Hello all! Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful week and it feels like fall wherever you may be. September started out with summer still holding now, but now as we get closer to a new month, fall is really starting to settle in.
A crisp, fall morning by the water.
I hope you have something fun or relaxing planned for this weekend. Before you jump into the weekend vibes, I wanted to share some things I have been loving this week as I link up withĀ ErikaĀ andĀ AndreaĀ
New Hand Lotion– As fall has settled in more, I have slowly been transitioning more of my scents to match the season and that includes my hand lotion. I tend to get dry hands, no matter the season, so I always have lotion with me. Gingham Glow has been my new scent for the fall months. I got it from Bath and Body Works and I love the subtle and warm scent it gives off. In the spring and summer, I prefer floral scents, winter I like pine or minty, but in the fall I like subtle scents and this fits the bill. I also love how the lotions come in different sizes, so if you buy a scent and donāt love it, you donāt have to commit to it long term.
New Mascara- I am always trying different makeup products and brands and decided to try Super Goop mascara. I love SuperGoop for suntan lotion and wanted to test out more of their beauty products. I have been pleased with it so far. This mascara doesnāt necessarily give full and voluminous lashes, but it does a great job of separating the lashes (if that makes sense), plus I have found the more you put on, the fuller they get. I also really love that itās clean makeup with not as many chemicals in it. I will be using the mascara, but Iām not sure if I will reorder it.Ā
Swan Song– I know I mentioned this book in Wednesdayās Currently post, but I loved it so much, I had to re-share. I ended summer by reading Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand. This was her final beach read set on Nantucket as she decided to retire and I really enjoyed it. There 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. Those are always my favorite parts of her books. The book 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 Hilderbrandās books, they arenāt just light and fluffy. This was not my favorite Hilderbrand book, but it was definitely worth reading and I loved that I have really gotten into more of her books this year. Now, I just need to go and visit Nantucket after reading all about it. Add it to the bucket list!
Greyās Anatomy Trailer and New Season– Greyās Anatomyās new season returned last night on ABC. After a shorter season last year due to the writerās strike, Iām looking forward to more episodes this year. If you didnāt watch last night, you can check out the trailer here. This season looks like it will be a good one with more drama, romance and interesting patients. If you watch, what are you looking forward to most this season?
Selling Sunset– Iām not a big reality show person, but I do love Selling Sunset. I have been watching the show on Netflix for years and always look forward to when a new season drops. This season was filled with more girl drama in the office, bigger homes to sell and of course lots of drama and crazy fashion. This show is always a good thing to put on in the background for some mindless tv.Ā
Thatās a look into what Iāve been loving this week. Tell me, what are some things that have caught your attention? Let me know in the comments below! Have a great last weekend of September!
Hey Hey! Happy Wednesday! I can’t believe we are days away from December. This month was a slower month for me in terms of activities and events, but it still flew by. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact Thanksgiving was early this year. Regardless, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are ready for the Christmas season, I know I am. I have my holiday candles burning, my Christmas throw blankets are out, and I am using all the festive mugs, life is good!
All decked out for Christmas
As this month winds down, I want to share what I have been up to recently as we flip the calendar from November to December.
What I’m Up To-This month has been filled with fall walks, organizing, and lots of baking and cooking. We had some snow this month, but it has been mostly chilly, yet sunny. I have been trying my best to still get outdoors to enjoy the dry conditions for as long as I can. There’s nothing better than some fresh air and sunshine with the leaves changing in the background.
A beautiful fall morning!
I also have been doing a lot of baking and cooking as I have been trying both new and old recipes.
Lots of time spent in the kitchen!
Finally, I spent almost every Thursday this month doing major cleaning and organizing. My mom and I tackled all the spaces, from cabinets to closets and storage areas. It was never out intent to do a big declutter, but once we started, we couldn’t stop. It felt great to donate a lot of things we weren’t using ahead of the holidays.
A look at some of our donations
I ended the month by celebrating Thanksgiving!
A delicious, Thanksgiving spread!
What I’m Wearing– I don’t have too many fun outfits to show off from this past month since my days off were spent in grubby clothes cleaning. However, after cleaning and reorganizing my closet, I was able to create some new winter outfits with items I have. I have been wearing this red jacket from Old Navy a lot.
You can’t go wrong with red jacket!
I know I will be wearing a lot of the next few weeks. I also did an Old Navy haul this past month. Here’s some of the pieces I got and I have been loving.
