Tag: love

Categories
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!

Categories
Fabulous living

Twenty-Five

Twenty-five, a quarter of a century, a full blown adult.

These are a few of the things that have been running through my mind over the last few weeks.Ā 

Let me back up, I turn 25 next week and it’s a milestone birthday filled with all the emotions. Excitement, anticipation, nostalgia, and a bit of fear too.Ā 

Growing up, I always thought when you turned 25, you were officially an adult. No longer a child, teenager, or even young adult, but a full-fledged adult, and you had to have it all figured out.

Spoiler alert, I’m almost 25 and I don’t have it all figured out and I’m okay with that, in fact, I’m glad I don’t have it all figured out. I’ve learned you don’t have to have it all sorted out quite yet.

Your twenties are all about growing and learning and taking risks and seeing where life takes you. My first half of my twenties were filled with graduating college, moving back home, starting a career, going through a pandemic, getting promoted, making new friends and meeting my boyfriend, that’s a lot of change for five years.

But, let me let you in on a secret, I have loved every bit of it, even the stressful days or the moments filled with unknowns. I’ve learned so much about myself and from those around me and I’m so happy where I am today. I’ve learned to savor every moment spent with family, whether it’s a major holiday or a Tuesday night dinner (just ask any of my brothers, I always comment how special it is that we are all together-and it drives them nuts.) I’ve also learned to be open to new opportunities, but to trust my gut and how it’s okay to say no to things if they don’t feel right. I’ve learned friendship works both ways and some friendships aren’t meant to last forever, some are only meant for a season, while others are forever.

Most importantly, I’ve learned to savor and love the little things in life, whether it’s a morning walk, a coffee with a friend or even going through an evening routine. The little things in life are often the things you will remember the most.

Now as I embark on the second half of my twenties, I am eager to continue to see how I can grow more and what things I can learn about myself. I’m also interested to see where I will be at age 30. Will I be married? have children? Living in the same city? So much can change in five years, but I also now so many things will still be the same. I know I will have a loving family by my side, I know I will have supportive friends and a caring boyfriend. I’m excited to see where these next few years will take me and how I will grow and change. I always like reflecting as big milestones come and go to see how far I have come and what I’ve learned.Ā 

As far as what this year brings, I don’t have any big goals for this next year, I want to keep doing what I’m doing. I want to keep working hard at my job, putting family and relationships first, making sure I’m taking care of my body and self with different hobbies and I want to make sure I’m taking every opportunity available.Ā  Because my birthday falls in May, I’m halfway through my 2023 New Year’s Resolutions and so far they have been going well, definitely room for improvement in some areas, but I have seen progress in other realms.

My birthday falls on Memorial Day and I’ll be working so I’m not quite sure what the day will hold, but I’m excited for what year 25 will bring!

Here’s to another year! Happy Birthday to Me!

Categories
Fabulous living

What I’m Thankful For

Hello everyone! Happy Wednesday! If you are able to enjoy some time off around the Thanksgiving holiday. I hope the next few days are filled with delicious food, time with family or loved ones, making core memories and a time to rejuvenate.

After Thanksgiving, I know Christmas will be on the minds of many, if it isnā€™t already. Before Thanksgiving, I always like to take some extra time to reflect on my blessings and what Iā€™m thankful for.

I have so many things to be grateful for this year. I am so lucky to have a loving and supportive family with me. I love that I am able to work in my hometown and Iā€™m able to see my family every day. Thereā€™s no greater joy than coming home and enjoying a home cooked meal and talking about our dayā€™s. This year we have traveled to new places and visited old ones. One of the best things about this year was our time together from family dinners, to day trips and just conversations and laughs together. Thereā€™s nothing more special than time spent with family. I’m also grateful to my furbabies too!

A snapshot from our time spent at the beach this summer.
My favorite puppies!

Iā€™m grateful for my boyfriend brings out the best in me every day. He who pushes me to work my hardest and supports me in everything I do. From my job to my blog, heā€™s an incredible supporter. We have created so many wonderful memories from walks to adventures, trying new recipes and long drives. Our time together is one of the things I treasure most of all.

One of the many places we have got walking.

