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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #2

Hey guys!

I have another edition of Friday Favorites! Once again, I’m teaming up with Erika and Andrea for a second edition of Friday Favorites! Here’s some things I’ve been loving this past week!

  1. New Blogs- I have my go-to blogs that I love to follow and read every day, here’s some of my favorites. But, recently, I’ve been finding some new ones that are right up my alley. I started reading Ashley Brooke’s blog and I love how she shares about lifestyle, fashion, home decor and motherhood. Definitely a fun read to add to my daily blogs!

2. New Facial Cleanser – I was out of town for a few days and like I posted a few weeks back in this post, I tried some sample products! I love how this facial cleanser smells and how it leaves my skin feeling refreshed.. I love my current facial routine at home and won’t be switching it but this was a fun change up for a few days!

3. Summer Sandals- I jumped on the trend with these shoes. They kept popping up while I was browsing stores online and while I was doing window shopping and I decided to bite the bullet and get them. I love the platform sandal and how you can pair them with shorts, skirts or sundresses. A summer fashion favorite for sure!

4. Columbus Zoo- I love zoos and animals and I got to go to the Columbus Zoo for the first time last week! It was so well laid out and fun to see so many animals, definitely worth a day trip. The weather was perfect for a day at the zoo!

5. Avocado Toast-I know I’m late to the party, but I’m been enjoying avocado toast this summer. One of my friends made it for me when I was visiting and I loved it. I’ve been enjoying for breakfast and brunch a few times this summer! Not only is it tasty but also filling.

That’s another edition of Friday Favorites! I hope you have a relaxing and fun August weekend! What are you loving this week?

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites # 1

Hi guys! Happy Friday or for some..Fri-YAY! After following several blogs for years, one of my favorite things about reading them is learning about some of their favorite products and things they are loving and where they get them thanks to their Friday favorites posts.

I decided to hop on the bandwagon and share some of my favorite things from the week. I’m not sure if this will become a weekly post for me or just an occasional post, but be sure to check in every Friday to find out. Don’t worry, I’ll still have my typical post for you every Wednesday. Without further ado, here’s my first edition of Friday Favorites as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

  1. Covergirl Green Primer

I always wear green primer for work. It’s one of the first things I put on after my skin care routine. I’ve been trying some other green primer brands and recently purchased this one from Cover Girl. I love the consistency of it, how easy it goes on and blends, plus it smells really good too. Definitely a favorite beauty trend!

  1. Makeup Applicators

When I put on my green primer and my eye primer, I have been using these makeup applicators. I got mine from Target but you can find them at most grocery or beauty stores, even Amazon. I love how they make it so much easier to apply makeup and you aren’t worrying about if the products get on your hands. I use the primer and these sponges daily!

  1. Daisy Jones and the Six

I know I am way behind but I just read Daisy Jones and the Six this week and wow-what a great book. I’ve heard about it for years but never got around to reading it. I loved the plot line, fell in love with the characters, but my favorite way was how it was laid out, so creative! I can’t wait until the series comes out on Amazon Prime!

  1. Purple Hearts 

Speaking of streaming services, over the weekend, I watched Purple Hearts on Netflix and was so surprised with how much I enjoyed it! Sometimes, movies on streaming services can be hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed watching this drama about two people who decide to get married for the benefits of marrying into the military. I really loved the character development and seeing these two characters go from strangers to falling in love. It got 5 Stars from me!

  1. Soaking Up Summer

A final summer favorite has been soaking up the summer days of working outside. On weekends or afternoons, I do my best to get outside to read or work or just relax. I know I will be inside soon enough when snow comes, so i’m doing what i can to soak up the sunshine. This is also your motivation to spend some time outdoors today.

There you have it, my first Friday Favorites is in the books. Let me know below what’s included in your weekend plans?! Have a great weekend!

Categories
Fashion

Summer Dress Round-Up

Hi everyone! 

Happy August! 

As we make our way through the final month of summer,  I wanted to share a roundup of my favorite summer dresses that I have been wearing this summer for work. I found all of these dresses at Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx, and Ross’ and most of the dresses are from great designer brands, hello Calvin Klein!! These stores are my go-to stores for professional work dresses. You can find the latest styles and sizes at an affordable price. 

