Categories
Currently

Currently #41

Hi friends! Happy Last Day of May! This has been a packed month and I swear it flew by in the blink of an eye. I hope you had a fun and relaxing Memorial Day weekend and enjoyed the unofficial kickoff to summer.

A snapshot of our Memorial Day spread!

I had a busy weekend between celebrating the holiday, working and then celebrating my 25th birthday. It was packed full, but oh so fun!

 

Celebrating 25!
With my pup too!

Now, that I have got you all caught up on this weekend, as another month comes to a close, it’s time to recap this month with a new edition of Currently. Here’s what I’ve been reading, watching, and doing.

What I’ve Been Up To: May was a busy work month between traveling to Canada for a day trip to preview the Coronation of King Charles III, which you can read about here, Primary Night in Pennsylvania and kicking off summer events. 

Day trip to Niagara on the Lake!
Primary night in PA!

On weekends, I have been savoring the warm weather by spending as much time outside by taking walks or runs and making a point to get outdoors.

First sunset of summer!

From doing work outside to taking walks after work or on days off, I even have been making it a point to catch up with friends over the phone or in person over a walk. Spring and summer means eating meals outdoors, I always try my best to spend some time outside every day.

Enjoying a Saturday morning walk and coffee!

I also got to enjoy my first sunset and grilling of the season at the beach. It was a beautiful night to sit on the beach and grill! Looking forward to many more nights this like this through the summer.

First sunset and picnic on the beach

What I’m Wearing: On cooler days, I have been enjoying wearing cuffed jeans and graphic t-shirts and sneakers. I even have gotten to break out the shorts a few times this month too which is a huge win! I can’t wait for shorts season all the time come next month.

A weekend look, cuffed jeans for the win!

I also got a few new closet staples from J.Crew and Ann Taylor which I will be sharing soon. I have been looking for bright colors to wear in the warmer months. I got this bright, yellow dress from a friend from The Limited and it’s perfect for Spring and Summer. I love the color and the style, it would be great for a summer wedding, Sunday Church service or work.

Bright and cheery for spring!

Speaking of weddings, I went to a family wedding a few weeks back and wore this dress. Although, it’s navy blue, I dressed it up with gold accents.

A classic wedding look.

What I’m Reading: The end of April and start of May was a big reading month for me. Here are some of my favorites.

I read the sequel to “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover. You do have to read It Ends With Us, before you read “It Starts With Us“, but I don’t think it’s necessary to read the sequel. It was definitely lighter than the first book and it was interesting to see how some of the relationships progressed and changed, but I don’t think you have to read the sequel.

I also made it my goal to read all of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books. I read “After I Do”, “Forever Interrupted”, and “Maybe in Another Life”.

“After I Do” follows the story of a young couple who after being married for several years goes through a rough patch and agrees to take some time apart. The book follows what happens when they separate and if they decide if they are better together or apart.

 “Forever Interrupted” tells the story of a newlywed couple who are on Cloud 9 in marital bliss, until the husband is tragically killed just a week after they say, “I do”. The book goes back and forth between the grieving widow trying to move on and the start of the couple’s relationship. I really enjoyed the two perspectives it was told from and how the two storylines eventually get tied together.

The final Taylor Jenkins Reid book I read was “Maybe in Another Life”. This book follows the story of Hannah who moves back to California and when out with friends, she has to decide if she wants to go home with her ex-boyfriend or her best friend. The story goes back and forth between both decisions, if she plays it safe or makes a bold decision. I really enjoyed seeing both lives and perspectives.

The last book I read was “The Dinner List” by Rebecca Serle, it’s all about a woman who shows up to her birthday dinner with five people from her life. Through the course of the dinner, the purpose of each guest is revealed, and our heroine learns the importance of letting go, moving on, and growing from this special birthday dinner.

What I’m Watching: This past month, I wrapped up a lot of series. I finished The Mindy Project which was so good. I loved the casting, storylines and one-liners and truly didn’t want it to end, however, I was satisfied with the ending.

I also finished The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which I loved from the get-go. I thought this season did a great job at wrapping things up and giving glimpses into the future of what happens with fan-favorite characters. I am going to miss the cast, the comedy and of course, the clothes! This article gave a great recap!

If you watched the show, what did you think of the final season and ending?

I also talked about Jury Duty a few weeks ago. You can find it on Amazon Prime and it was the perfect show to watch for a comedy filled 30 minutes. I thought the show was well done with the creative story of a group of people sitting in on a court case that’s being filmed for a tv show. The catch is, they are all in on it except for one jurors. It was such a fun show to binge watch.

I also finished The Diplomat which stars Keri Russell on Netflix. It’s all about a woman who becomes the new Ambassador in the United States. It’s a mix of politics, drama, intrigue and some romance too! I give it 5 stars! I’m already looking forward to the new season.

What Inspires Me: Spring and summer mean all the salads! I have been on a kick of making chefs salads. They are so easy to assemble and great to use what you have in your fridge. I often throw in any leftover vegetables I have plus any cheese or sliced meats or even fruit. I love that you can use what you have and get a hearty meal out of it too.

