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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #99

Hello all! 

Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week and are doing something fun this summer weekend.

Before we begin the weekend, I want to share some things I have been loving this week as I link up with with Erika and Andrea.

We are in the middle of a heat wave with temperatures in the 90’s. Summer nights have set in which means ice cream runs- YUM!

The theme this week of favorites is new! You will see what I mean as we get into this weekā€™s favorites!

New Kate Spade bag- I got this bag from Kate Spade for my birthday and itā€™s already been used a lot. Itā€™s the perfect size to carry all the extra things you may not be able to fit in a purse (like a light jacket, planner, things to be mailed etc.) or if you are running errands and need a spot to throw all the extras. Itā€™s also a great bag to use for a spare change of clothes. I often will have an extra outfit to wear after work if I have plans that requires a change. Not only is the size great, but so are the colors of the purse. This has been the perfect summer tote!

Moroccan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner– If you have been following along for a while then you know whenever I travel, I always like to use sample products to try out other brands before I make a purchase. I recently tried this Moroccan Oil shampoo and conditioner and really loved how it felt on my hair. After washing my hair, it felt silkier and smoother and that feeling didn’t go away for almost 24 hours. I also really loved the scent. I love the products I am using for my hair now, but I wouldn’t be opposed to trying this again in a travel size.

New Running Sneakers– Sticking with new items, I got these new sneakers for running and they have been a favorite. My brother picked them out for me. They have a ton of support, are comfortable, and I love the colors of the sneakers. I got the New Balance Fresh Foam 880s. They have been great running sneakers especially as I prepare for another race. I put a lot of miles on my old sneakers from last year, so I will be using those sneakers for the gym and these for running.

Mother of the Bride- If you are looking for a cute, rom com this summer, I have a recommendation! Mother of the Bride on Netflix was a hit for my mom and I! Itā€™s all about a mother who helps prepare her daughter for her destination wedding. They arrive in Thailand only to find out the groomā€™s father is an ex of the motherā€™s. Thereā€™s a lot of messy history, but can they put their differences aside for their children? You will have to watch to find out. Super cute, summer movie for a girl’s night.

New Summer Sandals- I was on the hunt for a new pair of summer sandals that could be dressed up or down and I found them through DSW, are we surprised? These are the sandals I got. They are comfortable and supportive. I love the neutral color of black and I love how they can be dressed up with a sundress or skirt or dressed down with shorts or jeans. I know I will be getting  a lot of use out of them this summer.

Thatā€™s a peak into some things I have been loving this past week. What are some things that have brought you joy!? Share them with me in the comments below!

Happy Friday!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #92

Hello All!

Happy Friday! I hope you all have had an enjoyable week and are doing something fun this first weekend in May, maybe watching the Kentucky Derby?! It’s officially my favorite month of the year and I am pumped for everything that comes with the next few weeks, from birthdays, to end of school, holidays, and the start of summer.

First of many ice cream dates this spring and summer!

As always, I am linking up with  Erika and Andrea for another edition of Friday Favorites. This week features a mix of life hacks, foods, and some beauty and fashion finds. Let’s dive right in!

Taylor Swift’s New Album– I know I am late to the party but I have slowly been listening to Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poet’s Department. I am not a diehard Swiftie but I do enjoy her music and think she did a great job on her latest album. I have been listening to it in the car and out on walks. It’s been fun to find learn all about her hidden references and Easter eggs. If you are a fan, what are your favorite songs? I personally love, Florida.

New sandals– Summer will be here soon and I got these new sandals from Marshall’s just in time for outdoor fun. I love the style and support they provide and how you can truly dress them up or down with any outfit. I know I will be getting a lot of use out of them this summer, I just need the weather to warm up a tiny bit. I always love to pop into Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx to see what they have and it’s always a win when I walk out with some great finds.

