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Currently

Currently #38

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday. I know February is the shortest month of the year and it certainly flew by. This month has been filled with new recipes, unexpected sunshine and mild weather, lots of books and new shows. Here’s a recap of this past month.

What I’ve Been Up To: I’ve been keeping up with lots of my favorite hobbies. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw that I have been putting my new cookbook Just Feed Me by Jessie James Decker to good use by trying lots of recipes. 

Here’s a few that I have tried this month. 

I made Na’an Bread Pizzas
I also made Cilantro Lime Rice and broccoli
And Dirty Rice and Beans
Chicken Chili

We’ve also had such a mild February. With little to no snow, I’ve made the most of the sunshine by getting in lots of walks and outdoor time.

Winter walks in the snow
Followed by warm drinks, even with Santa mugs!

I also got some friend dates for dinners around Galentine’s Day. My boyfriend and I celebrated Valentine’s Day with dinner after work, and we also did a day date to Cleveland at the beginning of the month where we went ice skating, went to the Museum of Art and dinner and a show. It was a packed full day but so much fun!

Skating in the city!
An afternoon at the museum.
And a show at night!

What I’m Wearing: I’ve been wearing Valentine’s day colors all month long. From pink sweaters to red coats. I always love to break out some fun colors around the holidays. These bright colors also help me get in the spring feels which will be here soon.

All pink for the month of LOVE
My red coat made its way out for a date night

What I’m Reading: I got on a Colleen Hoover book train and read two of her books this past month. 

I also finished Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez, this told the story of star-crossed lovers who live in essentially different worlds. A country boy meets city girl, they fall in love but quickly realize they may not fit in each other’s worlds. Will they make it work or have a short-lived romance, you will have to read to find out. (I finished this almost 400 page book in a week-so worth it!)

Some of my books that I’ve read and still need to read.

What I’m Watching: New show to me, but I started watching Ted Lasso and love it. I know I’m late to the party but find it so creative and funny. I love all things Great Britian, so I can’t get enough of the British references.

Such a fun show, especially with snacks!

I love the casting and one-liners and can’t wait for the new season to debut this summer. I’ve also been making my way through some movies on my watch list on Netflix and Amazon Prime. Iā€™ve been watching lots of rom coms. Here’s some of my favorites. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris follows the story of a woman who works as a house cleaner and looks to fulfill her dream of wearing a designer gown. This movie takes her from England to Paris where she gets a newfound sense of confidence and makes some friends along the way.

About Fate follows the story of two people in different relationships, one serious, one not so serious, but they run into one another without their significant others and end up spending New Yearā€™s Eve together overcoming one obstacle to another to get to their dates. They end up learning they have more in common than they thought and fateā€‹ keeps bringing them together.

What Inspires Me: Spring will be here soon, or so I hope. As much as I am enjoying winter, I wouldnā€™t be lying if I said I am looking forward to spring. I am savoring the time indoors and being cozy and working on projects that I may not be able to accomplish in warmer weather.

Fresh flowers make me think of spring too!

What I accomplished: I have been making headway on lots of odds and ends projects, which is a huge accomplishment. I also spent time with family and and friends which is always a good thing!

Goals from Last Month: I was so glad I got to make time for my girlfriends for Galentineā€™s Day. I enjoyed having one on one time with friends in town and made time for friends further away with facetime calls. I also had a great Valentineā€™s Day that was filled with lots of baking and sweets.

Some Valentine’s Day treats!
And more treats!
Valentine’s Day fun!
Lots of sweets!

Goals from this Month: March is such a tease for spring with a mix of winter. I am looking forward to getting some warmer days, while savoring the days of winter. 

Cold days and warm drinks are the perfect combination!

Thatā€™s just a look into my life this past month, lots of baking, reading, binge watching and walking, throw in some work and family time then you have yourself a perfect month. Iā€™m looking forward to see what next month brings. 

