It is the first Friday of April and it certainly feels like spring. I have a packed few weeks coming up and it all kicks off today!
Tonight is the home opener of our local baseball team, which means we are gearing up for summer nights at the ballpark which is always a good date night or family activity. Our local high school is putting on West Side Story this weekend, so I will be spending some time at the theater, which is fun! Looking ahead, I have a weekend trip planned for next week, then Easter the following week. I love seeing my calendar fill up with all the fun things!
Before we get to the fun, I wanted to catch you up on some of my favorite things from this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea.
The Messy Lives of Book People– I mentioned this audiobook in my Currently last week, but wanted to share more about it today. I really have enjoyed Phaedra Patrickās books including The Little Italian Hotel and The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. I couldnāt wait to read this book about authors and book lovers. The Messy Lives of Book People. is all about a woman who gets hired by her favorite author to clean. When the author dies, she leaves the job of finishing her book to her cleaner. The question is why. There were so many fun connections and secrets all through the book, I couldn’t stop listening. I listened in the car, at the gym, even getting ready in the morning. I really loved the narrator too, thatās always a make it or break it for me when it comes to audio books. My favorite part? The author’s name was Elspeth. Too funny! I loved this book, definitely a favorite!
Yogurt Covered Raisins– Iām not typically a fan of raisins. I prefer craisins as a snack or in a salad, but not raisins. I also enjoy chocolate covered raisins-to no oneās surprise. However, I gave yogurt covered raisins a try and got hooked. I loved the sweetness and the outer covering they provide and I donāt mind the raisin taste as much. They are the perfect afternoon pick me up or lunch snack to satisfy that sweet craving, although, they arenāt the healthiest, they are still tasty.
Simplified Cover Reveal– It was like Christmas morning for me on Wednesday as Simplified revealed their new covers for the upcoming year. They launch new products and their academic planners next Wednesday, but I wonāt be making any purchases until their fall launch when I get their yearly planner. I always love to see what new products they come up with and what items they bring back. Hereās what I have my eye on this year.
Meghan Markle New Podcast– From a new Netflix show to a new podcast, last month, Meghan Markle announced she was launching a podcast. Itās called, āConfessions of a Female Founderā, you can watch/listen to the trailer here. She has also shared some behind the scenes videos and pictures. I plan to listen to the episodes once they drop next Tuesday. I love listening to podcasts and learning new things and I think this will be a great podcast to add to my library. If you are a fan of Harry and Meghan, do you think you will be listening?
Pinterest Spring Boards and Foods– Whenever the seasons change, I find myself scroll through Pinterest more for ideas and inspiration. These can be anything from new spring-like recipes to try, house decor, date ideas, even spring quotes. Pinterest is an instant mood booster for me and I am always so inspired when I am looking through different pins. This is a look at some recipes I want to try in the kitchen.
There you have it. A look at some of my favorite things from this week. Lots of fun things are coming up and a taste of spring too. Iām off to a busy weekend, but will see you back here on Wednesday! Have a great weekend!
Hello hello! Happy Wednesday! We are at the end of the month, the spring season is flying by. Over the past 31 days, we said goodbye to winter and hello to spring! It has been a busy month and whether this is your first time here or you are a long-term reader, I am happy to have you with me as I recap my month with you all today!
Hereās what I have been up to in this monthās Currently.
What Iām Up To:
I began this month by trying a new coffee shop and spending time with friends. I got a blueberry and earl gray pastry which was delicious, but the company with friends is even better.
Pastries and coffee with friends is always a good mood booster in the middle of the week.
I began the month by heading down south to Alabama for work. I spent over a week driving down, working in Montgomery and Selma and then driving back. It was a long trip, but very fulfilling. Here’s a look at some of my snapshots. From the food, to a little bit of sightseeing, and covering historic events.
Working in SelmaCatfish and saladPulled chicken and saladThe Selma signShrimp and GritsA trip to Bucc-ee’sA spot for dinnerDowntown MontgomeryThe Edmund Pettus BridgeShrimp and soupHank WilliamsFish Tacos
I got to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with our annual parade.
