Hey hey! Happy Friday! We made it through the first week of MAY! I hope you guys are all having a great week. This was a busy work week for me, but so fun, so this weekend is much needed for some R and R.
I hope you have something fun planned for the weekend whether it’s family time, doing something with friends, watching the Coronation of King Charles II or enjoying the Kentucky Derby. There’s a lot going on this first weekend in May.
Today’s roundup of Friday Favorites is a bit of a mix bag, so I hope you find something that speaks to you in this post as I link up with Erika and Andrea!
Guacamole Chips– In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I have you covered! We picked these up on a whim for our Taco Tuesday a few weeks ago and they were a hit. They complemented salsa, queso and guac so well. There was a little bit of a kick to them which really added to the chips. If you are a chips and guac fan, consider these for your next Taco night.
Brunch with Babs– I know I am late to the game on this Instagram account, but I found Brunch with Babs a few months ago and I have been loving it. Babs has great tips and advice from cooking and cleaning to housewarming. I have been really enjoying her spring cleaning tips and have been using them a lot lately. If you don’t follow her, definitely consider checking her out.
The Diplomat– Have you seen The Diplomat on Netflix? I started watching it last week and have really gotten hooked. It’s all about a government official who gets a new gig as an Ambassador and how she adjusts to her new role with some twists. I loved the casting, the plot, and the storylines. It’s been a fun show to watch to unwind at the end of the day.
Emergency Key- I got this emergency key/tool for Easter and immediately put it on my keychain. It has so many uses and tools if you are ever in an emergency. This is definitely a handy tool to key in your wallet, purse or on your key chain. Take a look at all the uses below. Genius!
And Just Like That Season 2 Trailer– Calling all Sex and the City Fans! The trailer for season 2 is out and it looks good. From the fashion, to the friendship, the one-liners and surprise appearance at the end of the trailer, wow…June can’t come soon enough. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens.
An extra bonus, the series finale of A Million Little Things aired this week, I watched the show from the beginning and although sad, I though the show wrapped up beautifully. If you watched, what did you think? Let me know in the comments below!
There you have it, a fun roundup of favorite things from this week. I hope you have a wonderful first weekend of MAY!
Over 400 posts, almost 50 Currently’s and counting, new link ups, like Friday Favorites and Let’s Look, outfits for all the seasons, home decor and favorite things from books, shows, and movies, I have covered a lot of ground over the past six years.
I started this blog as a way to start a hobby in college, a creative outlet that let me work on my writing, document my feelings and memories of day to day college life and stay in touch with family and friends. It’s been six years and this blog has become so much more than just a creative outlet. Here’s one of my first posts.
A lot has changed since I first blogging.
Since I began this blog, I learned a lot in the classroom, took life changing trips, graduated college, moved home, landed my dream job, got promoted, made new friends and reconnected with old friends, have an incredible boyfriend and grown as a better daughter, girlfriend and friend.
Happy Graduation Day
Heading out for a job interview
Getting ready for work.
I’ve learned to take risks, go with my gut, say yes, but also be okay with saying no, be flexible and make self care a priority.
Skating in the city!
When I reflect on this last year, the word stable keeps coming to mind. I’m stable with my career and friends, I have a good routine, I have been prioritizing my health and hobbies and I have been having fun too.
My mom and I after a candle making course.
A show in the city at night!
Some of the past highlights of this past year for me and my blog include launching my Friday Favorites as I link up with other bloggers every Friday.
Traveling to new places in the summer to visit friends, spending quality time with family and embracing my community by taking advantage of places and events in my backyard.
I read so many different genres of books and shared many of them with you on here.
Some of my books that I’ve read and still need to read.
I feel like this past year, I have really found my groove in who I am and what I want in life. College was a time of constant change and growth and then I started my job and the pandemic hit and we spent years navigating that and now it feels like the dust has settled and I’m content and SO happy.
At the beginning of this year, I said my quote was to embrace change and so far, I haven’t had to embrace too much change and I’m okay with that. I don’t know what the second half of the year will hold, but I know I will be taking you all along with me.
Whether you have been following along since my first post all those years ago or you found my blog through a link up, I’m so happy you are here and I’m so honored you took the time to spend some time reading my words.