I also love to change up the colors and brands I wear and Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx, and Ross’ make it easy for me to do that.

 

Here’s a look at my favorite summer dress so far:

I love a bright pink dress and this one does the trick. It’s a Calvin Klein dress. I also have it in a dark green that I have worn in the fall and winter months, but I love the pink for the warmer seasons. The cuffed sleeves and raspberry color are some of my favorite parts about this dress. You can wear it to work, church or even out to dinner or a cocktail hour. I also like that it goes just above your knee, a great length for women of any age. I opted for a pair of nude heels with this dress.

Bright pink to kick off summer!

If you are looking for a more flowy dress to have some fun in, this blue and white polka dotted dress is for you. It is a bit longer, but I have worn white heels, while flats, even sandals with it. I’ve even changed into sneakers to do lots of walking and it’s one of those dresses that can work with sneakers.  The dress is by Anne Klein. The material is a bit thinner and softer which is perfect for the hot and humid days. I often wear this dress when temperatures hit the 90’s or higher.  This dress would be great for work, church, a baby or bridal shower or even a date night. I decided to wear a pair of white pumps from DSW from a brand that I’m loving!

A perfect polka-dotted dress.

From pink to blue and now green. One of my favorite parts of this dress by Calvin Klein is the sleeves and the color! I love a good teal dress and don’t have any other dresses in this color.  It’s a great mix of blue and green, but the hooded sleeves is a favorite of mine. I don’t have any other dresses or tops with these types of sleeves. This dress is one of those that can really be dressed up for a summer date night, church, even a wedding with the right jewelry and shoes. It’s also…so it’s the same material and length (just above the knee) as the raspberry dress. I wore a pair of nude heels that I got from DSW as well.

Going green for summer.

This next summer outfit is one of my FAVORITES. After months of searching, I finally found a professional jumpsuit. I have a casual jumpsuit from Old Navy that I wear on weekends, but I was looking for the right fit and style for work. Jumpsuits can be tricky to make sure it fits properly in the legs, and torso. This baby blue jumpsuit it by, you guessed it, Calvin Klein. I really love how the dresses fit on me and the quality of them too. Once I find a designer I like I try to find other dresses or outfit from the same brand.

My favorite summer outfit!!!

Now, back to this jumpsuit…I really love the pale blue color since I don’t have any other tops or dresses in this color. I really like how the neckline is a bit different too. I’m not a huge fan of V-necks, but I liked how this one fit on me. The legs have a bit of flair to them so finding shoes may be the trickiest part. I opted for a pair of nude stilettos. I have worn this dress to work and a wedding. It’s definitely dressy enough for a wedding, a date night or even a girls night. I would recommend a thin heel to offset the flair of the pants. This has been a favorite summer outfit of the summer. 

Taking a break from my love for Calvin Klein, this soft blue, almost lavender dress is by Tommy Hilfiger. There are two things I really love about this dress. First the unique color. It’s a soft lavender with a tint of blue. I also love the flowy sleeves, since they are a bit dramatic, simple jewelry would go best with this dress. This dress would work great in the spring and summer from church or work. I also wore my white heels with this dress.

I love the soft color of this dress.

I always love dresses that can be worn in different seasons and this one checks the boxes. This soft tan dress from Calvin Klein has short sleeves that allow the dress to be worn in the summer months. I opted for a pair of nude pumps to match the dress, but it can be worn in winter too. You can add a black blazer, wedges, or black heels and wear it from October to February. I really love the neckline with this dress and I love the versatility of it too. This would be a great dress to wear to work or an interview or a networking or social event. I paired this nude dress with a pair of nude heels.

A dress for any season!

That’s a wrap of my favorite summer dresses so far. From different colors, to styles and brands. I really love that I can get all these name brands dresses at affordable prices from stores close by. If you are searching for some new dresses to add to your wardrobe don’t forget to check out, Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx or Ross’, you never know what treasures you will find! Happy Shopping!