Iā€™m so lucky to have wonderful friends in my life. From friends from preschool, to high school friends and one from college. Iā€™m grateful that I have stayed in touch and continued to create memories with. From meeting halfway for dinners, to monthly facetime dates, walks and coffee hangs. As an adult, life can get busy so I try to make a point to put friendships first by checking in on friends when they have busy weeks, or making a suggestion for a favorite book or movie. I always love when I have friends who check in on me and support me and lift me up when I need an extra hand.

I’m grateful for a job that I love. I enjoy learning new things every day and being challenged and growing every day. I love being able to work and live in my hometown and make an impact every day.

A glimpse into some of the places my job takes me.

After illness being a topic of conversation for the past few years, I am so grateful for my good health, my familyā€™s health and my friendā€™s health. Waking up every day and being healthy is something I donā€™t take for granted. Life can get busy and our priorities can shift but reminding ourselves whatā€™s important is something we need to remind ourselves more.

Savoring the little moments in life, like fall drives.

Iā€™m thankful for all the challenging moments in life, for the long or stressful moments because it makes me stronger and makes me a better person. I know I wouldnā€™t be where I am today if it werenā€™t for the growing pains or the rollercoaster moments. All those little things got me to where I am today.

I am grateful for all the things that bring me joy! From curling up with a good book, to baking food for ones that I love, and enjoying heartfelt conversations with family and friends. Iā€™m grateful for how I feel when I finish a hard workout or a long walk. Iā€™m grateful for the satisfaction I feel when I prepare a meal or dessert for my family. Iā€™m grateful for the experience of getting lost in a book or a movie. Iā€™m grateful for resting after a productive day. Iā€™m thankful for seeing the sunrise every morning and watching it set. 

Finding hobbies like cooking and baking bring me so much joy!

Life is so precious and itā€™s made up so many little moments. At the end of the day, thatā€™s what Iā€™m most grateful for, all the moments, big and small. 

Feeling extra grateful this year!

Over the next few days, I hope you take the time to reflect on what you are most grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Categories
Fabulous living

Valentine’s Day and Gift Guide

Happy Wednesday! I hope your week’s are moving along well.

I have a two for one today as we are talking about Valentine’s Day which is next week!

Today’s post is a mix of gift ideas and date ideas for you and your sweetheart if you are celebrating a day filled with love on Monday.

Let’s start with gift ideas. 

Valentine’s Day Gifts

You can always go for a box of chocolates or something sweet and flowers. As someone with a big sweet tooth, I would love a big box of chocolates, but if you want to be a bit more creative, here’s some ideas.

-An Experience

If you want to combine gifts and a date in a gift, maybe splurge on an experience or an activity. It can be anything from tickets to a show (movie or concert) or a favorite sporting event (it’s Hockey season!) to maybe a unique date like wine tasting, candle making or a painting night. This gift allows you both to spend time together and do something a little more special or fun that you may not typically do during your date nights.Ā 

-A Memento 

This gift allows you to flex your creative muscles. Maybe try getting your significant other a memento from your relationship. This can be as easy as getting a new frame and printing some of your favorite pictures to put inside. Maybe you saved a special receipt or a hand written letter, consider framing them. Another idea is adding a few keepsakes to a scrap book or even make up a memory box to put some of your favorite memories that make you think of the other person.

-A “Couple” Favorite Things

This is another fun gift idea, put together a little box of gift of some of your favorite things you both like to enjoy. This can be your favorite candies, snacks, or drinks, maybe a favorite movie or activity or a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant or a place that you went to on a favorite or memorable date. Put it all together and gift it. This allows you both to enjoy something together and enjoy some things you have grown to love together. A perfect walk down memory lane together.

Date Ideas

-Home Cooked Meal

I always love this as a date idea. This date allows you and your girlfriend or boyfriend to enjoy a more relaxing night at home and avoid the craziness and crowds of restaurants. Maybe try a new recipe or meal together, you can bond in the kitchen and can enjoy a delicious end result. To make it extra special, use some nice plates and dishes, light some candles and set the mood for a dinner date for two.