Kashi Cereal– I will go through different favorites when it comes to snacks and right now, I am on the yogurt train. I have really been enjoying vanilla yogurt at lunch and topping it off with something crunchy. Kashi Cereal has been my current go-to. It’s packed with flavor and protein. I enjoy the saltiness of the cereal mixed with the sweetness of the berries. It has been making a difference instead of enjoying yogurt on its own, plus, it’s a healthy alternative to other snacks.

Logging Podcasts- This has been a new life hack that I have been loving. I often listen to podcasts when I am running or in the car and I am always looking for recommendations. I’m currently making my way through the Lazy Genius podcast, however, not every episode pertains tor I’m not interested in it. Whenever, I have some free time, I will go through the Lazy Genius library and log what episodes I am interested in. This way, whenever I am looking for a new episode to listen to, I am not wasting time looking for one, I have a list already to go. It saves me time and stress. Now, you don’t have to do this just for podcasts, you can keep track of music you want to listen to, or shows or movies to watch. In this situation, I am using Kendra’s idea of deciding once to make it easier on myself.Ā 

New Scent- Now that the weather has finally broken and we are experiencing spring-like weather, I figured it was time for scent change (I also just so happened to be out of the scent I started using after Christmas, haha!) I decided to break out Gingham Fresh from Bath and Body Works perfect for spring. There’s a hint of floral to this scent, but it’s mostly a light scent, that’s not too overpowering. Although, I love fragrance mists, sprays and perfumes, I know not everyone does, so I always try to choose scents that are subtle as opposed to strong. 

That’s a look into life this past week, some time outdoors, some snacks and life hacks. What’s your week been like and what are you looking forward to during the week ahead? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Fri-yay!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #46

Hey Hey! Happy Friday! I hope you had a fantastic week! I am excited for a long weekend that includes lots of fun and adventures, plus time with family and my boyfriend!Ā I can’t wait to share it all with you soon!

Nothing says summer like a day at the beach!

This week went by in the blink of an eye , but it was so productive-those are the best kinds of weeks, but I couldnā€™t wait for the weekend.Ā 

Itā€™s time for a new edition of Friday Favorites as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

Hereā€™s some things that I am loving this week, from practical items to things Iā€™m watching and reading, these are a roundup of things that have been on my mind.

Best Served Hot– I saw this book on display at the library and was immediately drawn in by the plot and checked all the boxes for a good read! Rom-com, takes place in a big city, and talks about food! The story follows a food critique and a food influencer as they try out different restaurants in NYC, first as competitors and then on a collaborators. The best and dare I say, worst part of the book was the details of all the foods they were tasting. The description was so vivid, which just made me hungry while I was reading. This is definitely a fun summer read by the pool or on a beach.

Water Bottle Holder– I have fallen in love with walks and hikes over the past few yeas, but itā€™s always important to stay hydrated. I was always taking a water bottle with me, but had to carry it all the time. For Christmas, I got a water bottle holder and I couldnā€™t wait to try it this summer. I went for a long walk a few weeks back and couldnā€™t wait to use this holder and it was perfect. It fits most plastic or reusable water bottles, keeps them cold and your hands free and thereā€™s space to store your phone, money or keys. This would be great for long hikes and walks to keep your hands free and keep you staying hydrated. 

A water bottle holder that holds your drink and is cute too!

Summer Dress Sandals– I know I am late to the game on these trendy, summer, dress sandals, but I picked up a pair from T.J. Maxx and they have become my favorite summer dress sandal. I have worn them to work, to church and out to events and date night. I love the color, the straps and the best part is how comfortable they are! They have great support and you can wear them for hours. I canā€™t wait to wear them more this summer!

A view of the shoes on!

Stain Remover– I got this clothing stain remover that I keep at work and it has saved me so many times. It gets ink, food, oil, blood, grass, even sweat stains out of clothes in seconds. I always keep it in my desk and have used it so many times and even leant it to co-workers to use. I highly recommend it, however, I canā€™t remember where I bought it. So, if you have used this or heard of it and know where I can find it, let me know!!

