Happy Friday! I hope you have had a great week as we make our way into August. Summer is flying by way too fast and it desperately needs to slow down.
Summer nights with live music for the win!
One of my favorite things about the summer season is getting out of my routine and sometimes trying new things, which can be in the form of foods, beauty products and clothes and today’s Friday Favorites is a mix of all of those. I’ve been trying lots of new things and can’t wait to share them all with you.
New Outfit from Marshall’s– I popped into Marshall’s a few weeks ago to see if there were any new arrivals and there certainly was. I mostly shop at Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx for work dresses and blouses and home decor, but I do get the occasional fun outfit from the stores too. I found these cute pair of black shorts from Ann Taylor and this light, linen top and paired them together for an outfit. I love the length of the shorts and the fact they are stretchy, but can be worn with a belt. I also really appreciate that the material is sturdier and almost like a dress pant, so you can dress up the shorts. The lightweight top balances out the darker and heavier shorts. I love the detailing with the flowers and the linen material. I wore this outfit together recently out of town and it was the perfect combo.
New Hydrating Chapstick– I got this new lip butter balm as a gift and have been putting it on daily. It’s by Summer Fridays and it’s a gel-like balm that goes on clear, hydrates your lips and is long-lasting. I put it on first thing in the morning and it lasts several hours. It keeps my lips feeling moist and smooth all day long.
Credentialed Podcast is Back– I mentioned this podcast, Credentialed a few months ago. It’s all about the news industry, building your own brand and starting over. It took a bit of a hiatus but is back with Jillian Mele as the host. She has a mix of guests and does solo episodes too. I have been really enjoying her weekly episodes about her career and building your brand. You can listen to them on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Pantene Hair Repair-I got his sample from Pantene for hair treatment and repair. Typically, on my weekends, I give my hair a little extra TLC and one of the ways is through this product. I’m still using the sample and haven’t committed to the full bottle, but I have been loving the results so far. I use a lot of products daily on my hair, so this has been a helpful tool to make sure my scalp gets a good cleaning and is refreshed for a new week. Trying beauty samples out is a great way to test a product before making the full commitment.
New Running Shorts– I was influenced by Shay Shull and Mix and Match Mama with these running shorts and purchased them on Amazon Prime Days and wore them the day I got them. They come in a variety of colors, but I personally love the hot pink. The cinching at the waist keeps things secure and they fit true to size, but my favorite part is the zipper pocket for your phone. I always take my phone with me on runs and was limited to running in leggings with pockets, but these shorts have pockets which is a game changer. I have even considered ordering them in different colors too!
That’s a look into some favorite things this week that I am loving. Tell me: what are some of your favorite picks from this week? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Wednesday! As much as I hate to say it, we are at the end of July, I have had such a good and fulfilling summer.
Although, I know we still have plenty of summer and nice weather ahead, the end of July always makes me a bit sad since I know it will soon be back to school and back indoors and one of my favorite seasons is coming to an end.
Today, I am focusing on the positives and everything I accomplished over the past month. July was BUSY between entertaining, crossing off big goals, seeing friends, and day trips. In case you missed it, here’s what I have been up to.
What I’ve Been Up To:
I have been trying my best to enjoy as much time outside as possible, from reading by the pool, to eating outdoors, catching up on work outside, even folding laundry in the sun.
It’s been a beautiful month!
Speaking of eating outdoors, I have done my best to cook as much as possible outside and that means lots of grilling.
I’ve done some grilling myself, but I’ve enjoyed when other people do the grilling for me.
The before
The finished product
The month began with the Fourth of July which included lots of food, family, friends, and fireworks!
Plus, plenty of leftovers that we enjoyed all weekend long.
I then went to a wedding in Cleveland which was a fun afternoon and a great time to celebrate great people and love!
I enjoyed summer fun like by mini golfing!
Soaking up summer fun like by mini golfing!
I’ve enjoyed live music by the water
Plus some festivals and fairs too!
What I’m Wearing:
Short sets have been my go-to. These polka dotted shorts from Marshall’s were a hit for the Fourth of July.
For a more casual look, I love these white, cotton shorts from Old Navy.
Florals are in this summer and I love a bold print. This was the dress I wore to the wedding at the beginning of the month from Ann Taylor. It would be perfect for weddings, showers, or a fancy date night.
I will be sharing more about this outfit as part of Friday Favorites. I got both the top and shorts from Marshall’s and were pleased with both.
A skirt and top combo for a dinner out!
What I’m Reading:
This month had some ups and downs in terms of reading. I read some great books and others fell flat.