Categories
Fabulous living

Summer Reads

Happy Wednesday! 

As we make our way through June, I always try to use these months as a time to slow down by keeping my schedule a bit more open. 

I like to try to have the flexibility to take a walk after work or enjoy a spontaneous ice cream date without having a packed schedule. I also like to use the summer to catch up on some of my favorite books. Since the start of 2021, I’ve made it a point to read every day, whether it’s a chapter of one book, of 150 pages of another. If you enjoy reading on the beach or having a few good books on hand for vacation, I have a few suggestions for you. This is a round up of my favorite summer reads. This list is a mix of different genres and authors. If you want to keep up with what I’m reading, you can check out my Instagram stories where I keep track of all my books.

Beach Read

If you are on vacation and on the beach, this is the book for you. Beach Read follows the story of a young writer who spends a few months at a little beach house that is left to her.  Her goal is to work on a new book and learn more about the cottage and how it came into her possession, but her next door neighbor proves to be a bit of a distraction. Will our protagonist find the answers she’s looking for  and what will from there cut boy next door? You have to read this fun book to find out. 

Paris is Always a Good Idea

If you are looking to escape, not just to Paris but Ireland and Italy too, this is such a fun read. After working nonstop for nearly a decade, a young professional decides to go to the places she traveled right after college in order to find herself again. She meets some old flames which brings up memories of the past in each of the cities she visits. While abroad, she makes peace with the past, but will it allow her to move on fully once she returns home? Pick up this book and find out. P.S. after reading this book, you will want to book a one way ticket to Europe-the description of the places is incredible!

Not a Happy Family

If you like suspense and mystery and a bit of who done it, here’s a summer read you won’t want to put down. After a large, Easter dinner, the parents of a well-known family are found dead in their home. But, who killed them and why? Was it one of their children? The maid who found them or a random home invasion? This book has so many twists and turns that your guesses will change all throughout the book. This story has a lot of suspense but it’s not too scary that you won’t be able to sleep at night. I do have to warn you, once you start, it will be hard to put it down. 

The Silent Patient

Sticking with thrillers and mysteries. This book tells the story of a doctor who works in a Psych ward and he tries to uncover the mystery behind his patient who is accused of murder but won’t speak. This may seem dark, but it’s much more suspenseful and mysterious than scary. When you start reading, you won’t want to finish until you have all the answers you are looking for. There’s so many twists and turns and the ending will catch you off guard. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time!

Grace Not Perfection

If you know me, then I have probably talked to you about my love for Simplified and Emily Ley. Grace Not Perfection is the first book she wrote and it is the perfect summer read. If you are looking for that push to have you slow down and be more present in the moment, this is the book for you. Emily has written other books, but her first book always holds a special place in my heart. This is the perfect book to read as the sun rises or sets or by the pool. Once you read this one, I guarantee you that you will want to read her other books.

Going There

If you are a fan of memoirs, then Katie Couric’s book would be a great option for you. Whether you followed her career for years or just wanted to get to know more about her, I found this book to be so insightful. From her childhood, big stories she’s covered, her personal life and where she is today, she covers a lot of ground. I enjoyed Couric before her book but I respect and admire her even more now. You will learn so much from this book. A must read for anyone who enjoys news, journalism or women being awesome!

If you are a big reader or looking to try some new books for the first time, I hope this list gives you some suggestions for summer reads. What books are you loving this summer? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Reading!

Categories
Fabulous living

Summer Bucket List 2022

Hi everyone!

Happy June! I can’t believe we are already into the sixth month of the year and making our way through 2022.

As we embark on a new month and in a few weeks, a new season, I figured it was time for a summer bucket list. 

I love goals and I love to do lists, in order to maximize my time in the summer and have fun, I enjoy creating bucket lists. This bucket list is a mix of free and inexpensive things around my hometown and region of things I want to do this summer. Some can be done multiple times, others are a one and done kind of deal.  If you are on the hunt for fun things to do this summer, feel free to steal an idea or two from the list.