The sun finally came out and I was able to get back outside for some beautiful walks!
I ended the month with my first trip to the zoo this season.
And a local fish fry!
What Iām Reading:
I had some ups and downs when it came to reading this month, but hereās what I read:
Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old- Brooke Shieldsā third book, Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old is all about growing up in Hollywood, wellness, aging, life lessons and being comfortable in your own skin. I learned a lot about Shields in her book, but some parts were harder to relate to, just because of where I am in life compared to her. I did like the stories she shared and her message about women advocating for themselves.
An Unwanted Guest– This was a book I started in February and finished in March. An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena is all about a series of guests who come to stay at a bed and breakfast on a winter weekend and one by one they end up dead. Is there one killer or multiple killers, or is it an unwanted guest? It took a little bit for me to get into it, but once I got to the climax, I couldnāt put it down. It was a great winter read.
People Pleaser-People Pleaser by Jinger Duggar Vuolo is the second book I have read by her and it really resonated with me. She discusses being a āyes girlā, people pleaser, and perfectionist and letting go of some of those tendencies. She incorporates biblical verses with questions and stories to help readers see if they are people pleasers. I think she had a great message and it gave me lots of things to reflect on.
Playing with Matches– Playing with Matches by Hannah Orenstein is all about a matchmaker in NYC. The book was good, but very light hearted and surface level. There was some storylines that didn’t flesh out, but overall, it was a good palette cleanser.
Drowning- Drowning by T.J. Newman was such a intense book about a flight that crashes and a group of people try to survive underwater before they run out of oxygen. This was a story that had me on the edge of my seat. Would not reccommend reading right before you travel, but I stayed up late to finish it.
The Good Sister– I have read a few of Sally Hepworth’s other books, and I couldn’t wait to read this book, The Good Sister. I listened to it as an audiobook as opposed to reading it and got immersed in the book. It’s all about two sisters, one is very manipulative of the other one. The story involves lies, secrets, and challenging of one another. It started slow, but picked up and I couldn’t stop when I started. Such a good read.
The Night We Lost Him– Lauren Dave’s book, The Night We Lost Him is all about a man who dies unexpectedly and it’s up to his two estranged children must work together to see if they can uncover what really happened the night their father died. This book went back and forth between the past and present. I flew through this book and will be keeping my eye out for other books by this author.
You Are Here– You Are Here by Karin Lin Greenberg tells the story of several people and business owners who work at a local mall. Through the book, you see how they are all connected to one another and how their lives evolve when they learn their mall could be closing. The themes of connection, community, and interpersonal communication are found through the book. This was beautifully written and I loved the power of relationships.
Bookish People-Bookish People by Susan Coll was a good book, but not my favorite. It’s all about a bookstore and the shopkeeper as they prepare to host a controversial poet. The book is all about how they prepare for the event and all the different personalities of the store. I thought the concept was cute, but thought a lot of the storylines were hard to follow.
The Messy Lives of Book People- This was the second Phaedra Patrick book I have read. I loved The Messy Lives of Book People. It’s all about a woman who gets hired by her favorite author to clean. When the author dies, she leaves the job of finishing her book to her cleaner. The question is why. There was so many fun connections and secrets all through the book, I couldn’t stop listening. My favorite part? The author’s name was Elspeth. Too funny! I loved this book, definitely a favorite!
What Iām Watching:
The Pitt– This was such a good series that I have been watching this month. Itās a drama about working in the Emergency Department. The Pitt takes place in Pittsburgh and the series follows a medical team from interns, to nurses, and attendings about what a standard shift looks like. This hour-long drama brings lots of interesting cases and patients and from what I have heard, itās one of the most realistic medical dramas on tv.
The Recruit– The new season of The Recruit picks up right after where the last one ended. I like how this series on Netflix mixes drama and humor every episode. Plus, the casting is well done and the storylines have you wanting more.
