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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #57

Happy Friday Friends and Happy September!

Even though we are in a month associated with fall, Iā€™m holding onto summer for as long as I can. I hope you have something fun planned for Labor Day weekend and the end of the summer season. This weekend, I plan on spending time outside, getting in some pool time and some family time too.

Soaking up summer with every last ice cream!

Before we get to the weekend, I want to share some things Iā€™m loving this week as I link up withĀ ErikaĀ andĀ AndreaĀ for another edition of Friday Favorites.

Becoming Free Indeed– A few months ago, I mentioned I am trying out Audible for a free trial and one of the first books I listened to was ā€œBecoming Free Indeedā€ by Jinger Vuolo. I grew up watching Jinger Vuolo on 19 Kids and Counting and I have continued to follow her after the show ended. I was interested to read her book about her faith and life and decided to listen to the audiobook version to hear it read in her voice. Through the book, she mostly focuses on her faith and how her relationship with God has changed through her life. She doesnā€™t focus too much about her family or the drama that has surrounded them in recent years. Overall, I thought it was interesting to hear her perspective about her faith and relationship with God.Ā 

Brown Flats– I got my first taste of fall with this purchase. I was on the hunt for some sturdy but fashionable flats and found them at DSW, they are by Kelly and Katie. I love the extra cushion and support they provide, plus the dark brown allows them to go with dress pants, skirts, and even jeans. Plus, the gold buckle is such a cute accessory. These shoes and fall fashion will make saying goodbye to summer a little less painful.

Katie Couricā€™s Wake Up Call Newsletter– This isnā€™t new, but this is something I use every day and wanted to share. One of the first things I do when I get up is check the top news headlines. I get them from various apps and sources, from my local news app, to USA Today, Twitter (X), and then Katie Couricā€™s Wakeup newsletter that gets sent into my inbox every morning. It covers national and world headlines along with some entertainment news and then some features. It takes only a few minutes to read, but it brings me up to speed every day. You can learn more and subscribe here, definitely a great source if you are looking to get a comprehensive scope of news.

A look at the newsletter

The Morning Show Season 3 Trailer- The new season of the Morning Show begins this month. Iā€™m excited for this upcoming season especially after seeing the trailer that was released last week. It looks like this season will be filled with drama, a cyber attack, some new faces and a lot of morning news. Itā€™s been interesting to see how the show has evolved and changed since its begun and how it brings in whatā€™s going on in the world into the show. Iā€™m excited for some new shows to watch!

Laundry Crystals– Call me crazy, but I love doing laundry. I always like to stay on top of laundry with six people and Iā€™m always interested to see what things are out there to keep my clothes fresh. I have been using these Purex laundry crystals in my washer to keep my clothes fresh. I have used the Unstoppables brand in the past too and have enjoyed how they keep my clothes smelling fresh. They are just a little something extra that keeps my clothes smelling fresh after a wash.

There you have it, a look into some of my favorite and sometimes practical things that I am loving this. As we say hello to September, what things are you looking forward to this month? Let me know in the comments below! I hope you all have a relaxing and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!

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Currently #30

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I canā€™t believe we are at the end of June. This month has flown by. Summer needs to slowwwwww down.

Iā€™ve been making the most of my summer and checking things off my summer bucket list between spending time with family and work.

Hereā€™s a looking into what Iā€™m currently up to.

What Iā€™m Up To: Iā€™ve been soaking up all the summer and sunshine. From pool days to mini golf, baseball games, grilling, savoring ice cream, and seeing family. These past few weeks have been busy, throw in a few graduations and celebrations and you have a packed June. I canā€™t wait to see what else is in store for the rest of the summer.

Crossed mini golf off my bucket list this summer.
Beautiful night for baseball

What Iā€™m Wearing: Iā€™ve had such good luck with finding dresses and summer outfits for work. I did a shopping spree a few weeks backĀ  and got lots of good deals from Marshallā€™s, T.J. Maxx, and Ann Taylor. I have a summer outfit post coming soon. This will include dresses and shoes, since I also hit the jackpot with work shoes from DSW.Ā 

Here’s a sneak peak, a bright dress for summer!