Funny Story– Funny Story by Emily Henry was a win for me. I love Henry and have read all her books, and this one did not disappoint. It’s all about a girl who gets dumped by her fiancé for his oldest friend. She ends up moving in with oldest friend’s ex, temporarily. They end up becoming friends as he shows her around the town and community before the wedding. They decide to face the music and go to their ex’s wedding together, how about that for a plot twist?!
Mostly What God Does– Mostly What God Does by Savannah Guthrie was such a good daily read. It’s a series of essays about faith, God, his love, and life. You can read it all at once, but I chose to read an essay/passage a night. It took me a while to finish it, but I’m glad it gave me time to really appreciate the readings. 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.
Just the Nicest Couple– Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica is all about a man who goes missing and one of the last people to see him alive is his wife’s best friend. Did she have something to do with it or is she being framed? These two couples who you think may be friends, may not be as close as they seem. There were some great twists, turns and plot points.
A Court of Thorns and Roses– Sarah Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses was a fantasy first for me. I have heard so many rave reviews about this book and I thought it was good, but not great. It’s all about a medieval land where a faerie is forced to live with a beast after she allegedly killed one of his people. She is treated like an outsider at first, but eventually grows to love her new world, until she is forced to leave. She then must decide if she wants to return again. The description of the land and the characters is very well done, but I think the different genre is what caused me to have a hard time getting into it. I may continue to read some of her other books in the series but decided to take a pause for another book genre. The book was good, but I don’t know if fantasy is for me.
Chasing Harry Winston– I picked up Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberg at a book sale and was interested in the plot about three young women in New York City who are all searching for new relationships. It’s a story about love, growth, taking chances, but most importantly, friendship. I thought the book was good, but not great.
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper– This was the second book I read by Phaedra Patrick. The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper follows a widowed man who discovers a charm bracelet from his late wife which takes him on a journey about the life she had before him. He travels to India, London, Paris as he learns about each of the charms and the story behind them. This was such a quaint novel and I loved learning about all the adventures his wife went on.
Emergency Contact– This was the first book I have read by Lauren Layne and Anthony LeDonne. Emergency Contact is about a woman who gets in an accident and when they call her emergency contact it turns out to be her ex-husband. This story follows the two reconnecting and being forced to spend the holidays together in an effort to get home. I loved all the obstacles the characters had to overcome and the ending was perfect! 5 stars from me!
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird- Josie Silver’s The Two Lives of Lydia Bird tells the story of a young woman who loses her fiance and has to cope with life without him. However, when she sleeps, she finds herself in a world where he is still alive. She must decide what life she wants to live in. This is the second book I have read by Josie Silver and I loved it!
The Blue Bistro– I have been on an Elin Hilderbrand kick and the The Blue Bistro was my latest read. I loved everything about this book, from the setting, Nantucket references, the characters and storyline. My favorite part was the description of the food! Everything sounded so delicious. The story follows a young woman who takes a job at a restaurant in Nantucket for its final summer being open. It’s all about the challenges she has to overcome and the lessons she learns and the people she meets along the way. Such a good story!
What I’m Watching:
I haven’t been watching too much tv, which is typically the norm in the summertime. I like to be outside as much as possible. But I have watched a few movies which I enjoyed.
A Simple Favor– I know it’s a movie that has been out for a few years, but I finally got around to watching A Simple Favor. It stars Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick who become friends until Lively’s character goes missing. Where and why did she disappear and what secrets does she have hidden? I really enjoyed the movie, especially with the unexpected plot points.
I Am Celine– I have enjoyed Celine Dion’s music and was sad to learn when she announced her illness last year. Her new documentary “I Am Celine” is now on Amazon Prime. I really loved getting a behind the scenes look at her life before and after her illness. I also loved hearing some of her iconic songs throughout the documentary. Definitely worth the watch if you are a Celine fan.
We also have been watching the Olympics! From the opening ceremonies to the primetime events, it’s been such a fun nightly watch!
What I’m Cooking:
It’s been a great month of cooking.
Strawberry Chicken Salad- I got this recipe from Celebrate with Babs’ cookbook. It was a hit with grilled chicken and I added some extra fruit to garnish and that seemed to go over well.
Strawberry Salad with Grilled Chicken
Cocoa Oatmeal Treats– I found this recipe from Hershey’s and even though they aren’t the healthiest with chocolate and peanut butter, they were tasty and easy to make.
Texas Caviar– I made this salad for our Fourth of July party and really enjoyed how it turned out. You can eat it with chips or just on its own.