What Iām Cooking and Baking:
Overnight Oats– I have been incorporating Chia seeds in my meals more and one way I have been using them is in overnight oats. I like to add some fruit, granola, and some chocolate chips for extra flavor too!
Chia Pudding– Another new recipe for me, chia pudding. My first batch turned out well, but I think Iām going to try to use more flavoring the next time to make it sweeter. But I have really been enjoying the flavor of chia seeds and the health benefits of them too!
Molten Lava Cake– I got this recipe from Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia cookbook and it was an instant hit!
Easy Skillet Enchiladas- I got this recipe from Shay Shull and it was such a fun twist on mexican night!
Chicken, sausage, potatoes, onions, and peppers– Yes, it’s as easy as it sounds, combine everything with salt, pepper, and Italian season and cook for an hour and you have yourself a delicious meal.
What Iām Wearing: Itās the month of the luck of the Irish, so I have been doing my part to wear as much green as possible, even if it means adding some layers.
I also broke out some bold pants for brighter days.
The whole suitJust the top
What Inspires Me:
My desk calendar at work always brightens my day with some motivation.
This was such a good reminder when life gets crazy!
A spring mantra
What I Accomplished:
I made it through a long work trip!
A long, but worthwhile trip.
Goals from Last Month:
I wrapped up my winter bucket list and will soon start my spring bucket list! Stay tuned for that in the coming weeks!
I also got to dive into my new cook book from Emily Ley! I can’t wait to try new recipes!
Goals for Next Month:
Signs of spring at the store
I have so much to look forward to in April including starting my spring bucket list, Easter, family time and maybe even a trip or two! Plus, catching up with friends and more time outdoors. I have missed the sunshine, clear roads, and blue skies! I canāt wait to soak up more rays and spring weather in the coming weeks and months!
A taste of Spring!
Tell me: what were some highlights of your month? Goodbye March and Hello April!
Hello Everyone and a very Merry Christmas! I donāt anticipate many of you to be reading on Christmas Day, but if you are then welcome!
Here’s a look at how my last few weeks and days looked:
A night in the cityAll decked outSkating timeFamily DinnersTime OutsideTasty foods
I hope your day is filled with peace, love, joy, family, friends and wonderful memories. If today is challenging for you, know that I am thinking of you.
If you are reading this over the Christmas week, thank you for being here. I appreciate your support and you taking the time to read my posts.
Holiday moviesA Decorated TreeLots of tasty treatsGiftsHoliday traditionsAnd Cookies!
Today, I am looking back on 2024, what a year it was. This year was filled with leaning into routines, new adventures, attempting new hobbies, going through some growing pains and travel.
A lot of things changed, but a lot of things stayed status quo. Iām eager to see what 2025 will bring for me. Thereās something special about going into a new year with a fresh slate, some uncertainty, but knowing it will all work out. Before we jump too far ahead to 2025 (more on that next week), I want to reflect on 2024 and look back at these past 365 days and share some of my favorite things too! Letās get to it.
A Look Back on 2024
The year began with me keeping up with my running consistently. You will be able to see my progress as the year progresses.
One of my first runs of the year.
I also spent a lot of time in the kitchen trying new recipes.
Stuffed Pepper SoupWarm soup on a cold dayHawaiian Chicken and Veggie Bowls for the win!Chicken and potatoesClam Chowder
I tried to get as much fresh air as possible when the weather cooperated.
Walks in the wintertime
I tried a new hobby with piano and kept up with it all year.
A recent accomplishment
In February, I enjoyed the Super Bowl with a big spread.
I also celebrated Valentineās Day with homemade cookies and chocolate.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with some fondueSome sweet treats from Valentine’s day!Fresh flowersValentine’s Day cookies are always a must!
I ended the month with a trip to Cleveland to watch the Cavaliers.
Game ready
The spring brought St. Patrickās Day, seeing the total solar eclipse and the start of warmer weather.
