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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #139

Hello everyone and Happy Friday!

I hope you have been having a great week and are ready for a spring weekend! I know I am. This week, I finished a big work project, got some time outdoors and started to run outside again, major wins!!

I can’t believe we are at the end of March. The spring season is going by too fast, before we know it, we will be celebrating Easter!

Before we get to a weekend of outdoor fun, maybe some spring cleaning or yardwork, I wanted to share some things that I have been loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites!

Meghan Markle’s New Show-I know it’s been out for a few weeks, but I just got around to watching, With Love, Meghan. It’s Meghan Markle’s new show on Netflix. When heard the Ducheess of Sussex was coming out with a show I was intrigued what it would be about. Her series, which was already renewed for season two features her and different friends each episodes as they make different recipes and tackle different projects. She makes fruit platters, cakes, chicken, pasta, candles and balloon arches, truly a little bit of everything. The show is very aesthetically pleasing to watch and very soothing, but at certain times unrealistic (who has time to pick fresh berries and make preserves every day?). I do love seeing how she interacts with her friends and the different recipes she makes, some easier than others. Overall, I enjoyed the first season and will definitely be watching season two!

Protein Bars– When I was on the road last month for work I made sure to pack plenty of snacks, including healthy ones for long days when we may miss a meal. I tried two different protein bars, one by Nature Valley and the other by Fit Crunch. I chose peanut butter and chocolate flavored ones since I have a sweet tooth and enjoyed them both. I did find the Fit Crunch to be more flavorful and filling. These wouldn’t keep you satisfied for a meal, but a good snack and they are both packed with protein! A win for me!

New Journal– I got a new journal at the beginning of the year and loved it. It had different self care prompts for each day. However, I didn’t realize it wouldn’t last me for a year, so I had to get another one for daily journaling. This new journal was one II already had as a gift from a friend and it does the job perfectly for what I was looking for in a journal.  There are no prompts, but plenty of space to fill in with thoughts, quotes and mementos. Sometimes I like structure with a journal, other times, I just like being able to put my thoughts on paper. Right now, in my season of life, having a spot to put all my thoughts down is what I need.

Using the Playbooks– I started using The Lazy Genius Playbooks at the beginning of the year in addition to my Simplified Planner. It’s been four months and I wanted to share a playbook update. I mentioned them a few weeks ago in my post about how I reset for the week, but wanted to do a more in-depth review. The playbooks have been a huge help to my weekly and daily organization. There’s one for each season and there are different prompts for have to and hope to as well as brain dump spot. There’s a spot to write down notes or to do each week, which I love! Every week, I will fill out my Simplified planner and play book based off my phone calendar and things to do. I use my Simplified planner for daily tasks and to do and use the playbook for weekly goals and notes. I use them both every day and they have been instrumental in keeping me organized without going organized. You don’t have to use both, but I have found using them as companions have been very helpful for me.

Outdoor Walks– Goodbye treadmill walks, hello outdoor walks! We are finally experiencing spring and I have been loving being able to get outdoors! I have already taken several spring walks, even in windy or chilly conditions. I truly believe the sun makes everything better! I have even gotten in some outdoor runs too! I truly missed getting outside for fresh air and sunshine. Whether I am on the phone, walking with friends or family, walking with my dogs, or listening to an audiobook, the fresh air has been such a bright spot in my days!

That’s a look into life lately and what I’m loving!

How has your March been treating you? I would love to know! Are you ready for the fresh start of a new month? Happy Friday and I’ll see you back here next week.

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Currently

Currently #63

Hello hello! Happy Wednesday! We are at the end of the month, the spring season is flying by. Over the past 31 days, we said goodbye to winter and hello to spring! It has been a busy month and whether this is your first time here or you are a long-term reader, I am happy to have you with me as I recap my month with you all today!

Here’s what I have been up to in this month’s Currently.

What I’m Up To:

I began this month by trying a new coffee shop and spending time with friends. I got a blueberry and earl gray pastry which was delicious, but the company with friends is even better.