This is also what I wore for Thanksgiving last week.
What I’m Reading– Some months I have great reading months and other months they are not so great. I read a few books this past month and while they were good, they were great nor my favorites.
I started the month by reading The Girls of Summer by Katie Bishop. The story goes back and forth between the past and present about young college-aged girls in Greece who get wrapped up in some adult situations. They don’t realize the severity of their situations until they are adults and consequences happen. As grown women they work to try and make amends and come to terms with their young adult mistakes. The book was very serious and dealt with a lot of heavy topics, I found parts of it interesting, but most of the book, I just felt bad for the characters.
Dirty Laundry by Disha Bose is all about a group of women in Ireland who are all trying to one up each other, but all have their own secrets and hidden agendas. When one of the women in the small-town winds up dead, everyone has a different motive for wanting her dead. The book follows each woman and their lives as mothers and wives and it turns out not everything is as it seems. I though the book was good but got confused as it flashed back and forth from past and present and jumped between characters. In my opinion, the book wrapped up way too fast, I was waiting for a who done it moment and it came and went so fast and then the book was over.
Love and Luck by Jenna Evans Welch is a companion book to Love and Gelato, you didn’t have to read Love and Gelato to read this book, but there are a few references to the first book. The story takes place in Ireland as a brother and sister in high school decide to take a road trip to a music festival instead of following a plan to take a trip to Italy. I really liked how the setting of Ireland was depicted and I liked seeing the relationship between the brother and sister evolve. I really enjoyed this book compared to the first two I read.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune- This was the second book I read by Fortune, but the first book she wrote. It takes place in a small town in Canada. This book also goes back and forth between the past and present as a young woman goes back to the lake that she grew up spending her summers. She is reunited with a former friend/flame of her past and through the book, the reader sees how these two characters went from best friends to strangers. I really enjoyed this book, from the character development to the setting and storyline. It definitely had more of a summer feel to it but can be read during any time of year. I’m glad I ended this month reading wise on a high note. Next month will be all about the Christmas books.
What I’m Watching– This month marked the return of a lot of series. I kicked off November with Selling Sunset. I’m not a big reality tv fan, but I can’t help myself with it comes to Selling Sunset. I started this show for the houses, but stayed for the drama. It’s been interesting to see the dynamics between the women in the office change through the seasons. I really love how they have a reunion at the end of the season too.
My favorite thing that I watched this past month was The Crown. I had so many questions going into this season and found the first four episodes of Season 6 to be moving, somber, but also really beautiful. It was almost eerie to see what Diana’s life was like in her final weeks and how the world reacted to her death.
I also started to watch some of my favorite Christmas movies now that we are in the Christmas season.
Like Rudolph!
What Inspires Me– I have been inspired by all my time in the kitchen. I also have been scouring Pinterest and cooking blogs for new recipes to try.
Here’s some of the things I have been making in the kitchen
Banana protein balls
Halloween candy cookies
Peanut butter cookies
Chocolate chip cookies, Double chocolate chip cookies, mint cookies
Chicken and Veggie stir fry
Lots of breakfast foods
What I Accomplished– I feel so accomplished after all the cleaning and organizing and donating my mom and I did this past month.
A look into some of the spaces we organized
I also ran another 5K on Thanksgiving which was fun, despite it being chilly. It was my first Turkey Trot and I loved it.
Turkey trotting!
I also got to thoroughly enjoy the holidays with my family which is so nice.
Nothing says Thanksgiving than by watching the parade.
Our Thanksgiving Dinner at home
Goals from Last Month– I really got to enjoy quiet days at home before hustle and bustle of the holidays. It was the perfect time to recharge and get things down before life gets crazy around the holidays, but I’m really looking forward to my Christmas bucket list and doing all the holiday traditions. Plus, I started my Christmas list for others and I’m excited to start my shopping too.
Fresh fall flowers to brighten up a clean space
Goals for this Month- My goal for the last month of 2023 is simple, enjoy the holidays, enjoy the family traditions and be present in the moment. More times than not, I find myself trying to do all the things and not being present and enjoying the holiday moments. This year, I want to do a better job of planning things out, so I get them down but also really enjoying the moments and savoring them, whether it be holiday baking, making a gingerbread house, watching Christmas movies or wrapping gifts. My goal is to be intentional and present with my time and energy.
Someone is enjoying the holiday spirit
That’s a look into life lately. The calm before the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.