St. Patrick’s DaySigns of springThe Eclipse
The warmer weather also led to longer runs and walks, Easter and baseball games!
More running!
Easter treatsBeautiful night for baseballPerfect day for a walk this week…blue skies and not a cloud in sight
I turned 26 in May!
A surprise at workA fun day!A sweet night!26 candles!
The summer was spent with all the time outdoors, between swimming, reading, walking, and running.
Nights on the waterOutdoor walks by the water have been a favorite of mine recentlyGrilling days
I went on adventures near and far.
Another look at my running progress
I donated blood for the first time this summer and have continued to do so through the year.
I also enjoyed blueberry and cherry picking and got some tasty treats out of those.
Cherry PickingPickingOur haulThe results
I celebrated the Fourth of July by running a 10K and enjoying time with family and friends.
I started the day by doing my first 10K and setting a new PR!All in my red, white and blueSnacksThe spreadFireworks!
I kept up with the garden but didnāt get as many vegetables as I had hoped.
The beforeThe DuringThe AfterSome of the tomatoes I grewMy cucumber!
I traveled to Cleveland in the summer as well as Montreal for a day, but the big trip was with my family to Italy.
The HistoryThe FoodThe Trevi FountainThe GelatoVeniceThe ChurchesAn overview of the cityLemon sorbetMore gelatoCapriThe StreeysThe pasta
The end of summer led me to running more places around my hometown.
My distance grewI ventured to new placesNew viewsGoing even furtherThe seasons chnaged
I took some weekend trips to Boston and got to explore the area there more.
Rainy days in the cityLots of walksHello Boston!
I enjoyed the changing of the leaves and all things fall, from baking, to festivals, and decorations.
Fall cookingBakingApple pickingChanging leavesTime with my pupsI made a festive taco soupLots of sweets
November brought another trip to Boston, Thanksgiving and so much snow!
Boston decked out for ChristmasSome historic sitesThe paradeThanksgiving spreadLots of snowEven more snow
I also hit a new PR with my 10K Turkey Trot!
December was all about Christmas prep and cheer and now here we are looking back at it all.
My pups getting into the holiday spirit with all the snow.Warm drinks, fireplace going, and festive lights!Getting festive in the kitchen!Gifts wrapped and ready to be deliveredAnd indulging in tasty treats!Lots of holiday gatherings
This was quite a year filled with lots of time spent with family, my boyfriend, friends, and with myself. I learned a lot about myself this year and have seen personal growth as well. Iām eager to see what the new year will bring and I hope you will come along on the journey with me.
A beautiful year worth remembering
Now onto the favorites of 2024!
Oprah may have had her favorite things each year, but these are mine. I tried to narrow it down to one item per category, but that didnāt always happen. Hereās a look at my favorite things with their reviews too!
Favorite Books: I couldnāt narrow it down to one, so here are my top three with reviews. I read 68 books this year. You can see a full list of them on my Instagram stories or by looking at each monthās Currently.
Lessons in Chemistry–Lessons in Chemistry is all about a chemist who hosts a cooking show in the 1960ās. I loved the combination of science and cooking and how they were intertwined throughout the book. The romance between Calvin and Elizabeth made my heart soar, but my favorite part was the importance of women working in a male dominated field in the 1960ās. It was made into a series on Apple TV that I watched as well and really enjoyed the comparison of the two.
The Plan–The Plan by Kendra Adachi. This is Adachiās third book and itās all about planning, organization, and compassionate time management. She lays out ideas and principles for how to plan and organize your life, but the best part is that you can tailor it to your own wants and needs. I found myself taking notes while reading it and have applied so many principles to my own life. If you have read or listened to Adachiās podcast or books, you can almost hear her voice across the pages. 5 Stars from me!
The 5 AM Club– I’m not kidding when I say this book changed my life. The 5 AM Club is all about ways to make the most of your mornings to elevate your life. It’s told in a unique way, but has so many incredible lessons and skills to apply to your life. I read it through the library, but I found it so informative that I’m considering buying it. Definitely a book to make notes and highlight as you go along.