-Night on the Town

Even if you have to work during the day, enjoy the big night after work. You can enjoy a favorite spot to eat at or try a new spot to make it special. Then head out to enjoy the rest of the night, whether it’s with a show or maybe a walk in a park or even a drive. . As fun as it is to enjoy the actual day, to avoid the hectic-ness of Valentine’s Day, maybe head out to celebrate the weekend before or a few days after to enjoy a quiet night.

– Day Trip

Even if you don’t celebrate the day of, plan a day trip to either someplace new or a favorite place that holds meaning to you both. During the winter months and being coped up for so long, it’s exciting to try something new and head out for a day trip. Start the day early and get some snacks and hit the open road, set a destination, and make some stops along the way. It doesn’t matter where you end up, what matters is the journey and the memories you make along the way.

These are just a few ideas to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Whether you like to go all out or like to keep it low-key, what’s most important is showing the people in your life that you love them. And yes, these ideas work just as well for a girl’s night out too!

Categories
Fabulous living

What I’m Thankful For #4

Every year I like to take time and reflect on the past year and the things Iā€™m thankful for. 

Hereā€™s a look back from yearā€™s past.

2019

2018

2017

2020 has been quite the year and there are so many things to be thankful for. 

First and foremost is my health, Iā€™m so lucky and blessed to have good health this past year. 

Iā€™m also super blessed for my family. This past year, I have been able to move home and get lots of extra family time, living at home during the pandemic also helped a lot too. I got bonus time I missed out on in college and time that I wonā€™t always have when I move out on my own. Iā€™m so lucky my family was healthy this past year. 

Throwback of my family together

My pets. A few weeks back, we lost one of our dogs, Hershey Kiss. It was very sudden and sad to see one of our dogs who has been with us for years pass away, with that being said, Iā€™m so grateful for my other two dogs and the love they bring. 

My sweet Hershey Kiss

My friends. This year was definitely challenging since so many plans and activities were cancelled and I missed out on a lot of time with friends. I was able to spend time with friends socially distant and FaceTime and texted helped immensely. This past year also showed me the importance of maintaining friendships and itā€™s all about putting in effort. 


My friend Danielle and I
My friends Maddie and Ryan and I

My Job. I am very blessed to have a job that I got to work at through the pandemic. I also have grown and learned a lot during this past. Iā€™m very grateful for co-workers that have turned into mentors and friends and even almost like family. 

My first time working Election night

Iā€™m grateful for the tough days, the ones that I feel like Iā€™m drowning or not doing anything right, because those are the days that I learn the most about myself. 

Iā€™m grateful for the basic needs that I take for granted. Iā€™m thankful for a home with a loving family, food on the table, a car to get to work in. All things that Iā€™m lucky to have that others donā€™t have.

Iā€™m thankful for my faith, on the good and bad days, I know God is always there for me and he will lead me on the path he has for me. 

Iā€™m grateful for all the little moments and mundane things, from drives to work, walks, laughs, movie nights, baking, family dinners, good night sleeps, going to the gym and so many other little momenta that turn out to be the big ones.

Thatā€™s just a peak into my heart this Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year?

Categories
Fabulous living

Finding the Good in Everyday

Hey hey! Happy Wednesday! New week, new goals, and new opportunities await for me. 

I always look to find the positive in every situation, whether itā€™s in work or at home, in good times and bad, I always look for the light in the darkness. 

I personally feel that in life we can get so caught up in the negativity that we forget how much good there is in the world. 

Here are a few ways that I always try to find the good in every day:

  1. Donā€™t let the little things bring you down. At the end of the day focus on the big picture and donā€™t worry about the little things. 
  2. When in doubt, be grateful, we can always focus on the things we donā€™t have or the things that donā€™t go our ways, but why not change that mentality and focus on the good. 
  3. Do things that bring joy in your day, whether itā€™s wearing your favorite outfit, getting Starbucks on your way to work, or taking time for yourself. 

Itā€™s amazing how much one small thing can change your outlook on life, even if itā€™s a simple smile or asking someone how their day is going, you never know how one small act of kindness can make a difference on someone else. When it doubt, choose kindness, choose positivity, and choose joy. Sorry, for the shorter post, life is busy, but I wanted to check in and spread some joy! Have a wonderful week ahead!

Categories
Fabulous living

Spring Break in One Day

Hey friends! 