Pastries and coffee with friends is always a good mood booster in the middle of the week.

I began the month by heading down south to Alabama for work. I spent over a week driving down, working in Montgomery and Selma and then driving back. It was a long trip, but very fulfilling. Here’s a look at some of my snapshots. From the food, to a little bit of sightseeing, and covering historic events.

I got to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with our annual parade.

The sun finally came out and I was able to get back outside for some beautiful walks!

I ended the month with my first trip to the zoo this season.

And a local fish fry!

What I’m Reading:

I had some ups and downs when it came to reading this month, but here’s what I read:

Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old- Brooke Shields’ third book, Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old is all about growing up in Hollywood, wellness, aging, life lessons and being comfortable in your own skin. I learned a lot about Shields in her book, but some parts were harder to relate to, just because of where I am in life compared to her. I did like the stories she shared and her message about women advocating for themselves. 

An Unwanted Guest– This was a book I started in February and finished in March. An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena is all about a series of guests who come to stay at a bed and breakfast on a winter weekend and one by one they end up dead. Is there one killer or multiple killers, or is it an unwanted guest? It took a little bit for me to get into it, but once I got to the climax, I couldn’t put it down. It was a great winter read.

People Pleaser- People Pleaser by Jinger Duggar Vuolo is the second book I have read by her and it really resonated with me. She discusses being a “yes girl”, people pleaser, and perfectionist and letting go of some of those tendencies. She incorporates biblical verses with questions and stories to help readers see if they are people pleasers. I think she had a great message and it gave me lots of things to reflect on.

Playing with MatchesPlaying with Matches by Hannah Orenstein is all about a matchmaker in NYC. The book was good, but very light hearted and surface level. There was some storylines that didn’t flesh out, but overall, it was a good palette cleanser.

Drowning- Drowning by T.J. Newman was such a intense book about a flight that crashes and a group of people try to survive underwater before they run out of oxygen. This was a story that had me on the edge of my seat. Would not reccommend reading right before you travel, but I stayed up late to finish it.

The Good Sister– I have read a few of Sally Hepworth’s other books, and I couldn’t wait to read this book, The Good Sister. I listened to it as an audiobook as opposed to reading it and got immersed in the book. It’s all about two sisters, one is very manipulative of the other one. The story involves lies, secrets, and challenging of one another. It started slow, but picked up and I couldn’t stop when I started. Such a good read.

The Night We Lost Him– Lauren Dave’s book, The Night We Lost Him is all about a man who dies unexpectedly and it’s up to his two estranged children must work together to see if they can uncover what really happened the night their father died. This book went back and forth between the past and present. I flew through this book and will be keeping my eye out for other books by this author.

You Are HereYou Are Here by Karin Lin Greenberg tells the story of several people and business owners who work at a local mall. Through the book, you see how they are all connected to one another and how their lives evolve when they learn their mall could be closing. The themes of connection, community, and interpersonal communication are found through the book. This was beautifully written and I loved the power of relationships.

Bookish People- Bookish People by Susan Coll was a good book, but not my favorite. It’s all about a bookstore and the shopkeeper as they prepare to host a controversial poet. The book is all about how they prepare for the event and all the different personalities of the store. I thought the concept was cute, but thought a lot of the storylines were hard to follow.

The Messy Lives of Book People- This was the second Phaedra Patrick book I have read. I loved The Messy Lives of Book People. It’s all about a woman who gets hired by her favorite author to clean. When the author dies, she leaves the job of finishing her book to her cleaner. The question is why. There was so many fun connections and secrets all through the book, I couldn’t stop listening. My favorite part? The author’s name was Elspeth. Too funny! I loved this book, definitely a favorite!

What I’m Watching:

The Pitt– This was such a good series that I have been watching this month. It’s a drama about working in the Emergency Department. The Pitt takes place in Pittsburgh and the series follows a medical team from interns, to nurses, and attendings about what a standard shift looks like. This hour-long drama brings lots of interesting cases and patients and from what I have heard, it’s one of the most realistic medical dramas on tv.

