Categories
Let's Look

Let’s Look: How We Prep for the Holidays

Hello all! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week as we made it to hump day!Ā I don’t know about you, but it is full on fall here, we have had rainy days, leaves falling and some sunshine peaking through, but the changing weather is getting me excited for the next few months.

Cool crisp fall mornings

This year has been flying by, I canā€™t believe we are already at the second week of October. Itā€™s time for another Letā€™s Look, where we share different parts of our lives. Each month, I link up with  Shay and Erika to share my thoughts on different topics. 

Hereā€™s what we have covered so far this year:

In January, we talked about How We Clean Our Closets.

In February, the topic was Things We Do Every Day

In March, it was all about whatā€™s in our Grocery Carts

In April, we chatted about our Quiet and Prayer Time.

In May, we talked about Summer Staples.

In June, we shared our Summer Schedules.

In July, we chatted about our favorite TV Shows and Podcasts.

In August, we learned about our Pantry Staples

In September, we shared Easy Weeknight Meals

This month, the topic is how we prep for the holidays. I love all the seasons, summer is by far my favorite, but I do enjoy the ā€œBerā€ monthsā€¦September, October, November and December. There is so much to look forward to, from the holidays, traditions, extra family time, and festivities. 

Fall, one of my favorite times of the year

As we get closer to the holiday months, Iā€™m sharing how I prep for all the fun and I hope you will share some of your holiday prep hacks too! I donā€™t have my own home or family yet, so how I prepare may look a little different.

I always like to prep for the holiday seasons, by creating bucket lists, by writing a bucket or goal list, this ensures that things that I want or hope to get done, get accomplished. Some are big activities and others are little outings or things I want to cook or bake. For example, my fall bucket list includes celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, watching festive movies, enjoying holiday treats and Halloween activities.

I donā€™t know how I will celebrate Halloween on the actual holiday, but I do plan on making some festive treats, decorating and enjoying some Halloween movies. 

Some fall treats from last year

As far as Thanksgiving goes, we typically enjoy the holiday with family and then we have our own Thanksgiving dinner the weekend after. Preparations for Thanksgiving looks like figuring out what traditional dishes will be made, baking pies, and doing some decorating around the house. These are subtle ways to celebrate the holiday. Thereā€™s so much cooking and baking that goes into Thanksgiving that it is nice to just enjoy the time with family. 

A delicious, Thanksgiving spread!

Christmas always comes with the most prep. Once again, I make a Christmas bucket list of things I want to do around the Christmas season, from ice skating, baking cookies, shopping, looking at lights, and decorating. I like to make the most out of the Christmas season.

Prep for Christmas starts with decorating the day after Thanksgiving, itā€™s a tradition we have been doing for years and itā€™s always one of my favorite things.

I will also make a master list of people I want to buy for and set a budget. I keep a running list in my phone of who I need to buy for, what the gift is, the status of it, and how much I spent. Once all the gifts have arrived, I take time to wrap them all and watch a holiday movie. This method always keeps me organized.

I love to bake cookies around the holidays and one of the ways that I prep is by making one or two types of cookies a week leading up to Christmas. I will share some with family after I bake them and then store the rest for the holidays. This method ensures that I get all my baking done, but Iā€™m not stressed getting it done.

After all the prep is done, itā€™s time to enjoy the holidays and relax. Thereā€™s only so much prep you can do, what matters is the end result and spending time with family and loved one around the holidays. They will be here before we know it, so I want to know what hacks you have to make the holidays smoother? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Holiday Prepping!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #114

Hello all! 

Happy Friday! 

I hope you had a wonderful week and are ready for the weekend. Itā€™s the first weekend of October and it certainly feels like October. Fall is settling in which means several weekends of pumpkin patches, apple picking, leaves falling and cooler temperatures.

First signs of fall with the changing leaves

Iā€™m excited to start crossing things off my fall bucket list. 

Before we get to a weekend of fall fun, I wanted to share some things that I have been loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea 

Midnight at the Pera Palace– The second season of Midnight at the Pera Palace came out towards the end of September and I have been slowly making my way through the season. It picks up right where season one end as storyline goes back and forth between the past and present. Although it can be hard to follow since itā€™s in a different language, the English dialogue does help, so do the subtitles.

