We are halfway through the first week of November and I don’t know about you, but it has been a busy one. I hope today’s post allows you to slow down and catch your breath before it’s back to the hustle and bustle of life.
I’ve been trying to slow down more in life and appreciate the simple and little things every day. I’ve also tried to incorporate the concept or idea of romanticizing my life.
Now what does this mean to me? I interpret as appreciating the simple and mundane everyday moments and making them feel special. Romanticizing your life can be lighting a candle when you get ready in the morning, or using linen napkins at dinner instead of paper napkins, it’s pouring your coffee in an actual mug and savoring it, rather than drinking it fast on the go.
To me, romanticizing your life is basking and savoring in the season you are in and being present in the moment. Life can be overwhelming or stressful or even boring at times, but by being present in the moment and celebrating the little things can make a big difference in your mood and life.
Here’s been a few ways that I have romanticized my life:
I have been waking up earlier and enjoying a slower morning to read and journal and savor my morning routine and not rush through it. I’ve been lighting a candle and curling up in a blanket to enjoying my mornings rather than rushing through them.
After I get in a workout, I have been making myself a warm tea or water with lemon and enjoying that while I get ready for the day. The mornings have been getting chillier and I have been enjoying a warm drink to start the day.
I always pack my lunch for work and have been using festive napkins or snacks for the season. Rather than a plain white napkin, I have been using fall or Halloween napkins to make things a bit more exciting.
I’ve been working on setting my phone down when I am watching shows or going out on walks. I used to be on my phone a lot absently scrolling and I’m working on being intentional of when I am on my phone.
I’ve been more intentional with what I listen to, I would rather listen to my favorite podcast or favorite songs on a playlist than listening to the radio.
Lastly, I have been checking in more with friends and family just because, whether it is sending a thinking of you card in the mail, or a photo of a memory, or even a holiday care package, I have been actively searching for ways to build connection with loved ones. It not only brings me joy, but I hope it puts a smile on their faces too.
These are just a few ways I have romanticized my life, little, free ways that I have slowed down and appreciated the little moments in my life every day. There are so many ways to find the beauty and simplicity in life.
Taking walks in nature has been another way I have reconnected with myself.
What are some ways you have romanticized your life?
Happy end of September! By the end of August, I was so ready for September. This has been a month of adjusting, finding new routines, and self care, plus family time, travels, and time reconnecting with friends. The seasons changed from summer to fall and now we are in full fall mode and I am ready for it.
As we get ready for a new month just days away, I’m sharing a look into life lately.
What I’ve Been Up To:
I have been finding new places to run this month. I’ve run by the water and in different parks. It’s been fun to find new places and try new terrain to challenge myself.
Beautiful days as we transition from summer to fall
I also hit a new milestone in my distance by running 9.5 miles, which I’m really proud of.
Another highlight of the month was getting my new Simplified planner for 2025. I went with Blush Block and can’t wait for the new year to break out my new planner.
I also got in one last zoo trip of the season on a beautiful day.
What I’m Wearing:
I have been trying to wear all my summer clothes before it gets too cold out. I have been wearing lots of shorts and blouse sets for heading out to dinner or time with friends.
This was another outfit I wore for work recently as we transition from summer to winter. The blazers are coming back.
I wore this for a day out and about and even though I wore white after Labor Day, the layers made me feel very fall-like.
What I’m Reading:
Atomic Habits–Atomic Habits by James Clear discusses the importance of building habits, creating routines, and starting small. He goes in-depth about the science and psychology of habits. He also gives real life examples of how to start small and build up to making life changes. I love and thrive off a good routine and rhythm and found this book fascinating. I learned so much and it really helped me better understand some of my habits and how I can build off them.
Just for the Summer– Abby Jiminez’s Just for the Summer was a really easy book to get swept into. It’s about a man and woman who both have the same issue, they date people, break up and then the person they are dating find their soulmate. The man and woman decide to date with hopes of finding their soulmate next. But life throws them both some curveballs. This wasn’t your typical beach read, there is a lot of depth and meat to it.
Swan Song– The final Elin Hilderbrand, Nantucket book, Swan Song 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 Hilderbrand’s books, they aren’t just light and fluffy. here 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.
The Lazy Genius Way– I have been a big fan of Kendra Adachi and listen to her podcast weekly. I finally got around to reading her book, The Lazy Genius Way and I loved it. She goes in depth with a lot of the topics she covers in her podcast. I love how she writes very conversationally. I also got a workbook to go alongside it and found myself taking notes along the way. If you are looking for a book on how to work and live smarter and not harder, this is it.
