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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #140

Hello everyone and happy Fri-YAY!

It is the first Friday of April and it certainly feels like spring. I have a packed few weeks coming up and it all kicks off today!

Tonight is the home opener of our local baseball team, which means we are gearing up for summer nights at the ballpark which is always a good date night or family activity. Our local high school is putting on West Side Story this weekend, so I will be spending some time at the theater, which is fun! Looking ahead, I have a weekend trip planned for next week, then Easter the following week. I love seeing my calendar fill up with all the fun things!

Before we get to the fun, I wanted to catch you up on some of my favorite things from this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

The Messy Lives of Book People– I mentioned this audiobook in my Currently last week, but wanted to share more about it today. I really have enjoyed Phaedra Patrickā€™s books including The Little Italian Hotel and The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. I couldnā€™t wait to read this book about authors and book lovers. The Messy Lives of Book People. is 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 were so many fun connections and secrets all through the book, I couldn’t stop listening. I listened in the car, at the gym, even getting ready in the morning. I really loved the narrator too, thatā€™s always a make it or break it for me when it comes to audio books. My favorite part? The author’s name was Elspeth. Too funny! I loved this book, definitely a favorite!

Yogurt Covered Raisins– Iā€™m not typically a fan of raisins. I prefer craisins as a snack or in a salad, but not raisins. I also enjoy chocolate covered raisins-to no oneā€™s surprise. However, I gave yogurt covered raisins a try and got hooked. I loved the sweetness and the outer covering they provide and I donā€™t mind the raisin taste as much. They are the perfect afternoon pick me up or lunch snack to satisfy that sweet craving, although, they arenā€™t the healthiest, they are still tasty.

Simplified Cover Reveal– It was like Christmas morning for me on Wednesday as Simplified revealed their new covers for the upcoming year. They launch new products and their academic planners next Wednesday, but I wonā€™t be making any purchases until their fall launch when I get their yearly planner. I always love to see what new products they come up with and what items they bring back. Hereā€™s what I have my eye on this year. 

Meghan Markle New Podcast– From a new Netflix show to a new podcast, last month, Meghan Markle announced she was launching a podcast. Itā€™s called, ā€œConfessions of a Female Founderā€, you can watch/listen to the trailer here. She has also shared some behind the scenes videos and pictures. I plan to listen to the episodes once they drop next Tuesday. I love listening to podcasts and learning new things and I think this will be a great podcast to add to my library. If you are a fan of Harry and Meghan, do you think you will be listening?

Pinterest Spring Boards and Foods– Whenever the seasons change, I find myself scroll through Pinterest more for ideas and inspiration. These can be anything from new spring-like recipes to try, house decor, date ideas, even spring quotes. Pinterest is an instant mood booster for me and I am always so inspired when I am looking through different pins. This is a look at some recipes I want to try in the kitchen.

There you have it. A look at some of my favorite things from this week. Lots of fun things are coming up and a taste of spring too. Iā€™m off to a busy weekend, but will see you back here on Wednesday! Have a great weekend!

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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 donā€™t know about you, but I have not so patiently been waiting for this new season. Iā€™m ready for fresh starts and new beginnings, sunshine, blue skies, and no more snow.

A taste of Spring!

Can you tell Iā€™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!

Letā€™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 itā€™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, itā€™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 Iā€™m glad I waited. I like how this series on Netflix mixes drama and humor every episode. Iā€™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, thatā€™s how I felt. I love the combination this scent offers of fresh and clean. Itā€™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 thatā€™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 itā€™s healthy too!

There you have it! Thatā€™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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Fabulous living

Things That Make Me Feel Like Me

Hi everyone! A VERY happy March to you! The countdown to spring is on, as we are only weeks away from the start of the new season, even if it doesnā€™t quite feel like it quite yet. We had a stretch of temperatures in the 40’s which was an instant mood booster, but then snow returned. There is hope and promise in the air. Is it bad that Iā€™m eager for the rain that Spring brings just because that means a break in snow? I hope not!Ā I have been soaking up time with friends over the past few weeks which has been so fun and much needed for the soul too.

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

The new season means a fresh start and todayā€™s post goes nicely with that as Iā€™m sharing the things I do every day that make me feel like me.Ā I am currently on the road for a work trip and even though it is exciting to be traveling, it can also come with stress. Whenever, I am gone, whether it’s for work or pleasure, there’s a few things I try to incorporate every day in my life that makes me feel like me.