The Recruit– The new season of The Recruit  picks up right after where the last one ended. I like how this series on Netflix mixes drama and humor every episode. Plus, the casting is well done and the storylines have you wanting more.

What I’m Cooking and Baking:

Overnight Oats– I have been incorporating Chia seeds in my meals more and one way I have been using them is in overnight oats. I like to add some fruit, granola, and some chocolate chips for extra flavor too!

Chia Pudding– Another new recipe for me, chia pudding. My first batch turned out well, but I think I’m going to try to use more flavoring the next time to make it sweeter. But I have really been enjoying the flavor of chia seeds and the health benefits of them too!

Molten Lava Cake– I got this recipe from Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia cookbook and it was an instant hit!

Easy Skillet Enchiladas- I got this recipe from Shay Shull and it was such a fun twist on mexican night!

Chicken, sausage, potatoes, onions, and peppers– Yes, it’s as easy as it sounds, combine everything with salt, pepper, and Italian season and cook for an hour and you have yourself a delicious meal.

What I’m Wearing: It’s the month of the luck of the Irish, so I have been doing my part to wear as much green as possible, even if it means adding some layers.

I also broke out some bold pants for brighter days.

What Inspires Me:

My desk calendar at work always brightens my day with some motivation.

This was such a good reminder when life gets crazy!

A spring mantra

What I Accomplished:

I made it through a long work trip!

A long, but worthwhile trip.

Goals from Last Month:

I wrapped up my winter bucket list and will soon start my spring bucket list! Stay tuned for that in the coming weeks!

I also got to dive into my new cook book from Emily Ley! I can’t wait to try new recipes!

Goals for Next Month:

Signs of spring at the store

I have so much to look forward to in April including starting my spring bucket list, Easter, family time and maybe even a trip or two! Plus, catching up with friends and more time outdoors. I have missed the sunshine, clear roads, and blue skies! I can’t wait to soak up more rays and spring weather in the coming weeks and months!

A taste of Spring!

Tell me: what were some highlights of your month? Goodbye March and Hello April!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #138

Hi everyone! A very happy Friday Favorites to you. Spring is here and it certainly has sprung. I don’t know about you, but I have not so patiently been waiting for this new season. I’m ready for fresh starts and new beginnings, sunshine, blue skies, and no more snow.

A taste of Spring!

Can you tell I’m excited for spring?!

Before we get to the weekend, I wanted to share some of my favorite things from the past week. I have lots of entertainment options, a spring scent and a foodie favorite!

Let’s waste no time and dive right in as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

The Pitt– My latest tv binge-worthy obsession has been The Pitt. It stars ER vet, Noah Wyle and it’s a drama about working in the Emergency Department. It takes place in Pittsburgh and they actually shot some scenes in the 412! The series follows a medical team from interns, to nurses, and attendings about what a standard shift looks like. This hour-long drama brings in lots of interesting cases and patients and from what I have heard, it’s one of the most realistic medical dramas on tv. The episodes drop once a week on Max every Thursday! Definitely check it out! 

The Recruit– It came out a few weeks ago, but I finally got around to watching the new season of the Recruit. Season two picks up right after where the last one ended. I wanted to finish The Pitt before I began a new show, so I’m glad I waited. I like how this series on Netflix mixes drama and humor every episode. I’ve been enjoying working my way through this new season.

New Essential Oils– One of my close friends recommended this new essential oil at Target and let me tell you, it is an instant mood booster. Your space will feel like spring and you will want to open all the windows and have birds chirping in the background. At least, that’s how I felt. I love the combination this scent offers of fresh and clean. It’s also great to use after you finish cleaning your space.

