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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #4

Hey guys! Iā€™m back with another week of Friday Favorites where I link up withĀ ErikaĀ andĀ Andrea! There was so many things that I loved this week, it was hard to narrow it down to just five favorites. Without further ado, here we go!

  • Sephora Eye Shadow Palette-Iā€™ve shared before how Iā€™m trying new makeup samples and I got this eye shadow palette from Sephora. This is one of my first Sephora products and I am loving it! I love the colors and how well they blend and stay on. Really pretty shades for the fall and winter months.
  • Wall Flower– I had some coupons from Bath and Body Works and had to stock up on some body care items and had a coupon for a free wall flower. Iā€™ve always used a diffuser with essential oils in my room and loved them, so I never considered a wall flower. I decided to try one out and wow-I love it. The scent is long lasting and itā€™s not too powerful either. I will definitely be getting more scents for the different seasons. Right now I have Eucalyptus and Mint and itā€™s so soothing.
Look at the cute succulent plant, love it!
  • Healthy Lunch Options-With a new season and month here, Iā€™m looking to make healthier meal choices. One way Iā€™m doing that is by choosing better foods for my meals. Hereā€™s a look at my lunch from this week. A packet of guac, some multigrain crackers, cheese and carrots. It was well balanced, I got a mix of sweet and salty and it filled me up. Iā€™m on the hunt for more healthier lunch options. If you have any ideas, let me know!
A look at my lunches for the week!
  • Look Both Ways– This was such a cute Netflix movie that I watched last weekend. It tells the story of a young woman on her college graduation night and how one decision changes her life. The movie follows the two directions her life takes. Really cute movie and perfect for a girls night in.
  • Emily Leyā€™s New Book-Last week, I was talking about Emilyā€™s large note pads from Simplified and this week, I get to talk about her new book, Sure as the Sunrise. I was so excited to learn she wrote a devotional. I already pre-ordered it and I canā€™t wait to read it and incorporate it in my daily routine. You can pre-order yours here!

Thatā€™s another look at some favorites for this week! What have you been loving recently? Have a great weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites # 1

Hi guys! Happy Friday or for some..Fri-YAY! After following several blogs for years, one of my favorite things about reading them is learning about some of their favorite products and things they are loving and where they get them thanks to their Friday favorites posts.

I decided to hop on the bandwagon and share some of my favorite things from the week. Iā€™m not sure if this will become a weekly post for me or just an occasional post, but be sure to check in every Friday to find out. Donā€™t worry, Iā€™ll still have my typical post for you every Wednesday. Without further ado, hereā€™s my first edition of Friday Favorites as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

  1. Covergirl Green Primer

I always wear green primer for work. Itā€™s one of the first things I put on after my skin care routine. Iā€™ve been trying some other green primer brands and recently purchased this one from Cover Girl. I love the consistency of it, how easy it goes on and blends, plus it smells really good too. Definitely a favorite beauty trend!

  1. Makeup Applicators

When I put on my green primer and my eye primer, I have been using these makeup applicators. I got mine from Target but you can find them at most grocery or beauty stores, even Amazon. I love how they make it so much easier to apply makeup and you arenā€™t worrying about if the products get on your hands. I use the primer and these sponges daily!

  1. Daisy Jones and the Six

I know I am way behind but I just read Daisy Jones and the Six this week and wow-what a great book. Iā€™ve heard about it for years but never got around to reading it. I loved the plot line, fell in love with the characters, but my favorite way was how it was laid out, so creative! I canā€™t wait until the series comes out on Amazon Prime!

  1. Purple HeartsĀ 

Speaking of streaming services, over the weekend, I watched Purple Hearts on Netflix and was so surprised with how much I enjoyed it! Sometimes, movies on streaming services can be hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed watching this drama about two people who decide to get married for the benefits of marrying into the military. I really loved the character development and seeing these two characters go from strangers to falling in love. It got 5 Stars from me!

  1. Soaking Up Summer

A final summer favorite has been soaking up the summer days of working outside. On weekends or afternoons, I do my best to get outside to read or work or just relax. I know I will be inside soon enough when snow comes, so iā€™m doing what i can to soak up the sunshine. This is also your motivation to spend some time outdoors today.