Tell me: as we prepare to welcome December, what are you looking forward to next month? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Friday Friends and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!! This month flew by, I feel like we were just celebrating Motherās Day and here we are at Memorial Day weekend!
This past month has been up and down weather-wise. Some days, we hit 70ās and others were in the 50ās. Last weekend, I had a family wedding and it was so nice to celebrate love and see family!Ā
Zoo trips are back this season!
Besides Memorial Day Weekend, itās also my birthday weekend. Iām looking forward to celebrating on the actual day and a bit before.
Now, that Iāve got you all caught up on all things in life, hereās what Iāve been loving this week as I link up with ErikaĀ andĀ Andrea!
Lemon Bundt Cake-I have been trying to incorporate more fruits and vegetables as we get closer to summer and that includes desert too. I made a lemon bundt cake last week and it was the perfect taste for spring. It was sweet and moist and had so much flavor. You can eat it solo or with some vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit. A lemon cake and fresh strawberries would be divine for a summer night dessert. If a cake isnāt your cup of tea, you can make these into cupcakes or muffins. The possibilites are endless!
The sweetest cake for spring!
The Dinner List– I have been a big fan of Rebecca Serleās books. Iāve enjoyed In Five Years and One Italian Summer and I was excited to read The Dinner List. The book follows a young woman as she enjoys a dinner with five important people in her life. The purpose behind the dinner is explained through the book and different relationships are explained through the story. I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters, but the end had me grasping for more. I wasnāt ready for it to end!
Such a good read!
Brain Dumps– This month has been so busy with all the activities, events and to-doās and the only way I have been keeping it all straight (besides my Simplified planner) is by writing everything down and doing periodic brain dumps. A brain dump is when you literally put everything that needs done or whatās on your mind on a giant list and break it down about what needs done. I always write to-doās for the day in my planner, but sometimes, for long term lists or detailed to-doās, having it in one spot is a game changer. I love these large pads from Simplified, not only are they super cute but have a ton of space for lists.
The best notepad for brain dumps!
Selling Sunset Season 6– One of my favorite reality shows is back! Selling Sunset is my guilty pleasure and there has been so much drama and excitement this season. From new characters to familiar faces, incredible homes and all the dramaā¦this season has been so good. Iām currently watching it as I type this post. The only downside is that once I finish it, I have to wait for a new season. If you are watching this season, what are your thoughts so far?!
Substack– Have you heard of Substack and started using it? Itās a platform to read blogs and newsletters. A lot of writers I follow have joined substack. Some you have to pay to read their newsletters, but others offer free subscriptions. A few of my favorite writers on Substack right now include Emily Ley and Elizabeth Holmes (are we surprised?) I have been loving following Holmesā coverage of the Coronation. Sheās been providing both newsletters and podcast about it. Substack has been a fun place to get lots of content in one place.Ā
Some of my Substack reads
Thatās a roundup of some of my favorite things this week. From books, to food, and shows, I hope you found a new favorite here. Tell me, as we gear up for Memorial Day weekend, what are your plans? I hope you can enjoy some fun time outside and with family! Happy Friday!
Happy Wednesday. I hope your week has been filled with sunshine, warm weather, and all the spring vibes (or something like that).
Today, I have a currently lined up for your reading. I know it’s a bit earlier in the month, but I have an extra special post set up for next week
Without further ado, here’s a look into what I’ve been up to this past month.
What I’m up to: I’ve been LOVING all the warm weather. Last week we had weather in the 70s all week long. I’ve been trying to get outside more after work, whether it’s for a walk or just to sit and read. I’ve also been enjoying making lighter and summery meals.
Seeing flowers and plants and trees in bloom brings a smile to my face.
A few weeks ago I made a lemon chicken sheet pan dinner which was so flavorful and easy. I got the recipe from Mix and Match Mama and I really enjoyed cooking it.
A look at my meal from a few weeks ago.
I also celebrated Motherās Day with my family and enjoyed dinner with my family and a trip to the zoo.
A few shots of our trip to the zoo.
Such an array of colors.
Iāve also managed to enjoy some friend time over the past few weeks which was much needed.
What Iām wearing: Iām always on the look for work dresses and clothes. I often stop into stores like Marshallās of TJ Maxx just to see if thereās ever new finds. I lucked out big time during my last time in finding affordable and fashionable clothes. As far as casual clothes, Iāve been able to break out some shorts and t-shirts which just makes me happy that warm weather is here and here to stay.Ā
I also got a fresh trim for summer which was much needed!