Movie Soundtracks– I have been spending a lot of time in the car and one of the things that’s helped me has been listening to movie and musical soundtracks. I have been listening to music from my favorite Broadway shows, rom coms, and everything in between. I like to listen to them through Apple music, but you can find your favorites on Spotify or YouTube. Listening to a movie soundtrack helps the time past and it draws you back into the movie. Highly recommend listening to your favorite scores when doing chores, running errands or taking long car rides.

Some of my recent favorites

Chai Seeds– I started to incorporate Chai seeds into more of my meals and I have been loving them. I made chai pudding and overnight oats and enjoyed them both, but I have to say I enjoyed the overnight oats a bit more. After I made both recipes and let them sit, I added some of my favorite protein granola, some fruit and chocolate chips for extra flavoring and crunch. The perfect snack or dessert, plus it’s healthy too!

There you have it! That’s a look at what I have been loving this week, some spring snacks, new entertainment options and a new scent for your space. What things have you been doing to get into the spirit of Spring? I would love to hear from you! Have a fantastic Friday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #135

Hello all!

Happy Friday! I hope you had great week. As we make our way to the weekend, I wanted to share some of my favorite highlights from this past week. It is the last day of February and I for one am thrilled to be a bit closer to spring.

Fresh flowers at the store made me very happy!

Even though, I know the snow won’t magically disappear, I’m excited for some warmer weather. There’s hopefully a little bit of something for everyone in this week’s edition of Friday Favorites! Let’s dive in as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

New Sneakers– One thing I have DESPERATELY missed this winter has been running outdoors. This has been my biggest complaint about the winter months. The snow, ice, and freezing temperatures have kept me inside and on a treadmill or on a turf as opposed to out running on trails. Although, I’m grateful to run inside, I can’t wait to get back outdoors not only for the paths, but to test out my new running sneakers. My current sneakers have a lot of miles on them, so I decided to upgrade. This is my first time trying Hoka (I’m typically a New Balance gal) but decided to give Hoka a try. I’ll have a thorough report after I can log more miles outdoors in my sneakers.

From Here to the Great Unknown– Wow! I can’t tell you the last time I raced through a book as fast as I did with this one. From Here to the Great Unknown is the memoirs of both Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough. The books discusses their lives and the life of Elvis told through their eyes. I loved the Elvis movie when it came out a handful of years ago and really enjoyed watching Keough in Daisy Jones and the Six, so I couldn’t wait to read this book and it didn’t disappoint. 5 Stars for me.

Scamanda– I mentioned this podcast in 2023 when I listened to it in the summer. It’s all about a woman who faked cancer and scammed thousands of people. I found the podcast to be very fascinating and was excited to learn a documentary would be made about it. Scamanda is airing in four parts on ABC and I have been loving it. It just wrapped up last week and I am got all caught up over the weekend. It’s very similar to the podcast, but you get to meet the people involved. I looked forward to the episodes every week. 

OJ Simpson Documentary– Another documentary I just finished was a new four-part series on Netflix about O.J. Simpson. Although I don’t remember the case, I have learned and read about it a lot through the years. I’ve watched different documentaries, specials, and adaptations on it too. I was curious to see how this one compared. I liked how it was broken into four parts and I liked the length of each episode too. I really appreciated how they brought back some of the key players, years later for updated interviews. Overall, very well done!

Fruit Bowls- We have had a long winter over here, so I’ve been trying to break up my days with things that bring me joy and that includes more fruit. I have been devouring these homemade fruit bowls. They are very simple to put together and you can alter them to your liking. I typically have Greek yogurt, fruit (bananas, berries, watermelon-whatever is on hand), some granola, and then mini chocolate chips for a sweet treat at the end of the day. I have been eating this as a snack, but it can be enjoyed for breakfast too. I have been loving the energy boost it gives me and the colors make me happy too. 

That’s a look into what I have been loving this week. What are some things that have been helping you get through this winter slump? 

Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Friday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #134

Hello All!

Happy Friday! I hope you had a full and successful week! February is flying by which is good for me. January felt wayyyyy longer than I wanted, but February is flying by. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact I have more things on my calendar to look forward to. I got back from a weekend away last weekend and it gave me the energy I needed to make it through the second half of winter. As much as I love to travel, it’s always good to come home and get settled after time off.