There you have it, my first Friday Favorites is in the books. Let me know below whatā€™s included in your weekend plans?! Have a great weekend!

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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?

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Fabulous living

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Hey friends! Happy Wednesday.

I hope your week is moving along well.

Valentineā€™s Day is such a bright spot in the cold month of February. It breaks up the long winter and who doesnā€™t like to celebrate love and kindness?!

Whether you are in a relationship or not, thereā€™s no such thing as spreading too much love.

Due to the pandemic, Valentineā€™s Day may look a little different to many, today, Iā€™m breaking down some fun Valentineā€™s Day date ideas that are low budget and fun at home.

For Long Distance Relationships:

Virtual Watch Party

This is such an easy and fun date activity if you are in a long-distance relationship or homebound due to Covid-19. Amazon Prime and Netflix both allow you to watch movies or tv show with someone at the same time and you can chat while watching. You can just send a link to who you are watching it with can watch and message at the same time. This makes watching a movie alone much more fun!Ā 

For an Activity:

Get Outdoors

Yes, itā€™s winter and cold, but if you are looking for a winter activity on a Sunday on Valentineā€™s Day doing an activity outside is another fun alternative. Whether itā€™s ice skating or going for a winter hike or for a sleigh ride, you can still get outside and enjoy the time in the fresh air.

For a Night at Home:

Dinner

If you donā€™t want to risk it and go out for dinner with a lot of people and Covid-19 concerns, then bring dinner into your home. Whether you are getting your favorite dinner for your go-to date spot or you do some of your own cooking, you can enjoy one on one time at home. Set it up with your best dishes and make it really special. Once dinner is done, you can enjoy a movie or your favorite board games.It makes a regular dinner memorable.

These are just a few fun Valentineā€™s Day date ideas, whether you are spending the day youā€™re your significant other, your best friends, or your familyā€¦the most important thing is to spread some love and tell the people in your life that you love them.

Happy Valentineā€™s Day friendsā€¦spread love today and every day.

XOXO

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Fabulous living

Things To Do on a Quiet Weekend

Hey Everyone!

Happy Tuesday!

I hope your week is off to a great start. I just got back from a very restful and much needed break at home. It was so good to get home for a while and rejuvenate for a bit. This is a big week, not only is it the last week before midterms but I am also leaving on Friday to head off to Rome, Italy for Spring Break!!!

So, why am I going to Rome?! I have been a part of a leadership program since Iā€™ve been in college and one of the last components of the program is to learn and apply everything we have learned these past three years for a week in Rome. I travelled to Italy when I was in high school and I canā€™t wait to go back and get a new experience for this second time. Iā€™ll be sure to post updates of my time abroad as well as several blog posts in the upcoming future. 

Now, moving on to todayā€™s topic: we are talking all about things to do during a quiet weekend. Whether you are a college student like myself, a young working professional, or a parent with free little time to yourself, I hope this post gives you ideas on ways to relax or activities to do when you donā€™t have a lot to do on the weekends.  

As a college student, I often find myself busy through the week with classes, meetings, and commitments. However, during the weekends, everything tends to slow down, people head home for the weekend, there is not as many things going on, and the weekends are generally quiet. During my time in college, Iā€™ve found many ways to occupy myself when things are quiet, there is only so much homework you can do and you can only get so far ahead in classes. Here are my favorite things to do on the weekend.

