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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #113

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 with Erika and Andrea 

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 don’t love it, you don’t 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 doesn’t 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 it’s clean makeup with not as many chemicals in it. I will be using the mascara, but I’m not sure if I will reorder it. 

Swan Song– I know I mentioned this book in Wednesday’s 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 Hilderbrand’s books, they aren’t 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!

Grey’s Anatomy Trailer and New Season– Grey’s Anatomy’s new season returned last night on ABC. After a shorter season last year due to the writer’s strike, I’m looking forward to more episodes this year. If you didn’t 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– I’m 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. 

That’s a look into what I’ve 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!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #110

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

These past few weeks have included lots of walks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Let's Look

Let’s Look: New Favorite Summer Finds

Hey everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week. Last weekend, I was in Pittsburgh to see Ed Sheeran in concert. It was my second time seeing him perform and loved it. I loved his set list, the atmosphere and the songs. I had been looking forward to seeing him again and it did not disappoint.

View from our seats
Always a good time to enjoy a concert in the summer
One more concert shot

It’s the second Wednesday of the month which means it’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up with Erika and Shay.

Here’s the past Let’s Look topics of 2023

In June, we talked about best travel tips, in May, we talked about our morning routines, in April, we talked about pet peeves, in March, we talked about Amazon purchases, in February it was about our medicine cabinets.

This month’s topic is all about New Favorite Summer Finds. I have found lots of things I have been loving this summer that I have shared a lot of with you in different posts. This post has all my favorite summer finds with links in one stop.

Without further ado, here’s my 2023 Favorite Summer Finds:

Super Goop– I wear Super Goop almost every day. It goes on super lightweight and it adds a bit of shimmer too. I love that the sunscreen protects you from the sun and acts as a primer for makeup which I found to be super helpful too. On days when I know I am going to be outside all day, I always apply it to my face, do my makeup and then I am good to go. From work days to weekends, this is always the first thing I put on after I wash my face.

White Baseball Cap– I love a good baseball cap and I have several in from different places and colors, but I was looking for a white one to wear with lighter colors and outfits. I happened to kill two birds with one stone when I found a white one in New York City. I loved the simple NYC logo and the fact it came in white. I wore it almost every day when I went to the beach and I have worn it out and about in the summer too. I love the lighter color for summer and it reminds me of trip to NYC too. 

Tennis Skirt– Another outfit favorite this summer has been this pale blue tennis skirt. I was influenced by Shay Shull for this skirt. It’s so easy to throw on after being out in the water or running errands. The material is Nylon, which is great for hot days. You can dress it up with a cute blouse or dress it down with a workout shirt or regular t-shirt. I like how you can wear it with sneakers, sandals or flip flops. Such a fun way to switch up an outfit. An amazon purchase for the win!

Tennis Dress– Seaking of Amazon wins, this tennis dress was another Amazon find courtesy of Shay Shull. This dress (which comes ith shorts) is  easy to throw on and it’s made from Nylon so it’s good for being around water. It comes in so many colors, but I love the light blue. I’ve worn it with sandals and my birkenstocks, but you can easily wear it with sneakers too. Plus, it goes great with a white baseball cap. I love the cut and style and runs true to size.  This was the perfect fun outfit to add to my fun clothes wardrobe. 

Birkenstocks–  Speaking of sandals, after seeing the trends for years, I finally decided to hop on the Birkenstock bandwagon and I’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 wear them multiple times a week, from watering plants to taking out the trash and running errands. They have been my go-to all summer.

New favorite summer shoe!

Dress Sandals– These have become my favorite summer dress sandal. I picked up a pair from T.J. Maxx and I am obsessed. 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 know they are in style and a major trend and I am on board.

UV Hair Spray– I have talked about using new products or sample products when I am on trips or vacations and when I went to the beach last month, I tried this new sample UV heat protection spray from Ulta. I really liked how it added an extra layer of protection for my hair and how easy it went in. Plus, as an extra bonus, it smells really good too. I always like trying new products as samples before I purchase them to see if I want to invest in them. 

Those have been some of my favorite summer items over the past few weeks. Some clothes, some products and some items. Overall, these are things that I have been using weekly if not daily this summer. Tell me, as we make our way through July what are some things you are loving?! Let me know in the comments below!

I hope you are having a great week and a great July! See you in two days for a new edition of Friday Favorites!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #48

Hello All! 

It’s the final day of June, but no fear, we still have plenty of summer to enjoy! I just got back from some time with my family at the beach.

The beauty of the beach!

It was great to see some extended family, catch up, and enjoy some time in the water and in the sand. The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to make time for family. 

Ending June with ice cream.

This next week will busy between getting back into the swing of things and heading back to work.

Plus, we have the Fourth of July next week, in the middle of the week, no less and then I have plans to see some friends from college. It will be a busy but good week coming up.

Now, that I have caught you up on everything in my world this final Friday in June, it’s time for a new edition of Friday Favorites as I link up with Erika and Andrea!

Super Goop Sunscreen– I know I am so late to the party on this one, but I am on the team Super Goop sunscreen train! I have heard about it for years and got a face sunscreen for my birthday and have worn it a lot. It goes on so easy and has a bit of a glow which I really love. The sunscreen protects you from the sun and acts as a primer for makeup which I found to be super helpful too. On days when I know I am going to be outside all day, I always apply it to my face, do my makeup and then I am good to go. This is easily becoming one of my summer favorites. 

And Just Like That Premiere– The girls are back! I loved watching the premiere of And Just Like That last week. I like how episodes are once a week, they are the perfect mid-week pick me up. I have read a little bit about some cameo appearances and I’m looking forward to see how the storylines make their way into the show. From the setting, the fashion, the nostalgia and the friendship, plus some fun relationships, I know this will be a good season. If you are watching, what are your thoughts so far?

Lululemon Purse– I got my Lululemon cross body purse for Christmas and have been loving it this summer. I brought it on day trips, running errands and out on walks. It’s the perfect size to hold a wallet, keys, a sunglasses, head phones, even a charger. It has come in so handy this summer. I’ll be sharing more about my love for it in next week’s post!

The best summer purse!

New Scent– It’s time for a new scent for summer. I am currently wearing Gingham Gorgeous! I love the fresh, floral scent it brings whenever I put it on. I got it from Bath and Body Works and it will last me months. The perfect, fresh summer scent as we enter July!

New month, new scent!

A Man Called Otto– Have you seen A Man Called Otto? It came out a few months ago, but just recently came onto Netflix. I really love Tom Hanks so I was excited to see this film, plus some of it was filmed in Pittsburgh, how cool!? We started the movie as a family and I finished it on my own. It was definitely a heavier movie dealing with deep topics including suicide, just as a warning. It’s all about a grumpy man who befriends new neighbors and how they get him to come out of his shell and start to enjoy life again. There were a lot of happy and joyous moments, but it was mixed with some adult topics too. I thought it was a good movie, but not the best Tom Hanks movie. If you have seen it, what did you think of it?

That’s a roundup of life this week. It’s always so busy coming back to reality after time away, but I’m ready to hit the ground running and get back into a good routine. As we say hello to July, how are you spending the weekend? Let me know in the comments below! Enjoy the last day of June!