My go-to look, all bundled up for winter. Hat, scarf, and puffy jacket!

As we look towards brighter days, here are some things I have been loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea

New Candle Scent– I finished my Emily in Paris candle which I loved and it was time for a new one. I decided to switch it up with a lavender scent to relax and unwind to the start and end of the day. I got this candle from a local candle company. I love to support local businesses whenever I can and this was a great opportunity to do so. The candles come in different size Mason jars which I find so cute. I also love how the scent lingers after you blow it out. This has been a favorite of mine these past few weeks.

Hair Shine Mist- I use a lot of different products in my hair every day and I always like experimenting with new products. I have been trying this shine mist after I’m done doing my hair, before I head out the door. It gives my hair a nice clean look and it smells great too. But I do notice that it adds some shine and volume too. Definitely a win for me when it comes to hair products!

New Apple Watch Band– As i mentioned in my post a few weeks ago, I LOVE my apple watch and wear all day, every day. I typically keep the generic, athletic band on it at all times, but sometimes for work, I want a more professional look. I decided to purchase a gold/leather watch band from Amazon and I have been loving it. It definitely elevates my look and I feel more sophisticated when I wear it. An inexpensive purchase that makes me feel more put together and fashionable.

Back in Action- Have you seen the new movie on Netflix, Back in Action?! It stars Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx. My boyfriend and I recently watched it during a virtual watch party and both really enjoyed it. Was it the greatest movie of all time? No, but was it a good thriller with some good one-liners on Netflix to enjoy for a date night?! Absolutely! The movie follows two spies who get out of the business to start a family only to get pulled right back in years later. Definitely a fun movie to watch for your next night in.

Virtual watch party for the win!

Pomodoro Timer- My friend recommended I try the Pomodoro Timer for work and house projects and it has been super helpful when staying on task. Sometimes, I, like many can get distracted when I’m trying to a task or work and the timer is a great motivator to stay focused and catch your breath every few minutes. This is a great tool if you spend hours at a desk and need a reminder to get moving too.

That’s a look into life this past week and what I’m loving! Some shows, movies, accessories, and beauty items, truly a little bit of everything. I hope you have found something that brought you JOY this past week. Have a fabulous weekend! See you back here on Wednesday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #133

Hi everyone! Happy Friday and more importantly, Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you are showing and getting some love today. I know I have been making some time for my girlfriends over the past few weeks. Whether it is with your significant other, spouse, girlfriends, or even yourself, today is such a good reminder to give yourself some extra love and maybe even treat yourself too!

I am out of town this weekend, for a little getaway, so I am looking forward to a break in the routine for some fun. However you are spending the day, I hope it’s enjoyable. Before we get to the weekend, I wanted to share some current favorites with you as I link up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites

Simplified Bags and Pouches-We kick things off with travel accessories which ties in perfectly with me being on the road today. I got the Simplified tote and pouches for Christmas and have used them here and there, but was waiting for a trip to use and take advantage of them. I love the soft blue color and the quilted pattern. The size is great for running errands if you need to hold lots of things or for a weekend away. The pouches make organizing small items much easier too.

New Car Scent– My interior of my car has gotten very dirty this winter with lots of snow, ice, and salt. I try to keep up with cleaning it, but it just keeps getting messy. I can’t wait for spring and summer when I can really detail it. One thing I have kept up with is keeping my car smelling good. I swapped out car scents and am going for a fresh scent for a new month. I want to be better with the maintenance of my car this year by including monthly car washes and scent swaps. Here’s what I’m currently using from Bath and Body Works. I love the freshness that it provides to my car.

Valentine’s Day Playlist– It’s Valentine’s Day and I have been enjoying the month of love as much as I can. From doing some decorating, wearing my reds, pinks, and purples, and listening to lots of love music. I found this great playlist on Apple Music which has a little bit of everything, some classic songs, new hits, and all genres of love songs. This has been a go-to playlist for me as I drive or get things done. Give it a try if you are looking for some background music this weekend.

