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Currently #57

Hello All! 

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!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #111

Hello All! Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week as we make our way through September and transition from one season to the next. Life is starting to calm down and my fall routine is finally taking shape. Although the fall season is only a few weeks away, the weather is still gorgeous and I’m trying to soak up as much of it as I can. 

Beautiful days as we transition from summer to fall

Today, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea  for another weekly roundup of Friday Favorites. Here’s some things I have been loving this week.

Emily in Paris Season Four Part Two– The second half of Emily in Paris dropped yesterday. Depending on when you are reading this, chances are I have already started it. I really enjoyed the first half of the season and the second half takes Emily to ROME! I was giddy when I saw the trailer and Emily was at so many iconic spots I had just visited myself. I do have to say, after watching the trailer, I was a little jealous that Emily didn’t have to deal with any tourists. Haha! I’m looking forward to the season and where it takes Emily. 

Outer Banks Season Four Trailer– Are you a fan of Outer Banks? I started the series during Covid and have stuck with it since. Even though it is more on the tween and teen side of things when it comes to the plot lines, I enjoy the mystery behind the storylines and the hunt for the treasure. I felt like last season really wrapped things up nicely and was surprised when it got renewed. The trailer looks good and I’m excited to see what adventures are in store for the group.

Atomic Habits– I have heard about this book, Atomic Habits for ages and I have had it on hold at the library for weeks. When it was my turn to check it out, I couldn’t wait to start reading. 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. Whether you are looking to create better habits or work on your current ones, I would highly recommend this book. 

New Room Scent and Plug-In– My current wallflower ran out, so it was time for an upgrade. I decided to go with one of the scents from the Bridgerton collection from Bath and Body Works. The scent I chose was Queen Charlotte’s Tea. The best way to describe it is a floral scent that’s very feminine, but not too strong or overpowering. This would be a great scent to use in a bedroom or bathroom, but not a living, room, family room or kitchen where a lot of people could be in and out and may not care for the scent. I also swapped out my plug-in with a bee from the Bridgerton collection too! Too cute, just a small change for the upcoming season. 

The Perfect Couple– I have been on an Elin Hilderbrand kick lately. Without planning it, I’m currently reading one of her books, listening to different one in an audiobook, and watching the third as a series. Plus, I listen to her podcast, Books, Beach and Beyond…can you say I’m hooked?!  Reviews on those will be coming soon, but I have been loving the Netflix series, The Perfect Couple, based on her book. I read the book when it came out and couldn’t wait to watch the series when it was announced. I really think the series was fairly close to the book. It was interesting to see how characters were portrayed. I LOVED the setting and costumes and appreciated seeing the plot unfold on the big screen. I binged my way through the series and was sad when it ended. I love when movies or series stay true to the books.

There you have it, a fun roundup of favorites from this past week, some books, life hacks, and shows I’m loving! Tell me, what’s bringing you joy this week? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Friday! Enjoy the weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #110

Hello All! Happy September. It feels so weird to be writing that…the summer months truly flew by. By now, you are probably back into a back to school routine or getting there. I know these past few weeks have been an adjustment for me. But, we are slowly finding a new groove and routine.

These past few weeks have included lots of walks

As we kick of a new month and new season in the next few weeks, I wanted to share some things I have been loving and have been favorites of mine as I link up with Erika and Andrea for another round of Friday Favorites!

This week it’s a mix of entertainment and beauty products with some treats too.

Wonka– I know this movie came out last year, but I just got around to watching Wonka and it was such a cute movie. I have seen previous versions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Willa Wonka, but this one had some unexpected twists to it. It could definitely be viewed as a family movie or you can watch it on your own. I loved the creativity, new characters and all the different kinds of chocolate and candy. Add this to your next family movie list.

Homemade Vinaigrette– I am always looking for new recipes and things to try in the kitchen. I came across this video about how to make your own homemade vinaigrette and I tried it for myself and it turned out great. It was a great way to use things I already had in my kitchen and enjoy something homemade. I know I will be using this trick in the future too.

The Second Chance Hotel– I loved the Second Chance Hotel by Sierra Godfrey! I read it on vacation and it was the perfect travel read. It’s all about a young woman escaping her life and traveling across Europe, she’s about to end her trip in a small town in Greece, that is until the hotel she is staying at falls into her and another guest’s lap. They decide to run it for the season, but when her old life is calling her back, she must decide if she wants to stay in Greece or return to America. It was such a fun, travel read and so good to enjoy in the summer! 