My year in review according to Good Reads
Favorite TV Show- While I watched a lot of recurring shows like the Masked Singer or Greyās Anatomy, these two mini series really stuck with me.
Lessons in Chemistry– This was a mini-series on Apple TV based on the book and I really enjoyed watching it after I read the novel. It was very close to the book too which I appreciated.
The Girls on the Bus-The Girls on the Bus on HBO Max. Itās 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.
Favorite Movie– Although, this just came out, how could it not be a favorite of mine.
Wicked was so good this year. I think they did a great job with the casting. I loved the costumes and the cinematography as well as the setting. I definitely think it lived up to its expectations. It was a longer movie, but the music, singing, dancing, and plot moved it along.
Favorite Fashion Items– I had to choose two for this category (an article of clothing and shoe that I wore time and time again.) I loved these purchases this year and got a lot of use out of them.
Red Rain Coat-I have been on the hunt for a raincoat ever since I got caught in a rain storm in September. I was looking for a durable, waterproof coat that would keep me dry and wasnāt too boxy. I hoped to find something that was sporty but still could be worn out and about. I also wanted it to be red. I found all those qualities with this raincoat from Landās End.
Summer Wedges-I got these wedges form Marshallās. Wedges provide more support for me and I can pair them with multiple outfits. You can wear these with a pair of white jeans or capris and fun blouse, a short sundress, or a longer, flowy dress depending on the occasion.
The Simple Sophisticate by Shannon Ables is my new favoirte podcast. She started the podcast after her blog back in 2014 and still continues with episodes to this day. The theme of the podcast is all about living a simpler, calmer, and French way of life. Ables has such a soothing voice and attitude that you will find yourself relaxing and feeling peaceful no matter what she is talking about. Episodes vary from 30-60 mins.
Favorite App– I tried to Mediate more this year and practice mindfulness and this app has made it so much easier. I have found it to be very beneficial, especially when I am overwhelmed and stressed out. I typically take time at the start and end of my day for breathing, but have found myself doing exercises through the day too. I have been using the app, Insight Timer daily and itās been doing a great job at holding me accountable and providing resources for guided meditations and breathing exercises. I am just using the free trial, but have been really loving it.
Favorite Hobby-I never thought I would love running as much as I do, but here I am. It has become such a stress reliever for me and I genuinely enjoy the journey. I started this year only being able to run five miles at one time and through the year have worked my way to… I have found so much joy through running and canāt wait to continue it in the new year with some new goals in mind.
Here’s some of my favorite runs from this year!
One of my first runs of the year.Mid way through the yearRunning through RomeFinding new spotsMy PR for my 10KTurkey Trotting
My longest run to date
Favorite Trip and Day Trip– I have two favorite trips this year, a day trip to Montrel and my familyās incredible trip to Italy. You can read both of the reviews above!
Montreal!Italy!
Favorite Recipe– I spent so much time in the kitchen this year and accomplished my goal of making one new meal a week. Thatās trying at least 52 meals, if not more.
Sunday spread done right
My top meals were:
Wedding Soup
Turkey Pot Pie
Homemade Gumbo
Thatās a look at my favorite things from this past year. It was so hard to narrow it down, but it was very reflective to see how much I accomplished. Hereās a look at my resolutions and how I did.
Here’s my Resolution post from January. My motto for the year was to be open and aware of change and I think I did a good job of that. I went through some life changes and grew from them while also staying true to myself along the way. I will share more about how well I did with accomplishing my goals next week in my 2025 Resolutions post, but for now, I’m really proud of myself for how I have grown and changed this year. I’m still a work in progress, but I’m happy who I see when I look in the mirror.
I see this girl and she’s pretty happy.
Thank you so much for being along on this journey through 2024 with me, whether you have been here since day one or you are reading this for the first time, I appreciate you and you taking the time to be with me. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas week and New Yearās Eve too. Iāll be back here on Friday for some Friday favorites! See you then!