I love to support local spots and community events, so I’m hoping to do that more this summer. I also like to use the summer season as a way to slow down a bit, less appointments and to-dos and more time to rest and go with the flow (one of my goals for my 24th year!)

Sumer Bucket List for 2022

This summer I hope to accomplish as many of these things as possible and do more activities that goes beyond this list.

Here’s a look at my summer bucket list:

  • Heritage Festivals/ Fairs
  • Day trips
  • Zoos
  • Beach Day
  • Pool Day
  • Celebrate Fourth of July
  • Time with family
  • White Turkey
  • Sara’s 
  • See college friends
  • Go Someplace New
  • Meal by the Water
  • Food tour
  • Picnicing
  • Winery/Wine Tasting
  • Happy Hour/ Ice Cream Hour
  • State/National Parks
  • John Russell Brewing
  • Mini Golf
  • Kayaking
  • Amusement Park
  • Outdoor Concert

That’s a look at some things I hope to accomplish this summer. What are some things you are looking forward to this summer? 

Let me know in the comments below!

I hope you have a great rest of your week!

Categories
Fabulous living

Summer Bucket List Recap

Well, here we are in September. This weekend is Labor Day and therefore the end of summer. Although, I plan on still soaking up as much sunshine and warm weather when days permit it. Now, that summer is almost over, it was time for a summer bucket list check in. Did I accomplish all my goals, did I add somethings to the list?! Let’s take a look.

Summer Bucket List Recap
  • Seawolves Baseball Game

Didn’t happen but there’s still a few more weeks left of home games, so I’m hoping to make it to one before the season is up.

  • Start a new show

I finished Offspring this summer, I also watched the second season of Outer Banks, watched the second season of Modern Love and I watched the Pursuit of Love. I watched a lot over the summer. The Pursuit of Love was good, it followed the lives of two women through their lives in the 1930s and 1940s. It’s only three seasons, so it’s not too long of a commitment.

One of the series I watched
  • Summer reading

I read lots of books this summer, from fiction to non-fiction, beach reads and autobiographies. To see everything I read you can check out my past Currentlys or my Instagram stories. I’ve really enjoyed getting lost in books this summer. 

  • Travel someplace new

I didn’t travel any place new but I did have new experiences, such as travelling alone and seeing new things with family and friends.

  • Best friend’s wedding shower and Best friend’s wedding

One of the highlights of my summer was celebrating one of my best friend’s bridal shower, girl’s weekend and wedding. It was incredible to see college friends and celebrate love this summer.

A look at my dress
  • See college friends

I was able to see college friends through visits to Pittsburgh, wedding festivities, shopping trips, and lunches. 

  • See high school friends 

I saw my close high school friends this summer. I kept up with my book club this summer, I also went to my 5 Year Class Reunion, and dinners and holidays! I’m so glad I stayed close with my friends. 

Time with high school friends
  • Ice cream nights

My answer to everything this summer was ice cream. Good or bad day, ice cream was the answer. I went to many of my favorite ice creams spots all through the summer. 

Lots of ice cream this summer
  • Dinner by water

I didn’t get dinner by the water but I got lunch which was perfect! Especially in Pittsburgh and seafood too, It was perfect!

Summer by the water
  • Play putt putt

I played putt putt both here in Erie and on vacation, so fun!

  • Beach day

I was able to head to the beach one morning before work and on a day off too. Plus lots of walks at the peninsula.

  • Zoo 

I went to many zoos this summer. I went to our local zoo a few times. I also went to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Keystone Safari too which was so much fun! Ya girl loves the zoo and animals. 

Keystone Safari for the day
  • Family trip

My family and I went away for a few days at the start of the summer and thank goodness we did, because the summer got busy once we got back.

Family time in Hershey!
  • Pittsburgh Trip

I went to Pittsburgh with friends and family this summer. I also went to different places surrounding Pittsburgh to visit friends.

A view of the city from above.
  • See family

I got to see lots of family this summer between picnics and celebrations and just relaxing. It was great to see so many people especially after a year without seeing people. 

The Fourth spent with family

– White Turkey and Sara’s

Both classic summer spots. I’m so glad I was able to enjoy them with family and friends. 