I truly appreciate each and every one of you.
Here’s to another year of writing, learning, growth, change and blogging.
Hi all! Happy Friday and happy end of April! What a month it’s been, filled with the start of spring and sunshine! That being said, I can’t wait for May, lots of good things in store for the next month.
My pup enjoying the sweet sunshine!
As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea! for another edition of Friday Favorites, a collection of things that have caught my eye and maybe will catch yours too!
Here’s what I’m loving this week.
Small Gold Hoops– I have been on the hunt for a small gold hoop earrings for a while and got a perfect pair for Easter. I have large loops in different colors, but was looking for something a bit more dainty and these fit the build. They are classy and professional and can be worn in the office, out to dinner or even with jeans and a t-shirt, definitely a favorite worth sharing.
New candle– Out with the old and in with the new! It was time for a fresh candle for my room. This scent is divine. I love the sweet and subtle smell it brings to my room. It’s perfect for sunny mornings and quiet evenings. The orange is perfect for spring. I’ll be enjoying this candle all spring long!
Outdoor walks– We have been having the best weather here lately (minus a day of snow!) and I have been taking advantage of all the outdoor walks, from walks on my own with my dogs and a good podcast, to long walks, catching up with friends. I have been doing everything I can to get outdoors and in the sunshine and getting some good exercise doesn’t hurt either!
A great walk with one of my friends!
So Many Thoughts Coronation podcast– If you have been following on here for a while, you have heard me talk about Elizabeth Holmes’ and her coverage of the Royal Family, from her book, to her newsletter and podcast, she is a wealth of information. She has a new series of podcasts on Substack about the coronation of King Charles II. It’s been fascinating to learn about what to expect for the big day next month.
Murder Mystery 2- I watched the first Murder Mystery with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston a few years back and was excited to learn there was going to be a second movie. I recently watched Murder Mystery 2 on Netflix with my family and really enjoyed it. It was a bit different than the first, but had the classic “who done it” element. The second movie takes them to a different destination with characters old and new. I highly recommend it for a fun, family movie.
There you have it, a fun mix of favorites this week. This weekend has family time and a few activities lined up. Tell me: what do you have in store for the last weekend of April? Let me know in the comments below!
Hello Hello! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are enjoying your week. I can’t believe we are at the end of April. Is it just me or did April fly by? I feel like we were just celebrating Easter and now we are gearing up for May.
This month has been filled with Easter fun, a week of summer weather and lots of good books and shows. Here’s a look at life this past month. I always love going through my camera role to see what I did over the past few weeks.
What I’ve Been Up To: I started the month by celebrating Easter with my family. We watched Here Comes Peter Cottontail- (a classic!)
An Easter classic!
We dyed eggs, enjoyed Easter dinner, ate too much candy and saw family.
A fun, family tradition of egg dyeing!
One of the eggs I worked on!
Our favorite Easter dessert-our bunny cake!
I wore this Tommy Hilfiger which was perfect for a sunny, Easter morning.
I had fun covering Opening Day for our local baseball time and the weather was gorgeous!
I got to enjoy my first night grilling with warm weather!
Then we had a whole stretch of week that was in the 70s and full sun! I took advantage of summer-like weather by heading out for walks with my dogs or with friends.
A great walk with one of my friends!
I also enjoyed ice cream, fresh flowers and lunch outside! It was the best week and it has me craving summer now more than ever!
First ice cream of the season.
Lunch outside!
My pup enjoying the sweet sunshine!
What I’m Wearing: This was a new dress from Calvin Klein that I got from Ross’s. I really love the neutral colors and how it can work with spring and summer since it has short sleeves. I also really like the pattern.
I got this jacket from T.J.Maxx and immediately fell in love with it. From the colors to the fabric, it reminds me of a classy Chanel piece of clothing. I wore it in the spring and I’m looking forward to wearing it on chilly days too.
What I’m Reading: I have been reading so many good books lately from a lot of different genres, from mystery to chick flick and drama, I have covered them all. Here’s some of my favorites:
Love and Other Words– Love and Other Words goes back and forth between the past and present with two best friends who reunite after almost a decade apart. Themes of friendship, love, and books are woven through the book. As a book lover myself, I loved all the references to books and getting lost in a story. My friend Sydney gifted me this book and I’m so glad she did. I’ll defintely be reading more Christina Lauren books.