Hello everyone! Happy Friday! I hope you are having a great week and are doing something festive this December weekend.
Last weekend, I went to see a Christmas show and a dinner out and it was so much fun and got me in the Christmas spirit.
This got me in the Christmas spirit!
I have been making my way through Christmas shopping and wrapping and baking. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
I baked lots of gingerbread, YUM!
This weekās post is full of holiday favorites as I link up with Erika and Andrea.
Letās dive right in!
Christmas in Notting Hill– I have been on a Christmas movie kick. I started on Thanksgiving afternoon/night with the Netflix movie, Christmas in Notting Hill. Itās about a young woman who goes to visit her sister in England. She falls for a cute guy, only to realize heās a pretty big deal and has a connection to her sister. This is your classic, cheesy, Hallmark-esque movie. But I loved it and it got me in the Christmas spirit.
Festive Accessories– Speaking of the holiday season, I have been picking up some festive, but subtle accessories to add to my wardrobe. I got this cute red barrette, which can dress up any outfit. I love the festive pop it can bring to a look. I wore it with blue and white, but it can be worn with black, white, green and of course, red!
Wall Flower Scent– As I was decorating for Christmas, I had to break out a new wall flower scent from Bath and Body Works. This is fresh balsam from Bath and Body Works and it smells like Christmas in a cup, the perfect mix or peppermint, a fresh cut Christmas tree and snow. Itās the perfect scent to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Rosemary Cashews– I found this recipe from Ashley Brookeās blog. I love a good salty mix and this is the perfect snack for an appetizer spread. You can eat it on its own or add it to a fruit, cheese, and meat tray. I love the salty and flavorful taste the rosemary brings. We enjoyed it with other snacks after decorating and it was so tasty!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pie– Another recipe that I made over the holiday weekend. I found this one on Mix and Match Mamaās blog. I love anything with chocolate and this was such an easy pie to make and can be enjoyed in the fall and winter. It tastes like a warm chocolate chip cookie. I would recommend it with some vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk. You can find the recipe here. Yum!
Thatās a look into what Iām loving this week. Lots of holiday cheer and goodness. How are you enjoying the holiday season? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!
Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! Itās the second Wednesday of the month which means itās time for another Letās Look as I link up with Ā ShayĀ andĀ Erika.
Each month, we share different parts of our lives with different life hacks too! Hereās a look at some of the things we have covered so far this year.
This monthās topic is Easy Weeknight Dinners, this is a great topic for working parents who may be running around a lot this time of year with sports and activities for their children. However, this is also a great topic for people who may work evenings and late nights and are looking for easy meals after a long day (thatās me! I fall into that category!) Sometimes, I donāt come home until later at night and the last thing I want to do is cook a big meal that could take a while to prepare. Enter easy weeknight meals. These are some of my favorite easy meals that you can make for yourself or your family.
Grain Bowls– Such an easy and filling meal that can typically be done in one pot. Just grab a grain (I like to go with rice), a protein (beef, chicken, shrimp, sausage), and a vegetable (can be fresh, frozen or steamed)Ā and cook them all together. You are getting a filling meal, easy cleanup and something that is fairly easy to put together.
Sandwich Bar– A fun spin to a not so exciting meal. If you are a fan of cold cut sandwiches or any sandwiches, consider upping your game with a sandwich bar. Layout all your favorite fixings, from meats, cheeses, spreads etc. and have everyone build their own sandwich. You can buy some fun breads, even toast your bread, get some chips and fruit and make it an experience, rather than just eating a sandwich.
Chef Salad– A fun and healthy dinner option is a chef salad. If you are looking to clear out your fridge or make a hearty meal, consider a chef salad. Add all your favorite salad ingredients and then add in some extras. I like to add protein, like ham or chicken, some hard boiled eggs, cheese, even black beans or avocadoes, depending on what other veggies I have in there. This is a hearty and healthy meal that everyone can tailor to their own liking.Ā
Soup– This is perfect for the fall and winter months, whether you like them homemade where you can make them earlier in the week and pull them out from the freezer or you enjoy them from the can or even pre-made. This is another hearty meal thatās easy to make. You can add a sandwich or salad for a little something extra too!