Besides making chef salads, I have also enjoyed making flatbread pizzas this summer and trying different combinations.

Plus in honor of Cinco de Mayo, I made chicken tacos! Yum!

Lastly, I have been inspired by picnics. There’s nothing better than enjoying a picnic after a nice long walk. I enjoy a classic sandwich and chips and fruit for a picnic, but love to switch it up with grilling too.

Summer picnics are back!

What I Accomplished: I’ve been really enjoying time outside, time spent with family and starting summer traditions and fun! If this month is any indication at how summer will look, we are in for a good summer!

Summer appetizers are back!
Bring on the fresh salads.

Goals from Last Month: This past month has been busy as I celebrated my 25th birthday, I accomplished a lot of things on my summer bucket list and I made lots of memories through the spring and did some things for the first time too, like being to a new part of Canada.

Day trips to the zoo are back!
The best part of family weddings-cookies!
And some sweet gifts too!

Goals for this Month: My only goal for next month is to kick off summer and begin my summer bucket list! I am already working on it and can’t wait to share it with you next week!

Whew, that was a lot! May has packed full in the best way. I can’t wait to see what June has to offer! I can’t wait to welcome a new month and summer! See you back here in JUNE!

Categories
Currently

Currently #17

Hey guys!

Happy Wednesday! I’m doing my Currently a week early since my birthday is next week and my post next week will be about turning 23…now that all that is out of the way, it’s time for this month’s currently. 

What I’m up to: I had many plans to be outside, but this past month was wet, cold and rainy. The dreary weather led me to stay inside more. But that meant more time for reading, watching movies and baking, I do hope that June brings warmer weather and more sunshine too. We got lots of sun in April so it was a tease not to have it in May. I also don’t mention it a lot but I go to the gym regularly so that helps get my blood pumping in the morning when I can’t get outside for a walk. 

Wearing all the bright colors to channel some warmer weather.

What I’m wearing: I wish I could say I was wearing sleeveless dresses, and shorter, summery dresses but unfortunately, it’s a lot of layers still. ¾ sleeve dresses have been my go-to. It’s a perfect mix of summer with the coverage for spring. Jean jackets and leggings have been my comfy go-to on days off. I have a few new brighter dresses that I can’t wait for warmer weather to wear. 

A look at some longer sleeve dresses

What I’m reading: My book club has been a godsend through the pandemic and this past year. Not only do I get my daily reading thanks to my book club, but I also get weekly chats with my high school friends in. This past month I read a lot of books. We started out with Eat Pray Love. I have seen the movie starring Julia Roberts but was excited to read the book too. The book goes deeper than the movie. But they tell the story of a woman who isn’t happy in her marriage or her job. She decides to end her marriage and go on a year long trip to Italy, India and Indonesia. On this trip she finds herself, finds her faith maybe even finds love. After reading it, it makes me want to go on a trip to some of these gorgeous places.

A+ book for me!

I also read Bobbi Brown’s book, Beauty Rules, I’ve had it for years but finally got around to reading it. There was lots of good information and tips of beauty too.

Another informative read

I’m currently reading Spilled Milk, it’s been a tougher book to get through. It’s about a girl growing up and the hardship she endures as she lives in an abusive household. It’s definitely been a tougher book to get through due to the subject material but it’s been good so far. 

My current read

What I’m Watching:  I’m still loving Offspring on Netflix. It’s about a family and their grown children and all the ups and downs of life. It’s a fun and quirky show and definitely a lighter watch especially at the end of a long day. A lot of my weekly shows are wrapping up. It’s been interesting to see how different shows handle Covid, some have taken the pandemic into their storylines, others haven’t incorporated them in their shows. It’s been fascinating to see them all handle the challenged this year has thrown at them. 

What I’m Loving: Life has been good. I’ve gotten a chance to work on some fun stories at work and fill in on our weekend morning show which was fun. I’ve enjoyed the extra family time I’ve gotten with my parents and siblings now that school is wrapping up for the year. 

I got to celebrate my brother’s Confirmation last week.

What Inspires Me: I’ve been inspired by more and more people getting vaccinated and the world slowly getting back to normal. I got my second dose a few weeks back. Although, I had some typical side effects I was very glad to have gotten vaccinated. A lot of our restrictions are getting lifted at the end of the month which makes me feel more comfortable going out and doing things and seeing people.

Proof of getting vaccinated

What I accomplished: In the past month I got my second dose, got some big work projects done and continued to see my close family and friends on my days off. 

Goals Accomplished from Last Month I got to celebrate Mother’s Day at home with my family which was so nice. I also got to celebrate some birthdays which was fun. I also got to try a few new restaurants which was fun and super tasty. It gives me things to look forward to in the summer months. 

Trying out some local spots

Goals for the New Month: summer, bucket list, trips, seeing friends, For June, I’m looking forward to planning my summer bucket list from things to do, places to see and people to visit. I am looking forward to summer getting underway and spending more time outside and doing outdoor activities too. 

That’s a recap of my life. Nothing too exciting, but some of the best things in life happen during the simple days. What are you loving nowadays?