Dot Pretzels-I was influenced by Erika and Shay to try these Dot pretzels and they are so good! I have only tried the original flavor, but I love the extra bite and zest they have. Definitely more flavorful than your average pretzel, but so delicious. I plan on trying on the other flavors too!

Large Lavender Lotion– I love lavender lotion and use it every night. I had been getting small bottles of lavender hand cream and lotion, but kept having to purchase refills more often than I would have liked. I decided to buy a large bottle of lavender lotion from Bath and Body Works. I love using a pump every night, it not only is softens my skin but soothes me as well. Definitely worth paying more for more product.

A Family Affair– Have you seen A Family Affair on Netflix? It stars Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron. Itā€™s all about a widowed mom who falls for her daughterā€™s boss and letā€™s say things become quite the family affair. Although the storyline is for mature audiences, I really enjoyed watching it and I think the casting and chemistry was well done. Definitely a movie with adding to your watch list for your next movie night.

People We Meet on Vacation Casting– Iā€™m a big fan of Emily Henry and I have read all of her books. Some are currently in the works to be made into movies or mini series, including People We Meet on Vacation! This is one of my favorite books by Henry and I canā€™t wait to see the adaptation. Iā€™m familiar with some of the actors and actresses but I canā€™t wait to see them bring these characters to life. 

Thatā€™s a look into what Iā€™m loving this week! As we fully embrace fall, tell me whatā€™s on your bucket list for this month?! Let me know in the comments below! Happy Fall Friday!

Categories
Travel

Helpful Travel Hacks and Hints

Hi everyone and happy October. I hope your next few weeks are filled with fall fun, whether it be in the form of decorating, warm foods, walks, or corn mazes.

I’ve been spending as much time as I can outdoors while the weather is still nice.

I have been in a season of travel, from longer trips to weekend getaways and have been picking up some travel hacks along the way. 

If you are in a season of travel too or preparing for one with the holidays approaching, hereā€™s some helpful hints I have picked up.

  • Packing Cubes– These packing cubes have been a game changer for me, especially for longer travels. I used packing cubes when I went to Rome and I fit so much in my carry-on. I had more than enough space for souvenirs to bring back and for all my clothes. They are also great for keeping dirty and clean clothes separated during and after your trip.
  • Travel Size Inventory- I have talked a lot about using sample beauty products when traveling. This is a great opportunity to use products you may be hesitant to try at home. I also try to use products that I am almost out of it and can throw away when I am away to save space coming back and to come home to fresh and fully stocked products. My motto is use it lose it!
  • Make a List and Take a Photo– I always make a list of what to pack when I leave whether itā€™s for a week or an overnight trip. I like to keep it in my phone, so I always have it with me. It also makes it easier when checking things off to make sure you have everything when you return. If you are a more visual person, lay out everything you want to bring and snap a photo. When you are ready to come home, check the photo to make sure everything is accounted for.
  • Pick a Color Scheme– I always try to be mindful when I am packing and that comes in the form of what I am bringing. I tend to choose a color scheme and stick with it. For example, in Italy, I wore black, white and red. This helped mix and match outfits and shoes. For a recent weekend away, I chose blue and white with a few accent colors, they were all neutral which made it easy to mix and match clothing items. Choosing a color scheme also made packing easier when you are only looking for a few colors, plus it helps with jewelry and accessories.
Black and white was my go-to colors for Italy
  • Bring an Empty Water Bottle– If you are flying or driving, bring an empty water bottle. This is very helpful when flying and you get thirsty as there are always places to refill your cups. If you are driving, it doesnā€™t hurt to have a cup to fill up at gas stations or rest stops, plus it saves you money and helps the environment.
This travel mug came in handy for a weekend out of town
  • Be Mindful of Your Bags– Think practicality over cute. I tend to be practical with what bags and luggage I am using, but I have fallen victim to choosing cute over practical and I faced the consequences. Rolling suitcases and backpacks may be the smarter decision when flying as opposed to totes. However, a tote could be great for a road trip for easy access for snacks and toys for kids. Always be thinking about whatā€™s the best option for organization and practicality.
Practical for flying
Not as practical for flying…lesson learned

There you have it, some helpful hints that I have picked up when traveling. I am by no means an expert, so I am always open to new ideas. Tell me: what are some of your travel tips and advice? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Travels!

