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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #119

Hello All! HAPPY FRIDAY! We made it through the week! This has been a hectic week at both home and work, but we made it to Friday and Iā€™m very grateful for that. Iā€™m hoping things slow down just a bit, but we shall see.

The last of the fall leaves

I hope you have had a great week and are ready for the weekend and maybe have something fun planned. As we move away from all the Halloween fun, I am back into fall mode, before Christmas in just a few weeks. I really like to take this time for my prep or calm before the storm. I LOVE the holidays, but Iā€™m hoping for a few quiet weeks before the hustle and bustle. 

Hereā€™s a few things on my radar that Iā€™m loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

Insight Timer– I recently started to try mediating, mindfulness, and deep breathing exercises. I have always taken time at the start and end of my day for prayer, but have also incorporated some guided breathing exercises too. I have found it to be very beneficial, especially when I am overwhelmed and stressed out. I typically take time at the start and end of my day for breathing, but have found myself doing exercises through the day too. I have been using the app, Insight Timer daily and itā€™s been doing a great job at holding me accountable and providing resources for guided meditations and breathing exercises. I am just using the free trial, but have been really loving it.

Atoms– Speaking of apps, I also have been using the app called Atoms to hold me accountable. The app was created by James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, a book I read this past year. I have really been loving his app which helps you track new habits or break bad habits. It sends you daily reminders about completing your tasks and gives you positive affirmations through the day as well. I have used the app to help with putting my phone down and now with meditation and both have been very helpful. Iā€™m using the free version through this as well.

The Diplomat– Season two of The Diplomat starring Keri Russell came out last week and I have slowly been making my way through the season. It picks up right where it left off from season one. This show has me hooked with new characters, storylines and of course some crazy plot twists. The finale had me shocked and I can’t stop thinking about it. I binged a lot last weekend. You can watch the trailer here and stream season two on Netflix.

Outer Banks Part Two Out– Another season of a favorite show of mine is out. I mentioned this a few weeks ago, when the first part of Outer Banks season four was released, but now the second half was released and I canā€™t wait to watch. I may or may not have started depending on when you are reading this, but I canā€™t wait to see how season four wraps up. The premiere was really good and I’m looking forward to the rest of the episodes. The first half started out a bit slow, so Iā€™m anxious to see what storylines get solved and what cliffhangers remain. Here’s a look at what you can expect.

Atmosphere– Taylor Jenkins Reid announced her new book coming out next summer last week. Itā€™s called Atmosphere and I canā€™t wait to read it. Hereā€™s a look at the synopsis and the cover art. I personally love the UK version more, but I canā€™t wait to get my hands on it. I doesnā€™t seem like it will be in the same universe as some of her other books, regardless, I canā€™t wait to read it.

Thatā€™s a look into life lately and what Iā€™m loving. 

Tell me what are some highlights from your week? I would love to hear them! Have a fantastic weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #118

Hello all! Happy Friday and Happy November 1!

How was your Halloween? Did you pass out candy, take your kiddos trick or treating or stay in for a cozy meal and spooky or not so spooky movie?

Hereā€™s how I celebrated the holiday.

I started the morning with an early run
I made a festive taco soup
We had lots of tasty treats!
I even dressed up my dog!

I am in a busy season of life right now with work, but the light is at the end of the tunnel, which is a relief. Iā€™m doing my best to pace myself in the midst of the craziness. Hereā€™s a few things that have kept me grounded and brought me joy as I link up with Erika and Andrea for this weekā€™s edition of Friday Favorites.

Zen with Jen– I have been listening to this new podcast for a few weeks and wanted to share it with you. Zen with Jen is a weekly podcast that drops on Mondays, where Jenni shares bite-size, yoga, mindfulness and mediation techniques. Each episode lasts about five minutes but itā€™s centered around taking time for yourself through the day. Jenni has been teaching yoga on zoom for the past few years and itā€™s been so nice to connect with her in a new way with her podcast. This is a great way to start my day and week.