Snack dinners-Another easy meal especially if you are looking to clean out the fridge. Grab any fruits, veggies, cold cuts, cheeses, chips or crackers and have a snack dinner. You are using what you have, everyone can find something they enjoy and you have a fun meal. Make it even easier and just use paper plates for easy clean up. I love meals that I can use what I have and not waste.
These are five easy meals that I enjoy making on late or hectic weeknights. I am always looking for suggestions for new recipes to try. Let me know in the comments below some of your favorite weeknight meals.
Hello All! Happy September. It feels so weird to be writing thatā¦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 itās 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. Itās all about a young woman escaping her life and traveling across Europe, sheās 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 guestās 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 Iāve been using this travel body mist, Dressed in White from Bath and Body Works, all summer on the go. Whether, Iām 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!
Hello everyone! Happy Friday! I hope you have had a great week. These past few weeks, especially this one, have been a bit of a whirlwind, between getting back from time away with my family, returning to work and getting my life acclimated once again. Needless to say, I am ready to get my life back in order and in a new routine.
One of my goals for this month was to run new places and this was the first spot I chose, by the water! It was beautiful!
As we get ready for the weekend which will be filled with fun, I am sharing some favorites this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea!
New Candle Scent- I was looking for a new candle scent for the month of August and settled on Iridescent Glow. Itās by far the most subtle candle scent Iāve had in a long time. It is very subdue and not powerful. For lack of a better description, itās a clean scent thatās not too perfumey or florally. I am using this scent as a good palate cleanser of scents as we transition from summery scents to fall scents.
Wick Trimmer- Speaking of candles, this wick trimmer is a great tool for candles, especially if you are a big candle user. I typically burn a candle in my room every day as I get ready and I have found that by using this wick trimmer it makes my candles burn longer. I got it on Amazon and it has been a great investment. Definitely worth it if you are a big candle user. It would also make a great gift to give someone with a candle as a housewarming gift.
Shower Steamers– If you are looking for a way to heighten your shower experience, I may have just the thing for you. I got these shower steamers from Bath and Body Works for my birthday and have used them a handful of times in the shower. The scent is lavendar and vanilla. Some may prefer a bath to a shower, but these are a great and fast way to relax while washing up. The scent isnāt too overpowering and whether you use them in the morning or at night, Iām sure you will feel relaxed when you are done.
Blueberry Lemonade Dark Chocolate Bar– I am a sucker for trying new things on display at grocery stores. I talked about a peanut butter trail mix last week in my Friday Favorites and this week I am sharing a new candy bar. The flavor is unique, but itās so good. I picked it up from Giant Eagle and it has been a tasty treat to indulge in at the end of the day. Itās mostly dark chocolate with a hint of lemon and blueberry, unique, but so tasty.
Homemade Chocolate Croissants– We were big fans of the Olympics this year and that included watching the Opening Ceremonies and many events. My mom and I made homemade chocolate croissants. They were super easy to make and tasted delicious! We purchased mini croissants from the grocery store and sliced them and put mini Hershey bars inside, we cooked them for about 10 minutes and took them out and then drizzled melted chocolate on top. After letting them cool, we all thoroughly enjoyed them. These were such an easy and sweet treat to enjoy. I will definitely be making them again for breakfasts, desserts and coffee. Yum!
Todayās post was definitely more of a home goods/sweet treats post, but you never know what you are going to get when it comes to Friday Favorites! I hope you had a great week and have something fun planned for this weekend. Happy Friday!
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! Letās dive right in.
New Polka Dotted Shorts– I was browsing through Marshallās 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. Iām 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. Itās 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 accountabilityĀ 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.Ā
Just the Nicest Couple– I finished the book āJust the Nicest Coupleā 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 wifeās 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 thatās not too scary, this book is for you.