What Iām reading: I finished Not A Happy Family and wow-what a good book. I couldnāt it down. Iām typically not a thriller lover but this was soooo good. A great mix of mystery and thriller and not too scary.
Iām currently reading, Paris is Always a Good Idea and itās the opposite of Not A Happy Family, itās light and fluffy and will make you want to travel. Itās such a good call for summer.
What Iām watching: I started and finished season 5 of Selling Sunset, itās such a guilty pleasure, I started to watch it when it came out for the real estate, but now I watch for the drama. Haha!
On a more serious note, I watched The Anatomy of a Scandal and loved it. I finished it in one weekend. Another great cliffhanger mini series with a great cast.
What Iām Loving: ALL the WARM and SPRING weather. Thatās all. I love being outside and enjoying ice cream and walks after work and not having to wear all the layers.
I even had my first hot dog grilling of the season which just gets me in the summer mode.
What Inspires Me: Iāve been planning a few fun summer plans and excursions and itās making me excited for summer and adventures and more hikes and times with friends and family and maybe even a trip or two. Iāll be sharing my summer bucket list at the start of June!
I’ve already been to the beach once for a walk this summer and I can’t wait to head back more.
What I Accomplished: I enjoyed celebrating my mom for Motherās Day at the beginning of the month and I had a few other special birthdays too. We enjoyed a fun family meal to celebrate my mom.
The process
The finished product
I still have a few graduations and my birthday to celebrate so Iām excited for those in the coming weeks.
Goals from Last Month: Iāve been really good at seeing friends consistently who live in town and making time for friends out of town. I also got a lot of start of spring/summer must dos done like different odds and ends that feels good to start a new month on the right foot. I also took a day trip with my mom and brother to the National Comedy Center in Jamestown which was so fun and I learned a lot too.
A look at the iconic I Love Lucy set.
And some scripts from The Office.
Goals for Next Month: Iām looking forward to starting my summer bucket list and enjoying time outside with my family.Ā I have a graduation and some day trips planned to see friends so Iām looking forward to that. Iām also excited to spend time with friends and family and enjoy more time grilling and swimming and trying to take it slow? I know, easier said than done. Overall, Iām just really excited for summer!
Fresh lemonade and a good book. The perfect combo!
That’s a look at my life today. Lots of family time, time outdoors and good food. How’s life been looking for you the past month? Let me know.
Hey guys! Happy December…the countdown is on until Christmas! I hope you are gearing up for the holiday season!
Quick check in time…How are you doing? Got everything wrapped? Checking off all those holiday traditions? Feeling overwhelmed with everything you still have to do? Weāve all been thereā¦while it may seem like this season will never end, it will. In the meantime, enjoy every moment and soak up all the moments, the big ones (like decorating the tree) or the little ones like looking at Christmas lights.
Onto todayās post, can you believe that we are up to two years of Currently?! This has been such a fun monthly post, not only does it keep you updated on my life but it also puts in perspective everything Iāve done in 30 days or soā¦without further ado, hereās this monthās Currently.
What Iām up to: ALL the Christmas fun and cheer. From skating, to watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music at every opportunity, baking cookies and shopping and wrapping this month has been about enjoying all the Christmas fun!
There’s Christmas cheer all over the house.
We got our tree earlier in the month and it was perfect tree cutting weather.
What Iām wearing: Besides work clothes, Iāve been getting in the Christmas spirit by wearing Christmas sweaters, some cute graphic shirts and of course, Christmas socks!!! I canāt get enough of Christmas socks!
What Iām reading: I finished reading āAll the Light We Cannot Seeā, it was definitely a heavier read but it was so well done. This month I have been reading all the Christmas books. I read “A Shoe Addictās Christmas”, which was super cute. I then read “Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe”, this was the perfect mix of Christmas and a beautiful tribute to Jane Austen. Iām currently reading “The Mistletoe Secret” by Richard Paul Evans, I read his series, āThe Walkā during the pandemic and loved it, so Iām very excited to read this one too.
What Iām Watching:Ā Besides watching classic Christmas movies and some Hallmark ones too.Ā Ā I have also been watching Selling Sunset on Netflix and like many other women out there, Iāve been watching āAnd Just Like Thatāā¦the first two episodes were so beautiful and so poignant, but broke my heart. I canāt wait to see what else this season has in store. If you have watched them, what are your thoughts on the shows?