If I go without one of these for a day, will the world keep turning? Absolutely! But these are little rituals I like to incorporate every day to make me feel like the best version of myself.

  • Quiet Time– I like to begin every day with some quiet time and that includes journaling, prayer time, working on a word search to keep my brain sharp, reading a few pages of a book, and Wordle to keep my streak alive. I like to take my time and ease into my day with this quiet time, sometimes, I take ten minutes for my quiet time, other days, I take forty-five minutes. It all depends on how much time I have. I love starting my day with some me-time.
No matter where I am, I always try to get my quiet time in
  • Movement- Whether itā€™s a lift at the gym, some yoga after work, a good run, or even just a walk. Getting some sort of movement is critical for me. Bonus points if I can get outdoors for one of these activities. I love being able to move my body and I donā€™t take it for granted. I feel energized after I get some sort of activity whether it be easy or hard. Itā€™s a mood booster and stress reliever for me. 
Fresh air and some sort of movement brings me so much JOY!
  • Balanced Diet and Lots of Water– If I could only drink water for the rest of my life, I would be okay with that. I go through lots of tumblers every day with water. I drink it at the gym, I drink it hot with lemon in the morning and at night and all through the day at work. I love how refreshed and full water makes me feel. I also try really hard to eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables and proteins, plus something sweet too. Iā€™ve never been much of a breakfast person, so lunch and dinner are my meals of the day. I love to see a colorful plate filled with fruits and veggies. I feel better physically and mentally after eating a filling meal, but donā€™t get me wrong, I do love to enjoy my sweet snacks throughout the day. 
We love a colorful plate!
  • Deep Breathing and Meditation– Life can get hectic which is why taking a few moments for mediation at the start and end of my day helps me stay focused and balanced. I have been using the app Insight Timer at the end of the day to help me unwind which has been a huge help too!
Insight Timer keeps me focused to mediate every day
  • Socializing– Iā€™m your typical Introverted/Extrovert. As much as I love my quiet time in the morning and at night. I also love to spend time with my people. I call and text with my boyfriend every day and get to see my family every day, which is such a blessing. I love gathering around the table at the end of the day to talk about our days. Family is so important to me and I cherish my time with them. Plus, I would be remiss if I didnā€™t mention my incredible friends. Although I may not see or talk to them every day, catching up with friends nourishes my soul. I have recently been reconnecting with old friends and itā€™s so nice to catch up on what everyone is up to in life. 
Happiest with my people!

These five things make me feel like me in the best possible way. I can obviously go without these for a day or two, but I feel like the best version of myself if I incorporate these into my daily life.

Ā As we look towards a new season, what are some non-negotiables for you? I would love to hear from you. Although, I’m on the road, I will be back for another Friday Favorites in just two days! See you then!

Thanks as always for stopping by and Happy March!

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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 ā€œA Man on the Insideā€ starring Ted Danson. Itā€™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. Iā€™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. Iā€™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 #127

Hello everyone and Happy Friday! Have things finally settled and back to normal for you after the holidays or are you still in the season of craziness? Things are back to normal for me which always makes me a little sad since I enjoy the holiday season so much, I’m planning finding the joy in every day to fight the post-holiday blues.

It may be a new year, but Iā€™m still here linking up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites.

Hereā€™s whatā€™s on my radar this week of things Iā€™ve been loving as we come down from the holiday high. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some gifts I got for Christmas and some new items and tools I will be using in the new year when it comes to organization in addition to my favorite things from the week. Let’s jump right in!

2025 Journal-Journaling is something I enjoy doing every morning. I like to take the time before the day gets busy to reflect on the day before, the highs and lows, what Iā€™m grateful for, and whatā€™s on my mind. This is my journal for 2025 and I have been loving it already. Thereā€™s space to share your thoughts at the start and end of your day and thereā€™s a mix of open and close-ended prompts too. 2025 has just started and this has already become a favorite of mine!

