is to make sure when you order it, it’s compatible for your version of your watch, phone and AirPods. It comes in multiple colors and it affordable and it saves you time and energy from searching for multiple cords.

Spare-No surprise here that I pre-ordered Spare and it arrived on the day it came out. The library is typically my go-to for books, but I do order books if I know I will want to re-read it or hold onto them. Amazon made it easy for me start reading right away!

Heatless Curling Rod Headband-This will be getting its own post soon enough, but like many others, I purchased this curling rod headband that gives your curls without using heat. I’ve tried it a handful of times and have been pleased with it, but still need to try it out different ways to really get the hang of it. But Amazon made it so easy to order it and try it within a few days.

That’s a look into some of the things I’ve ordered from Amazon, some fun, some basic, a little bit of everything. What are some of your favorite Amazon purchases? Let me know in the comments below!