Bliss sunscreen– I am a big advocate for sunscreen. I always wear it in the summer and Super Goop is my go-to brand. Without sounding like a broken record, I tried this bliss sunscreen on my recent trip and really loved the consistency and how smooth it went on. It was mineral based, so it really blended well on my skin. I may not invest in a full bottle, but I will be using it the next time I travel. 

Dressed in White Body Spray– I promise this is the last beauty favorite for a while. But I’ve been using this travel body mist, Dressed in White from Bath and Body Works, all summer on the go. Whether, I’m traveling for a long trip, a day trip or just have a long day, I have been throwing it in my purse for a refresher. I love how light the scent is. Not too overpowering but feminine and refreshing, two things I always look for in body spray. This has been the best travel companion over the last few weeks.

There you have it, some of my favorite things from this week, some entertainment, beauty products and kitchen hacks. As we get ready to welcome in a new season, what are some things you are loving this week? Let me know in the comments below! 

Have a wonderful weekend!

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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


Here’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 didn’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 I’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 don’t purchase mine until the fall. I couldn’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 can’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, it’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. It’s all about a woman who receives nasty and vulgar letters from someone. Everyone suspects it’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.



That’s a look into what I’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!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #103

Hello everyone! 

Happy Friday! I hope you are having a great week and have something fun planned for the weekend. The weather is gorgeous, the days are long and so many memories are being made. 

A dinner and walk by the water is always a good idea in the summer.

This summer is going by too fast. I feel like we were just in June and kicking off summer and now July is half way done. I am doing my best to savor the summer days and nights, but my social calendar keeps filling up. It’s all good things and lots of fun activities, but it’s still busy, I’m hoping to create more space in my calendar for rest, we will see how that goes.

As we get ready for another weekend, I’m sharing some of my favorite things from the past week as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

This week’s edition of Friday Favorites is a mix of fashion, food, and summer fun! Let’s dive right in.

New Polka Dotted Shorts– I was browsing through Marshall’s recently and came across these polka-dotted shorts. I love a good pair or solid shorts ( I have the standard white, blue, black and red) and while these did have a bit of a print to them, I decided to try them out. They were a perfect fit, not too loose or tight and not too long or short. The polka dots are subtle and besides wearing them with a navy blue or white blouse or t-shirt, you can match any solid shirt with them. For the Fourth of July, I paired the blue and white shorts with a red shirt and white sandals. I felt patriotic and comfortable. I’m excited to pair these shorts with other tops through the summer.

Texas Caviar Recipe– I saw this recipe for Texas Caviar online and figured a big party like the Fourth of July would be the best place to try it. It went over pretty well. It’s essentially a variety of beans and veggies mixed together with a light dressing. It can be enjoyed by itself or with chips and over tacos too. It was healthy and filling and I know I will be making it again in the future. You can find the recipe here. 

Blueberries- Cherries were a favorite a few weeks ago and blueberries are a favorite today. My boyfriend and I went blueberry picking and we got bushels of blueberries. I enjoy eating the berries on their own, with other fruits or in recipes. I have been on the hunt for some new recipes to try and Pinterest is always my go-to when I am looking for inspiration.

Summer Reading– This may seem juvenile, but as a reader and fan of the library, I am participating in our summer reading program. Through our system, you have to keep track of whenever you read 30 minutes and mark it off. You can read books, magazines, articles etc. Once you complete so many minutes, you can turn in your sheet and get a new one to be entered to win different prizes. I love the accountability aspect of it and it really shows how much reading you can do. I love to read in the morning and at night, but have found myself sneaking in more time to read through the day. 

Just the Nicest Couple– I finished the book “Just the Nicest Couple” a few weeks ago. I read it on the Libby app through my phone which allows me to read library books wherever I am. I find myself wanting to pick up a book as opposed to scrolling on social media. Now onto the book, “Just the Nicest Couple” is all about a man who goes missing and one of the last people to see him alive is his wife’s best friend. Did she have something to do with it or is she being framed? These two couples who you think may be friends, may not be as close as they seem. There were some great twists, turns and plot points and I really got into the book, so much so I kept finding times to pull out my phone and read more. If you like a good mystery thriller that’s not too scary, this book is for you.