Hot dog and ice cream on the beach after a walk.
  • Niagara Falls

I didn’t make this happen this summer but there’s still time in the fall to make it happen.

  • Grill nights

I enjoyed lots of grilling. From barbecues with friends, family nights at home, and just enjoying time outside. 

  • Entertain friends

I didn’t get to do a lot of entertaining this summer, but I did get a lot of visits in.

  • Winery or Brewery

I didn’t make this happen this fall, but I’m hoping to make it happen this fall!

  • Celebrate 23

I celebrated 23 with lunch at work, followed by cake and presents on my birthday and the day after. I also went out to dinner after work the day after too. It was great to celebrate a new year full of new adevntures.

My birthday dress.
  • Summer festivals

I enjoyed some local festivals as a part of my job and after work. It’s always great to support community events and change things up on weekends or after work.

  • Pool days

I spent lots of days out by the pool, between reading outside, floating in the water or playing in the water. I had time to soak up the water on hot summer days!

Even my dog Reese got in on the pool action.

That’s just a look at what I did this past summer. What did you accomplish this summer?!

Categories
Currently

Currently #20

Hey guys! I can’t believe we are at the end of summer. This summer flew by! Even though I’m not in school anymore and I can still do things outside into September and even October when the weather is nice, it’s still sad to think summer is winding down.

This month has been extra busy but also lots of fun! Here’s a look into my life lately.

What I’m up to: I’ve been busy making lots of trips to see friends. From dinners, to shopping and lunches, and the weddings. One of my best friend’s got married last weekend, I was one of her bridemaid’s and it was so fun getting to celebrate her these past few weeks and this past weekend. There’s nothing better than celebrating love with people who you’ve known for years. Work has kept me busy too, but I’m in a really good place in life, so I can’t complain!

Work always takes me to different spots. One day it took me to the pool on a hot summer day!

What I’m wearing: I’m trying my best to wear all my summer clothes and dresses before it gets too cold. I have been wearing lots of bold and bright colors. I’ve been also wearing some short sets and blouses on my days off too! 

Wearing some bright color at work

What I’m reading: I have been reading a lot! I finished, One Summer in Paris. It follows two women, one from England and one from the United States as they meet while both in Paris for the summer. It’s about friendship, love, the City of Love, finding yourself. I really enjoyed it! I also read the actress and comedian, Retta’s autobiography. It’s about her life journey to where she is today and how she got into acting and comedy. It was a fun and light read. It almost felt as if she was reading it to me. I’m currently working on Tina Turner’s autobiography, Happiness Becomes You, it’s been very informative and have learned a lot about this singer. 

What I’m Watching: Ladies and gentlemen, I finished Offspring. I really loved it! It was so fun and light- hearted and the perfect spring/summer show to watch. I definitely recommend it on Netflix. I also blitzed through Outer Banks on Netflix too. It’s a teen drama, but I watched the first season during Covid, so I had to continue it. It was really entertaining!!

Season 2 was soooo good!!!

I’m watching some movies before I start another series or before my fall shows return. I watched The Last Letter from your Lover, it was very good and a great period romantic drama. 

A movie win in my book!

What I’m Loving: I’ve been loving lots of time outside, whether it’s a trip to the zoo, and ice cream date or an afternoon by the pool. I’ve also been enjoying lots of summer meals, like salads, salmon, and snacks by the pool too. 

A delicious combo of salad and salmon! Yum!

What Inspires Me: I’ve been inspired by being more mindful. I’ve started to do mindful breathing in the morning. Every morning I always do some reading and journaling and prayer but I’ve started to add some breathing exercises, just to be in the right mindset before I start the day. I’ve noticed it has been helping start my day off on the right page. 

My mindfulness journey so far

What I accomplished: I’ve gotten to see so many friends and I have loved it.  I also loved celebrating one of my closest friend’s big day! I saw some family earlier this month too which was lots of fun! It’s been a busy but a summer filled month! I also got lots of pool days in too!

Even my dog Reese got in on the pool action.