Daily Reflections– I mentioned last year that one of my favorite things was a podcast called ā€œThe Simple Sophisticated Podcast with Shannon Ables. In addition to her podcast and blog, she has also written a few books including this one, The Road to Le Papillon, it was released in 2022 and itā€™s a book of daily reflections. I have really enjoyed starting my day with my journal and a daily reflection in addition to my quiet time. Starting my day in a calm way has made such a difference and I canā€™t wait to continue it through the year.

2025 Planner– I have teased this favorite a few times over the course of the year, but with a new year comes a new planner. I purchased my 2025 Simplified planner in September and Iā€™m finally able to use it!!! I love the pattern and the message behind it and details. I am still getting used to the spirals and the larger format, but so far it has been working out great. One of my favorite days of the year is getting my planner all ready to go to use. These pages will soon be filled with lists, to-do, plans, and memories.Ā 

Dress from Ann Taylor- This is another recent fashion favorite of mine. I purchased this dress from Ann Taylor just before Christmas and have already worn it a handful of times to work and out and about. There are so many things that stand out about this dress. I love the colors, the style and the material. It gives off a very elegant look, but itā€™s so comfortable. It doesnā€™t hurt that I got this dress on sale too! Although it has short sleeves, I have worn it in the winter and it can be layered with a blazer too. I love a dress that can be worn in different scenarios.

Virgin River New Season– The new season of Virgin River came out just before the holidays, but I was wayyyyy too deep into holiday movies and shows to watch. Now that things have calmed down and are back to normal, Iā€™m excited to get back into the series and catch up with all things Mel and Jack and Virgin River. This will be a good show to watch in the cold, winter months. Iā€™m looking forward to what this season brings. If you have already seen it, here’s a great article to follow up with the season.

I love the holiday season and are always sad when they come to an end, but these list of favorites has me something to look forward it.

Although, the holidays are over, what are you looking forward to in the next few months? I would love to hear from you. 

Happy Friday! I hope you have a cozy weekend.

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #123

Hello all! Happy December!

I hope you are having a lovely December so far! I have been doing my best to savor the Christmas season in between the daily to-do lists and the to-do lists that come with the holiday season.

My pups getting into the holiday spirit with all the snow.

This is truly one of my favorite times of the year, so Iā€™m trying to soak it all up. I have some fun holiday fun planned for this weekend which Iā€™m very excited about.Ā 

As I wait for the holiday fun to begin, I wanted to share some things I have been loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

Special Forces Casting and New Season– Special Forces: Worldā€™s Toughest Test announced the casting for their new season and launched the trailer. Iā€™ve enjoyed watching this series over the last few years and Iā€™m always excited to see who joins the cast. Some of the challenges seem pretty daunting and I know I could never tackle them, so itā€™s always interesting to see who makes it out on top. You can watch the trailer here. It comes out next month!

Geek Girl– Have you seen Geek Girl?! Itā€™s been on Netflix for a while, but I just got around to watching it. So far, there is only one season, but itā€™s super cute. Episodes are only about 30 minutes so they are easy to watch. Itā€™s all about an average looking girl who gets picked to be a model and her world turns upside down. It takes place in London and I love all the references and the setting. Definitely a cute show to watch if you are looking for something new to watch. 

Pandora Broadway Tracks-Besides listening to Christmas music 24/7. I have been on a Broadway kick lately on Pandora. I am a big podcast listener, but have been changing it up with Pandora. Broadway hits has been my go-to after seeing the new Wicked movie last week. I love the variety of music and genres the station plays and it has even introduced me to some new shows and artists. 

All The Colors of the DarkAll the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker came out in August and I have been wanting to read it after hearing rave reviews about it. I finally got a chance to check it out at the library and finished it in two days. One because it was so good, and two because there was a wait list for it and I couldnā€™t renew it. It starts out with a murder and kidnapping in the 1970ā€™s, but follows the characters through decades of their lives as they grapple with different things thrown their way. There were beautiful moments, heartbreaking scenes and times where you want to throw your book across the room. But overall, I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who asks. Itā€™s in the running for my favorite book of the year. 

New Holiday Scent- Are we surprised this is a Friday Favorite?! The holidays mean seasonal scents and it was perfect timing to break out my new holiday scents from Bath and Body Works. You may remember I got these scents as a gift last year and I saved them for this holiday season. Iā€™m so glad I saved them and had them to look forward to for this Christmas season. I love the scent and the holiday cheer these holiday scents bring.