Categories
Fabulous living

Fall Bucket List 2024

Hello everyone and happy Wednesday! The first day of fall is Sunday! As much as I hate to say goodbye to the summer season, I do love fresh starts. Every year and every season, I like to share a bucket list of activities of things I want to do to celebrate the time period and this year is no different. 

Today, Iā€™m sharing my 2024 Fall Bucket List. These activities are a mix of traditional and new things I want to accomplish this year. Most of them are fairly inexpensive or free and can be done by yourself, with a significant other, with friends or family. 

These bucket lists always give me inspiration for things to do when I am bored or have some spare time and want to take advantage of the season. I have some classic fall fun with a mix of new things I want to try over the next few months. I canā€™t wait to start crossing things off my bucket list.

Without further ado, here it is!

FALL BUCKET LIST

  • Apple Picking
  • Sā€™mores and Bonfire
  • Fall Walks and Runs
  • Collect Leaves
  • New Apple Recipe and Make Apple Crisp
  • Fall Festival
  • Decorate for Fall
  • Fall Trail Mix
  • Pumpkin Patch and Decorate Pumpkins
  • Halloween movies
  • Candy Corn Recipe
  • Enjoy Hot Apple Cider
  • Try a Pumpkin Recipe
  • Try New Soups
  • Make Chili and homemade cornbread
  • Read Fall Books and Movies (Charlie Brown, Youā€™ve Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle)
  • Start Gilmore Girls
  • Celebrate Halloween
  • Celebrate Thanksgiving
  • Warm Drink and Bookstore Date
  • Watch a Sporting Event- Football or Hockey
  • Enjoy Apple Cider Donuts

There you have it, a look at what I want to accomplish this next season. A lot of these goals can be done at home and all cozied up, which was my plan. However, I do plan to spend as much time as I can outdoors too! 

As we get ready to say hello to fall in a few days, what are some things you want to accomplish over the next few months? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Fall!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #62

Hello all! Happy Friday and happy full first week of October! I hope you have had a great week and have something fun and fall-ish planned for the weekend. I know I will be enjoying some fall fun both in and outdoors on Sunday. I can’t wait!

As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea or a fun roundup of Friday Favorites!

The Little Mermaid– I know this movie came out months ago, but I finally got around to watching The Little Mermaid on Disney Plus and really enjoyed it. I was a big Disney fan growing up and I have appreciated rewatching some of classics as an adult. I think Disney has done a great job with some of their live action movies, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast are some of my favorites and I really enjoyed watching The Little Mermaid. I enjoyed the renditions of the classic songs, like “Under the Sea”, “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World”, but I also enjoyed some of the new songs that were made for the new movie too. I know there were some mixed reviews for the new Little Mermaid, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. From the acting to the vivid colors and beautiful score, I think Disney did a great job. If you have seen it, what did you think of it and what movie do you want to see make next?

Such a cute movie!

Lume Deodorant– I’m always trying different products and when it comes to beauty and toiletries. I have been seeing lots of commercials and seeing lots of ads for Lume deodorant and decided to give it a try and have been happy so far with my purchase. I love the scent of it, the freshness and coverage it provides and the affordability and accessibility. I have found it at Target, Giant Eagle and Walmart. If you are looking to change-up it up, give it a try.

New Car Scent- Bath and Body Works is my go-to for fragrance. From wall flowers, lotion, body spray, and car refreshers. I love to swap out the scents from season to season or whenever I run out of a scent. I use Bath and Body Works for their car fragrance too. I love their signature scents and the refreshing scent they bring to your car. My latest scent in my car is Crisp Morning Air. It’s perfect for the fall season.

Nothing better than a new scent.