That’s a look into what I’m loving this week, some snacks, books, and clothes. I hope the sun is shining wherever you are and life is good!

Have a great weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #102

Hello everyone!

A happy Friday to you! I hope you are having a great week as we make our way through July! I am looking forward to a busier weekend between seeing some friends, a big picnic and hopefully some time outside. Let’s just hope the weather cooperates. Fingers crossed! It’s been a busy week, so I am looking forward to the weekend.

Everything is in full bloom and I am one happy gal!

It’s Friday which means it’s time for another Friday Favorites as I share some highlights from the past week with you as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

This is a mixed bag of food, sunshine and products! Let’s dive right in!

Family Walks– Family walks have been a favorite for myself and my family over the past few weeks. We have been trying to take advantage of the warm weather and walking at different parks and trails throughout the area. Whether it’s a long walk in the woods or a short walk on pavement, it’s been a fun way to get in some exercise, spend time together and get outdoors. It’s also been fun to explore the area and different parks too.

One of the spots we have walked

Happy Place Series Announced– Emily Henry is one of my favorite authors. I have read all her books and one of my favorites is Happy Place. It was released last summer and it was announced a few weeks ago that there’s talks about making it into a series through Netflix with Jennifer Lopez at the helm. You can find the article here. I’m really excited to learn more about the project. Although only a few details have been released, I’m itching to see how it compares to the book. I have mixed feelings about making books into tv series or movies, but this one I’m very excited about!

Such a fun, summer read!

Brunch with Babs Cookbook– I am really proud by keeping up with my new year’s goal of trying to cook one new meal a week. I get ideas from Pinterest, Cookbooks and blogs. I have really been having success with Celebrate with Babs cookbook. It’s from the online account, Brunch with Babs, which is all about lifestyle and homemaking hacks.

Here are some of the recipes I have tried and had success with.

Apricot ham and broccoli salad
Strawberry Salad with Grilled Chicken

New Car Scent– I did a recent car cleaning and decided it was time for a new car scent. I try to swap out scents every six to eight weeks. Since we are in full on summer mode here, I decided Tiki Beach was the perfect summer scent. It’s not too overwhelming or overpowering, but it does leave your car smelling fresher and like a pina colada. Yum! Thank you, Bath and Body Works!

Cocoa Oatmeal Treats– Another food related item for you this week. I am a big lover of Hershey’s and saw this recipe on their website for their cocoa oatmeal treats. They are super easy to make and would be perfect for a summer picnic. They are no-bake cookies and only contain a few ingredients like oats, milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and peanut butter. I thoroughly enjoyed them for a “healthier” treat.

That’s a quick roundup of what I am loving this week. Some snacks, new releases, and products. How has your July been treating you? Any fun plans? Let me know if the comments below!

Have a great weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #101

Happy Friday friends, and a happy belated Fourth of July! I hope you had a wonderful day celebrating!

Here’s how I spent the holiday.

I started the day by doing my first 10K and setting a new PR!
Our spread
Snacks
Some desserts
And a show!

I hope you had a fantastic first week of July and are doing something fun and maybe even patriotic this weekend. I have a fun list of favorites for you today as I link up with Erika and Andrea.

Photo Refresh– I got a new art print for my birthday, it’s a watercolor portrait of different places Pride and Prejudice. I loved the print and got it framed, but I was looking for a spot to add it to my room. I moved some photos around and did a photo refresh in my room. I love how it turned out and how it was a much needed refresh.

Anyone But You– I know it’s been a while since this movie came out, but I finally got around to watching it. Anyone But You is all about a couple who has an awkward one night stand and then run into each other years later at a wedding. They decide to fake a relationship for the wedding and end up getting past their differences, but will they get together? It was a really cute rom-com and I’m glad I finally watched it. You can find it on Netflix.

Funny Story– Emily Henry’s latest book, Funny Story is out and I devoured it. This follows a similar storyline to Anyone But You. It’s all about a girl who gets dumped by her fiance for his oldest friend. She ends up moving in with oldest friend’s ex, temporarily. They end up becoming friends as he shows her around the town and community before the wedding. They decide to face the music and go to their ex’s wedding together, how about that for a plot twist?! I really loved this story and I love Henry’s writing style. I can’t wait to see what she works on next.