Categories
Fabulous living

Valentine’s Day and Gift Guide

Happy Wednesday! I hope your week’s are moving along well.

I have a two for one today as we are talking about Valentine’s Day which is next week!

Today’s post is a mix of gift ideas and date ideas for you and your sweetheart if you are celebrating a day filled with love on Monday.

Let’s start with gift ideas. 

Valentine’s Day Gifts

You can always go for a box of chocolates or something sweet and flowers. As someone with a big sweet tooth, I would love a big box of chocolates, but if you want to be a bit more creative, here’s some ideas.

-An Experience

If you want to combine gifts and a date in a gift, maybe splurge on an experience or an activity. It can be anything from tickets to a show (movie or concert) or a favorite sporting event (it’s Hockey season!) to maybe a unique date like wine tasting, candle making or a painting night. This gift allows you both to spend time together and do something a little more special or fun that you may not typically do during your date nights.Ā 

-A Memento 

This gift allows you to flex your creative muscles. Maybe try getting your significant other a memento from your relationship. This can be as easy as getting a new frame and printing some of your favorite pictures to put inside. Maybe you saved a special receipt or a hand written letter, consider framing them. Another idea is adding a few keepsakes to a scrap book or even make up a memory box to put some of your favorite memories that make you think of the other person.

-A “Couple” Favorite Things

This is another fun gift idea, put together a little box of gift of some of your favorite things you both like to enjoy. This can be your favorite candies, snacks, or drinks, maybe a favorite movie or activity or a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant or a place that you went to on a favorite or memorable date. Put it all together and gift it. This allows you both to enjoy something together and enjoy some things you have grown to love together. A perfect walk down memory lane together.

Date Ideas

-Home Cooked Meal

I always love this as a date idea. This date allows you and your girlfriend or boyfriend to enjoy a more relaxing night at home and avoid the craziness and crowds of restaurants. Maybe try a new recipe or meal together, you can bond in the kitchen and can enjoy a delicious end result. To make it extra special, use some nice plates and dishes, light some candles and set the mood for a dinner date for two.

-Night on the Town

Even if you have to work during the day, enjoy the big night after work. You can enjoy a favorite spot to eat at or try a new spot to make it special. Then head out to enjoy the rest of the night, whether it’s with a show or maybe a walk in a park or even a drive. . As fun as it is to enjoy the actual day, to avoid the hectic-ness of Valentine’s Day, maybe head out to celebrate the weekend before or a few days after to enjoy a quiet night.

– Day Trip

Even if you don’t celebrate the day of, plan a day trip to either someplace new or a favorite place that holds meaning to you both. During the winter months and being coped up for so long, it’s exciting to try something new and head out for a day trip. Start the day early and get some snacks and hit the open road, set a destination, and make some stops along the way. It doesn’t matter where you end up, what matters is the journey and the memories you make along the way.

These are just a few ideas to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Whether you like to go all out or like to keep it low-key, what’s most important is showing the people in your life that you love them. And yes, these ideas work just as well for a girl’s night out too!

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Fashion

Look of the Day #94

LOTD

Hello All! Happy Thursday! I am back from my trip in Italy! I will be sharing outfits I wore while I was away in the upcoming weeks and I have slowly been getting back into a routine and a back to school rhythm . When I was home a few weeks ago, I had a few things planned so it was the perfect opportunity to try some new outfits and mix a few pieces up too! Be prepared for a lot of fun fashion these next few weeks!

Letā€™s get to this first look of the day!

Full outfit

I first want to focus on my pants. I got these black ripped jeans from Francescaā€™s Boutiquea few years back and I have worn them in many different ways, fromdressy looks, to more casually and edgy looks,and now for more of a glitz and glam look. These jeans have become so versatile and such a staple in my wardrobe to change up an outfit. Iā€™m so glad I keep finding new ways to wear them with my collection of clothes. 