Fall Trail Mix– I love a good trail mix and when it’s a mix of seasonal flavors, I love it even more! I always get sucked into Target’s seasonal foods, I love to try their different combinations of sweet and salty snacks. Their new trail mix Apple Cinnamon Pecan is my new favorite. It tastes like fall in a bag. The trail mix includes apple flavored pecans, cinnamon yogurt pretzel bites, apple chips and cranberries. I love how the flavors blend together. They have been the perfect sweet and salty mix to enjoy with lunch. I can’t wait to enjoy more seasonal foods all through October.

A great mix of fall flavors!

Chicken Salad– I love a good salad to enjoy at lunch, add some protein and lots of flavors and I’m all in! My family and I enjoyed roasted chicken this past week for dinner and had lots of leftovers, so I used some to make some chicken salad for meal prepping for work lunches. It was a great way to use what I had and get a lot of meals out of it too. Here’s what I put in my chicken salad, if you are interested in trying it for yourself! I slice up the chicken and add a little bit of mayo and some pepper. I chop up some celery and onions for some extra veggies and then if I’m feeling fancy, I will add some crushed pecans or almonds for some crunch and some fruit like apple bits or grape halves for some flavor. In this salad, I added the grapes. All these flavors mixed together gives you a hearty and tasty lunch. You can eat it on a sandwich,Ā Ā with crackers or by itself, which I tend to do.

That’s a look into life this week; some things to watch and read, a few meal options and a beauty product. As we wrap up the first week of October, tell me: what has brought you joy this past week?

Let me know in the comments below!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Categories
Fashion

Fall Outfits

Hello all!

Happy Wednesday and Happy October! After holding onto summer for as long as I could, I’m fully committed to fall. The leaves are changing, the mornings are cooler and I’m all about the warm and cozy inside. Since we are in the fall season, I thought it would be appropriate to share some recent fall fashion finds. 

I picked up some of these pieces in the summer and some in the fall and couldn’t wait to wear them. I know these will work both in the fall and winter and will be great transitional pieces too from one season to another. 

Let’s start with a dress! I picked up this short-sleeve dress from Marshall’s on sale. I love to pop into Marshall’s and T. J. Maxx for their work dresses and home decor, I typically go in for one thing and leave with five more, whether it’s clothes, shoes, home decor or even a snack. I always have luck at Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx and Home Goods.Ā  What I love about this dress are the colors (the gray, brown, black and orange are perfect for fall), I love how short-sleeved it is so you can wear it as a transitional dress between seasons or add a blazer to it and I love the style of it. It’s by Calvin Klein and I love the way they fit on me. This dress is a 10 across the board!

I had been on the hunt for a brown blazer to add to my wardrobe. I already have blazers in black, navy, white and red and was looking to add a brown/tan one to my collection for business attire. I got this blazer on sale from J.Crew last summer and couldn’t wait to wear it in the fall. I love the color and texture of the material. I love the cut and style. I actually have it in blue as well, when you like the fit of an item of clothing, there’s no shame in getting it in multiple colors. I appreciate the fact it can be worn with different items. You can pair it with a pair of dress pants, a blouse and flats or pumps. You can also wear it with a skirt and heels. You can wear it over a solid dress, or another twist, wear it with jeans and a top or booties or flats. One blazer and so many different ways to wear it.

Lastly, this black and white polka-dotted long-sleeved top is going to be great for fall and winter. I have so many blouses, but many are short sleeved, which isn’t always helpful in the winter. I have a few long-sleeved blouses and I’m always looking to add more to my collection. This top from Ann Taylor will be paired perfectly with black dress pants and pumps or flats, or it can be worn with a black pencil skirt too. Again, another example of one item of clothing paired multiple ways.

Having a few new items in my closet makes embracing a new season a lot more fun! I love being able to bring back some favorite pieces each season and bring in some new items too! 

Tell me, what fall trends are you looking forward to the most this season? Let me know in the comments below!

Categories
Fabulous living

Fall Bucket List

Hello All! 

Happy first full week of September. I hope you had a great Labor Day weekend and soaked up the last big weekend of summer. I still plan on keeping the shorts on and enjoying the sunshine for as long as I can this month.