The Six Triple Eight- This has been on my watch list for a while on Netflix and I finally got around to viewing it. The Six Triple Eight is based on the all-black, female battalion in World War II who worked to help organize and distribute mail. I was first intrigued by it because it starred Kerry Washington was a Tyler Perry film, but the more I watched and read about it, the more invested I got. I really loved the historical storyline, and I think they did an incredible job showing just how challenging it was to be a woman of color in the army in World War II. They had a stellar cast who brought so much emotion and passion to the film. I wouldn’t be surprised if it got nominated and won awards for it. This would also be a great film to watch as we make our way into Black History Month.

Ice Scraper-This winter season has been oh-so cold.  We have dealt with record-breaking snow falls, blizzard warnings, freezing temperatures and everything else in between. Needless to say, winter tools have been my best friend this year. I got a heated ice scraper for Christmas, and it has been a game changer. You just plug it in your car, and it heats up and you can start scraping ice off your windshield or other parts of your car. It’s proven to be a big help especially when you don’t want to spend too much time outdoors.

That’s a roundup of things that have grabbed my attention this week! As we make our way to Valentine’s Day weekend, what are your plans and how will you be celebrating? Whether it’s by yourself or with loved ones, I hope it’s a wonderful day and weekend. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #132

Hello everyone! Happy Friday, it’s the first Friday of February! I know I am happy to see a new month. I love all the things that come with February, more winter fun, Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day, plus we are one step closer to Spring!

My pup has been enjoying chilly nights and the warm fire!

Today, I’m linking up with with Erika and Andrea for another round of Friday Favorites! Here’s some things I have been loving this week! This is a fun mix of things I have watched, used, and some life hacks that has made my life a whole lot easier. Warning, we have had a lot of days inside due to cold weather, so this post is heavy with shows and movies to check out. Let’s dive right in!

Martha– A documentary that’s been on my watchlist was Martha. I have always known of and followed Martha Stewart and was excited to see that a documentary about her would be coming out. I got around to watching it after the holidays and really enjoyed it and learned a lot about her. I appreciated how they showed a lot of her early life and how she got her start and shared some of the not so pleasant parts of her life . My favorite part was that it was in her own words. After watching this film, I will definitely be reading her entertaining books. 

Man on the Inside- I know this series has been out for a while but my mom and I got around to watching “A Man on the Inside” starring Ted Danson. It’s all about a man who goes undercover in a retirement home. There were so many older actors and actresses in this series on Netflix and the one-liners and references were incredible. Although, some serious parts, the show had me laughing out loud. An easy watch for winter months. It’s only one season, but a second season is coming soon!

Sweet Magnolias-Another Netflix favorite! Sweet Magnolias is back for a new season. It returned yesterday for season four on Netflix and depending on when you are reading this, I may or may not have started it yet. I’m excited to see where this season takes the women and the drama, love, and stories that come along with it. So many of my shows have new seasons coming out which makes the long winter months go by fast. I’m excited to pass the time by catching up on some of my favorite shows.

Sweat suit– I have been spending so much time indoors due to cold weather and you can tell based on my other favorites. Haha! I have been looking and wearing warmer and cozier apparel. This cream sweat suit from Aerie has been a big favorite of mine. First, I love the color, I don’t have too many creams or whites in my wardrobe, so it’s been a nice change of pace. The material is so soft and it’s presentable enough that you can wear it out and about if you want. All wins in my book for a good outfit!

Extra Work Tote- This has been an unexpected favorite of mine. Besides my purse that I bring into work every day, in the winter I have a more things that I take with me. I have my lunch, shoes to switch into from my boots, a jacket or sweater for layers, a scarf, hat, gloves, and any other odds or ends I may need depending on the day. I found myself lugging in lots of little bags and items every day and it became a hassle. I decided to get a larger recyclable tote that I can put all the small things in every day. This was a small change that has made a huge difference and life a whole lot less stressful. It’s incredible what small changes can do to make life easier.