New Raincoat- I have been on the hunt for a raincoat ever since I got caught in a rain storm in September. I was looking for a durable, waterproof coat that would keep me dry and wasnā€™t too boxy. I hoped to find something that was sporty but still could be worn out and about.  I also wanted it to be red. I found all those qualities with this raincoat from Landā€™s End and as a bonus it was on sale too! I have worn it a few times and canā€™t wait to get more use out of it in the coming weeks.

Emily Henry New book and Cover Reveal– I am a huge Emily Henry fan and she revealed the cover and plot of her latest book that will be launching next year. You can read about it here, but it sounds soooo good. Very Emily Henry-like, but with some new flavors too. When I saw the news, I immediately texted my fellow book worms to get their thoughts on the details. If you are a fan of Emily Henry, what are your thoughts on the book?

Unfrosted- I know this movie has been out for several months, but I just got around to watching it with my boyfriend and we both enjoyed it. Unfrosted tells the story of how the pop tart was created. The concept was cute, but the all star cast of comedians was even better. There were so many cameos and I loved seeing some of my favorite cereal box characters come to life. Definitely worth the watch if you are looking to laugh.

Fall Weather– My favorite thing about this past week has been the fall weather. The leaves, the sunlight, and the warm temperatures have made me love this time of year. Pictures donā€™t do it justice. I have been trying to sneak out at any time I can to enjoy the leaves and crisp fall weather. My dogs have also enjoyed the warmer weather and rolling in the leaves. There is truly nothing better than getting outdoors for some fresh air after a long day.

Just look at this beauty
Pictures don’t do it justice

I canā€™t believe October has come to an end, I always say November is the calm before the storm, so I am going to take these next few weeks to prep. How do you like to spend your November? I would love to hear from you, let me know in the comments below!

Happy Friday!

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Fabulous living

Self Care in Daily Routines

Hey guys!

Itā€™s Novemberā€¦these next few weeks are a weird for me, Iā€™m not ready to get ready for Christmas, but itā€™s almost getting too cold for fall fun.That means these next few weeks call for curling up and staying inside and enjoying indoor activities, whether it’s reading watching shows or doing something creative.

One thing Iā€™ve gotten better with over the last year is finding hobbies/forms of self-care and sticking with them. At the end of 2020, I wanted to prioritze my hobbies in the upcoming year of 2021. Yes, I enjoyed reading and blogging and exercise, but I wanted to make sure I was taking the time to incorporate my hobbies in my daily life. 

All through our lives, we spend a lot of time taking care of others, whether itā€™s feeding or taking care of our families, checking in on our dear friends, or putting in long hours at work, we do a lot for others, which is why we need to make time for ourselves. 

Self care on a day off looks like long walks.

Whether itā€™s waking up early before the day gets started to spend some quiet time with God, or making time for ourselves in the afternoon or taking a bath before bed. Giving ourselves some time will make us be better people to care for others.

When I realized I wanted to start building my hobbies in my daily routine, I first made a to do list of hobbies I wanted to do every day and was happy if I just got them done through the course of the day, no matter if it was in the morning or afternoon.

However, I quickly found that the day would get busy and get away from me and as a result, I wouldnā€™t have time to take care of myself or enjoy my hobbies. I wanted to make time but I couldnā€™t find the timeā€¦until I realized I needed to schedule time for my “me time” or hobbies in my day. After I did that, I found myself enjoying my hobbies and still getting everything accomplished in the day.

I always start my day with a 5 minute meditation.

Hereā€™s how I did it:

My daily ā€œme timeā€/hobbies include: going to the gym, journaling and prayer time, meditation, reading my favorite blogs/checking my own blog, reading a bit and a word search.

Reading a book allows me to relax before I start a busy day.

I first just wanted to get them all done in a day, but then I realized if I did my “me time” in the morning then I would start my day on the right foot and I would be less stressed as the day went on.

My morning now looks like me waking up and journaling, praying/meditation, reading my blogs, getting ready for the day and then reading a few pages/chapter (depending on the time) of whatever book Iā€™m reading and then do a word search for a few minutes. I started doing them a few months back and I have been on a streak about doing a little bit of a word search every day. It relaxes me and keeps my mind sharp.

I word search I just finished.