Goals Accomplished from Last Month My goal was to keep enjoying summer and I mostly certainly did that. I’ll have my summer recap coming up soon. I love to see how much I accomplished both on and off my list! Stay tuned for that story coming up!

Fresh flowers are a favorite summer must have of mine!

Goals for the New Month: As much as I hate to admit it, next month will be all about the transition from summer to fall. I’m looking forward to this last few weeks of summer and spending as much time as I can outdoors.

That’s a recap of August, it’s been a busy but fun month. How’s your last full month of summer been?!

Categories
Fabulous living

Summer Date Ideas

Guys!!!!! Can you believe summer is winding down?! I can’t believe we are in the middle of August! I’ve been checking lots of things off my summer bucket list, I can’t wait to share it with you! Before summer is up, I still have some fun summer date ideas for you and your significant other or your girlfriends or family. Here’s a roundup of my favorite summer date ideas! 

-Ice Cream Date 

I always say that ice cream makes everything better! Bad day? Eat ice cream! Need something to celebrate? Enjoy ice cream! Hungry? Ice cream is right around the corner! After work or a walk, there’s nothing quite like enjoying some cold ice cream on a summer day or night. The only thing better is getting ice cream from a local shop. I’ve been trying to enjoy ice cream from every local stand, we will see how it goes in a few weeks. But nothing speaks summer like ice cream!

Hot dog and ice cream on the beach after a walk.

-Going for walks 

I love taking walks in the summer. Whether it’s by the water, on a trail in the woods or on a trail. Taking a walk allows you to have good conversations while getting fresh air and some exercise in. Plus, how can you beat these views by the water?!

Walking my way through summer days.

-Head to a Sporting Event

Whether you are a sports gal or not, heading to a baseball game or soccer game in the summer is relaxing but also a great activity that’s not too expensive. You can watch a game, enjoy a hot dog, and taking in a sunset too if it’s a night game. 

-Zoos

They’re perfect for couples or families; they’re sunny and offer exercise and they’re active and exciting. Plus, it takes you back to your childhood seeing the animals up close and personal. I love to head to a zoo no matter what city I’m in!

Zoos are a favorite date ideas of mine!

-State parks

 I’ve been to a couple around the area and there’s so much they all offer. You can tailor the experience! Wanna swim? Done! Hike? Done! BBQ? Why not!

Summer times at State Parks

These are just a few of my favorite summer date ideas! But, I love to take advantage of the outdoors and adventures in the summer. What are some of your favorite date ideas for the summer?

Categories
Travel

Our Family Trip

Hello al! Happy July!

This week has been a whirlwind, I started a new role at work, celebrated the Fourth of July with my family and got to see some friends too. It was the best weekend.

Last month, I got away with my family for a few days. One of my favorite family traditions and spots to visit is Hershey, PA. My family and I have been going to the sweetest place on Earth for over 20 years. We hit the park, go to some local sports and then relax. It’s always a fun place to get away too. It was so great to get some family time and get away and I wanted to share some snapshots of our time away. 

I have to warn you, looking back, I didn’t take many pictures and most of them are of food…ooopppsss….

Our dinner at State College during our first night while heading to Hershey. I had a fantastic Lobster Mac and Cheese..yum!
Our first full day, we started the morning off playing mini golf in Harrisburg. This was our view…it was beautiful.
Once we arrived in Hershey, we got some snacks and treats…the chocolate gelato was to die for.
We checked in our hotel and got settled in and then went to the park at night.
After the park, we went to dinner and I got a delicious pasta and bolognese sauce.
We all split desserts, from carrot cake, to chocolate mousse, and a salted brownie. It was all divine.
The next day we hit the ground running for a day at the park. We spent the morning going on lots of rides, big and small.
We stopped for lunch and some ice cream! Yum!
We checked out some new stores and attractions too.
After more rides, we went back to the hotel for a walk before dinner.
I ate a garden salad with chicken for dinner. It was so fresh after a hot day outside.
Once again, we all split this for dessert. It was a heavenly chocolate milkshake with lots of toppings.
The next day we were up early for our final day at the park. Here’s a look at one of the rides.
We rode rides all day and then stopped for ice cream after. Look at all the options. There were so many things to try.
I got a strawberry ice cream with lots of candies.
After stopping for a treat, we got pizza and did some shopping and then it was time for another walk and dinner.
We then had dinner, I ate a light salad, which tasted great after all the sugar haha!
We finished the night off with one more walk.
We started our final day with breakfast and then some time by the pool before packing up to head home.
After a long drive back, I unpacked and started to use my new chocolate scented candle. YUM!