What Iā€™m Reading: Iā€™ve been on a reading spree. Iā€™ve read some thrillers, romance, chick flicks and more.

I started with One Night on this Island which tells the story of a girl who goes to a remote island off of Ireland to find herself and do a story for her job. Turns out the place she is staying is double booked with a man from the United States. Will they both stay or will one leave? Will she end up loving the island or not? You will have to read to find out.Ā 

From Ireland to England, The Jane Austen Society takes place in the 1800’s when a group or men and women work to form a group to conserve the memory of Jane Austen in her hometown. The description and setting in this story is to die for. You feel like you are transported to Austenā€™s time period. This is a wonderful read for any Jane Austen fan.

My third book this past month was The Plot. Let me tell you, this book blew me away. It is an incredible thriller with a lot of mystery. It tells the story of an author who meets a young student with an incredible plot for a future story. When the student dies, the teacher decides to take the idea as his own, but will repercussions follow? You will have to read to find out.

What Iā€™m Watching: Iā€™ve been making my way through season 2 of The Morning Show which has been fun to catch up on. Itā€™s been interesting to see how they tie in events from 2020 in their storylines.Ā 

Iā€™ve also been watching Great News on Netflix. It follows the story of a news producer and her mother who becomes her intern. Such a funny show and a bit relatable for someone who works in news.

I also saw a few movies this past month, I saw Top Gun Maverick at the drive-in which was a fun experience, plus after seeing the first movie, I couldnā€™t wait to see the second.

Great way to kick off summer

Speaking of sequels, I saw the second Downton Abbey movie in theaters and it was so good. Definitely worth seeing it on the big screen.

What I’m Loving: Besides enjoying the summer season, I wanted to share two things Iā€™ve been loving every day or week. I really try to keep my subscriptions to a minimum, Iā€™m talking about streaming, email, letters etc. But there are two email subscriptions that I look forward to reading every time they are in my inbox.

For daily news, I am subscribed to Katie Couric Media for her news briefing every day. I consume a lot of news, every day, from USA Today, to local news, and other papers, but I really love Katieā€™s news letters. She recaps national and world events, has some feature stories and different contributors. If you are looking for a great recap an updates on national and international news, this is a great place. You can subscribe on her website here.Ā 

Iā€™m a big fan of the Royal Family and Elizabeth Holmes is a former reporterĀ from the Wall Street Journal. Now, she reports on the Royal Family, she posts about royal fashion on Instagram, has a book about royal fashion and history, and she also does a semi weekly newsletter about everything from the Royals to lifestyle and fashion. You can find her here.

These are two newsletters that bring a smile to my face whenever I read them.

What Inspires Me: Iā€™ve been inspired by making every day count. I know the summer and warm weather is so short so I try to take every opportunity to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine whenever I can, even if it is just for a walk after work.

Sunset walk after work.

What I Accomplished:Ā  The past few weeks have been busy with both of my brothers graduating, plus my birthday, my momā€™s birthday and Fatherā€™s Day, needless to say, Iā€™ve been busy. But itā€™s been so nice to celebrate these big milestones and moments.

Birthday dinner by the water.

Goals from Last Month: Iā€™ve already checked off some items on my summer bucket list which has been fun. Itā€™s been nice to choose from a list of activities when you are looking for something to do. Iā€™ve done classic summer fun activities and some new ones, like going berry picking for the first time. So fun!

First time wild strawberry picking.

Goals for this Month: Iā€™m looking forward to enjoying more summer fun, from swimming, grilling, beach days and walks. Iā€™m also looking forward to seeing family who are visiting from out of town and celebrating the Fourth of July.

I can’t wait for more walks over the summer.

This a look into life this past month, lots of fun, family time and milestones. Overall, summer has been off to a great start! Howā€™s your first month of summer been? Let me know in the comments below.