Greenwich Park– Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner is the perfect mix of drama, thriller and mystery. The story is told from different perspectives of the characters. The book follows a story of a woman who meets a fellow first-time mom in a pre-natal class, the two women become friends until the new women has a hidden agenda and some secrets and connections to the protagonist and her friends and family. The book starts out fairly slow but picks up towards the middle and end, so if you re-thinking about quitting, stay with it.
Best Years of Your Life-This book started out slow, but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. It’s told by the three main characters, a married couple and their college-aged daughter. Each character is going through different trials and tribulations and has their own secrets that they are dealing with. You can find themes of drama, relationships, family, honesty and integrity. It’s one of those books that will stick with you after you finish it. Another bonus is that the author is from my community-such a small world!
What I’m Watching: This past month has been filled with continuing to watch the Mindy Project, I started it back in January and have been slowly making my way through it on days off or at night. It’s the perfect show to put on in the background and it will guarantee you lots of laughs.
I also have been watching the fifth and final season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I have been loving the flash forwards through the season, it’s been cool to see where characters end up in the future. I’m anxious to see where the rest of the season takes us, but I also don’t want it to end.
I’ve also been keeping up with the weekly episode drops of Ted Lasso, such a fun mid week pick me up!
What Inspires Me: I’ve been so inspired by the warm, spring-like weather that I just want to spend all my time outside on warm days! I try to make it a point to enjoy longer walks with my dogs while I listen to a podcast on days off or even after I finish work if it’s still light out.
A great walk by the water
Even my dogs are getting in on the outdoor fun!
I have also been doing more work outdoors on days off and I can’t wait to do more of that and read outdoors more when the weather stays consistently warm.
Enjoying another meal out in the sunshine!
There’s also been new buds on trees and flowers, which brings so much hope for the new season.
What I Accomplished: I checked a lot of things off my to-do list over the past month, from doctor’s appointments to gifts for friends and family, I have a few big events coming up next month and it felt so good to get things purchased! I’m looking forward to celebrating some fun things next month.
Goals from Last Month: I wanted to soak up all the family time around the Easter holiday and get the home ready for Spring and I accomplished both things. It was nice to have some bonus time with family and switch things from one season to another.
Enjoying some Easter sweets with my family was a highlight.
Goals for this Month: May is a busy month, there’s birthday celebrations (including mine!), end of the year activities, Memorial Day, Mother’s Day and some fun, family events planned.
I’m looking forward to more summer snacks like these!
There’s a lot happening in May, but I’m looking forward to it and officially welcoming summer right after that.
My sweet pup enjoying the sunshine.
That’s just a look into life right now. Lots of outdoor time, sunshine, and spring fun! Tell me, what are you looking forward to next month? Let me know in the comments below! See you back here on Friday!
Hi everyone! Happy Friday! I know it’s only mid-April but I am so ready for summer. Over the past few weeks, I’ve gotten to enjoy sunshine, 70 degrees, and all the clear skies. I even have indulged in ice cream on a few nights too. I know it’s not here to last, but I am soaking up as much as I can. I’m currently working on this post outside and it’s such a tease for summer.
Beautiful spring weather!
It was so hard to narrow down today’s Friday Favorites because I had so many things on my mind. But I think this is a good mix of things to read, watch and enjoy this week. Here’s this week’s edition of Friday Favorites as I link up with Erika and Andrea!
The Best Years of Your Life– This book started out slow, but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. It’s told by the three main characters, a married couple and their college-aged daughter. Each character is going through different trials and tribulations and has their own secrets that they are dealing with. You can find themes of drama, relationships, family, honesty and integrity. It’s one of those books that will stick with you after you finish it. Another bonus is that the author is from my community-such a small world!
Simplified Spring Launch!-Emily Ley and her team at Simplified revealed their products and covers last week and they went on sale on Wednesday! All I can say is wow! What a collection! Their academic planners go on sale in the spring and their yearly planners go on sale in the fall. I’m a yearly girl, so I will buy my planner in the fall, but I already have my eyes on some new products too! If you like organization and desk and office supplies, you have to see what they have in stock. This is my pick for this year!