Love, Sarah– I know this is an older movie, but it came up on my Amazon Prime suggestions and I was intrigued. Love, Sarah is all about a daughter, grandmother, and friend who open a bakery in honor of a loved one who dies. It takes place in London, which immediately drew me in, plus itā€™s all about creating delicious pastries and bakery items while working together and of course, thereā€™s a bit of a love story tied in too. Definitely worth watching on a rainy day or for a girlā€™s night in!

There you have it! A few things Iā€™m loving this week. From fun things to useful summer items. Tell me what has brought you joy this week? Have a great weekend!! I know I will be a having a great one!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #45

Hi friends! Happy Friday! I hope you are in the midst of soaking up the days of summer. Although summer as an adult isnā€™t nearly as fun as summer as a child, I am still enjoying the sunshine, warm weather and family time! This past week, I got the chance to catch up with two friends, spent lots of time outdoors and went on some fun day trips!

My pup enjoying the sunshine!

This weekā€™s Friday Favorites has all things summer as we make our way through June! Letā€™s get started as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

Summer Garden– I teased this last week in my post and talked about it in my summer bucket list, but one of my goals for this summer was to plant a garden. Iā€™ve been looking for a creative outlet where I could have an end result and I found it by planting a garden. Since I am just a beginner, I decided to keep it simple and do some seeds and some plants. I decided to buy cucumbers, tomatoes, and pepper plants and then carrot and pea seeds. I wanted to have a variety of options in case they didnā€™t all work out. Fingers crossed, I get to see the finished product in a few months, but I did enjoy picking the seeds, tending the garden and making signs too. Iā€™ll keep you updated on my progress this summer!

My garden!
and signs!

Sure as the Sunrise– I mentioned this daily devotional by Emily Ley back in January and I have been reading it every morning and just finished it. Itā€™s 100 daily devotionals and reflections with space for thoughts too. I took a brief break during Lent to do another devotional and just finished Leyā€™s book in time for summer. I really loved how the book was set-up with daily scripture, reflection and questions. Then at the end of every week, there were a few questions you could answer. You don’t have to start on January 1, so if you are looking for a new devotional or morning reading companion, I highly recommend this one. 

My favorite way to start the day

Birkenstocks– This may be one of my favorite birthday gifts. After seeing the trends for years, I finally decided to hop on the Birkenstock bandwagon and Iā€™m so glad I did! I was on the hunt for a pair of sandals I could throw on if I had to run out to get the mail, hit the store, wear by the pool or just go for a walk and these were just what I was looking for. I love the rubber material (perfect for the pool) and white color. They are so comfortable too. I know these will be  a favorite all summer long!

New favorite summer shoe!

Chicken Kabobs– Another birthday related favorite! I decided on grilled Chicken Kabobs and veggies for my birthday dinner with pasta and fruit salad and it was delicious. I love grilled chicken with lots of seasoning and flavor and these were the perfect way to welcome 25! I am looking forward to trying new recipes with chicken kabobs and grilling this summer. I canā€™t wait to try new summer recipes. If you have any you love, drop them in the comments below!

Best birthday dinner!

Queen Charlotte– I finished a lot of series in May, so as June rolled around I was looking for a new show to start and I found that with Queen Charlotte! I love Bridgerton, so I was anxious to watch the prequel to the series. It definitely has the same feel of Bridgerton with the characters, clothes, one-liners and scenery, but has a heavier feel (if that makes sense?) I really have enjoyed learning about the Queenā€™s backstory and it has been such a fun way to escape our world and head back in time. The episodes are a bit longer, but there are fewer in the season. This would be a great summer binge!

Such a fun show to start!

Thatā€™s just a peak into life lately. Some fun new gifts, new shows, tasty food and hobbies! How have you been enjoying your summer so far?
Let me know in the comments below! 

Happy Weekend!