Thatās a look into what Iām loving this week, some snacks, books, and clothes. I hope the sun is shining wherever you are and life is good!
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!
Can you believe that we are already seven months into the year? I feel like we were just celebrating the holidays and hunkering down for winter and now we are in full summer mode. This has been such a good summer so far, and in good news, we still have a lot more to enjoy. These past few weeks have been filled with walks, reading by the pool, grilling and family time.
Outdoor walks by the water have been a favorite of mine recently
Plus, tomorrow is the Fourth of July-one of my favorite summer traditions.Ā
Since we are just passed the halfway point of the year, I figured it would be a good time to do a New Year’s Resolution check in to see how I’ve been doing so far with my goals for 2024.
Here’s a look at my post from the start of the year.
My top resolutions that I set for this year were:
-Donate Blood
-Do 8K or 10K
-Re-Learn Piano
-Learn How to Braid Hair
-Cook a New Recipe a Week
We are half way through and I’ve tackled a handful of these already.
Let’s get into it:
–Donate Blood– I donated blood for the first-time last month, although it took until June to do it, I accomplished it, and it was not as scary as I thought it would be. My boyfriend is an avid blood donor and has been encouraging me to do it for years. We made a date out of it, and it felt good to give back and save lives. I was most concerned about the pain and passing out afterwards, but thankfully, all went smoothly, no pain during or after and no passing out. Success! I will definitely be donating again when I am eligible. If you are ever on the fence about doing something out of your comfort zone, don’t like fear cause you to back out.
–Do an 8K or 10K- I will be accomplishing this tomorrow! Most races happen on the weekends when I work, but I found one that was happening on one of my days off. I will be running a 10K tomorrow for the Fourth of July. I have been upping my mileage over the past few months and I’m looking forward to seeing how I do timewise tomorrow. I have been focusing more on distance rather than speed, so I’m anxious to see how it goes. I’ll be back here on Friday to let you know the final results.
–Re-Learn Piano-This has been a hobby that I started at the beginning of the year and have been consistent about it over the past seven months. I aim to practice for ten minutes a day at least five times a week. Sometimes, I practice all seven days, other days, I only practice for five days. There are even some days when I do practices on my phone on the go, it just varies week to week. I have been using Simply Piano to teach myself. This hobby has been one of the more challenging hobbies I have attempted. Some days, I really love learning new music and playing well-known songs, other days, I get frustrated and want to throw in the towel, but I take a deep breath and keep practicing (even though it does annoy my dog and I’m sure my family at times.) This has been a learning experience unlike other hobbies I have attempted but I have been proud of the progress I have made so far.
-Learn How to Braid Hair– I have not attempted this yet and that’s due to the fact that I got a haircut and got layers which makes it harder to braid. I do have many how-to braid ideas saved on Pinterest and that has been giving me inspiration. I just need some longer hair to get there haha! However, this does give me something to work towards for the second half of the year.
– Cook a New Recipe A Week– This has been something I have been really proud of. I have been doing lots of cooking this year and once again have been consistent by cooking one new meal a week. I have been getting recipes from blogs, cookbooks and Pinterest. I have been loving getting more comfortable in the kitchen and trying new recipes and gadgets. These will be great skills to have when I am on my own soon. I have to give a huge shout out to my family for indulging me in all my new recipes. Some have been hits and others misses. I need to get better about making sure I make enough food for everyone. I’ve done super creative dishes and simple, one pot meals too. This has been such a fun passion and skill to improve on and I’m looking forward to trying even more recipes as the seasons change through the rest of the year.
Big meals
Soups
Salads
There you have it. My New Year’s Resolution Check-In! I’m proud with how many things I have accomplished so far and behind the scenes, I’m proud of the personal growth I have seen in myself over the past several months. Although, I have made a lot of strides in my New Year’s Resolutions, we still have five more months left in the year, plenty of time for more improvement and consistency.
Tell me: how are your new year’s resolutions coming so far?