That’s a look into what I’m loving this week. Lots of warm items and forms of entertainment to keep me busy on chilly days. I’ve also been breaking out some Valentine’s Day decor!

How has the weather been by you? Are you staying warm and cozy? Have a great weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #131

Hello All! Happy Friday! I hope you have had a great week and month! Can you believe we are almost to the end of January?! This month has felt long mostly due to the cold temperatures, gray skies, snow and not too much opportunity to head outdoors. I’m hoping for warmer and brighter days ahead, but that’s up to Mother Nature. In good news, today’s batch of Friday Favorites is making me smile and I hope it will do the same for you! 

Cold days calls for warm cookies

Here’s some things that I have been loving this week as I link up Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites. I have spent a lot of time indoors, so just as a warning there are a lot of movies and tv show recommendations coming your way.

New Body Wash– My brother got me this body wash for Christmas and I couldn’t wait to try it in the new year. It’s lavender scented which is perfect for evening showers and tubs to relax and unwind. I love that it’s not too fragrant and you only need a little to get enough of the scent and to feel squeaky clean. I also like that it’s made from healthy ingredients. 

Mufasa– I have been on a movie kick recently. There have been a lot of good movies out and worth seeing in the theater. At the beginning of the month, some of my family members and I went to see Mufasa, the origin story to the Lion King. I recently saw the traveling Broadway show of The Lion King and I was already in the Disney mindset so the timing of this movie was perfect. I really enjoyed the way they told the story of Simba’s dad and appreciated the Easter eggs in the other films. The music was so well done and I think they did a great job with the animation. If you don’t have a chance to check it out in the theater, definitely watch it on Disney Plus when it comes out.

Night Agent Back– One of the series that I watch made its return last week, The Night Agent. I was tied up with other commitments, so it took me a while to catch up, but now I’m locked in for the season. The first few episodes have kept me entertained and intrigued about what will happen next and what the season will bring. If you watch the show, what are your thoughts on it? If you are looking for something new to watch, I would recommend this! I am always looking for new suggestions of things to watch. If you have any good shows or movies, drop them below! 

Be Ready When the Luck Happens– I just finished this book this past week and talked about it in Wednesday’s post. Ina Garten’s memoir, Be Ready When Luck Happens really touched me. I really really loved this book. I heard about it on the podcast, Books Beach and Beyond and after hearing Garten’s story, I knew I had to read it. I didn’t know much about Ina but learned so much about her life before she was well know for her culinary skills. I love how she talked about the lessons she learned along the way and how she was vulnerable at times too. I also loved how she talked a lot about her background and what she learned through different jobs and life experiences.

New Kylie Cosmetics Lipstick– I was out of my red lipstick and was in search of a new one and decided to try Kylie Jenner’s matte red lipstick, An Apple A Day I use Kylie’s lip kits for work, but this was the first time I tried a matte lip stick and was very impressed by the long-lasting quality and feel. It gave me great coverage and color for hours. I didn’t have to reapply once and it lasted a good three to four hours after I put it on and after I ate and drank. Major wins for me!

That’s a look into what I have been loving this week as I deal with more wintry weather. What are some things that have brought you joy over the past few days?! I would love to hear! Have a toasty weekend!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #129

Hello everyone! Happy Friday! I hope you had a successful week and are ready for the weekend. 

These past few weeks have been quiet after the holidays, it can be nice to not be busy and booked all the time, but a part of me does miss the hustle and bustle. I’ve been trying to do an activity or something different every week just to change things up. As we wrap up another week of January, I wanted to share some favorites of mine from the past week as I link up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites.