Thatā€™s a look into what Iā€™m loving this week as we are in full on Christmas mode. I hope you have a great weekend and are doing something fun and festive! See you back here on Wednesday as I share my Christmas Bucket List!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #122

Hello all!

 Happy Black Friday! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by family, friends or loved ones.

Hereā€™s how I celebrated the day!

I started the day with our Turkey Trot 10K and hit a new PR!

I made it home to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

We enjoyed Thanksgiving with family and had a relaxing afternoon.

Iā€™m not a big Black Friday shopper, I may do some browsing, but I donā€™t go all out. Our family typically decorates for Christmas today, which is one of my favorite traditions. Iā€™ll be sharing some photos next week. 

Before I start decorating, I wanted to share some favorites with you today as I link up with Erika and Andrea. Just headā€™s up, thereā€™s a lot of holiday favorites once again! Letā€™s dive in!

List of Holiday Movies and Shows– Speaking of the holidays, thereā€™s nothing that goes better with a Christmas cookie than a hot cup of cocoa and a holiday movie. I came across this list from TVLine of all the traditional holiday movies and specials and when they will air. I canā€™t wait to add them to my calendar and watch them all as the season progresses. This would be a great page to bookmark and refer to through the season.

Wicked– I saw Wicked when it came out last weekend and I was blown away. I think they did a great job with the casting. I loved the costumes and the cinematography as well as the setting. I definitely think it lived up to its expectations. It was a longer movie, but the music, singing, dancing, and plot moved it along. I know I will be listening to the soundtrack for the foreseeable future.

Phone Holder– I got a phone holder to prop up my cell phone at work and itā€™s been a game changer. I am always on my phone at work and for years I have just had it next to me or propped up on random items, but now having something to prop it up so I can see things on my phone has been a huge help. I even got it for free at an event which makes me even happier. 

Night Agent Trailer- A lot of my favorite shows that I follow on streaming services are getting ready to return for new seasons including the Night Agent. The show is all about an overnight agent working for the government who is forced to step up and take on a new role to save the government from going corrupt. The first season was really good and Iā€™m excited to see what the second season will bring. You can watch the trailer here.

New Starbucks Drink– Calling all Starbucks fans! Did you get your free red cup last week? I know I did! It was pretty warm, so I opted for a refresher as opposed to a warm drink. I love Starbucks refreshers in the summer, I typically drink a Mango Dragonfruit Refresher with Lemonade in the summer. I opted for the Merry Cran Orange Refresher and I loved it! It was refreshing, but also very fall-like. I love the taste of fresh cranberries! Whatā€™s your go-to Starbucks holiday drink?!

Thatā€™s a look into life lately and what Iā€™m loving. What have been some favorites of yours from this past week? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Friday and have a great holiday weekend!

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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 #113

Hello all! Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful week and it feels like fall wherever you may be. September started out with summer still holding now, but now as we get closer to a new month, fall is really starting to settle in. 

A crisp, fall morning by the water.

I hope you have something fun or relaxing planned for this weekend. Before you jump into the weekend vibes, I wanted to share some things I have been loving this week as I link up withĀ ErikaĀ andĀ AndreaĀ 

New Hand Lotion– As fall has settled in more, I have slowly been transitioning more of my scents to match the season and that includes my hand lotion. I tend to get dry hands, no matter the season, so I always have lotion with me. Gingham Glow has been my new scent for the fall months. I got it from Bath and Body Works and I love the subtle and warm scent it gives off. In the spring and summer, I prefer floral scents, winter I like pine or minty, but in the fall I like subtle scents and this fits the bill. I also love how the lotions come in different sizes, so if you buy a scent and donā€™t love it, you donā€™t have to commit to it long term.