September is always a month of transition, from getting back into a new routine being back to school, to the changing weather, this month can be a busy one. Over the next few weeks, I have some day trips planned, lots of appointments that I scheduled for when things calmed down from the busy summer and then some friend dates. I’m looking forward to crossing things off my to-do list and starting my fall bucket list!

Speaking of bucket lists, here’s a look at my summer bucket list all completed:Ā 

I got so much accomplished this summer, both on my list and doing things that came up through the summer, needless to say it was a fun and packed full summer. From trips to New York City, Toronto and San Diego, to lots of walks and picnics, grilling and pool days, it was a memorable summer!

Summer is a photo!

Now that we are slowly saying goodbye to summer, it’s time to start thinking about FALL!

I started a fall bucket list at the beginning of the month and will add to it over the next few weeks, but here’s what I hope to accomplish over the next few months.Ā 

My Fall Bucket List

Apple Picking

Fall Walks

Collect Leaves

Make Apple Recipe

Try A New Recipe Once a Week

Bonfire

Football Game

Pumpkin Patch and Carve Pumpkins

Celebrate Halloween

Make Chili

Use Kitchen Aid

Read Fall Books

Go to a Fall Fest

Celebrate Thanksgiving

Enjoy Apple Cider

Hockey Game

Soup Recipe

Kinzua Hike

Elk Watching 

That’s just a start into what I hope to accomplish over the next few months. I love to make to-do lists and bucket lists because they give me ideas of things to do for fun and it encourages me to take advantage of my hometown and the season. I hope this gives you some ideas of fun things to do in the fall season.

Tell me, do you have a fall bucket list? What do you hope to accomplish?

Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Fall Y’all!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #11

Happy Friday! Last week has been filled with so much fall fun! Iā€™m looking forward to more of it this weekend! Iā€™m linking up with ErikaĀ andĀ AndreaĀ for todayā€™s Friday FavoritesĀ to share five favorite things Iā€™m loving this week.

Hocus Pocus 2– I finally watched the new Hocus Pocus movie and loved it. I always look forward to watching the first one every year and didnā€™t know what to expect with the new movie. There were so many Easter eggs tucked throughout the movie. The best thing about the movie was seeing all the original cast members. Definitely a fun, family movie to add to the holiday lineup.

Family movie night this spooky season!

Apple Nachos– Iā€™ve been enjoying so many apple recipes over the past few weeks. From breads to muffins and pies. This past week, I made a fun snack that was certainly a crowd pleaser. I saw a recipe for apple nachos on Pinterest and had to try it. Itā€™s super easy to make, simply slice an apple, or two or three, drizzle caramel sauce and then your favorite toppings. I added some nuts and m&mā€™s. It was so easy to make and tasty too.

A delicious fall treat!

Cover Story– I finished another book that I couldnā€™t put down. Cover Story tells the story of a young college girl, named Lora who meets a young heiress, named Cat during a summer internship. The two become friends and Lora ends up becoming Catā€™s ghost writer. However, Cat has some secrets that Lora looks to uncover. This has some of the Inventing Anna vibes if you watched the Netflix series last year. Between the plot twists and bombshell ending, I couldnā€™t put it down.Ā 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park– Last week I went to Cuyahoga Valley National Park for a fall walk and picnic. I walked eight miles and saw so many beautiful sights and waterfalls. It was the perfect fall day and loved getting fresh air and lots of exercise. It was so fun to try a new place and enjoy the autumn season!

A gorgeous fall walk!

Gilmore Girls-As I type this post, Iā€™m enjoying my newest favorite, Gilmore Girls. I just started it and have fallen in love with it. I love the relationship between mother and daughter, the sweet town and all the fall vibes. Itā€™s been on my watch list for the longest time and Iā€™m so glad I finally started it.

Thatā€™s a look into some of the things Iā€™ve been loving. Whatā€™s something that brought you joy this week? Let me know below!

Categories
Fabulous living

Fall Bucket List 2019

Happy Fall Yā€™all!!

What is something on your fall bucket list?!