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 5– The new and final season of the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel returned last Friday! So far, a handful of episodes are available. I am really into the season and i don’t want it to end. There was a lot of shock after the first episode, you can read about it here if you want to learn more, but be warned, the article contains spoilers! I always look forward to Fridays when the new episodes drop and I can’t wait to see how everything wraps up.
James Corden and the Kardashians– If you are a fan of the Late Night Show with James Corden or the Kardashian’s, you have to check out this video. Corden fills in as their assistants for the day and the end result is too funny! This is guaranteed a laugh for you.
New Library Books– After reading some great books, I couldn’t wait to head to the library for some new reads and my recent haul didn’t disappoint. I picked up a mix of rom-com, drama, and some that have been on my read list for a while. I can’t wait to share some reviews soon!
Well there you have it, that’s a look into what I have been loving this week. I hope you found something that you can love too! I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with sushine and spring fun!
Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having an enjoyable smooth week so far. As we make our way through April and Spring, you may be making the change from one season to the next, whether it’s by switching out clothes, home decor or beauty products.
I’ve been testing and trying some new beauty products this spring and after using them for the past month, I wanted to share my thoughts with you. These products are a mix of makeup and tools that I have been using for my skin for when I head to work. I’ve had luck by adding these products to my makeup regime and maybe you will too.
Here’s some of my new favorite products.
Skin
Let’s start with the skin. I really love Elf products and recently started using their power grip primer. It’s a gel and goes smoothly but it does feel sticky once it’s on your face, so I would recommend putting on your primer, then let it set for a few before applying the rest of your makeup. I have found that my foundation and my blush and bronzer stay on better with the power grip primer. It’s also affordable too and easy to find at most stores.
Face
For the face, I have been a powder foundation girl through and through for years. I still use powder foundation occasionally, but I recently made the switch to liquid foundation for workdays. I have been using Sephora’s foundation from their line “Best Skin Ever” and really have been loving it. I found a color that goes great with my skin. I typically use two pumps of the foundation and spread and blend it on my face. I also have been using the Sephora “Best Skin Ever” concealer too for my eyes and for cover up and have really been loving it too. The coverage is great, it stays on all day and it doesn’t get runny or smears through the day which is a huge win!
Eyes
I have really been working on my eye makeup and think I have found a system that really works for me when it comes to products and applying them. I start with my primer, then do my eyebrows. This brush is great for touchups, color for the eyebrows and smoothing them all out in the right direction.
I will finish my brows off my using this eyebrow brow lift to make sure everything stays in place. I typically will use disposable brushes to apply the gel.
I will apply concealer all over my eyelids, then use this Neutral Morphe eye shadow pallet for a light base over the concealer, I will use some of the darker colors on the outside and then use a bit of shimmer in the center. After the eye shadow comes the eyeliner and then mascara.
I will finish off my makeup by applying a bit of blush and bronzer and a bit of highlight too. Add some lip color, whether it be gloss or lip stick and you are good to go.
The final look using all my products!
That’s a look into some of my favorite products that I have been trying this spring. I try to stick with products I know and love, but it’s fun to branch out and try new things. Have you tried any new products that you love or any new techniques? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Friday Friends! It feels like Springtime here! The sun is out longer, I’m not wearing layers upon layers when I head out the door and flowers are starting to bloom. I love this time of year!
First signs of spring
As we make out way into another spring weekend, I’m sharing some of my favorite things with you from the week as I link up with Erika and Andrea!
Easter Fun!
I know we are a week past Easter, but I wanted to share an easy recipe! We always make a traditional Easter Bunny cake! We use a box mix to make to circular cakes and then here’s how you get the bunny shape!
Bake your two cakes in two circular pans.
Take one cake and cut two angles to make the ears for the bunny face.
Use the other for the bow
Ice, decorate and enjoy!
Sea Salt Crackers– I picked up these crackers when I was out and was looking for a new flavor for my lunches. I love to pair these crackers with cheese, apples or salads. I love the consistency and flavor of the pita and sea salt. I am always on the hunt for new flavors and tastes and these check all the boxes. If you are looking for a new cracker, definitely check these out.