Lemon Blueberry Muffins– I loved citrus and fresh fruit in the summer. On a rainy day, I decided to do some baking with my blueberries from my picking and these lemon blueberry muffins were a hit!
Pineapple Chicken with Caprese Orzo and Corn- These were two recipes I found on Pinterest and loved to try. They can be eaten by themselves or together for a filling meal with lots of flavor!
Peach Caprese Salad– This was such an easy side dish. We ate it with chicken, but you can eat it on its own. I loved the flavor of the sweetness of the peaches mixed with veggies and cheese. I got it from my Magnolia cookbook by Joanna Gaines.
Shrimp Tacos and Homemade Coleslaw– I found this recipe from Jessie James Decker’s cookbook and it was a hit. I love seafood and the slaw was so easy to make too! A great summer meal!
Peanut butter Chocolate Chip Cookies– I was craving something sweet and these hit the spot. I love anything peanut butter and chocolate and this was such an easy recipe that I found on Pinterest!
What Inspires Me: I have been spending so much time outside, whether it’s going for walks, cutting fresh flowers, or eating meals. I love seeing everything in full bloom.
Fresh cut flowers make everything better
Here’s some quotes that have been both inspiring and left me smiling too!
I saw this quote on instagram and it really resonated with me.
What I Accomplished: I have been checking so many things off my summer bucket list and while I’m glad I’m accomplishing a lot, it makes me sad that summer is coming to an end.
Great way to start the day
Some highlights of my summer bucket list from this past month include running my first 10 K and hitting a new personal record.
I started the day by doing my first 10K and setting a new PR!
I also enjoyed fruit picking from cherries to blueberries.
My garden is coming along nicely too.
Plus I enjoyed lots of summer walks to new places and old and at all hours of the day.
Walks at old places
And new!
I also got in some zoo trips too! This is one of my favorite summer activities!
Local zoos!
And out of town zoo trips!
It was a beautiful day!
Goals from Last Month:
I accomplished a lot from celebrating the Fourth of July, heading to a friend’s wedding and seeing and catching up with friends whether it be through calls, facetime or in person.
I also got away for a day-trip to Canada. I packed a lot in and will be sharing more next week in a whole post!
Goals for this Month: I am looking forward to but also dreading August. I have a lot of fun things planned like a family vacation, but also I’m not looking forward to everyone moving out and going back to school. It will be a month of change and transition, that I’m not particularly looking forward to, but know it will be a month of growth.
Going on walks always give me peace of mind in life’s chaotic moments.
That’s a look into life lately, great strides in my summer adventures and lots of memories being made.
Happy Friday! I hope you are having a great week and have something fun planned for the weekend. The weather is gorgeous, the days are long and so many memories are being made.
A dinner and walk by the water is always a good idea in the summer.
This summer is going by too fast. I feel like we were just in June and kicking off summer and now July is half way done. I am doing my best to savor the summer days and nights, but my social calendar keeps filling up. It’s all good things and lots of fun activities, but it’s still busy, I’m hoping to create more space in my calendar for rest, we will see how that goes.
As we get ready for another weekend, I’m sharing some of my favorite things from the past week as I link up with Erika and Andrea.
This week’s edition of Friday Favorites is a mix of fashion, food, and summer fun! Let’s dive right in.
New Polka Dotted Shorts– I was browsing through Marshall’s recently and came across these polka-dotted shorts. I love a good pair or solid shorts ( I have the standard white, blue, black and red) and while these did have a bit of a print to them, I decided to try them out. They were a perfect fit, not too loose or tight and not too long or short. The polka dots are subtle and besides wearing them with a navy blue or white blouse or t-shirt, you can match any solid shirt with them. For the Fourth of July, I paired the blue and white shorts with a red shirt and white sandals. I felt patriotic and comfortable. I’m excited to pair these shorts with other tops through the summer.
Texas Caviar Recipe– I saw this recipe for Texas Caviar online and figured a big party like the Fourth of July would be the best place to try it. It went over pretty well. It’s essentially a variety of beans and veggies mixed together with a light dressing. It can be enjoyed by itself or with chips and over tacos too. It was healthy and filling and I know I will be making it again in the future. You can find the recipe here.
Blueberries- Cherries were a favorite a few weeks ago and blueberries are a favorite today. My boyfriend and I went blueberry picking and we got bushels of blueberries. I enjoy eating the berries on their own, with other fruits or in recipes. I have been on the hunt for some new recipes to try and Pinterest is always my go-to when I am looking for inspiration.