The Five Star Weekend– I was on an Elin Hilderbrand role this month between watching The Perfect Couple, reading Swan Song and listening to The Five Star Weekend. I really loved this book, it’s all about a woman who invites four friends from different points of her life for a weekend on Nantucket. I loved hearing how all the friendships came to be and about the weekend itself. The description of Nantucket makes me want to visit. I also loved the storyline and the unexpected twists and drama too. It gets 5 Stars from me.
The Rom Commers- I ended the month with the Rom Commers by Katherine Center. It’s about two screenwriters (one very well-known and one newbie who are paired together together to write a screenplay for a romantic comedy together. There’s tension between the two at the start, but in typical rom-com fashion, feelings begin to bubble. I really liked the character development, but there were a few plot points that seemed a bit far fetched. But the concept and ending were worth it.
What I’m Watching: This past month I have been catching up on shows as the weather gets cooler. I finished season four of Emily in Paris which was really good. I liked the second half more than the first., but overall it was a good season.
My boyfriend and I have also been making our way through Breaking Bad which has been a new genre to us, but a good show and I’m glad we are watching it.
I also watched the mini-series, The Perfect Couple which is based on Elin Hilderbrand’s book and really loved the series and it followed the book pretty close.
What I’m Cooking: I have been back on the cooking train and have really been enjoying cooking with seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad– This was such a flavorful meal. I loved the mixture of fruits and vegetables with the protein. I also have been adding feta cheese or almonds or pecans for some extra flavor.
Ham, Cheese and Apple Flatbread- This was an easy lunch. I used sliced ham, provolone cheese and sliced apples on a flatbread and put it in the Airfryer for a few minutes. I loved the mix of flavors and the crispness of toasting it. This was a great fall-like meal too.
Grilled Chicken and Roasted Zucchini– Another easy, flavorful, and healthy meal. I really loved the mix of vegetables and the flavor of the chicken combined with it. It also took less than an hour to make, super easy on a busy night.
Chickpea Salad- i found this recipe on Pinterest and made it for my lunch for work. I really loved the chickpeas mixed with the vegetables and Italian dressing. It was very filling and healthy too, plus a great source of protein.
Shrimp Stir Fry– This was an easy one pot recipe that was very filling and flavorful. It took under 30 minutes to cook the shrimp, rice, and veggies and combine them all.
What Inspires Me– I have been inspired by the warm weather and by trying to get outside for as much of the month as possible.
A crisp, fall morning by the water.
What I Accomplished– I’m really proud of the time I have devoted to reconnecting with friends and family and myself. The summer, especially towards the end, was super busy and I got out of my routine and I’m really glad to have gotten back into a good rhythm this past month.
Books, Beach and Beyond is one of my favorite podcasts to listen to while I run
Goals from Last Month– I really wanted to establish new routines and spend more time with my hobbies and I definitely did that. I’m also proud of all the time I have spent catching up with friends. Plus, I did some traveling too which was fun!
Some of the places I have run.
I also accomplished a goal of creating a photo album from my family’s trip to Italy. I made on back from when I went in 2019 and created an updated one. I was so happy with how it turned out.
My mom and I had a girl’s night in and my pup crashed the party.
I ended the month with a weekend getaway that felt very fall-like with rainy and chilly temperatures.
Goals for this Month– I am looking forward to fully being in fall mode. I’m excited for fall fests, Halloween, plus some fun activities sprinkled through the month. I am also looking forward to accomplishing things on my fall bucket list.
That’s a look into life lately. Fresh starts, getting back into routines and the start of fall. What has your September been like? Are you ready for the new month? Let me know in the comments below! Welcome October!
Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a week so far. It was a busy past few days, between the Fourth of July, a wedding over the weekend, plus work. I did sneak in a trip to do some blueberry picking. It was a huge success! Needless to say, I am looking forward to the weekend.
It’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up with Shay and Erika.
Here’s some of the prompts we have followed so far this year.
Today’s topic is current podcasts and tv shows we are currently binge-watching.
I was never much of a podcast person, but I got into them more in the last year, especially when I am running or when I am taking long car rides.
As far as tv shows go, I am always watching a show whether it’s week by week or nightly. However, in the summertime, I don’t watch a lot of shows since I try to spend as much time as possible outdoors, whether it be in the morning, at night or on weekends. I also read a lot and sometimes prefer reading over watching tv. It all depends on the day and season.
There are some podcasts that I have listened to in the past, but have ended, so I’m just sharing my current favorite ones. Here’s a few of my favorite podcasts and shows at the moment, maybe you will be interested in them too!
The Lazy Genius Podcast– I found this podcast in 2023 after hearing about it for years. I love the practices that Kendra preaches, especially starting small. Her lazy genius principles are simple ways to bring calm into the chaos of your life. She comes out with weekly episodes, but I have been going through her library and listening to past episodes I am interested in. Episodes range from 20-40 minutes, they are perfect to listen to when you are in the car, folding laundry or on a walk. I have implemented so many of her practices in my life. She has a wonderful message and philosophy. I have also read or plan to read her books as well.