Rose Water and Ivy Wall Flower– As the seasons change, it was time for a new wall flower scent from Bath and Body Works. For spring , I’m using Rose Water and Ivy and I’ve really been enjoying it. I love the sweet and fresh smell it gives off. I also swapped out my plug-in for a new one with sleeker look. I’m excited to use this more in the coming weeks.
Greenwich Park– My co-worker shared Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner with me and I loved it, I finished it in less than a week! It’s the perfect mix of drama, thriller and mystery. The story is told from different perspectives of the characters. The book follows a story of a woman who meets a fellow first-time mom in a pre-natal class, the two women become friends until the new women has a hidden agenda and some secrets and connections to the protagonist and her friends and family. The book starts out fairly slow but picks up towards the middle and end, so if you re thinking about quitting, stay with it.
Emily Ley’s Podcast on Friends– I listen to Emily Ley’s Simplified podcast every week. She covers different topics about life, organizing, cooking, motherhood, finances along with guests every week. Last week, she released a podcast about friendships and the different kinds of friends. Her message was all about how there’s different friends for different parts of your life or seasons. This podcast really resonated with me, I definitely recommend the Simplified podcast for regular listening but also for this specific episode.
That’s a look into some of my favorite things from this week. I hope you have something fun planned for you this weekend! Happy Fri-yay!!!
Happy Wednesday! I hope your weeks are going well. It’s starting to feel more and more like springtime which I can’t get enough of. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter!
I had the best Easter with family, savoring traditions and having fun!
I have an extra-long post for you today!
First, I’m linking up with Erika and Shay for their monthly “Let’s Look”, every month, they choose different topics to discuss, last month we talked about about favorite Amazon purchases and in February we shared about our medicine cabinets and today’s topic is pet peeves.
I’m sure if I thought about it for hours, I could give you a list of pet peeves, but to save both your and my sanity, here’s a few of my pet peeves.
I’m a neat-freak, so I can’t stand messes. If there’s clutter, I try to clean it up, a load of laundry in the dryer? I fold it. (Whether it’s a 10 pm or 6 am). Dishes sitting in the sink? I clean them. I love the feeling of going to bed or leaving the house in order, so I always try to have everything picked up and tidied up. It sometimes drives the people in my life crazy, when I spend time suggesting they tidy up a space, I’m a work in progress, so I’m trying to let go of things being tidy and organized all the time.
Another pet peeve I have is I hate wasting, whether it’s food or items or time. It pains me to throw away food that I don’t eat. I always try to eat leftovers and use things I have in my fridge or freezer or pantry instead of buying food when I have things at home. I also hate wasting items, I like to use samples that I get or I will use cosmetics until the last drop. And time, i hate wasting time and not being productive.
My last big pet peeve is low batteries on phones or low gas in cars. I get stressed with gas gets below a quarter tank or when my phone battery hits 40%, I always like to be prepared with full tanks of gas or a full battery.
I’m sure I can think of plenty of more pet peeves, but those are some of my top pet peeves.
For part two of today’s post, I’m reviewing Apple Fitness. I got a new phone back in January and when I got it, I got three months free with Apple Fitness. I was excited to try it and have used it a lot over the past three months.
Some of my favorite features include the dozens of different workouts, intensity levels and lengths of workouts. There’s a mix of at-home workouts videos and guided workouts on a treadmill, bike, or elliptical.
I tried yoga, strength and conditioning, core, stretching, walking and running, just to name a few. Some workouts were 10-minute yoga sessions which were perfect for a quick stretch and other core workouts were 45 minutes that got you sweating.
I loved the variety of workouts and the different instructors; some were upbeat and fast paced and others were more calming and chill. There were always new classes to try and I loved that you could see how you were doing to try and close your rings.
I used the guided walks the most, you could choose from a variety of people from singers to activists, actors, or political figures and they would narrate while you walked. They would share personal stories, their favorite songs and life lessons. I “went on a walk” with Prince William, Dolly Parton and Gabrielle Union to name a few. I learned a lot from them while getting a good walk in.