Cherries– I have never been a fan of cherries, but I gave them a try again this year and have really been enjoying them. I love the sweetness and the taste. I have enjoyed them by themselves or in a fruit salad. Now I haven’t attempted them in a dessert yet, but that may be next for me. What are your favorite cherry recipes?

The Girls on the Bus– Have you seen 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 have really been enjoying this series after I finished the latest season of Bridgerton. I love all the different personalities and perspectives the characters bring. I found myself identifying with different characters at different times. I was sad to learn it got canceled after one season, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching it in its entirety.

There you have it, a look at life lately. What have you been up to? Did you have a good holiday? Let me know in the comments below! Have a fabulous weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #100

Happy Friday!

I can’t believe this is my 100th Friday Favorites. I’ve shared a lot of favorites week over week and it’s been so fun to share what things I love and what things you might be interested in too! It’s been a fun 100 posts as I link up weekly with Erika and Andrea and I can’t wait for 100 more! By my count, I’ve shared over 500 favorites things with you over the past two years, in good news, I have a lot more favorites to share! 

Let’s get to it!

Emily Henry article– I’m a huge fan of Emily Henry! I look forward to each of her books every year. I finished Funny Story and it’s been such a good summer read! More on that later, but if you are a fan of Henry or if you have never read her works, I highly recommend them. I came across this article which is a great primer about all her books with little synopsis of each. Definitely a great place to start if you are interested in Emily Henry!

New Candle Scent– It was time for a new candle scent and I’m loving this scent. I got it as a gift, so I’m not sure where it’s from but it’s lavender scented. It is such a soothing and calming scent. I love the floral holder it comes in. So feminine for my desk. I also love that it complements my lavender and linen wall flower when I use it from Bath and Body Works.

New Bracelet– I got this blue floral bangle for my birthday and have gotten so much use out of it already. I love the floral designs with the different shades of blue. I also love the gold accents. I wear a lot of blue in the summer and it’s the perfect accessory to wear at work with different dresses and jumpsuits. I got it from Rifle Paper Company if you are interested.

Fixer Upper: The Lake House– I have gotten hooked on Fixer Upper: The Lake House. I always love watching Fixer Upper and have really enjoyed some of their spin-off series like the Hotel and the Lake House. I always love seeing how they think outside of the box with their designs and decor. This has been such a fun show to watch at the end of the day and I love seeing the antics between Chip and Jo!

Solid t-Shirts– As summer sets in, I was on the hunt for some clothes/outfits that can be worn on days off or on the weekends. I love this tennis skort and the versatility of it. Plus, a cream can go with anything. Solid t-shirts have been my new favorite thing to grab to mix and match with outfits. I have them in pink, red, black, and white. As much as I love a graphic t-shirt, I do love the simplicity of a solid color too, plus they make pairing them with different outfits so much easier too. This outfit just screams summer to me. 

That’s a look into some of my favorites over the past week. Thanks so much for stopping by and for being along for 100 weeks of Friday Favorites! 

Have a great weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #97

Hello everyone! A very happy Friday to you as we make our way through June! I LOVE this time of year. School is out for summer, schedules are allegedly a little more relaxed, nights seem longer, and you want to stay outside for as long as you can. I am truly living my best life. I already went to my first MLB game of the summer last week and had so much fun. Truly a perfect summer day!

Beautiful day for some summer baseball!

Before we get to the weekend and all the fun that comes with it, I’m sharing my latest roundup of what I’m loving this Friday as I link up with  Erika and Andrea 

Here’s what’s been on my radar of things I’m interested in.

Mostly What God Does-I got this book, Mostly What God Does a few months ago, but just got around to reading it. I adore Savannah Guthrie and I was so excited to read her book, especially since it was faith-based. It’s a series of essays about faith, God, his love, and life. You can read it all at once, but I’m choosing to read an essay/passage a night. I finished my other nightly devotional, Near in the Night, and decided this was the perfect time to start a new one. I really love how Guthrie has the book laid out. It gives readers a chance to really focus on the material and then digest it. This has been such a favorite for me.

New Lip Gloss– I got this lip gloss from Ulta Beauty as part of my birthday rewards. I always love to try new beauty and makeup products especially when they are either travel size or free. It gives you a good feel of the product before you invest in a full size. I always use any samples when I am traveling to see if I like them and to use them up. Now, back to the lip gloss. This is a new brand to me, but I love the gloss and shine it gives off. It’s a soft and subtle pink, so it can be worn on top of a darker matte if you are looking for some shine or it can be worn by itself if you are looking to elevate your look a bit. I’ve been really pleased with it, and I can see myself wearing it a lot in the summer months. 