What Iām Loving:Ā Christmas spirit all day, every day! I love this time of year, thereās nothing better than having a candle lit, while wrapping presents and watching Christmas presents. Plus, making treats hasnāt been bad either. I made some Christmas bark this year and it was so good. Itās super easy to make and itsās easy to save and store. Hereās the recipe I used, thank you Mix and Match Mama!
Look at all this delicious Christmas bark!
What Inspires Me:Ā The holiday season puts me in the best mood. I decorated my room at the end of last month and whenever I put on my tree and light a candle, Iām automatically put in the Christmas spirit. I also canāt wait to spend time with family and continue our holiday traditions.Ā I went skating this month and had the best time.
Skating in the city
Buffalo was beautiful.
What I accomplished: Iāve been doing a great job at being intentional and present during the holiday season. From the gift buying to the family time and holiday traditions. I wish this season was longer. Even enjoying a hot coco and cookie while driving back from ice skating made me so happy.
Besides homemade cookies, I can’t resist some Pillsbury cookies too!
Even the shopping malls are all decorated
Goals Accomplished from Last Month I got all my Christmas shopping done by my deadline and I got almost all my gifts sent out or wrapped. It was a huge accomplishment! I love all the gift giving but it can be a lot to get everything organized. I donāt know how parents do it, they are the real super heroes during the holiday season!
My presents for others all wrapped up under my tree.
Goals for the New Month:Ā Ā Kick off 2022 with my New Yearās Resolutions. I also canāt wait to break out my new Simplified planner and start getting ready for the next. As much as I hate to see the holidays come to an end, thereās nothing quite like a fresh start.
Thatās a look into my life this past month, lots of holiday fun and traditions. How are you spending the last few weeks of this year?
Happy Wednesday! I was off of work for a few days which was a great change of pace, and I really disconnected, it was great to relax, see family, and recharge. The only downside is that I ran behind on some blog work, so my life update post wonāt be coming until next week, it will be worth the wait. In the meantime, I figured it was time for a “Currently” post and give you a look into life today.Ā
What Iām up to: Summer is in full swing, I have been trying to get outside every day for a bit whether itās for a walk, reading, or relaxing. Iāve been trying to soak up summer between work. Iāve been loving keeping the family summer traditions alive while working.
What Iām wearing: Give me all the dresses!!! Now that more places are opening up, Iāve been doing some more shopping. Marshalls and T.J. Maxx were great places to start looking. If you need some inspiration about work clothes, you can check out my blog post from last week, here!
What Iām reading: Iāve been adding some new books to my reading list, Iām finishing up a book on interior design and I just started a fiction book called, The Paris Seamstress, a full book review is coming soon but itās all about a Paris seamstress trying to make a name for herself during World War II, she must go through trials and tribulations to take care of herself while also following her dream. Iām halfway through it and loving it.
What Iām Watching: Iām making my way through 30 Rock and it has been such a fun and light show to watch to have in the background or watch with little time. I also got hooked on Selling Sunset on Netflix, not only are the house gorgeous, but who doesnāt love a little reality tv, thereās drama, thereās laughs, and thereās gorgeous homes. Itās been something fun to break up the days.
What Iām Loving: Iām loving the summer weather and sunshine. One of my summer goals was to get outside 3-4 days a week and I have been doing really well with it so far. Being outside has boosted my mood and breaks up the work or home days.
What Inspires Me: I have really been on a role of being present, Iāve been inspired by the little things in life, like burning a candle while I work, having more windows open, taking time to read every day. These little moments bring me so much joy.
What I accomplished: Iāve been really happy with how I have been keeping up with friends, whether itās through weekly facetime calls, going out to eat, or going on walks, making those relationships a pritority have been so helpful and really adds to the balance or work, family and friends.
Goals Accomplished from Last Month: I have done a really good job at finding a great balance for this season of life, being productive, while also relaxing, spending time with family and outside. I often feel that we are pulled in so many directions or have different expectations placed on us whether its work, family, fitness, being healthy, taking time for ourselves, I love being organized so having a to do list every day helps me accomplish my goals while also have that balance.
Goals for the New Month: I canāt wait for more things to reopen, Iām getting a long overdue haircut next weekā¦I have never been so excited to get an appointment, also, gyms are getting reopened. I have tried to stay active at home, but there is nothing like being back in the gym. I canāt wait to get back.