Apple Fitness is $9.99 a month which in my opinion isn’t a horrible option for access to hundreds of at home workouts and guided workouts. However, I belong to a gym that I go to every day, so I was using Apple Fitness in addition to what I was doing at the gym. Ultimately, I decided to not renew my Apple Fitness subscription. I really enjoyed it and found it super helpful and useful, but I wasn’t using it enough to pay $10 when I was already going to a gym. If I decide to not to a gym and just rely on home workouts, then I will definitely be renewing my Apple Fitness Subscrpition.
Whew, that was a long one. Major props if you made it through the whole post, but I had a lot on my mind. I have two questions to pose to you today!
1) What are your biggest pet peeves?
2) Are you and Apple Fitness fan? Have you tried it? Are you more into hitting the gym or doing an at-home workout? Let me know in the comments below!
Have a wonderful rest of your week! See you here on Friday!
Hey hey! Happy Friday and happy Easter weekend. I always look forward to Easter as a time to reflect and really embrace the spring season. I hope you have something fun planned this weekend with family if you celebrate.
Today’s Friday Favorites is truly a mixed bag, from things to read, listen to and watch and use! I guarantee you, there’s something you will find that you like. Here’s some things I’m loving as I link up with Erika and Andrea.
Colette-Have you seen Colette yet? It came up as a recommendation for me on Netflix and my interest was piqued. Although, it’s a few years old, it’s definitely worth the watch. The movie follows the story of a young woman who falls in love and marries a man in the 1940’s. She ends up being his ghost writer, but it doesn’t exactly go as planned. My favorite part of the movie was that it was based on a true story. So fascinating!
The Bestie Breakdown– One of my favorite podcasts, The Bestie Breakdown is back for season 4! Erika and Shay breakdown so many fun and relatable topics, I love listening to their fun conversations about life, pop culture and family. They’ve released a few episodes so far and I have loved listening to them. I took a road trip last week and listening to this podcast made the time go by so fast. Looking forward to see what other topics they breakdown this season.
Hello Spring!-Sticking with the spring vibes, this Hello Spring lotion from Bath and Body Works has been a favorite for me. I keep it in my car and apply it daily. I love the soft scent that’s not too overpowering. This and lotion is just a subtle nod to spring that’s been a bright spot in my days!
Emily Ley on Substack– Emily Ley, founder and creator of Simplified has started writing on a new platform called Substack. I’ve used substack before to follow Elizabeth Holmes who writes and follows the Royal Family. Substack allows people to read/write and listen to longer form thoughts and musings. So far Emily has written about her sabbatical, books she’s read and things she’s learned. I can’t wait to read more from her this year.
Biggest Changes from Book to Screen for Daisy Jones– I promise this is one of the last times I will talk about Daisy Jones, but for those who read the book and watched the series, this article is great at comparing the two and spotting the differences. As I’m working on this post, I am listening to the show’s soundtrack. SO GOOD!
Well there you have it, just a look into life lately and what I’m loving! I hope you have a fantastic Easter weekend! He will soon be risen!
Hello all! Happy April! I hope your first week of this new month is going well. I’m hoping some of the spring weather we are experiencing is here to stay. As we embrace spring, I’m sharing my Spring Bucket list today! This is just a list of ideas of things I want to accomplish over the next several weeks.
Before we start on spring fun, I wanted to share my winter bucket list and recap it.
I accomplished a lot of things I set out for, the only things I didn’t get done were because of our mild weather this winter.
A look at my bucket list from the winter
The few other things I didn’t get done, I plan to do in the spring. So without further ado, here’s my spring bucket list:
Plant a Garden
Go to a New Place for a Walk
Celebrate Easter
Enjoy Ice Cream
Head to a Local Bookstore and pick up some new reads
Try a Spring Recipe
Enjoy more Fresh fruits/veggies and smoothies
Zoo Trips
Have a Picnic
Try to do Outdoor Activities with Friends
Cut and appreciate Fresh Flowers
Celebrate Memorial Day
Make it a Point to Spend Time Outdoors
Celebrate my Birthday
Enjoy Meals Outdoors
Clean Car
Transition from Winter to Spring
Dye Eggs
Make Lavender Lemonade
I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration for some spring fun! There’s a lot of outdoor fun, some projects, new recipes to try and memories to make! Did I miss anything for my bucket list? What do you plan to do this spring? Let me know in the comments below! Happy SPRING!