Fruit and Granola– I have been in the fruit mode all summer long. I love fruit all year around, but there’s nothing quite like fresh fruit in the summer. Besides enjoying fruit at lunch, I have been enjoying some at night as a post-dinner snack or dessert. Here’s what I have been making, slicing up and fruit I have (strawberries, raspberries, bananas etc), adding a little bit of whipped cream, some mini chocolate chips and granola. It’s been the perfect healthy snack that satisfies my sweet tooth. This would be a great afternoon snack as well. 

Outlander Trailer– One of my favorite series, Outlander is coming back soon and the new trailer for the season dropped this past week. This season is all about the Revolution. The series is winding down so I’m excited to see how things wrap up. If you are a fan of the series, you can watch the trailer here. Also, for all the fans out there, what do you think of what to expect over the next few episodes?

Lululemon Top-I recently got some new activewear including some tops from Lululemon. Lavendar seems to be the color of the year and I am here for it. I love the lightweightness of the top and how breathable it is, those are two things that I always look for in athletic gear. I have paired this top with both leggings and shorts, but I do prefer the leggings as opposed to shorts. I love how it can be mixed and matched with other patterns since it’s a neutral top. This will definitely be getting a lot of wear in the summer months as I head to the gym, go for a run, or just lounging around the house.

Well there you have it, five of my favorite things from this past week. A mixed bag of clothes, beauty products, some summer snacks and a new book. Tell me: what are some things that have caught your eye recently? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Friday! Have a wonderful weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #96

Hello all! 

Happy Friday! How has your week been? Fast and furious or slow and steady? I hope it has been everything you have hoped for.

This past week I celebrated Memorial Day and my 26th birthday.

A bright day!
Fun drinks!
A sweet night!

As we gear up for a summer filled weekend, this first weekend of June, I wanted to share somethings I have been loving as I link up with  Erika and Andrea.

 It Ends with Us Trailer– Last year, I read It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover and although it was a different genre and a heavier book than I typically read, I really enjoyed it. I even read the sequel and enjoyed it as well. The book is being made into a movie starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni and the trailer was released a few weeks ago. It looks really good and true to the book. I can’t wait to see Lily, Ryle, and Atlas come to life. I know I will be seeing it when it comes out.

New Blue Pants– I got these soft blue pants from Ann Taylor a few weeks ago and finally broke them out for summer! I love the pastel blue, how they are a wider pant and how you can virtually pair them with any bright or neutral top! I wore it with a pink sweater but can’t wait to try it with other combinations. Those will definitely be worn a lot in the summer months especially on cooler days.

Less Screen Time- This is a bit of a personal favorite but I have changed and limited my screen time throughout my day and have noticed a difference in my routine and sleeping. I used to always check my phone first thing when I woke up, it was the last thing I looked at before bed and I would find myself scrolling in the middle of the night if I couldn’t sleep. Now, I do my journaling and reading in the morning and at night before I check my phone. I know we have been hearing it for years to not be on the phone before bed, but after trying it myself, I am on board with it. When I can’t sleep in the middle of the night, I have found reading or mediation helps as opposed to mindless scrolling. I have found myself sleeping longer and deeper when I’m not distracted by my phone. A subtle change, but one that I have found has been making a big difference.

Just Eat– Jessie James Decker cook book Just Eat has been on heavy rotation over the past few weeks in my house. I’ve been making a lot of her recipes of the past few weeks including her shrimp fried rice, and Chinese chicken salad. They were both hits in my house for meals! I’m looking forward to trying more recipes as the summer months go on. 

Shrimp Fried Rice
Chinese Chicken Salad
Can of Cola Cake

Expiration Dates– I had been seeing this book, Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle on so many blogs and finally got around to reading it and it was so good! It’s all about a young woman who gets a paper about every relationship she will be in and how long it will last. There’s a few twists that I didn’t see coming mixed in an oh-so-cute plot. I really loved the theme of live life to the fullest and the lessons you can learn from love.

That’s a look into what I’ve been loving this week! Tell me what have you been loving this week?

Have a great Friday!