That’s a bit of a recap of my few days away. Lots of family time, time outside, good meals and sweets. Looking back, I wish I took more photos, but at the same time, I’m so glad I was able to enjoy myself and be in the moment and have fun. Next week, I’ll have a post all about some of my outfits I wore on vacation, a few casual outfits, a few dresses, but lots of fun looks. Be sure to keep an eye out for it next week.

Until then, have a great rest of your week and weekend!

Categories
Currently

Currently #18

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I can’t believe we are at the end of JUNE!!! Where has the month gone??  These past few weeks have been packed with fun, family time, and lots of fresh food. YUM! I have so much to share with you. Let’s get started!

What I’m up to: I’ve been marking a lot of things off my summer to do list. From seeing friends, doing family activities and going to my favorite summer spots. From ice cream dates, to our family vacation and end of the school year traditions. June has been packed, but so fun. 

Summer smores and bonfires go hand and hand

What I’m wearing: I did a post a few weeks back about some of my favorite summer outfits. You can find it here. We went on vacation last week and I will have a post about what I wore on vacation in the coming weeks. For work days, it’s been lots of sleeveless dresses. For off days it was been t-shirt dresses and short sets. Super easy to put together and comfortable for being outside. 

Here’s one of the dresses I wore!

What I’m reading: I’ve been on the fiction train when it comes to books. Some of my favorite reads have been about travel, friendship and love. No surprise there…haha. I like to really escape. I just finished The Paris Wedding for our book club…it was so good. It told the story of a girl who goes to her ex’s wedding in Paris. I love the description of Paris and reading about what happens when these ex’s are reunited. I’m currently working on The Bookstore at the Beach. It’s the perfect summer read by the pool or ocean. It’s about three generations of women and the secrets and struggles that they are working on while spending the summer together. I’m only halfway through but I’m loving it so far.

What I’m Watching: If you have been following this blog for a while you know I take forever to watch a show…like for someone who watches a series in a month, it will take me 3 months. That being said, I’m still watching Offspring, which is soooo good. I’m also catching up on season 2 of Lupin on Netflix, again a very good show too! 

What I’m Loving: I’ve been loving the summer weather and spending time outside and making more plans with friends. Now that more people are vaccinated it makes travel and seeing friends and family much easier! Also I’ve been loving all the fresh fruits and veggies that come with summer too. Plus who doesn’t love a summer salad. YUM!

My favorite summer pasta salad. Recipe coming soon!

What Inspires Me: I’m inspired by our return to a sense of normalcy. This summer feels almost like things are back to normal. I’m also inspired by new life with fresh flowers and taking things a bit slower in the summer months too.

Grilling at the beach was something new I tried this summer!

What I accomplished: I am making the most of summer. I’ve also been working on some fun work projects and making plans more plans for summer. We also celebrated my youngest brother graduating from elementary school too which was fun. We had been at the same school with 4 children for 18 years. It was sweet send off.  

Goals Accomplished from Last Month Getting some time away with my family was much needed and so fun! We went to one of our favorite places and I can’t wait to share some pictures soon!! 

Just a taste from our family vacation… 😉

Goals for the New Month: Continuing with my summer bucket list. I can’t wait to see more friends, do my summer activities and relax with family at the end of the day! I’m also starting a new role at my job which I’m super excited about. Also, the Fourth of July is quickly approaching which is a favorite summer event for me too! 

I tried a new local crepe spot this summer…yum!

That’s a recap of my life. Lots of family time, crossing off things from my summer bucket list and enjoying the outdoors…it’s truly the best days of summer.