I get all my me time done in the morning so then when I get home from work, I can get things done, enjoy family time and unwind and I know I got all my “me time” done in the morning. The time it takes me to do everything varies based on what I have to get done for the day. But it typically ranges from the momentI wake up until the moment Iā€™m out the door about an hour (itā€™s longer if I have a longer workout. But one hour to an hour and a half makes a huge difference in my day.

Thatā€™s my way that I practice self care. No matter what your self care or hobbies look like to do, itā€™s so crucial you get some time in your day.

How do you practice self-care and incorporate it in your life?

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Currently

Currently #22

Hey guys! We are almost to my favorite time of year; all the holidaysā€¦from Halloween to Thanksgiving and rounding things off with Christmas! I love this time of year. I have been embracing the fall with all the leaves and the cooler temps. Hereā€™s a look into what Iā€™m currently into. 

What Iā€™m up to:  Iā€™ve been enjoying all the fall activities, Iā€™ve been trying to go on long walks every week. Whether itā€™s near or far, I love a good walk. To read about some of my favorite walks, check out my latest post. Iā€™ve also been spending lots of time with family. Iā€™m also slowly getting ready for the holidays by decorating for Halloween and fall! 

A rainy day and a nice walk was the perfect combination for a Friday

What Iā€™m wearing:Ā I hate to say it, but my wardrobe hasnā€™t been too exciting. Iā€™ve been wearing hoodies and sweaters and jeans on days off. For work days, Itā€™s been a mix of long sleeve dresses and pants with blazers too. Layers has been key when it feels like winter in the morning but summer by the afternoon.Ā 

Jacket in the morning…
Not needed by the afternoon…hello fall weather!
Long sleeves and straight hair for cooler mornings on the desk

What Iā€™m reading:Ā Reading every morning has been the best way to start my days. I really enjoyed The Silent Patient, it was the perfect mix of a mystery and a psychological thriller.

Here’s what I started my month with.

For romantic mystery, What if You and Me was a great pick. Thereā€™s also a spooky twist to it, which makes it perfect for Halloween.

Another cute one story with a cute twist

I just finished reading The Last Mona Lisa, it was one of the best books I read in a long time. I loved the historical mystery and the two different time period parallels.

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

Iā€™m currently reading, Nantucket Threads, which is a summer beach read, itā€™s definitely lighter compared to my past few reads.Ā 

What Iā€™m Watching: Besides my weekly shows like Greyā€™s Anatomy and A Million Little Things, Iā€™ve been watching Community, which is perfect to watch in the mornings when Iā€™m getting ready or at night if I want to watch something to unwind. The all-star cast makes it so fun to watch! Iā€™m also on the to watch season 3 of You on Netflix. Iā€™m hooked on it. 

What Iā€™m Loving: Iā€™ve been loving fall walks, seeing the leaves falling, doing lots of  reading and warm mornings and nights. I have been starting my mornings between the gym and work by lighting a candle and sipping some hot cider while I get ready for the day. I do some reading and meditating before I head out the door. Itā€™s the best way to start the day. 

Another fall walk in the books.

What Inspires Me: Iā€™ve been inspired by the slow and steady of daily life mind you, not every day is slow and calm, I have plenty of busy days but I savor the calm ones. Iā€™ve also been doing lots of baking to which satisfies a sweet tooth and it gives my family a sweet treat to enjoy.

A fall trail mix on a day off

What I accomplished:Ā Iā€™ve been getting things done on my fall bucket list, from walks to fall treats, cider, and cozy nights in. Iā€™ll be sharing my full bucket list recap in the coming weeks.Ā 

Fall pumpkins for some pretty decorations.

Goals Accomplished from Last Month Iā€™ve done a good job at slowing down. After a busy summer of travel, itā€™s been nice to have more lowkey days off. Last week, I spent the day reading, watching some shows, baking, meal prepping and running a few fun errands. It was the perfect mix of balance on a day off.  

First Time making s’mores cookies,

Goals for the New Month: Did someone say holidays?! I canā€™t wait to start getting ready for the holidays, between gift giving, seeing family, treats and decoratingā€¦.I canā€™t wait

Thatā€™s a look into the past month. What have you accomplished in the past few weeks?