Lazy Genius Playbooks– I mentioned a few weeks ago that I started using my new planner from Simplified, but I also started using these playbooks from The Lazy Genius. They are to be used as a companion to a planner and they are organized by season, so you have one book for every season. The books are broken down by a looking back and looking forward section, a brain dump spot, have to and hope to list, and then week by week. This has been a great tool for me to use with my planner every day.

Desk Calendar– Speaking of every day, I got this calendar for my desk or motivational quotes for work and it brings a smile to my face whenever I look at it. It’s a fun little countdown and have positive and uplifting quotes that I like to read through the day. A small but, personalized touch at my work station.

New Scent– I shared a few months ago that Bath and Body Works released an Emily in Paris line and I got some of the scents for Christmas! I got some body lotion, body spray, candles, and car refreshers, so I will be set for a while. I am currently wearing this combo for body lotion and spray. The spray is a bit stronger but found that it lasts longer, which I appreciate since I don’t have to keep reapplying it through the day. The lotion is more subtle which I enjoy. I’m eager to try the other scents soon.

With Love, Meghan– Meghan Markle announced at the beginning of the year that she will be launching a show on Netflix. You can catch the trailer here. This week, the show was supposed to premiere but got pushed back to the wildfires in California. I really liked the trailer and can’t wait to get started with the series. Do you plan to watch it? If you have, what are your thoughts?

Juror #2– This was a movie my family and I watched over the holidays and we all enjoyed it. It’s all about a juror on a trial about a homicide. Through the course of the trial, he’s faced with moral dilemmas that could affect the entire case. It was dramatic, intense, and very thought provoking. Definitely a heavier movie, but worth the watch. You can find it on Max. Clint Eastwood did the movie and did a fantastic job on it!

That’s a look into what I have been loving this week, some organizational tools, some entertainment and some beauty products, something for everyone!

As we gear up for the weekend, tell me, what are you looking forward to? I would love to know! Have a great Friday!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #128

Hello All! Happy Friday! I hope you had a great first full week of January!

Last week was a little wonky between the holidays thrown in the middle of the week, but I hope you are settled back into your normal routine or maybe trying a new one for the new year. As always, I am linking up with Erika and Andrea for a weekly round up of Friday Favorites. I am continuing with my trend of sharing things I am using to get me ready for the new year.

Here’s some highlights and favorite things from the past week!

Simplicity Challenge- The new year brought the Simplified Simplicity Challenge back! I always love taking time in the new year to clean and organize my room and home and do a refresher and this challenge allows me to do that by performing little tasks that I can accomplish every day. We are only a few days in, but I have been loving it so far. 

Some of my organizing so far

Black High Boots– These are definitely a favorite of mine. I purchased these high black boots from DSW before the holidays and have already gotten a lot of use out of them. Whenever I shop for shoes, I am always looking for something that can be worn with multiple outfits. These boots are great to wear with jeans, dress pants, leggings or even a skirt or dress. I love the versatility of these boots and know they were a great purchase to replace an older pair of boots that ripped.

Special Forces Back– A tv favorite for me is back! Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test returned for season 3 this week. I am always intrigued to see who joins the cast and some of the obstacles they have to face. I know I couldn’t do half the things they do. Plus, it’s always interesting to see who makes it all the way to the end. This season looks good!

Upcoming seasons of shows– Another thing I am looking forward to in the new year is new seasons of other series I follow. Netflix released information about several series including Sweet Magnolias which is back in February and YOU which is back in 2025. I’m sad that the holidays are over and things are back to normal, so this has me something to look forward to. 

Winter Runs– Speaking of the outdoors, I have been back to running outdoors. We went through a stretch of bitterly cold weather and lots of snow and no outdoor runs were happening for me. I did run on the treadmill, but I was not a fan of it. It felt so good to get back outdoors and lots of fresh air. Even with the snow and cold, it was SO much better than running on a treadmill.

That’s a look into life this past week! Some fashion, some outdoor fun, some entertainment and new tools for the new year! As we begin a new month and year, what have been some of your favorite things? I would love to hear from you! I hope you have a cozy, January weekend! See you back here on Wednesday!