Summer Reading– This may seem juvenile, but as a reader and fan of the library, I am participating in our summer reading program. Through our system, you have to keep track of whenever you read 30 minutes and mark it off. You can read books, magazines, articles etc. Once you complete so many minutes, you can turn in your sheet and get a new one to be entered to win different prizes. I love the accountability aspect of it and it really shows how much reading you can do. I love to read in the morning and at night, but have found myself sneaking in more time to read through the day.
Just the Nicest Couple– I finished the book “Just the Nicest Couple” a few weeks ago. I read it on the Libby app through my phone which allows me to read library books wherever I am. I find myself wanting to pick up a book as opposed to scrolling on social media. Now onto the book, “Just the Nicest Couple” is all about a man who goes missing and one of the last people to see him alive is his wife’s best friend. Did she have something to do with it or is she being framed? These two couples who you think may be friends, may not be as close as they seem. There were some great twists, turns and plot points and I really got into the book, so much so I kept finding times to pull out my phone and read more. If you like a good mystery thriller that’s not too scary, this book is for you.
That’s a look into what I’m loving this week, some snacks, books, and clothes. I hope the sun is shining wherever you are and life is good!
Happy Wednesday! I hope you are enjoying May and the fresh starts the season brings. It’s the second Wednesday of the month which means it’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up with Shay and Erika.
Here’s a recap of the topics we have covered so far this year
I’m going to be sharing some new items that I purchased for this season and some of my favorite items that I have loved through the years.
Let’s start with the new items:
I love a good wedge especially for going out and when I saw these heels for sale at Marshall’s I knew I had to get them. I shared them just last week as a part of my Friday favorites! Wedges provide more support for me and I can pair them with multiple outfits. You can wear these with a pair of white jeans or capris and fun blouse, a short sundress, or a longer, flowy dress depending on the occasion. I can’t wait to wear them this summer.
Now let’s get to the tried and true:
I love having a solid long and flowy dress in my closet. I got this black one from Old Navy and adore the style. You can pair it with sandals or wedges and wear it to the beach, out shopping or out to dinner. Throw on a jean jacket or sweater and you are set.
From long to short, I love having a good t-shirt dress in my closet too. I have a few solid and print dresses and love to pair them with sneakers for a sporty look or sandals for a dressed up look.
Cotton shorts are such an easy go-to when you are looking to throw something on after a day at the pool or beach. I have a pair of cotton shorts in both blue and white and I am constantly reaching for them in the summer months.
Graphic t-shirt, if you are looking for an easy and casual shirt to pair with a pair of cotton shorts or regular shorts, you can’t go wrong with a graphic t-shirt. I personally love ones that I have gotten from different places I have traveled to, it’s a great memory of where you have been and a cute item to add to your wardrobe.
Fun sandals are something that can really elevate your outfit, whether they are with a pair of shorts or a dress or even a skirt, I love a pair of sandals that can add some flair and fun to your outfit.
A tennis dress or skirt are two items I added to my closet last summer and I got so much wear out of them. I got both of these from Amazon and once again, they were easy outfits to wear after a day at work, at the pool, or running errands.
These are some of my favorite summer staples that are go-to’s for me in the closet. I am looking to add a few new items this summer including some white capris, denim shorts, and some cover-ups for the pool or beach. Tell me: what are some of your summer must-haves?! Let me know in the comments below and if you have any suggestions for denim shorts or cover-ups, I’m all ears!
Happy Friday! I hope you all have had an enjoyable week and are doing something fun this first weekend in May, maybe watching the Kentucky Derby?! It’s officially my favorite month of the year and I am pumped for everything that comes with the next few weeks, from birthdays, to end of school, holidays, and the start of summer.
First of many ice cream dates this spring and summer!
As always, I am linking up with Erika and Andrea for another edition of Friday Favorites. This week features a mix of life hacks, foods, and some beauty and fashion finds. Let’s dive right in!
Taylor Swift’s New Album– I know I am late to the party but I have slowly been listening to Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poet’s Department. I am not a diehard Swiftie but I do enjoy her music and think she did a great job on her latest album. I have been listening to it in the car and out on walks. It’s been fun to find learn all about her hidden references and Easter eggs. If you are a fan, what are your favorite songs? I personally love, Florida.
New sandals– Summer will be here soon and I got these new sandals from Marshall’s just in time for outdoor fun. I love the style and support they provide and how you can truly dress them up or down with any outfit. I know I will be getting a lot of use out of them this summer, I just need the weather to warm up a tiny bit. I always love to pop into Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx to see what they have and it’s always a win when I walk out with some great finds.