Full disclosure, I have seen that phrase everywhere and wanted to try it for myself. I love fall and everything that goes with it. I love all the seasons for a variety of reasons, but there is something special about fall. Whether itā€™s the crisp, crunchy leaves under your feet while walking to class, hot apple cider in a mug to start off your day, or heading to a pumpkin patch. 

Since October is well underway, I am sharing my fall bucket list of things I have done or things I plan to do. 

  • Enjoy a warm mug of apple cider
  • Take a walk in the leavesĀ 
  • Make an apple recipe
  • Indulge in candy corn
  • Head to a Fall FestivalĀ 
I kicked off fall break with a fall fest
  • Decorate Pumpkins
  • Enjoy homemade apple crisp
My mom’s homemade apple crisp…so delicious
  • Do window shopping for new fall dĆ©cor
Some beautiful fall decor while out and about
  • Enjoy a new book by the fire with a fall candle going
  • Decorate for fall/ Halloween
  • Pass out Halloween candy
  • Watch a Halloween movie
  • Celebrate Halloween and get dressed upĀ 

A lot of these are simple activities that I can do with family or friends. I am wrapping up my time at home for fall break. I got some much needed family time, some yummy home cooked meals, and a lot of things accomplished on my to do list. I also got some time to enjoy the beautiful weather at home. I still have a few weeks left to enjoy October and Iā€™m hoping to check the rest of these fall activities off my bucket list. 

What are some things that you have on your fall bucket list?!

Categories
Fabulous living

Fall Activities

Hello All!

Happy Tuesday!

I canā€™t believe we are almost to the end of October. Last weekend was super busy, I worked a lot so I am looking forward to a slower week ahead and a fun weekend too. This month flew by, I think going home for Fall Break for a few days definitely broke up the month. Speaking of fall break. I had the best time at home. I unplugged and unwound which was much needed. It was so good to get away from school and work for a break and escape to my home for some down time. I also managed to get some fun fall time in. Here are some suggestions for some fall festivities as well as a recap from my time home.

  • Fall Drive

Take a fun drive to see the changing leaves, pumpkin patches or take the back roads instead of the highways. I always can clear my head best with a long car drive and some good music. The fall and right around Christmas (especially to see the colorful Christmas lights and decorations) are the best time to take a nice drive.

Yes, this may be from my backyard but can you blame me? The sky and the trees compliment each other perfectly

  • Pumpkin Patch/Farm

Pumpkins and October go hand and hand. I love picking out a pumpkin for my room at school and I canā€™t help but look at all the flowers, dĆ©cor, and arrangements for fall. I also love to hit up some fall festivals and enjoy the changing weather. Plus there is nothing better than walking around a pumpkin farm with a hot cup of apple cider.

My two friends and I headed to a fall fest to kick off fall break. It was fun to relax and walk around and see all the fun booths and snack on tasty treats.

My sweet friends Olivia and Bailey and I hit up a fall festival and we had the best time. It was spontaneous and the best way to spend a Friday afternoon

I headed to a pumpkin farm while I was home and I loved this display. The colors scream fall.

I love all the shapes and colors gourds come in, they are always so unique!

So many pumpkins, this is one of the best parts about October. I love seeing all the shapes and sizes of pumpkins.

Here’s an arrangement I made up from things I bought at the pumpkin farm.

  • Warm Drinks and Dessert

Whether you are a pumpkin spice latte lover, hot apple cider fan or love some dessert than fall is the perfect time to enjoy some sweet and savory treats. I personally am a fan of everything apple.

My momā€™s homemade apple crisp heated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of caramel hits the spot. As far as drinks go, my favorite fall drink is apple cider with my own spin of it. I love to drink hot apple cider with cinnamon, some whipped cream and a pump of caramel. Yum! So sweet and delicious.

My favorite fall dessert made by my mom

Well, there you have it, some fun suggestions for fall activities and my personal favorite fall treats. Yes, I know I left out Halloween. I loved dressing up as a child and going Trick or Treating. This weekend there is a Halloween Dance at School, so I will be sharing my costume next week. Do you have any guesses? What are some things on your fall bucket list?