Screenshot
Books, Beach, and Beyond Podcast– I have talked about this podcast a lot recently. Books, Beach, and Beyond is from author, Elin Hilderbrand and Tim Ehrenberg. It’s currently in its second season. They talk about what books they are reading, Hilderbrand’s books, and they chat with authors, people in the book publishing industry and avid book readers. As a book lover myself, I learn so much when I listen to this podcast. Episodes are about an hour long and whenever I finish one, I always have list of books to add to my “To Be Read” list.
Screenshot
Now onto some of my current favorite shows this summer.
Bridgerton– Need I say more? I have been loving Bridgerton’s third season this summer. I like how they broke up this season into two parts, it made the season last longer especially since we won’t get another season until 2026. I really got to love Penelope this season and see her relationship with Colin change. My favorite parts about Bridgerton include the gorgeous sets, fabulous clothes and beautiful music. Truly a show you can watch to escape with. You can watch all the seasons and spin-offs on Netflix.
The Girls on the Bus– As we gear up for another election season and as a journalist myself, I really enjoyed watching The Girls on the Bus on HBO Max. It’s all about four different female journalists as they hit the campaign trail for election season. I love all the different personalities and perspectives the characters bring. I have found myself identifying with different characters at different times. I was sad to learn it got cancelled after one season, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching it in its entirety.
Fixer Upper: The Lake House– I love a good home renovation show, especially Fixer Upper. Although it was a mini-series, I loved watching Fixer Upper: The Lake House over the course of a few weeks. Seeing Chip and Jo interact and work on a project together was so fun, I love their antics and their sweet moments. Seeing the house get transformed was my favorite part of the series. It also gets me excited to see what project the Gaines tackle next.
There you have it, a look at some of my favorite binge-watches and listens. Past podcasts I have enjoyed include the Simplified podcast and Credentialed podcast. As far as good binge-worthy shows, some of my top favorites include, This is Us, Grey’s Anatomy, Sex and the City, The Office, and Parks and Rec. I have watched a variety of other shows and mini-series, but these are some of my favorites.
I am always looking for recommendations. Tell me what are some of your favorite things to listen to or watch?
Over 400 posts, almost 50 Currently’s and counting, new link ups, like Friday Favorites and Let’s Look, outfits for all the seasons, home decor and favorite things from books, shows, and movies, I have covered a lot of ground over the past six years.
I started this blog as a way to start a hobby in college, a creative outlet that let me work on my writing, document my feelings and memories of day to day college life and stay in touch with family and friends. It’s been six years and this blog has become so much more than just a creative outlet. Here’s one of my first posts.
A lot has changed since I first blogging.
Since I began this blog, I learned a lot in the classroom, took life changing trips, graduated college, moved home, landed my dream job, got promoted, made new friends and reconnected with old friends, have an incredible boyfriend and grown as a better daughter, girlfriend and friend.
Happy Graduation Day
Heading out for a job interview
Getting ready for work.
I’ve learned to take risks, go with my gut, say yes, but also be okay with saying no, be flexible and make self care a priority.
Skating in the city!
When I reflect on this last year, the word stable keeps coming to mind. I’m stable with my career and friends, I have a good routine, I have been prioritizing my health and hobbies and I have been having fun too.
My mom and I after a candle making course.
A show in the city at night!
Some of the past highlights of this past year for me and my blog include launching my Friday Favorites as I link up with other bloggers every Friday.
Traveling to new places in the summer to visit friends, spending quality time with family and embracing my community by taking advantage of places and events in my backyard.
I read so many different genres of books and shared many of them with you on here.
Some of my books that I’ve read and still need to read.
I feel like this past year, I have really found my groove in who I am and what I want in life. College was a time of constant change and growth and then I started my job and the pandemic hit and we spent years navigating that and now it feels like the dust has settled and I’m content and SO happy.
At the beginning of this year, I said my quote was to embrace change and so far, I haven’t had to embrace too much change and I’m okay with that. I don’t know what the second half of the year will hold, but I know I will be taking you all along with me.
Whether you have been following along since my first post all those years ago or you found my blog through a link up, I’m so happy you are here and I’m so honored you took the time to spend some time reading my words.
I truly appreciate each and every one of you.
Here’s to another year of writing, learning, growth, change and blogging.
Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I hope your week is going well.
Last week, I went to visit my friend, Sydney for dinner and whenever I take a road trip, I always like to listen to podcasts. My favorite podcast that I listen to every week is Emily Ley’s Simplified podcast. The episodes are typically 30 minutes or less and they are packed with guests, life lessons, and tips to live a simplified life. If you are looking for a new podcast, this is it.