Kashi Cereal– I will go through different favorites when it comes to snacks and right now, I am on the yogurt train. I have really been enjoying vanilla yogurt at lunch and topping it off with something crunchy. Kashi Cereal has been my current go-to. It’s packed with flavor and protein. I enjoy the saltiness of the cereal mixed with the sweetness of the berries. It has been making a difference instead of enjoying yogurt on its own, plus, it’s a healthy alternative to other snacks.
Logging Podcasts- This has been a new life hack that I have been loving. I often listen to podcasts when I am running or in the car and I am always looking for recommendations. I’m currently making my way through the Lazy Genius podcast, however, not every episode pertains tor I’m not interested in it. Whenever, I have some free time, I will go through the Lazy Genius library and log what episodes I am interested in. This way, whenever I am looking for a new episode to listen to, I am not wasting time looking for one, I have a list already to go. It saves me time and stress. Now, you don’t have to do this just for podcasts, you can keep track of music you want to listen to, or shows or movies to watch. In this situation, I am using Kendra’s idea of deciding once to make it easier on myself.
New Scent- Now that the weather has finally broken and we are experiencing spring-like weather, I figured it was time for scent change (I also just so happened to be out of the scent I started using after Christmas, haha!) I decided to break out Gingham Fresh from Bath and Body Works perfect for spring. There’s a hint of floral to this scent, but it’s mostly a light scent, that’s not too overpowering. Although, I love fragrance mists, sprays and perfumes, I know not everyone does, so I always try to choose scents that are subtle as opposed to strong.
That’s a look into life this past week, some time outdoors, some snacks and life hacks. What’s your week been like and what are you looking forward to during the week ahead? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Wednesday! I hope you’ve had an enjoyable week so far. We are halfway to the weekend and a few days away from a new month. This weekend is Easter Sunday, and my family will all be together for a few days. Although it will be a short weekend, I’m looking forward to it.
This month flew by, between spring-like days, a few snowy mornings and activities across the month, it was a busy March.
Here’s a look at what I’m currently up to:
What I’ve Been Up To: I have been making my way through my Spring Bucket List. I have already accomplished a few things, but will have to wait for more consistent warm weather to accomplish others.
I have been doing my best to get outdoors and that has included walks with friends, trips to the zoo and running.
First trip to the zoo of the year!
We had a stretch of warm weather and my friend and I went for walks three times in one week, it was great to catch up, get outside and do a free activity.
A day that included all the outside time!
I also got to meet up with one of my college friends for lunch. We met halfway on a day off and it was so good to catch up and share a meal together.
One of the goals I already accomplished was running 6 miles. Although, I was sore for a while after, it felt great to hit another mile.
One of my latest runs and recent records
What I’m Wearing: My wardrobe hasn’t been too exciting as of late, but I have been browsing T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s for some Spring finds. I do see a trip to Old Navy in my future soon to see what things they have on their racks for the new season.
I have been getting some wear out of my new bright, pink jacket from T.J. Maxx. It’s bright for the spring season, but also warm enough for the chilly, early spring days.
I also broke out my green for St. Patrick’s Day!
What I’m Reading:
A majority of March was spent reading the American Royals series. There are four books by Katharine McGee, American Royals, Rivals, Majesty, and Reign.
I have talked about the books in Friday Favorites posts, but in case you missed them. Each book follows the fictionalized Royal family of America. Imagine if the United States had a king and queen. Every book picks up right after the other in this four-part series. Themes of romance, coming of age, service, duty, and love are found in each of the books. They are a young adult genre, so the topics are more PG-13 compared to R. Every book ended with a cliffhanger which made you want to immediately pick up the next one. I really loved how the author wrapped up everything in the final book. Definitely a fun series to read in the spring and summer.
The Last Love Note– I finished The Last Love Note by Emma Grey in four days. I kept looking for pockets of time to keep reading. Without giving too much away, it’s all about a woman who looks to move on and grieve after losing her husband to Alzheimers. The book goes back and forth between his diagnosis and her life after he dies. It’s a story of second loves, grief, moving on and hope.
Longbourn– I also finished Longbourn. It’s a spinoff Pride and Prejudice based all about the maids and servants who work in the Bennett household. I love Jane Austen and this was such a fun read to take me back to Jane Austen times. Kendra Adachi, the Lazy Genius read and recommened the book and I’m so glad I decided to pick it up. I only wish I read the physical copy of it and not the digital copy of it.