Casual yet confident look

Since these jeans were so dark I wanted to add a lighter color, enter this fun top. When I was home after Christmas I was on the look for new pieces on sale. I came across this velvet gold top at Old Navy. I love how it ran a bit large and wasnā€™t skin tight. I also liked how you could make it look professional for work or dress it down for a night on the town. I opted to wear it for a dressier look compared to a professional. I wore my high black boots to top off my footwear and to add one more pop of sparkle, I wore gold jewelry as accents and my Michael Kors belt from Marshalls.

Up close at the details

Iā€™ve had this shirt for a few weeks now and I was so happy I could finally wear it and create a fun outfit out of it.

What other outfits would you wear this outfit with?!

Iā€™m going to hopefully catch up on sleep this weekend. See you next week for more posts about my trip abroad! Have a great weekend!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #43

LOTD

Happy Thursday! Another week is almost in the books. Itā€™s crazy to think we are almost through March.

Todayā€™s look of the day is a bit more formal. While I was home for Spring break, I went out for the night. I wanted something that was dressy but still warm since we were hit once again with snow. This outfit not only works for a night out but for Sunday mass, or even a day in the office.

Outfit for a night out!

I got this blue top with gold and silver designs from Francescaā€™ s Boutique a few years ago. I usually wear it with dress pants or a skirt, I have worn it with jeans, but I like to wear it more formally and dressed up.

I got these blue dress pants from The Limited. I got them a few years ago and they have worked out great for dress pants. Their navy-blue color makes them easy to pair with other tops. They are also superior quality, so I know I cam depend on having them for a while.

I wore a pair of nude patent leather heels to top off the outfit. I got them fromĀ  DSW a few years back. I strongly recommend that every woman own a pair of nude shoes, whether they be flats, heels or wedges. They are a must have in any wardrobe. They can go with any outfit and are very versatile. I have worn these heels with homecoming dresses, skirts, dress pants, and in every season. Plus, they are super comfortable. Win-Win!!

I made the decision to change up my hairstyle for Spring. Iā€™ve been having fun trying new styles and dos with shorter hair. If you have any suggestions for short hair, please let me know!

Thatā€™s a look into my latest fashion trends. With spring around the corner, what trends are you looking forward to seeing this season? Have a great weekend (and a safe St. Patrickā€™s Day!) !!!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #40

LOTD

Hello and Happy Thursday!

February has been flying by! It’s crazy that next week is March! Where has the month gone?!

Last week, I shared a professional outfit, today I have an outfit that would be perfect for date night or a night out with the girls. I wore this ensemble last weekend out to dinner and I got lots of compliments. I mixed a few pieces to pull this outfit together. Both my top and bottom are from Francescaā€™s Boutique.

Look of the day (and night)

Letā€™s start from the bottom. I am wearing my favorite shoe boots for a night on the town. They are comfortable, sleek, not too high, and they keep my feet warm with the snow. Ā Once again, I got these shoes from DSW.

I am wearing my favorite skinny jeans. These black and ripped at the knee jeans are from Francescaā€™s Boutique. I have worn them previously in the fall with a short sleeve top, but since I was going out, I decided to dress these jeans up. I got this Michael Kors belt from Marshalls on sale. You never know what you will find at Marshalls. They always have great deals.

I am obsessed with this deep red, lace top. I also got it from Francescaā€™s Boutique. It has open shoulder sleeves which are very much in style this season. This top is very versatile. It cane be worn with a pair of blue jeans, a black skirt or how I am wearing them tonight, with a pair of black jeans. I have many more outfits planned in the future with this top in mind. It was a bit chilly out, so I wore a short black jacket to top the outfit off.

Curly hair for the win

Since I was going out at night, I wore darker makeup. I also had worn simple accessories to make sure it didnā€™t take away from my statement piece, my top. I always feel better about myself and life when I am feel comfortable and confident in my clothes. Your clothes can truly change your mood. Thatā€™s a peak into my closet. Have a great weekend. See you on Tuesday!