New Mascara- I am always trying different makeup products and brands and decided to try Super Goop mascara. I love SuperGoop for suntan lotion and wanted to test out more of their beauty products. I have been pleased with it so far. This mascara doesnā€™t necessarily give full and voluminous lashes, but it does a great job of separating the lashes (if that makes sense), plus I have found the more you put on, the fuller they get. I also really love that itā€™s clean makeup with not as many chemicals in it. I will be using the mascara, but Iā€™m not sure if I will reorder it.Ā 

Swan Song– I know I mentioned this book in Wednesdayā€™s Currently post, but I loved it so much, I had to re-share. I ended summer by reading Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand. This was her final beach read set on Nantucket as she decided to retire and I really enjoyed it. There were a lot of references to past characters from other books, and I loved the description of Nantucket and all the restaurants and hot spots. Those are always my favorite parts of her books. The book follows a couple who moves to the island and immediately makes themselves a part of the community, but there is a bit of a mystery to them especially when they hire a girl who has no connection to Nantucket either. I like how there is more substance to Hilderbrandā€™s books, they arenā€™t just light and fluffy. This was not my favorite Hilderbrand book, but it was definitely worth reading and I loved that I have really gotten into more of her books this year. Now, I just need to go and visit Nantucket after reading all about it. Add it to the bucket list!

Greyā€™s Anatomy Trailer and New Season– Greyā€™s Anatomyā€™s new season returned last night on ABC. After a shorter season last year due to the writerā€™s strike, Iā€™m looking forward to more episodes this year. If you didnā€™t watch last night, you can check out the trailer here. This season looks like it will be a good one with more drama, romance and interesting patients. If you watch, what are you looking forward to most this season?

Selling Sunset– Iā€™m not a big reality show person, but I do love Selling Sunset. I have been watching the show on Netflix for years and always look forward to when a new season drops. This season was filled with more girl drama in the office, bigger homes to sell and of course lots of drama and crazy fashion. This show is always a good thing to put on in the background for some mindless tv.Ā 

Thatā€™s a look into what Iā€™ve been loving this week. Tell me, what are some things that have caught your attention? Let me know in the comments below! Have a great last weekend of September!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #109

Happy Friday Friends! 


I hope you are had a fulfilling and successful week and are ready for the weekend, I know I am! This week has been different as I am slowly getting back into a new routine after a busy summer and past few weeks. I am still soaking up the warm weather while finding a new normal.

Endings summer with all the fun activities, like baseball games


Hereā€™s a look at some of my favorite things from this past week as I link up with Erika and Andrea for another round of Friday Favorites!

Emily in Paris– Although, it made its return to Netflix a few weeks ago, I have been so busy, I just got around to watching Emily in Paris. Season Four began with five episodes, each about 30 minutes each. You can binge them all at once or spread them out like I did to make them last longer. The fashion, storylines and drama was upped this season and it didnā€™t disappoint. Emily had some incredible outfits this season and after traveling to Italy myself this year, this season has me itching to go to Paris, France next. 

This season was so good!

It Ends with Us– I have talked about this book and movie a few times and I finally went to see it. One of my best friend’s and I both read the book and we decided to make it a girls date and see the movie, It Ends with Us. There were definitely some changes between the book and movie, but Iā€™m glad I read and saw them both. I think the casting was well done and it was cool to see the characters come to life on the big screen. If you read or saw it, what did you think of it?

Simplified Launch– This past week was the fall launch for Simplified. They unveiled their collection back in the spring, but because I buy the yearly planner, I donā€™t purchase mine until the fall. I couldnā€™t wait to place my order for the upcoming year. I decided to go with the 2025 Weekly Planner in Blush Block. The story behind the planner resonated with me as did the pattern. I canā€™t wait until the new year to start using it.

My planner pick

Touchless Hand Sanitizer– I got this as a gift from a friend and it came in super handy on our trip. Between different modes of transportation, the heat and sweat, I was constantly using hand sanitizer and so was my family. Everyone asked to borrow it through the trip. I loved how compact it was, itā€™s slim, so it can be put in a clutch or purse. The scent was a melon/lemon scent which was so refreshing, but not too over powering.


Wicked Little Letters– I watched the movie, Wicked Little Letters after it kept coming up on my recommendations on Netflix. Itā€™s all about a woman who receives nasty and vulgar letters from someone. Everyone suspects itā€™s a former friend of the recipient of the letters and she gets put in jail for writing the letters. That is, until they question if someone else is behind the letters. This was a cute, British movie with many well-known British actors and actresses and it was a fun watch, but I must warn you the language made it R rated, just as a heads up.



Thatā€™s a look into what Iā€™ve been loving this past week! Lots of beauty samples and some entertainment. If you are planning one last summer hurrah, consider giving one of these a try! Have a wonderful weekend!!!
See you back here on Wednesday!