Mother Daughter Murder Night– I saw this book on a few blogs and I couldn’t wait to dive in. Mother Daughter Murder Night tells the story about a mother who moves in with her daughter and granddaughter temporarily, while she’s there, a murder happens in the small town. The grandmother looks to solve it on her own and quickly enlists the help of her daughter and granddaughter. It’s a fun “Who Done It?”, but with the family drama. I really enjoyed the book and couldn’t put it down at the end.
What I’m Watching:
Some of my favorite shows have made their return after a long hiatus. The Masked Singer came back at the start of the month and it’s been fun to see who gets revealed every week.
Grey’s Anatomy also came back in the middle of the month. These shows have been keeping me entertained during the week.
What Inspires Me: I have been staying busy in the kitchen over the past few weeks. Here’s some of the recipes I have made.
Air Fryer Salmon Bowls
Lemon Olive Oil Muffins
Homemade Coffee Cake
Crab Cakes
Homemade Fish Fry
Turkey Pot Pie
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Roasted Chicken
What I Accomplished:
I enjoyed making my way through my Spring Bucket list as well as seeing family and friends and getting outside.
Donuts for the spring season!
Sunday spread
Goals from Last Month
I enjoyed the early days of spring. I also got to enjoy some St. Patrick’s Day fun!
I made some St. Patrick’s Day cookies for the holiday!
I also got to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day parade
My brother and I also got to see one of our favorite comedians on tour.
Goals for this Month
Next month, I am looking forward to trying more spring recipes, spending more time outdoors and having more spring-inspired dates.
This quote left me feeling inspired
That’s a look into what I have been up to this month. I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend if you celebrate! See you back here on Friday!
Happy Friday and happy first week of December! The Christmas season is here and I am here for it. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year! My holiday calendar is slowly filling up and it begins this weekend with a Christmas concert, I can’t wait!
All is calm, all is bright.
As we begin the weekend, here’s some things that I have been loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea or a fun roundup of Friday Favorites!
Credentialed Podcast– I am slowly jumping on the podcast bandwagon. Certain podcasts, I will listen to on the day they come out, while others, I will listen to when I have the time. I recently started listening to the Credentialed podcast by Justine Ward and Jillian Mele, they are two former reporters who decided to go back to school to get their MBA’s. There’s only a few episodes out and most of them have been about their background and decision to leave the news business. While I love my job, it’s been interesting to hear their stories and decisions to pursue other careers. Definitely worth the listen if you are interested in news, sports, or making a career change.
Fall/Winter Dress– I picked up this Calvin Klein dress from Marshall’s and it’s the perfect dress for fall and winter. I love the color (it’s a mix between a dark orange and light red), the style could work in the fall and winter with or without a blazer depending on the weather and it fits true to size. You can easily wear this to a cocktail party, to church or even dress it up with pumps and some bold jewelry for a holiday party.
Plus, it pairs great with a bright red jacket.
You can’t go wrong with red jacket!
Virgin River Returns– After the fall premiere, Virgin River released some holiday episodes/ specials. I haven’t had a chance to watch the episodes yet, but I plan on starting them this weekend. I like how they planned for some episodes mid hiatus. Not only does the series continue with some updates but I can’t resist a good holiday themed episode. I’m looking forward to cozying up by the fire and catching up. If you have watched or are planning to watch, what are your thoughts so far?
Pinterest Christmas Ideas– Pinterest has been one of my favorite apps lately for all things holiday fun. I have been scouring it for Christmas recipes, holiday decoration ideas and just holiday scenes. I have found recipes to bake, meals to try, and hot cocoa drinks to taste. I always find such creative ideas on Pinterest for the holidays and it really gets my creative juices flowing when it comes to trying new things. You can follow my board here.
Tell me: what’s something fun you have tried from Pinterest?
Side Dish Meme– Ending Friday Favorites with this meme I saw on Facebook. If you have lots of holiday parties or get-togethers coming up, this is your reminder to give yourself some grace. I love to spend time in the kitchen cooking and baking, but it’s not for everyone. If cooking and baking causes you stress, alleviate some of that by heading to the store and picking up something pre-made to bring to your holiday part. The holidays are meant to be a time to spend time with family and friends and soak up traditions, try not to stress about the little things. December can be hectic and busy, give yourself permission for grace this holiday season.
That’s a look into life lately, lots of fun and festive things, plus a laugh or too! I hope you have a wonderful and festive first weekend of December!