  • Binge watch the latest show on Netflix– Iā€™m currently watching American Crime Story ā€œThe Assassination of Gianni Versaceā€, Iā€™m obsessed with it. I loved watching ā€œThe People vs. OJ Simpsonā€ a few years ago and was so excited when they came out with a second season. 
Such a good mini series
  • Pick up a book and escape to a new world for a few hours– Although it is hard to come across time to read in college, free time on the weekend gives me time to get ahead on reading and relaxing. I just finished Jessie James Deckerā€™s book, ā€œJust Jessieā€ and I loved it. It was so easy to read and a good escape from my college books. Iā€™ll be posting my review of her book in the next few weeks. 
Such a fun book
  • Call up that friend you havenā€™t talked to in forever and catch up.-This is something I have been trying to do more this semester, I have been doing my best to reconnect with old friends, whether they are high school friends or childhood friends. There is nothing better than facetiming with a friend, swapping stories and sharing memories.
  • Self Care Night– After a busy week, take some time for yourself, whether itā€™s running a bubble bath and reading, doing a facemask, or painting your nails, pamper yourself with something special and make sure you are putting your best self forward for a new week ahead. 
Nothing makes me feel better than a fresh coat of polish. I wore this color for Valentine’s Day!
  • Take a walk or work out.-Not as relaxing but you will feel better after. Sometimes a walk outside is all we need to clear our heads and recharge our batteries. If a walk is not your thing then hit the gym and sweat the stress away. Get your blood pumping and heart racing and you will feel great after!
  • Do something productive– If you have checked all these things off your list of things to do, then tackle a project that has been needing your attention for a while, whether it is a junk drawer that needs cleaned out, a binder that needs organized, clothes than need laid out, or meal prepping for the week ahead, set time aside to get ahead for the week so you arenā€™t scrambling on Monday morning. 

I hope this list gives you some examples of things to do on a quiet weekend, although sometimes we crave the quiet and just need silence, it can also get boring and mundane. What activities to do you like to do on those few quiet weekends?

See you on Thursday for a new look of the day!

Categories
Fabulous living

Bingeable TV Shows

Ahhh the carefree days of Summerā€¦no school work, a time for making money for most college students like myself, but most importantly R&R. Between all the working I love to relax and unwind by reading or catching up on my favorite tv shows or binge watching new shows. Here are my top five picks for bingeable tv shows and the service you can find them on.

Everyone loves a good laugh and The Office doesnā€™t disappoint. From Michael Scottā€™s antics, the relationship between Jim and Pam, and the days at a Paper Company, the laughs are endless. There are 9 seasons and episodes are less than 30 minutes. A perfect companion to watch while you are relaxing, doing a load of wash, or hanging out with friends. The Office can be found on Netflix.

A classic comedy about working in an office

Whether you have an interest in medicine, relationships, friendships, or navigating a new job, this is the show for you. Watch the epic love story between Meredith and Derek and see what it means to be someoneā€™s person. This drama has 14 seasons under its belt and is still going strong. Episodes range 43 minutes and there are plenty of twists and turns through the series. Greyā€™s Anatomy can be found on Netflix.

Whether you watch it for the medicine or the relationships, this show is for you,

So many good things about this show, from the relationships, special guest cameos, the many memories in that one apartment, but importantly, the friendships. Whether this the first time you are watching FRIENDS, or you are a super fan and know every line and know exactly what it means when someone says, ā€œWE WERE ON A BREAKā€! FRIENDS is the show for you. There are 10 seasons and episodes run for 21 minutes. You can watch this with your friends on Netflix.

Nothing better than watching Friends with friends!?

The New York trends continues but this time we are catching up with our favorite girlfriends. In honor of the 20th anniversary, this show is so iconic, from the fashion, the MANY boyfriends, the trips, but most importantly, the love of girlfriends. There were so many wonderful moments that made this show so special, from Carrieā€™s column becoming a book, the failed marriage between Charlotte and Trey, Samantha finally falling in love with Smith, Miranda being the first of the four to become a mother, and Mr. Big going all the way to Paris to tell Carrie she is the ONE. The show ran for 6 seasons and episodes are under a half hour. The show that never goes out of style can be found on Amazon Prime.

Who doesn’t love these girlfriends!?

Do you want to be a Gladiator in a Suit? Well, this is the show for you. Scandal follows the interworking of the government, from rigging presidential elections, fixing politicians problems, and affairs in the White House, Scandal keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last second. Each season is even better than the last. While Olivia Pope is taking care of everyone elseā€™s problems, who is taking care of her? Will she stand in the sun with Jake or go to Vermont with Fitz?! The 7 seasons wrapped up this past year and the 40-minute episodes will have you on the edge of a cliff. See what all the hype is about but binge watching this on Netflix.

The Fixer and Boss…Olivia Pope

Whenever summer is dragging, or you just want to curl up and relax try watching one of these shows to change up your routine. What shows are you currently binge watching?! Let me know in the comments below! Happy viewing!