Happy Wednesday! I hope you have been having a wonderful week. Iā€™m really excited about todayā€™s post. A few weeks back, I did a post about the importance of keeping friendships alive even when you are doing the long-distance trek. 

This week would have been my college spring break, even though I didnā€™t get a full week off like I used to in college, I still wanted to do something fun on my day off work, so I decided to have a ā€œspring break dayā€ in Pittsburgh, I met up with friends for breakfast, lunch and dinner, It was so good to see some of my close college friends, catch up, just relax and not worry about work. It was the perfect day escape. Plus, it was so nice to see my friendā€™s hometowns. 

I got some shopping in, was able to have some face to face conversations with friends, and have a fun day. 

As I started working full time I realized that itā€™s important to take time for yourself on your days off, whether itā€™s catch up with friends, relaxing at home, seeing family, or taking up a new hobby. It was so good to have a very mini spring break in my favorite city with my favorite people. 

After this fun day and little getaway, I know that I will be making more trips to visit friends and do something for myself too. Facetime, phone calls, and texting is great but there is something special about seeing friends in person. Your friends are important, make sure you keep them close. 

Have a wonderful week!

Categories
Fabulous living

Putting Friendships First

Hey gang! Happy Wednesday. Todayā€™s post is shorter but itā€™s something that I think is important especially to young adults, especially ones in the post-grad life, like me. 

Today, we are talking all about friendships and working with friendships long distance. Since moving back home, and I started a new job, Iā€™ve  met some amazing people that I am very lucky to call my co-workers and even friends. But, I am still very close with my college friends, they were a part of my life for so long and I make sure I stay in touch with them. Itā€™s hard going from seeing them every day, sometimes multiple times a day to not seeing them for weeks or months at a time. 

So, how do you stay in touch with friends when you have different schedules, and are in different places in your life? The answer, putting in the effort, which comes in many forms includingā€¦thank you technology!!

I easily text my friends daily whether itā€™s through iMessage or snap chat. Itā€™s a quick way to stay in touch but let others know you are thinking of them. I also am a big fan of sending things I see online to them, whether itā€™s an inside joke or something clever. I also facetime some of my close friends weekly, whether itā€™s an hour long conversation or a 5 minute conversation. The biggest thing I learned is that itā€™s all about putting the effort in time to keep the friendship alive, you donā€™t have to talk to someone every day for them to be a friend. Yes, life gets busy but itā€™s important to make the friendship a priority. Life gets harder when you arenā€™t living with all your friends all the time. But, if you make the effort you can make it work. I text, snap chat, or message my close friends every day, it could be something as simple as a sending a meme or an inside joke or it could be as big as giving them a life update. But, friendships are important and deserve to be made a priority. 

The moral of the story? Put effort into your friendships, if you love someone, tell them you love them, check in on your friends and let them know you are there for them.

Spread some love today!

XOXO

Categories
Fabulous living

Thank You Saint Vincent College

Hello All!

My goodness, so much has happened since we last were together.  Since my last post, I finished all my finals and wrapped up all my work at school, I said goodbye to all my friends, I packed up my room, graduated college, moved out of college, and moved back home. What a whirlwind. 

Happy Graduation Day

I have been putting off this post because how does one put into words how much a place has meant to them and how much they have changed since going to college. I have completed changed since coming to college for the better. I am so much more happier and well-rounded and most importantly, confident in who I am. 

When I moved into college in August of 2016, I was scared of what to expect for what college would hold. Through every semester, I learned in and out of the classroom, I gained more leadership roles, I tried new things, got involved, but most importantly, I learned a tremendous about myself. 

I had professors in class who would become my bosses and greatest mentors. People who I was co-workers with have become some of my closest friends. Even individuals who I met on move in day have become my best friends. 

My bestie since day one, Danielle

College is a weird thing because, you meet people from all over the country from all different walks of life and one singular place ties you all together. You spend every day walking the halls and seeing the same familiar faces and then, all of a sudden, itā€™s graduation day and you all move on and go your separate ways. You may not see the people ever again but you are all still connected to that one place.