This week flew by. November has been filled with work projects and events, seeing friends, preparing for the holidays and lots of deep cleaning and organizing. It’s been busy but I have been loving and embracing this slower season before the chaos of the holidays begins (which I love too).
Here’s a few things that I have been loving as I link up with Erika and Andrea or a fun roundup of Friday Favorites!
The Bodyguard-This is an older show, but new to me. Have you watched or heard of The Bodyguard. It came out in 2018 and is a limited series on Netflix. It’s all about a bodyguard for a government official in Great Britian, however, she starts receiving threats once he is assigned to her detail. She is targeted by bombings, shootings and car accidents, but the question remains, why? There’s only six episodes so you can easily binge through it in a week or over the course of the week. I personally finished it in a week but could have finished it sooner if I had more time. There were some major cliffhangers through the series and lots of plot twists. Themes of government corruption, espionage, PTSD, and love were all found in the series. Definitely worth the watch!
New Black Leggings– I have been on the hunt for some solid black leggings to wear around the house or when running errands. I found an inexpensive pair at Marshall’s, and I have been loving them. They are fleece-lined, but also thin so if you do decide to wear them in warmer weather, you won’t be sweating in them. They are soft and almost conform to your legs, so it doesn’t feel like you are wearing leggings. They one downside is that they aren’t high waisted, but I wasn’t necessarily looking for a high waited legging, but besides that, I love them!
Purple Sherpa-I have been on the hunt for a sherpa since the beginning of the fall, but never found what I was looking for when it comes to putting something on a chilly day. I popped into Old Navy last week and found lots of good deals (more coming in the next few weeks) but I finally found the sherpa I was envisioning, and it was a huge win for me! Here’s some of my favorite details, first, I love how warm and cozy it is, perfect to pair with leggings, jeans, or even sweatpants. It was a great price and style, and lastly, I fell in love with the color. I don’t have too much lavender, so I’m looking forward to bringing a new color in my wardrobe.
New Mascara– I am always trying out different brands when it comes to makeup. I have my favorite products that I use all the time (hello Sephora foundation and concealer), but for other products like mascara, I like to change it up and try new things. I saw this Maybelline mascara advertised on the TODAY show and wanted to try it. It has a thinner and smaller brush which I like since it lengthens your lashes and separates them more. I like the coverage it provides and how it doesn’t clump easily. I only need a coat or two and then I’m good to go. It’s fairly affordable and I can get it from most drugstores and big box stores.
S’more Popcorn– Rounding up this edition of Friday Favorites is some S’more’s popcorn. We picked up a bag of this flavorful popcorn for a fundraiser and I was excited and intrigued to try it. In my opinion, there’s not a strong S’mores flavor found throughout the bag. There is seasoning on every piece of popcorn, but it’s not exactly marshmallow, graham cracker and chocolate. I would categorize this popcorn more as a sweet and salty mix. There’s a lot of flavors and it’s great to munch on during a movie night or for a post lunch snack, but I wouldn’t choose it if you just want the S’mores flavor. Regardless, it was still tasty and a great snack.
That’s a look into some of my favorite things from this week. Some snacks, some clothes and some beauty products!
Tell me: what are you looking forward for the final weekend before Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Wednesday and Happy October! After holding onto summer for as long as I could, I’m fully committed to fall. The leaves are changing, the mornings are cooler and I’m all about the warm and cozy inside. Since we are in the fall season, I thought it would be appropriate to share some recent fall fashion finds.
I picked up some of these pieces in the summer and some in the fall and couldn’t wait to wear them. I know these will work both in the fall and winter and will be great transitional pieces too from one season to another.
Let’s start with a dress! I picked up this short-sleeve dress from Marshall’s on sale. I love to pop into Marshall’s and T. J. Maxx for their work dresses and home decor, I typically go in for one thing and leave with five more, whether it’s clothes, shoes, home decor or even a snack. I always have luck at Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx and Home Goods. What I love about this dress are the colors (the gray, brown, black and orange are perfect for fall), I love how short-sleeved it is so you can wear it as a transitional dress between seasons or add a blazer to it and I love the style of it. It’s by Calvin Klein and I love the way they fit on me. This dress is a 10 across the board!
I had been on the hunt for a brown blazer to add to my wardrobe. I already have blazers in black, navy, white and red and was looking to add a brown/tan one to my collection for business attire. I got this blazer on sale from J.Crew last summer and couldn’t wait to wear it in the fall. I love the color and texture of the material. I love the cut and style. I actually have it in blue as well, when you like the fit of an item of clothing, there’s no shame in getting it in multiple colors. I appreciate the fact it can be worn with different items. You can pair it with a pair of dress pants, a blouse and flats or pumps. You can also wear it with a skirt and heels. You can wear it over a solid dress, or another twist, wear it with jeans and a top or booties or flats. One blazer and so many different ways to wear it.