My favorite podcast.
When I’m in the car and on a road trip I love listening to The Bestie Breakdown. Two of my favorite bloggers, Shay Shull and Erika Slaughter share everything about life, travel, fashion, and kids. If you are looking for a fun podcast that will guarantee you laughs, this is perfect for you. I was listening to one of their podcasts where they talked about their favorite life hacks, they offered so many great suggestions that it got me thinking about some of my life hacks.
This one is great for road trips
When life gets busy, especially in the spring and summer, I crave order and stability even more. In order for my day to run smoother there’s a few tricks that I incorporate into my daily routine. I also reached out to some of my closests friends and family for their favorite life hacks too. This is a mix of things for at home or at work or on the go.
Five Life Hacks
Quick way to clean pots- Pots can be a challenge to clean out especially if you are cooking with cheese, lots of oils, or if you burn something. Instead of spending lots of time scrubbing out the pots after dinner, drop a cascade pod in the pot and fill it with warm water. Let it soak and then rinse, it does a great job giving it a good cleaning and it saves you time from scrubbing.
Quick way to clean grills or waffle makers- Making a panini with a panini maker or using a George Foreman grill to cook chicken or a waffle maker are all fun and games until you have to clean them out. Food can become trapped in the holes and on the grill. An easy way to clean it after you are done is by taking a wet paper towel and placing it on the grill or waffle maker after you finish using it, you get it cleaned easily and it saves the wear and tear on your appliances.
Never forget a coupon- If you are like me, I’m sure you get coupons or rewards offers in your email all the time. You may get excited by it but then forget about it and you lose out on the money. A new way I have been keeping track of rewards and coupons is by putting the expiration date on my calendar. Whenever I get a coupon or reward in my email that I want to use, I automatically add the date it expires in the calendar on my phone. Once a week when I’m planning out my week, I transfer all my digital dates and appointments to my Simplified planner. This is a way for me to keep all my long-term dates in one spot and not get too overwhelmed by the day to day stuff. You can read about my system here.
An example of my online calendar.
Always keep in your car- Something I always keep in my car is stamps. I know mailing letters isn’t as popular anymore but when you do have to pay that bill, send that birthday card or drop something off in the mailbox, having stamps on hand is key.
One load a day – If you live in a big family like I do, I’m sure you have loads and loads of laundry. I’m still living at home and one of the ways I try to help out is by doing the laundry. With a lot of people under one roof, the laundry can get overwhelming. As a way to manage it, I try to follow the one load a day philosophy. Every day, I do a load of laundry, on weekends there may be more, but by doing a load a day, it helps me stay on top of it and not get overwhelmed.
Those are just five easy life hacks that I follow and that help my life run smoother. What are some of your top life hacks?!
Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I hope your weeks are off to a great start! Every few weeks I like to do a roundup of favorite things of mine to share with you, sometimes it’s food, other times, it’s places, but this time it’s hobbies or things I want to share with all of you!
If you have been following for a while you know that I am a huge fan of Emily Ley. She has her own planner company, but she does so much more than that. I love her planners, I love her books and she recently started a podcast that I am loving.
I have never been a huge fan of podcasts, most of the time it’s because I can easily get distracted while listening to them. I have the same issue with audiobooks, you can read about that in last week’s post. But with Emily’s podcast, the Simplified Podcast, I don’t have that issue at all. She launched it just over a month ago and every week she has episodes that are between 15 and 20 minutes long, the perfect length of a podcast, sometimes she has guests, other times it’s tactical tips or life hacks or just sharing what’s on her mind. I often listen to them when I’m driving or picking up or doing laundry, I love that she shares her story and her life while also presenting ways to simplify our lives at home.
The Simplified Podcast
These past few weeks, she has been doing a series alongside her book, Growing Boldly. I finished the book in a week but you could finish it in a day. It was such a game changer. She wrote the book before Covid hit but so many of things can be easily applied to life now. It’s all about building a life you want to live and growing in the stage of life that you are at. Think about it for a second, you may think, I’m good where I’m at, I don’t need to grow anymore but Emily shares how you can keep growing and changing in any season of life. I love that!!!
Her latest book, Growing Boldly
She also shares her close friends’ stories too and how they grew in difficult situations. These stories reminded me that you can constantly grow and you shouldn’t be afraid of growing. I have enjoyed all of Emily’s books and I feel they all served a purpose and helped me in different areas of times of my life. As I read the words, I almost feel like Emily is having a conversation with me. I highly recommend Growing Boldly to anyone.
While I’m on a roll, Simplified just launched their new planners and products for the upcoming year and I’m obsessed. You can check them all out here. What are your favorites?
This is just a look into what I’m loving. What are some things you are loving this week?