I wouldnā€™t be the person I am today, if it werenā€™t for my incredibly supportive family, loving friends, encouraging professors, and influential bosses and mentors. I have learned so much from the people who graduated before me and the people I had to leave behind. Iā€™m so lucky and thankful for all the people who were a part of my college journey, whether it was from day one, two years ago, or even four months ago. Iā€™m so glad I took every opportunity presented to me in college, whether it was for an honor society, job opportunity, or work study position. Every single experience has influenced me and helped shape me into the person I am today. 

I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my family

I couldnā€™t be more blessed with a school that allowed me to grow and flourish and find myself, however, it makes it so much harder to leave behind. Saint Vincent College has truly become home to me and I know I will be back. Thank you to the school that has given me so much. I will never forget my time at Saint Vincent College and all the incredible things it has given me. Once a Bearcat, Always a bearcat. 

Categories
Fabulous living

My College Career in Four Journals

Hey everyone! Happy Tuesday. I hope you all had a great and restful weekend. With only a few weekends left in college, I am trying to soak up all the time I have left being with my friends, I have been taking advantage of going out to brunch with my buddies, having good conversations with friends, and always being down to do something. 

That brings me to my new series of blog posts. I started this blog when I was in my freshmen year of college and a lot has happened since I started it. The next several weeks, my posts will be dedicated to reflecting on my time in college, my favorite memories, what I learned, a final semester recap, and a thank you to a place that I have truly grown in so many ways. 

Four years of memories, moments, and happiness

Todayā€™s post is something that I have talked about through the years, but I am ready to really talk about it more. Letā€™s talk about journaling! I can successfully say that I have journaled through my entire college career. Yes, every single day of college, is documented and written about. I can tell you what I was doing on November 29, 2016, or April 16, 2017, or January 25, 2018, and even on August 26, 2019. I can tell you how I was feeling, what I was struggling with, what sparked joy that day because I wrote it all down. Looking back, this was one of the best decisions I made while I was in college. Writing about my feelings, what I was going through, what things caused me stressed and what things made me happy was such a good way to unwind and reflect. It also put things in perspective for me. I never had a full day where I complained, I always found something positive or good about the day, whether it was getting a good grade on an exam or catching up with an old friend. Journaling every day made me realize how good life is, and all the things I have to be grateful for. Every year, I had a different theme for my journaling.

Freshmen year, my mom gifted me this journal when I moved into my first day of college. I journaled about every single thing that happened, what I ate for breakfast, how my classes went, what I did for fun and when I went to bed. I was so detailed with my journaling. It was a great way to unwind at the end of the day and reflect of everything I got done. This method really worked during a year of adjusting to a new place and new people. It was a form of comfort to me. 

Sophomore year-my year of YES

Sophomore year came and it was all about yes saying to everything. I started a new job, met new friends, tried new things and stepped out of my comfort zone. I had read Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes and I made my sophomore year my year of yes. I started every day with my Years of Yes journal. The journal was set up with a topic each month to say yes to things. There was a goals section where you can map out where you want to see yourself by the end of the month. Each day is split up into three sections where you can write about the things you said yes to. Inspirational quotes by Rhimes are spread throughout the book to give you motivation if you need it. I spent 5 minutes a day on this and it was such a positive way to start the day. I loved seeing all the things I tried and said yes to through the year. 

Junior Year JOY

Junior year brought JOY. I decided to journal about all the joy in my life. I found myself getting negative about the small things in life, whether it was a long day or friendship troubles. I decided to find joy in every day. I would write down three good things or three things that brought me joy. After doing this for a full year I got to change my mindset and see all the good things in my life. It also made the small annoying things in life seem nonexistent. Iā€™m so glad I found the good in every day. 

Finding Grace in my Senior Year

For senior year, I wanted to try something new. I have always been very involved and balancing a lot of things in life, which I do very well at. For senior year, I decided to give myself the gift of grace. I was inspired by Emily Leyā€™s Grace Not Perfection and, journaled every day from prompts in the book, A Standard of Grace as well sharing the highlights of my day. It really made me focus on what was important in life. 

Four years later

Although, my college career is winding down, I will continue to journal, it has been a great stress reliever, and a beautiful way to reflect on my time in college and see the beauty and good in every day. Journaling has brought me so much joy and happiness and I am so glad I have four journals full of thoughts, memories, and happiness from my time in college.