Lastly, this black and white polka-dotted long-sleeved top is going to be great for fall and winter. I have so many blouses, but many are short sleeved, which isn’t always helpful in the winter. I have a few long-sleeved blouses and I’m always looking to add more to my collection. This top from Ann Taylor will be paired perfectly with black dress pants and pumps or flats, or it can be worn with a black pencil skirt too. Again, another example of one item of clothing paired multiple ways.
Having a few new items in my closet makes embracing a new season a lot more fun! I love being able to bring back some favorite pieces each season and bring in some new items too!
Tell me, what fall trends are you looking forward to the most this season? Let me know in the comments below!
Are you in fall mode yet? Are you savoring the pumpkin spice season or soaking up the final days of sunshine? Last week, we had temperatures near the 90’s, so I’m still soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the outdoors for as long as I can.
Final ice creams of the summer!
My summer was a busy one, so I made it a point to schedule a lot of my yearly appointments for September once the summer slowed down a bit and to be honest, I’m glad I did. It’s been nice to take care of appointments and checkups when children are back in school, and the calendar is a bit more open, and routines are back in place. Needless to say, my days off have been filled with ALL the appointments, but I did manage to sneak in some fun too!
It’s never a bad day for a walk!
As we gear up for the weekend, I’m sharing a few things I’m loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea for another edition of Friday Favorites.
Virgin River Back– The new season of Virgin River came out last week, but I didn’t have a chance to watch it until this past week. I have been loving this season so far. For those who watch, it picks up right where last season ends. I really like how each season flows right into the other. A few storylines get wrapped up in the premiere, but new characters and problems arise in the premiere too. I’m anxious to continue the first half of the season and I’m already looking forward to part two when it comes out in November.
Sally Hepworth’s The Soulmate– I have only read a few of Hepworth’s books but have devoured them all. Her latest book, The Soulmate came out in the spring, and I have been waiting to check it out at the library. Once I got my hands on it, I finished it in five days, some nights, even staying up late to read one more chapter. It follows the story of a family who lives in a quiet seaside town. When a woman dies after falling from a popular cliff, questions arise about her death. Was she pushed? Did she fall? Did she take her own life? Secrets are uncovered between two families and connections are made that you won’t see coming. There’s a lot of mystery to this book and it’s a bit of a thriller, but not too much so that you won’t be able to sleep at night. After reading this book, I want to read more of Sally’s books!
Cover Girl The Exhibitionist Mascara-I wear a lot of makeup for work and I’m always open to trying new products, especially when it comes to mascara. I have my staples that I use day in and day out, sometimes like to experiment with new styles. I have been a fan of Cover Girl and their products and one of my friends told me about their Exhibitionist Mascara. I have been using it for a few weeks and have really come to enjoy it. I typically use their lash blast mascara, so it took some getting used to using a thinner brush, but I have found that it makes my lashes look longer. It has great coverage and it’s long-lasting. I’m not sure if I will use this one forever, but it has been good to change it up over the past few weeks.
Black Mary Jane Shoes– I’m not in fall mode yet, but I have made a few recent purchases that is getting me there. My mom spotted these black Mary Jane ballet flats at Marshall’s and they were calling my name. I love how they are a sturdier shoe, there’s a strap on them and you can wear them with so many different outfits. I can see myself wearing them with dress pants, a skirt, even jeans in the fall. I love how they are versatile enough to be dressed up or down with them. I love to browse T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s just to see what things they have in stock.
Simplified Launch– This was one of my favorite weeks as it was Simplified Launch Day this past Wednesday! I am a weekly-yearly planner gal, so I got to pick out my goodies for 2024 and order them on Wednesday. Simplified also dropped some new products that I browsed. Each launch they always bring out so many fun and creative products, I have to reign myself in from buying them all. This was my planner pick for this year. I love the message behind it, the pattern and all the detailing. I can’t wait for my products to come in.
This was a busy week, I finished a big project at work, had some appointments, and work functions thrown in too, so I was more than ready for the weekend! I hope you have something fun planned for the weekend or you are enjoying a nice relaxing weekend in. Either way, I hope it’s a great one!
I’ll see you here back next Wednesday! Happy Weekend!
